A DJI drone that won't hover in place is usually missing a good position fix (weak GPS, poor vision positioning, or ATTI mode) or is being pushed by wind. If it slowly spins instead of sliding, DJI points to a controller stick that isn't centering, a motor running at the wrong speed, or damage from a knock. Check the stick readout in DJI Fly, calibrate the controller and compass, and try again in open, calm air.
The drone spins or yaws in a hover
DJI's help center gives three causes for a drone that rotates with no stick input:
- A skewed motor or one at the wrong speed. Land and check each motor. DJI says to send the drone and controller in if a motor is skewed or spins abnormally.
- A recent bump or collision. If it started after an impact, DJI says to send it in for inspection.
- Stick input error. After long use, the yaw stick may report a small input at rest. Open the controller settings in DJI Fly and watch the stick percentages with your hands off. If they move, calibrate: ··· > Control > RC > RC Calibration, with the drone powered off.
A drone that circles in a growing spiral after takeoff is a compass and heading problem known as yaw tumble. Land immediately. See DJI yaw tumble and DJI compass error.
The drone won't stay put
For sideways drifting or vibration in a hover, DJI lists wind, damaged props, weak or disturbed GPS, stick drift, abnormal motor speed and third-party accessories. Small movements are normal: the Mini 3 is rated to hover within ±0.3 m sideways on vision positioning and ±1.5 m on GPS. The full checklist is in why does my drone drift.
DJI Neo not hovering in place
The Neo depends on its downward vision system to hold position. DJI says it works best between 0.5 and 10 m over clear, textured, well-lit surfaces, and may not work over water, shiny or plain surfaces, or swaying grass. It also says to fly the Neo only in daylight and not in wind above 8 m/s.
- Take off over a patterned rug, pavement or short grass, not a white floor or glass table.
- Keep your palm flat and still for palm takeoff, in as little wind as possible.
- If positioning fails in palm or phone control, the Neo lands on its own. That's by design.
DJI Mini 3 not hovering in place
The Mini 3 has downward sensing only, so above a few meters it relies on GNSS. A slow yellow status light means it has neither and is in ATTI mode: it will drift and can't brake by itself. Wait for a strong satellite signal before takeoff and keep 10 m or more from buildings. See Mini 3 flashing yellow.
Fixes in order
- Hover in calm air over textured ground, away from buildings.
- Check the GNSS icon is white before you climb.
- Watch the stick readout at rest; calibrate the controller if it moves.
- Calibrate the compass outdoors and the IMU on a level surface.
- Replace damaged props and remove accessories.
If the RC-N3 or other controller still reads stick input after calibration, or the drone spins with good GPS and calibrated sensors, start a repair and send both drone and controller, as DJI asks.
Related guides
- Why won't my DJI Neo connect to the controller or phone?
- DJI Return to Home not working: settings to check
- DJI controller won't turn on or charge: fixes
- DJI drone won't connect to your phone: fixing "RC not connected to mobile device"
- DJI drone won't land or turn off: what to do
- DJI Mini 3 won't turn on or charge: what to do
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