Signal Lost
DJI Drone
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
Signal Lost means the link between the remote controller and the drone has been broken. The drone will automatically execute the pre-set failsafe action — usually Return to Home. Stay calm, keep the controller powered on, and the signal will often reconnect when the drone comes closer.
Affected Models
- DJI Mini 3 Pro
- DJI Mavic 3
- DJI Air 2S
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- DJI Phantom 4 Pro
- DJI Avata 2
Common Causes
- Drone flew beyond the controller's range
- Physical obstacle (building, hill, trees) blocking the signal path
- Radio frequency interference from Wi-Fi routers or other drones
- Controller antenna not positioned correctly
- Low battery on the remote controller reducing signal strength
How to Fix It
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Stay calm — the drone will execute Return to Home automatically.
Most DJI drones initiate RTH within 3 seconds of losing signal. Keep the controller on and wait.
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Point both controller antennas toward the drone.
The antennas transmit best perpendicular to their flat face. Point the flat face at the drone, not the edge.
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Move to a higher position or away from signal-blocking obstacles.
Getting a clear line of sight between the controller and drone often restores signal quickly.
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Check the controller battery level.
A low controller battery reduces signal strength significantly. Keep the controller charged above 50%.
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After the drone lands, review its flight path in the DJI Fly app to understand where signal was lost.
The app records signal strength throughout the flight. Use this to avoid the same area or obstacle next time.
When to Call a Professional
Signal Lost is usually an environmental or range issue, not a hardware fault. If signal is lost repeatedly at short range, the controller or drone antenna may be damaged. DJI can diagnose and repair antenna issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the drone do when it loses signal?
DJI drones execute the pre-set failsafe action, which is Return to Home by default. The drone climbs to the RTH altitude, flies back to the home point, and lands automatically. You can change the failsafe behavior in Safety Settings before flying.
How do I prevent signal loss?
Stay within the drone's rated range and always maintain line of sight. Point the controller antennas correctly — flat face toward the drone. Avoid flying through or behind large buildings and trees.
Can I fly over the horizon beyond line of sight?
Flying beyond visual line of sight is illegal in most countries without special authorization. Even if signal allows it, regulations require you to see the drone at all times. Always fly within visual line of sight to comply with local laws.