HOVERAir X1 Troubleshooting Guide: Fix Common Problems

The HOVERAir X1 is designed to make hands-free aerial filming simple, but problems such as connection failures, unstable hovering, charging issues or unreliable intelligent flight modes can still happen.

The good news is that many HOVERAir X1 problems are caused by the flying environment, app connection, battery condition or downward vision sensors rather than a hardware fault.

This troubleshooting guide applies to both:

• HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo Black

• HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo White

The Black and White models use the same X1 platform, so the troubleshooting steps below apply to both.

If you're still learning how to operate your X1, you may also find these useful:

• HOVERAir X1 Setup Guide

• HOVERAir X1 Safety Instructions Guide

Key Takeaway

If your HOVERAir X1 is behaving unexpectedly, start by checking four things: battery level, app and firmware version, lighting conditions and the downward vision sensors.

The X1 relies heavily on its vision-positioning system, so dark conditions, water, reflective surfaces, poor ground texture and dirty sensors can all affect flight stability.

Quick Answer: Why Is My HOVERAir X1 Not Working Properly?

The most common HOVERAir X1 problems are caused by:

• Low or incorrectly installed battery

• HOVER X1 app connection issues

• Outdated firmware

• Poor lighting

• Dirty downward vision sensors

• Water or reflective surfaces below the aircraft

• Strong wind

• Wireless interference

• Gimbal obstruction

• Damaged propellers or protective frame

Before assuming your X1 is faulty:

1. Land and power it off.

2. Inspect the aircraft.

3. Charge the battery.

4. Clean the downward sensors.

5. Restart your phone and X1.

6. Update the HOVER X1 app and firmware.

7. Test again in a bright, open location.

Problem 1: HOVERAir X1 Won't Turn On

If your HOVERAir X1 won't power on, start with the battery.

Check the Battery

Remove the battery and inspect it for:

• Physical damage

• Swelling

• Dirty contacts

• Signs of moisture

Reinstall it securely and try powering the aircraft on again.

If you're using the Fly More Combo, try the second battery. This is one of the quickest ways to determine whether the problem relates to the aircraft or an individual battery.

Recharge the Battery

The official X1 specifications list a 1050mAh battery.

A full charge takes approximately:

• 35 minutes using the Charging Hub

• 55 minutes using onboard X1 charging

HOVERAir recommends a PD 18W adapter.

If the battery has been completely discharged, leave it connected to the charger for a while before attempting to power on the aircraft again.

Problem 2: HOVERAir X1 Battery Won't Charge

If your HOVERAir X1 battery isn't charging, don't immediately assume the battery has failed.

Check the following first.

Charging Temperature

The official charging temperature range is:

0°C to 40°C

If you've just been flying outdoors during a hot day or cold UK winter conditions, allow the battery to return to a suitable temperature before charging.

Try Another Charging Method

If charging through the aircraft isn't working:

1. Remove the battery.

2. Install it in the Fly More Combo Charging Hub.

3. Connect a suitable PD charger.

4. Test again.

If the hub fails, try another USB-C cable and compatible power adapter.

Do not continue using a battery that is swollen, damaged, wet or behaving abnormally.

Problem 3: HOVERAir X1 Won't Connect to the App

Searches for HOVERAir X1 not connecting to app are common because the X1 relies heavily on its smartphone connection for configuration and live viewing.

The aircraft supports both:

• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi

• 5.8GHz Wi-Fi

Check Phone Compatibility

The official specification sheet lists:

• iOS 11.0 or later

• Android 9.0 or later

If your phone runs an older operating system, compatibility may be the problem.

Try These Steps

1. Power off the X1.

2. Close the HOVER X1 app completely.

3. Restart your phone.

4. Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

5. Power the X1 back on.

6. Reopen the app.

7. Follow the connection process again.

Also check that the app has the necessary permissions enabled on your phone.

Problem 4: HOVERAir X1 Connection Keeps Dropping

If the X1 connects successfully but repeatedly disconnects, interference may be the cause.

HOVERAir specifically warns against operating near strong electromagnetic interference sources.

These can include:

• Busy Wi-Fi hotspots

• Large numbers of Bluetooth devices

• High-voltage power lines

• Power stations

• Mobile phone base stations

• Broadcast towers

Move to a more open location and reconnect.

The official specifications list a maximum real-time view transmission distance of 30 metres. Treat that as a technical maximum rather than a target distance for every flight.

Walls, buildings and interference can reduce practical performance.

Problem 5: HOVERAir X1 Is Drifting or Hovering Unsteadily

This is one of the most important X1 troubleshooting topics to understand.

Unlike many conventional drones, the X1 relies heavily on a downward vision-positioning system.

If the sensors cannot clearly understand the surface beneath the aircraft, positioning performance can deteriorate.

