Not Taking Off
Parrot Drone
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A Parrot drone that refuses to take off usually has a safety block in place — low battery, motor error, GPS requirement, or a software lock. Check the FreeFlight 6 app for the specific reason.
Affected Models
- Parrot Bebop 2
- Parrot Bebop 2 Power
- Parrot Anafi
- Parrot Anafi USA
Common Causes
- Battery critically low and will not allow takeoff
- Motor error preventing safe flight
- GPS not fixed and a GPS-required mode is selected
- Take-off surface not flat enough triggering safety check
- FreeFlight 6 app not fully connected before attempting takeoff
- Firmware update pending that must be installed first
How to Fix It
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Check FreeFlight 6 for any active warnings.
The app will display the specific reason the drone is refusing to take off. Fix the flagged issue first.
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Check the battery level.
The Parrot Anafi and Bebop 2 refuse to take off below approximately 10% battery. Charge the battery and try again.
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Ensure the app is fully connected before taking off.
Wait until the video feed is live and the status bar shows "Ready to Fly" before attempting takeoff.
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Place the drone on a flat, hard surface.
Parrot drones run a tilt check before taking off. A soft or sloped surface (grass, gravel, sand) can fail this check.
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Complete any pending firmware updates.
The drone will refuse to fly if a mandatory firmware update is waiting. Connect to FreeFlight 6 on Wi-Fi and install the update.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Parrot Anafi worked yesterday but won't take off today — why?
The most common overnight causes: a mandatory firmware update pushed to the drone, or the battery self-discharged below the minimum takeoff level. Check both in FreeFlight 6.