Don’t Panic! Here’s How to Find a Lost Drone Without a Tracker

In this post, we’ll talk about some ways to find a lost drone without using a locator. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or just starting out, you’ll be able to find your lost drone and get back to flying in no time.
Why does a drone get lost?

How To Find A Lost Drone Without a Tracker
1. Hit “Return To Home” Before Looking For Your Drone!
2. Gather as Much Information as Possible
3. Search the area
4. Use the remote to find the drone
- The remote should show your drone’s direction and distance. Start packing and head that way. Your controller will reconnect to the drone if you come closer.
- The DJI controller should show the drone course and latest known position. The controller will show your location relative to the course and latest known drone location while you walk or drive.
- Follow the course line to the drone’s last known location. Reconnecting your drone updates its location.
- Stay alert at the last known location. If your drone crashes, it will flash red lights and beep.
- If you hear it, go that way. If not, proceed.
- When you think you’re near the drone, turn up the blades briefly and listen for the drone motors or shrub-cutting blades. Blades and motors may hiss.
- Proceed. if necessary.
5. Use your phone’s GPS
6. Use Flight logs
7. Ask for help
What to Do If You Misplace Your Drone
1. Inform Your Local Authorities About the Lost Drone
- Check if your local government has a drone owner webpage. If so, you should be able to report it online or through their official phone lines, which makes the procedure much easier than imagined, especially because most people don’t want to do this because they’re terrified of the implications of reporting lost drones in public locations where surveillance cameras are present, like airports and other private company premises!
- Before submitting, make sure that the information is correct. Law enforcement will not accept reports without model number, brand name, serial numbers, etc., therefore don’t fill out papers without these!
- Depending on how relevant your details are, local authorities may demand a copy of your report. Filing copies away isn’t a bad idea, especially since they can be useful when drones get lost elsewhere, making reporting them faster and more straightforward, so bear that in mind before reporting anything online or on land!
2. Deregister a Drone
Please keep in mind that deleting the drone’s registration information won’t make it impossible to find. However, if you no longer want to be responsible for the drone’s operation, deregistering it will help ensure that it is no longer registered under your name.
How to Avoid Losing Your Drone Ever Again
- Before taking off with your drone, make sure it is fully charged. This way, if your drone ever gets too far away from you, you’ll still have enough juice in its batteries to bring it back.
- Be sure to keep your drone in plain sight at all times. This means that you should have constant visual contact with and command of your drone.
- Put a tracking gadget to use. You can buy a separate tracker to attach to your drone, or some models have them integrated in. If your drone gets misplaced, this can help you find it.
- Make use of the drone’s “return to home” function. If the drone loses contact with its controller or its battery runs out, it can return to its takeoff location automatically.
- Just make sure you’re flying your drone somewhere with plenty of room to do so. Do not risk losing your drone or having it crash into tall structures or trees.
- Get the correct tools for the job. Make sure you have everything you need, such extra batteries and propellers, to keep your drone running and fix it if it breaks.
- Stay on the right side of the law. Respect the personal space of others and operate your drone legally and safely in accordance with local legislation.
How To Find A Lost Drone - Final Thoughts
Daniel Wisdom
As an associate staff writer, Daniel Wisdom brings a unique perspective to his writing. His interests in games and robotics have given him a deep understanding of technology and its impact on society. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in robotics competitions and exploring new hobbies.