Common Causes of X1 Drifting

The official safety guidance warns that vision positioning can struggle over:

• Large plain-coloured surfaces

• Water

• Transparent surfaces

• Highly reflective surfaces

• Areas with rapidly changing lighting

• Surfaces with moving objects below the aircraft

Low light can also affect the system.

How to Fix HOVERAir X1 Drifting

1. Land immediately.

2. Check the downward sensors.

3. Gently clean them if necessary.

4. Move somewhere with good daylight.

5. Choose ground with visible texture and detail.

6. Relaunch and test Hover mode.

Avoid repeatedly testing the aircraft above the same problematic surface.

Problem 6: HOVERAir X1 Behaves Strangely Over Water

If your HOVERAir X1 becomes unstable over water, this does not necessarily mean the aircraft is faulty.

Water is specifically listed as a surface that can interfere with the X1's downward vision-positioning system.

Reflections and moving water make it difficult for optical positioning systems to interpret movement accurately.

For troubleshooting purposes:

• Move back over solid ground.

• Land safely.

• Restart if necessary.

• Test over textured ground in good lighting.

The same principle applies to snow and strongly reflective surfaces.

Problem 7: HOVERAir X1 Doesn't Fly Properly at Night

The official safety instructions advise against flying the X1 at night.

When the ground is too dark, the downward vision system may not function correctly.

Symptoms can include:

• Drifting

• Poor positioning

• Unstable hovering

• Intelligent mode problems

Fix

Move to an environment with:

• Good lighting

• Clearly visible ground texture

• Minimal shadows

• No strong reflections

Even if the camera itself can see the scene, the positioning sensors still need suitable conditions to fly reliably.

Problem 8: Follow or Automatic Flight Mode Isn't Working Properly

If HOVERAir X1 Follow mode isn't working, the environment should be the first thing you check.

HOVERAir's safety guidance says automatic flight modes should only be used when the intended flight path is open and free from obstructions.

Check Your Environment

Avoid:

• Trees

• Posts

• Walls

• Busy pavements

• Cars

• Overhanging branches

• Tight indoor environments

Also make sure you are in good lighting.

If an automatic mode behaves unexpectedly:

1. Stop the flight.

2. Move to a clearer environment.

3. Restart the aircraft.

4. Test a simpler mode such as Hover.

5. Retry the intelligent mode afterwards.

Do not assume the X1 will automatically avoid every obstacle.

Problem 9: HOVERAir X1 Struggles in Wind

There are two figures in the supplied official documentation worth understanding.

The technical specification sheet lists maximum wind resilience of 7.9m/s, while the safety instructions advise users not to fly when wind exceeds 5.4m/s.

For troubleshooting and safe everyday use, follow the more conservative safety guidance.

If your X1:

• Drifts heavily

• Struggles to return

• Tilts significantly

• Uses battery unusually quickly

land and wait for calmer conditions.

This is particularly important around exposed UK coastlines, hills and open countryside where gusts can be stronger than they appear from ground level.

Problem 10: HOVERAir X1 Won't Fly Properly Near the Ground

The supplied safety instructions describe a recommended operating range for the downward vision-positioning system of approximately:

0.5 metres to 10 metres above the ground

The separate specification sheet lists a maximum flight height of 15 metres.

If you're troubleshooting unstable positioning, use the more conservative 0.5m–10m vision-positioning range from the safety instructions.

Avoid flying extremely close to the ground for prolonged periods.

Problem 11: Camera or Gimbal Looks Crooked

If the HOVERAir X1 camera isn't sitting correctly or footage appears tilted, first inspect the gimbal.

The X1 uses:

• Mechanical tilt stabilisation

• Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS)

The official specifications list an adjustable gimbal range of approximately -90° to 15°.

Check for Obstruction

Power off the X1 and inspect the camera area.

Look for:

• Dirt

• Sand

• Debris

• Frame damage

• Anything restricting movement

Do not manually force the gimbal.

HOVERAir specifically advises users not to apply external force to it or obstruct its movement.

Problem 12: HOVERAir X1 Footage Is Shaky

The X1 combines mechanical tilt stabilisation with electronic stabilisation.

If footage suddenly becomes shaky:

1. Land the X1.

2. Inspect the propellers.

3. Check the protective frame.

4. Inspect the camera and gimbal.

5. Restart the aircraft.

6. Test again in calm conditions.

A damaged or distorted propeller can introduce vibration into the aircraft.

If your X1 has suffered a significant crash and flight behaviour is no longer normal, do not continue using it until you've checked for damage.

Problem 13: HOVERAir X1 Video Isn't Recording Correctly

The X1 has 32GB of internal storage.

Its officially listed recording modes include:

• 2.7K / 30fps

• 1080p / 60fps

• 1080p / 30fps HDR

Photos are recorded as JPEG and video as MP4.

If recording isn't working:

1. Check available internal storage.

2. Restart the X1.

3. Update the app and firmware.

4. Record a short test clip.

5. Transfer old footage if storage is becoming full.

The manufacturer also advises shutting the aircraft down correctly after recording because improper shutdown can potentially result in damaged or lost media files.

