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GPS Not Fixed

Parrot Drone

Severity: Moderate

What Does This Error Mean?

GPS Not Fixed means the drone has not acquired enough satellite signals to enable GPS-stabilised flight. The drone will not hover in place automatically and position-hold features are disabled. Wait outdoors in an open area for the GPS to lock.

Affected Models

  • Parrot Bebop 2
  • Parrot Bebop 2 Power
  • Parrot Anafi
  • Parrot Anafi USA
  • Parrot Anafi Ai

Common Causes

  • Indoors or near a building blocking satellite signal
  • Not enough time given for GPS lock after power-on
  • Heavy cloud cover or dense tree canopy
  • Metal structures or electronic interference nearby
  • GPS module fault (rare)

How to Fix It

  1. Move to an open outdoor area away from buildings.

    GPS signals are blocked by buildings, dense trees, and metal structures. A clear view of the sky is essential for a fast GPS lock.

  2. Wait 2–3 minutes after powering on.

    GPS lock takes time — especially after a long period without use (cold start). Check the FreeFlight 6 app: the satellite icon shows current lock status and satellite count.

  3. Check satellite count in the FreeFlight 6 app.

    The drone needs at least 6 satellites for a stable GPS fix. 8+ satellites gives the best position accuracy.

  4. Ensure the date and time on your phone are correct.

    The GPS uses phone date/time to assist the satellite search (A-GPS). An incorrect date or timezone can slow the lock significantly.

  5. Update firmware via FreeFlight 6.

    GPS lock issues are sometimes caused by outdated firmware. Connect to the drone in the app and check for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a Parrot drone without GPS fix?

Yes — Parrot drones fall back to optical flow (visual position hold) when GPS is unavailable. The drone will still fly but won't hold position as precisely, won't return home automatically, and FOLLOW ME mode won't work. Avoid flying in GPS-unavailable mode near obstacles.