Motor Stopped
Ryze Tello Drone
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
Motor Stopped means one of the Tello's four motors has stalled. The most common cause is a propeller blocked by hair, a finger, or debris. Do not fly until the blockage is cleared.
Affected Models
- Ryze Tello
- Ryze Tello EDU
Common Causes
- Hair or thread caught in the motor
- Propeller blade damaged or detached
- Motor blocked by a crash impact
- Propeller not fully clicked onto the motor shaft
- Motor overheated from extended flight without rest
How to Fix It
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Power off immediately.
Never attempt to clear a motor obstruction while the Tello is powered on. The motors spin at high RPM and will cut fingers.
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Inspect all four propellers and motor shafts.
Look for hair, thread, or debris wrapped around the motor shaft under the propeller. This is the most common cause — it takes surprisingly little hair to stall a small motor.
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Spin each propeller gently by hand.
With the Tello powered off, each propeller should spin freely with minimal resistance. A stiff or grinding motor confirms the obstruction or motor damage.
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Remove the propeller if needed to clear the obstruction.
Tello propellers pull straight off their shafts (no tools needed). Remove the prop, clear the shaft, snap the prop back on firmly.
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Replace damaged propellers.
Tello replacement propellers are very inexpensive. Carry a spare set — they snap on in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a Tello motor stops in mid-flight?
The Tello will lose control and crash — it needs all four motors to fly. This is one of the reasons DJI added propeller guards in the Tello's accessory kit. Always inspect motors before each flight.