You power on your drone, launch the app, and wait for that familiar Wi-Fi network to appear—but your phone’s network list stays empty. This “drone wifi not showing up” issue strikes panic into every pilot’s heart, whether you’re using a ProMark P70, Corby CX022-2B, or Holy Stone HS700E. Thousands of drone owners face this exact problem daily, mistakenly assuming their expensive device has become a paperweight when simple fixes often resolve the issue.
Most drone wifi not showing up cases stem from preventable configuration errors rather than hardware failure. Your drone’s Wi-Fi transmitter is surprisingly robust, but phone settings, app conflicts, and minor physical issues frequently disrupt the connection process. This guide delivers immediate solutions that get your drone back in the air without technical expertise or costly repairs.
Diagnose Your Specific Wi-Fi Failure Pattern
Network Completely Missing From Scan Results
When your phone’s Wi-Fi scan shows every network except your drone’s, you’re dealing with either a hardware power failure or severe interference. This complete absence differs from networks that appear briefly then vanish—indicating your drone’s Wi-Fi transmitter isn’t activating at all. Check for the red LED inside your drone’s camera housing; no red light means the Wi-Fi module lacks power and requires hardware inspection.
Brief Network Appearance Followed by Disappearance
If your drone’s network flashes for 2-3 seconds before vanishing from available networks, you’re experiencing intermittent power delivery to the Wi-Fi module. This pattern commonly occurs after hard landings that jar internal connections loose. Unlike complete network absence, this symptom suggests repairable physical issues rather than component failure. Power cycling both devices often resolves this specific drone wifi not showing up scenario by resetting the connection handshake process.
Connection Loop With Repeated Disconnections
Your phone detects the network, attempts connection, saves it automatically, then disconnects in an endless cycle. This frustrating loop typically indicates IP address conflicts between your phone and drone. Android devices frequently trigger this pattern when mobile data remains active during connection attempts. Disabling cellular data completely before connecting stops 60% of recurring disconnection issues across Samsung Galaxy and similar Android models.
Verify Camera Module Hardware Integrity
LED Indicator Diagnostic Test
The most reliable hardware check requires examining your drone’s camera housing for a small red LED. No red light during power-up confirms a hardware issue with your drone wifi not showing up problem, while a steady red glow indicates functional transmission. For ProMark P70 models, this red light should appear immediately upon powering the drone—if absent, power isn’t reaching the camera module where the Wi-Fi transmitter resides.
Physical Connection Inspection Protocol
ProMark P70 owners should carefully remove the camera housing to inspect white plastic plugs connecting the camera to the main board. These connectors frequently loosen during routine landings, severing power to the Wi-Fi transmitter. Gently press each plug until you feel resistance—do not force connections—as excessive pressure can damage delicate pins. If your drone worked perfectly before a recent crash, physical disconnection rather than component failure is almost certainly causing your drone wifi not showing up issue.
Execute Android-Specific Network Fixes
Implement Static IP Configuration
Android users must configure static IP settings to resolve most drone wifi not showing up cases:
Step 1: Locate your drone network (appears as “P70-VR-1F5500” for ProMark models)
Step 2: Tap and hold the network name, select “Modify Network”
Step 3: Change IP settings from DHCP to Static in Advanced options
Step 4: Enter these exact parameters:
– IP Address: 192.168.1.1
– Gateway: 192.168.0.1
– Network prefix length: 24
– DNS1: 8.8.8.8
– DNS2: 8.8.4.4
Step 5: Save configuration and accept “no internet connection” prompts by checking “remember this choice”
Eliminate Cellular Data Interference
Android’s aggressive network switching constantly disrupts drone connections. Turn off mobile data completely before attempting drone connection—this single action resolves issues on Samsung Galaxy S7, S8, S10, and A20 devices. Create a quick settings toggle for mobile data to enable fast switching during flight sessions. Many pilots waste hours troubleshooting when simply disabling cellular data would have restored their drone wifi not showing up within seconds.
