DJI Flip gimbal motor overloaded or stuck: how to fix it

A DJI Flip gimbal that's stuck or shows "gimbal motor overloaded" has usually gone into protection mode because something blocked it, or because the drone was tilted or shaken right after power-on. Take off the gimbal protector, set the Flip on a flat surface, and wait or restart. If the gimbal still won't move, it may be damaged and needs DJI service.

What stops a Flip gimbal — Situations DJI's Flip manual says can put the gimbal into protection mode. Most clear when the drone is placed flat or restarted.

Why the Flip gimbal stops

The Flip has a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. DJI's manual describes several triggers for its protection mode:

The gimbal is obstructed when the drone sits on uneven ground or grass
The gimbal takes an excessive external force, such as a collision
After power-on, the drone isn't placed flat for a long time, or is shaken hard
Flying in heavy fog or clouds wets the gimbal, causing a temporary failure until it dries

The Flip is often launched from the palm, so the last two happen more than on other drones. If you power it on and then carry it around tilted, the gimbal can give up.

Fixes to try, in order

Remove the gimbal protector. DJI says to take it off before power-on and put it back on for storage. Press both sides to release it.
Set it flat and wait. If the gimbal stopped after you handled the drone, put it on a level surface. DJI says it should recover.
Restart on a hard, level surface. Don't touch the camera while it moves through its startup check.
Check for debris. With the drone off, gently move the camera. A gritty feel means sand or dirt near the motors. A hand blower helps; never force it.
Dry it out. If you flew through mist or fog, let it dry fully before powering on.
Update firmware in DJI Fly, then restart.
Calibrate. In DJI Fly settings, go to Control and run gimbal calibration with the drone level. If the image only drifts during flight, DJI's fix is to calibrate the IMU and compass.

Things that are normal

In strong wind, DJI says the gimbal may vibrate while recording and adjusts slightly to stay stable.
If you tilt the camera far up and then accelerate hard, the gimbal enters limit protection and angles itself down.
With the camera pointed down in strong wind, parts of the drone may show at the edge of the frame.

None of these mean the gimbal is broken. For a tilted horizon, see Flip horizon not level.

When it's damaged

Start a repair if the gimbal stays stuck on a flat surface after a restart, hangs loose, buzzes, or the camera shows a tilted or shaking image that calibration can't fix, especially after a crash. DJI Care Refresh covers crash damage if you have a plan.

For the error across all DJI drones, read gimbal motor overloaded. More on the drone is in the Flip guide.