Problem 14: HOVERAir X1 Gets Hot

The official operating temperature range is:

0°C to 40°C

If the X1 feels unusually hot:

• Stop flying.

• Power it off.

• Move it away from direct sunlight.

• Allow it to cool naturally.

Do not place a hot aircraft or battery directly into a sealed case immediately after use.

Avoid charging a hot battery until it has cooled into the supported charging temperature range.

Problem 15: HOVERAir X1 Won't Work Properly at the Beach

The X1 may be compact and tempting to use on holiday, but beaches create a specific risk.

HOVERAir warns users to take care in environments containing large quantities of solid particles.

Sand can enter:

• Propeller areas

• Motors

• Protective frame

• Gimbal mechanisms

If you've used the X1 near sand:

1. Power it off.

2. Inspect the guards and propellers.

3. Remove loose particles carefully.

4. Check the gimbal before flying again.

Never deliberately force sand deeper into the aircraft while cleaning.

Problem 16: HOVERAir X1 Got Wet

The X1 should not be immersed in water.

If your X1 becomes wet:

1. Stop using it.

2. Power it off if safe to do so.

3. Remove it from the wet environment.

4. Dry the exterior carefully.

5. Do not immediately turn it back on.

The manufacturer's safety documentation specifically warns that powering the aircraft immediately after it has fallen into water may cause permanent damage.

If significant water ingress is suspected, seek professional support rather than repeatedly trying to power it on.

Problem 17: Battery Life Seems Worse Than Before

Battery performance can decline over time.

Check:

• Battery health in the HOVER X1 app

• Temperature

• Wind conditions

• Age and charge cycles

The official safety instructions recommend replacing the battery after approximately 300 charge cycles.

Cold weather and windy conditions can also reduce practical flight time.

If one Fly More Combo battery performs significantly worse than the other under identical conditions, the battery itself may need attention.

HOVERAir X1 Reset Checklist

If you aren't sure what is causing a problem, work through this order:

1. Power off the X1.

2. Inspect the frame and propellers.

3. Inspect the battery.

4. Clean the downward vision sensors.

5. Check the gimbal.

6. Fully charge the battery.

7. Restart your smartphone.

8. Update the HOVER X1 app.

9. Update X1 firmware.

10. Move to a bright, open environment.

11. Avoid water and reflective surfaces.

12. Test using Hover mode.

13. Gradually retry other intelligent flight modes.

If the fault remains after these checks, contact HOVERAir or your retailer rather than repeatedly flying an aircraft showing abnormal behaviour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my HOVERAir X1 drifting?

The X1's downward vision system may be struggling with poor lighting or the surface underneath it. Water, snow, transparent surfaces, reflective areas and plain-coloured ground can all affect positioning.

Restart the X1 and phone, confirm Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled and check that you're using a compatible operating system. The official requirements are iOS 11.0+ or Android 9.0+.

Move into a brighter, more open area and make sure the intended flight path is clear. Automatic modes should not be used where obstacles may block the aircraft.

The manufacturer warns that water can interfere with the downward vision-positioning system. Flying over water is therefore not recommended when reliable visual positioning is required.

Inspect the propellers, protective frame and gimbal for damage or obstruction. Strong wind can also introduce unstable movement.

The technical specification lists 7.9m/s maximum wind resilience, but the official safety instructions advise against flying above 5.4m/s. For normal operation, follow the lower safety limit.

Check that the battery temperature is between 0°C and 40°C, use a compatible PD charger and test both onboard charging and the Fly More Combo Charging Hub.

Approximately 35 minutes using the Charging Hub or 55 minutes when charging through the X1, according to the supplied technical specifications.

The X1 includes 32GB of internal storage.

Wireless interference or excessive distance may be responsible. Operate in an open environment away from strong Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, power infrastructure and broadcast equipment. The official maximum real-time viewing distance is 30 metres.

The manufacturer advises against night flying because insufficient ground lighting can cause the downward vision-positioning system to perform poorly.

Remove it from the water and dry it, but do not immediately switch it back on. If significant water ingress is suspected, arrange professional inspection.

Final Thoughts

Most HOVERAir X1 troubleshooting problems come back to three things: the flying environment, the downward vision-positioning system and connectivity.

Unlike a traditional GPS-focused camera drone, the X1 depends heavily on visual positioning. That means where you fly matters.

Bright, open areas with clearly textured ground give the aircraft the best chance of performing normally.

If your X1 starts behaving unexpectedly, don't keep pushing through the flight. Land, inspect it and work through the troubleshooting checklist.

Shop the X1 Fly More Combo:

• HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo Black

• HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo White

Continue reading:

• HOVERAir X1 Setup Guide

• HOVERAir X1 Safety Instructions Guide

Official Download Centre

Quick Start Guide

Battery Safety Instructions

Disclaimer & Safety Intructions