Apply iOS-Specific Connection Protocols
App-First Connection Sequence
iOS devices require strict adherence to connection order:
1. Power on drone first and wait 60 seconds for full boot
2. Open manufacturer app before connecting to Wi-Fi
3. Allow app to initiate network connection
Unlike Android, iOS prioritizes app-based connections over direct Wi-Fi pairing. Simply downloading the app isn’t sufficient—ensure Wi-Fi permissions are enabled in Settings > [Drone App] as iOS 14+ requires explicit permission for apps to control networks. This protocol prevents the “connected but unresponsive” scenario common with iOS devices.
Bypass Automatic Network Reconnection
iOS aggressively reconnects to preferred networks, disrupting drone connections. Temporarily forget your home network by going to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Home Network] > Forget This Network. This prevents automatic switching that creates the illusion of drone wifi not showing up issues when the real problem is iOS’s network prioritization. Reconnect to your home network after your flight session concludes.
Install Correct Manufacturer Applications
Match Apps to Your Specific Drone Model
Using incorrect apps creates phantom drone wifi not showing up problems:
– ProMark P70: Promark VR app (verify QR code in manual)
– Corby CX022-2B: Wifi UAV (RX Drone as backup, KY FPV as last resort)
– Holy Stone HS700E: OPHELIA FLY app exclusively
Critical warning: Holy Stone HS700E requires manual registration if purchased used—contact support with serial number to transfer ownership. Many “drone wifi not showing up” cases with used drones stem from previous owner registration conflicts rather than actual hardware issues.
Perform Complete Connection Reset
Power Cycle Sequence
Many drone wifi not showing up issues resolve with this manufacturer-approved sequence:
1. Turn off drone completely and wait 30 seconds
2. Power off your phone (not just sleep mode)
3. Restart phone and enable Wi-Fi
4. Power on drone and wait 60 seconds for full boot
5. Search for drone network in Wi-Fi settings
Pro tip: Close your drone app completely (swipe away on Android, force close on iOS) and wait 10 seconds before reopening to clear cached connection attempts. This simple reset fixes more issues than complex technical procedures.
Configure Alternative IP Schemes For Stubborn Cases
Corby CX022-2B Specific Configuration
When standard settings fail, implement this alternative setup:
– Phone IP: 192.168.80.2
– Gateway/Drone IP: 192.168.80.1
– Subnet: 255.255.255.0
Cross-verify with multiple devices: If identical failure patterns appear on both Android and iOS, hardware issues rather than software configuration are likely causing your drone wifi not showing up problem. Test with a friend’s phone if possible—this diagnostic step saves hours of unnecessary troubleshooting.
Prevent Future Wi-Fi Connection Failures
Establish Pre-Flight Connection Routine
Create this 2-minute checklist before every flight:
1. Power on drone and wait for LED confirmation
2. Disable mobile data on your phone
3. Connect to drone network (should appear within 60 seconds)
4. Open manufacturer app and verify device recognition
5. Test camera feed before takeoff
Weekly maintenance: Check camera housing for looseness after flights. Monthly inspections of internal connections (if accessible) prevent the physical disconnections responsible for most drone wifi not showing up cases. After any crash, immediately inspect connections before assuming hardware failure.
When Hardware Replacement Becomes Necessary
Warranty Claim Indicators
Contact manufacturer support immediately if:
– Camera LED shows no activity after power-on
– Network appears on multiple devices but fails to function
– Physical damage visible inside camera housing
– Device under 1 year old with no impact damage
ProMark users: Free replacement parts including $50 batteries under warranty—phone support specifically handles camera-related Wi-Fi failures. Most “drone wifi not showing up” cases qualify for warranty support when hardware issues are confirmed through proper diagnostics.
Quick Win: Before attempting complex fixes, disable mobile data, power cycle both devices, and search again—this resolves 60% of drone wifi not showing up issues instantly. Remember that most connection failures trace back to phone settings rather than expensive hardware problems. Your drone’s Wi-Fi module is designed for resilience; with these proven techniques, you’ll maintain reliable connections for countless flights to come.
