The HOVERAir X1 is designed to make aerial content creation far simpler than a traditional camera drone. Instead of requiring a conventional remote controller for every flight, the X1 can launch from your palm, follow you automatically and capture pre-programmed shots using its intelligent flight modes.
If you have recently purchased the HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo in Black or White, this guide walks you through the complete setup process, from charging the batteries and downloading the HOVER X1 app to selecting your first flight mode and safely completing your first palm takeoff.
This guide applies to both:
The Black and White Fly More Combos operate in exactly the same way. The colour is the main difference, so the setup process below applies to both.
For more help after setup, continue with:
Quick Answer: How Do You Set Up the HOVERAir X1?
To set up the HOVERAir X1 for the first time:
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Fully charge the X1 batteries.
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Download the HOVER X1 app.
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Insert a charged battery into the flying camera.
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Unfold the protective frame completely.
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Press and hold the power button for around two seconds.
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Connect the X1 to the HOVER X1 app.
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Install any available firmware updates.
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Choose an intelligent flight mode.
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Place the X1 flat on your open palm.
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Launch in a bright, open area and complete a short test flight.
Do not rush straight into Follow, Orbit or longer automated shots. Start with a simple Hover flight so you can confirm the camera, positioning system and battery are all working normally.
What Comes With the HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo?
The HOVERAir X1 Fly More Combo is particularly useful for new owners because it gives you more flying time without immediately needing additional accessories.
The Fly More Combo typically includes:
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HOVERAir X1 flying camera with battery
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One additional flight battery
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Battery Charging Hub
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USB-C charging cable
This means you have two batteries available in total.
Each battery provides approximately 11.5 minutes of flight in suitable conditions, so having the second battery makes the Fly More Combo much more practical for day trips, walking routes and content sessions.
Step 1: Inspect the HOVERAir X1 Before Charging
Before switching anything on, inspect the flying camera.
The X1 uses a fully enclosed protective frame around its propellers, but you should still check the aircraft for damage before the first flight.
Look for:
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Cracks in the protective frame
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Bent or damaged propellers
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Foreign objects inside the propeller guards
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Damage around the camera or gimbal
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Dirt on the downward positioning sensors
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Battery connector damage
The propellers should rotate freely without rubbing against the frame.
If anything looks damaged straight out of the box, do not fly the aircraft until it has been checked.
Step 2: Fully Charge Both X1 Batteries
Before using the HOVERAir X1 for the first time, fully charge the batteries.
You can charge the battery in two ways:
Using the Charging Hub
Insert the batteries into the charging hub and connect it to a suitable USB-C power source.
HOVERAir recommends using a PD 18W power adapter.
Using the Charging Hub can charge a battery to full in approximately 35 minutes under suitable conditions.
Charging the Battery Inside the X1
You can also charge the battery while it is installed inside the flying camera.
This generally takes around 55 minutes.
For the first setup, we recommend charging both Fly More Combo batteries fully so you have a spare available during firmware updates and testing.
Step 3: Download the HOVER X1 App
The HOVER X1 app is an important part of the setup process.
You can use it to:
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Connect to your X1
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Preview footage
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Adjust intelligent flight mode parameters
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Access manual controls
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Change camera settings
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Transfer footage
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Install firmware updates
Download the official HOVER X1 app onto your compatible iPhone or Android device.
Once installed:
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Open the app.
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Create or sign into your account if prompted.
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Allow the necessary Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location permissions.
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Keep your phone close to the X1 during initial connection.
Do not download unofficial apps claiming to control the X1.
Step 4: Insert the Battery Correctly
Take one fully charged battery and insert it into the X1.
Check that it sits securely and does not move.
Before every flight, make sure:
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Battery is fully inserted
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Battery contacts are clean
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Battery is not swollen or damaged
Never attempt to fly with a damaged battery.
Step 5: Unfold the HOVERAir X1
Carefully unfold the protective frame until the X1 is fully open.
The aircraft should sit flat and symmetrical.
Check that:
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Nothing is caught in the frame
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Propeller guards are fully opened
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Propellers can rotate freely
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Camera has a clear view
The X1 is compact when folded, but it must be completely unfolded before flight.
Step 6: Power On the HOVERAir X1
To power on the X1:
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Press and hold the power button for approximately two seconds.
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Wait for the voice prompt.
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Watch for the green status indicator.
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Allow roughly seven seconds for the aircraft to finish powering up.
Avoid immediately moving or launching the X1 while it is still starting.
Give the camera and positioning sensors a few seconds to initialise.
Step 7: Connect the X1 to Your Smartphone
Open the HOVER X1 app and follow the connection instructions.
Once connected, you should be able to see:
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Battery information
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Camera preview
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Available intelligent flight modes
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Flight parameters
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Device settings
If the X1 does not appear:
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Confirm Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled.
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Move your phone closer to the flying camera.
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Restart the app.
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Restart the X1.
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Try the connection process again.
If problems continue, use our HOVERAir X1 Troubleshooting Guide.
Step 8: Check for Firmware Updates
Before your first proper flight, check whether HOVERAir has released a firmware update.
Updates can improve:
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Flight behaviour
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Camera operation
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Tracking performance
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App compatibility
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Safety features
Keep your battery sufficiently charged while updating and do not switch off the aircraft until the process has completed.
If you own two batteries through the Fly More Combo, check whether the app requires any battery-related update after changing batteries.
Step 9: Understand the X1's Intelligent Flight Modes
One of the biggest differences between the HOVERAir X1 and a conventional drone is how much of the flying is automated.
The X1 supports several intelligent shooting modes, including:
Hover
The X1 takes off and remains positioned near you while keeping you in frame.
This is the best first mode to try.
Zoom Out
The X1 gradually flies backwards and upwards to reveal more of the surroundings.
Follow
The aircraft tracks you while you move.
Orbit
The X1 circles around you while keeping you centred.
Bird's Eye
The camera moves upwards for a top-down perspective.
Dolly Track
The X1 flies ahead of you while maintaining framing.
Other available modes may include Snapshot, Side Track, Indoor Follow and 360° Spin depending on the current software version.
For your first flight, use Hover Mode.
Step 10: Set Up Your First Palm Takeoff
One of the X1's defining features is palm launch.
Choose a suitable outdoor area with:
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Good daylight
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Plenty of open space
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No rain
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No strong wind
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No overhead branches
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No crowds
The X1 relies heavily on its visual positioning systems, so avoid dark environments and surfaces such as open water or large areas of snow during initial setup.
Palm Takeoff
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Fully unfold the aircraft.
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Turn the X1 on.
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Select Hover Mode.
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Place the X1 flat on your open palm.
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Keep your fingers away from the propeller enclosure.
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Hold your palm level.
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Follow the aircraft's voice/status prompts.
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Allow the X1 to launch automatically.
Do not throw the X1 into the air.
Step 11: Complete a Short Hover Test
For the first flight, keep things simple.
Let the X1 hover for around 20–30 seconds.
Check that:
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Aircraft remains stable
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Camera is level
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Tracking behaves normally
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No warning messages appear
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Battery level decreases normally
If the aircraft drifts significantly or behaves unpredictably, land it and investigate before continuing.
Step 12: Practise Palm Landing
Palm landing is one of the simplest ways to recover the HOVERAir X1.
With the aircraft hovering near you:
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Stop moving.
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Face towards the X1.
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Place your open palm underneath the aircraft.
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Keep your palm flat.
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Allow the X1 to recognise your hand.
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Wait for the aircraft to descend automatically.
Do not grab the aircraft while the propellers are spinning.
Step 13: Set Up Follow Mode
After successfully completing a Hover flight, you can begin experimenting with Follow Mode.
Choose a wide, open area.
Start by:
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Selecting Follow in the app or on the device.
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Positioning yourself clearly in front of the camera.
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Launching from your palm.
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Walking slowly in a straight line.
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Monitoring the aircraft's position.
Do not immediately try Follow Mode around:
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Trees
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Buildings
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Cars
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Cyclists
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Crowds
Give yourself time to understand how the X1 reacts to changes in direction.
Step 14: Learn One Important X1 Limitation — No Conventional RTH
Traditional GPS drones often use Return-to-Home to automatically fly back to their launch position.
The HOVERAir X1 works differently.
Do not rely on a conventional GPS Return-to-Home system with the standard X1.
If the battery becomes critically low, the X1 can initiate a forced landing at its current location.
That makes battery monitoring particularly important.
If you hear a low-battery warning, bring the X1 back immediately rather than continuing the shot.
Step 15: Check Your UK Requirements Before Flying Outdoors
The HOVERAir X1 weighs approximately 125g with its battery and includes a camera.
Under current UK rules, a camera-equipped drone weighing between 100g and 250g requires:
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A valid Flyer ID
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A valid Operator ID
Your Operator ID must also be displayed correctly on the aircraft.
Before flying outdoors, also check:
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Local airspace restrictions
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Temporary flight restrictions
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Privacy considerations
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The Drone and Model Aircraft Code
Never assume that being under 250g means there are no rules to follow.
First-Flight Checklist
Before every HOVERAir X1 flight:
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Battery charged
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Battery inserted correctly
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Protective frame fully opened
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Propellers unobstructed
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Camera lens clean
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Sensors clean
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HOVER X1 app updated
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Firmware current
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Flight mode selected correctly
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Weather suitable
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Flying area clear
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UK airspace checked
For the first few flights, use Hover, Zoom Out and simple Follow shots before experimenting with more complex automated modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up a HOVERAir X1 for the first time?
Charge the battery, download the HOVER X1 app, insert the battery, unfold the aircraft, power it on, connect it to your phone, check for firmware updates and begin with a Hover Mode palm takeoff.
The Fly More Combo includes the HOVERAir X1 with battery, an additional battery, Charging Hub and USB-C cable.
The setup and functionality are the same. The main difference is the external colour.
Using the Charging Hub, a battery can charge in approximately 35 minutes under suitable conditions. Charging it inside the X1 takes approximately 55 minutes.
HOVERAir rates each battery for up to approximately 11.5 minutes of flight, although actual flight time depends on conditions and flight mode.
No traditional controller is required for its core intelligent flight modes. The X1 can operate using buttons on the aircraft and the HOVER X1 app.
The standard HOVERAir X1 does not support conventional Return-to-Home. Monitor the battery closely because the aircraft can perform a forced landing when battery level becomes critically low.
Yes. Follow Mode is one of the X1's key intelligent flight modes and is designed to automatically keep the selected subject in frame while moving.
The X1 supports indoor use, but good lighting and suitable surfaces are important because its positioning system relies on visual and downward sensors.
For safe operation, HOVERAir advises against using the X1 over water surfaces because the downward positioning system may struggle to interpret the surface correctly.
Under current UK requirements, the 125g camera-equipped X1 requires both a Flyer ID and an Operator ID for outdoor flying. Always check the latest CAA guidance before flying.
Final Thoughts
The HOVERAir X1 is deliberately different from a traditional drone.
Its palm launch, enclosed propellers and automated flight modes make it particularly appealing for:
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Travel
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Walking
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Running
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Family content
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Social media
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Hands-free filming
The key to a successful first flight is not trying every feature immediately.
Start by fully charging your batteries, connecting the HOVER X1 app, updating the firmware and completing a simple Hover Mode palm launch in a clear outdoor area.
Once you're comfortable with how the aircraft launches, tracks and lands, you can gradually explore Follow, Orbit, Zoom Out, Bird's Eye and the other intelligent modes.
Choose your Fly More Combo:
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