Can You Connect a DJI Tello Drone to an iPhone?

Last Updated on: 19th September 2023, 07:21 am

A picture of a DJI-powered Ryze Tello drone

You can connect a DJI Tello drone to an iPhone. However, there are some requirements to meet in order to connect the Tello drone to an iPhone.

It’s essential to know that the DJI Tello drone doesn’t connect with older iOS-based iPhones. However, pay close attention to the compatibility of this drone with different iPhone models and iOS versions.

If you’re using iPhone 6 or above, you’re all set.

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Connecting Your Tello Drone with an iPhone

If you are looking to connect your Tello drone to your iPhone, you will be happy to know that it is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Using the Tello iOS App

The Tello drone can be connected to an iPhone using the Tello app, which is available for free on the App Store. To connect your Tello drone to your iPhone, follow these steps:

  • Download the Tello app from the App Store and install it on your iPhone.
  • Ensure that the Tello drone is fully charged; find out how long the Ryze Tello drone takes to charge.
  • Turn on the Tello drone by pressing the power button once, and wait for it to blink yellow.
  • Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network with 2.4GHz frequency.
  • Open the Tello app on your iPhone.
  • Once the app is launched, your iPhone will detect the drone and allow you to control it via the app.

Connecting via Drone Wi-Fi

Another way to connect your Tello drone to your iPhone is by using the drone’s Wi-Fi network. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Turn on the Tello drone by pressing the power button once, and wait for it to blink yellow.
  • Open the Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone and connect to the Wi-Fi network that is named “Tello-something.”
  • Open the Tello app on your iPhone.
  • Once the app is launched, your iPhone will detect the drone and allow you to control it via the app.

It is important to note that the Tello drone is compatible with iOS 9.0 or later and iPhone 5S or later models. Additionally, while Bluetooth pairing is not required, it can be used if you have an optional controller.

Once your Tello drone is connected to your iPhone, you can start exploring its features and flight modes. You can also access the drone’s videos and photos directly from the app. If you have any issues connecting your Tello drone with your iPhone, make sure to check the Wi-Fi settings and access point.

Ryze Tello Drone

Mini Drone Quadcopter

  • 5MP Camera
  • HD 720 Video
  • 13min Flight Time
  • Ultracompact size
  • 1100mAh LiPo Battery

Controlling Your Tello Drone with an iPhone

If you have a Tello drone and an iPhone, you can easily control your drone with your iPhone using the Tello app. Here’s how:

Using the Tello App

Here’s how:

  • Download the Tello app from the App Store. The app is compatible with iOS 9.0 or later and iPhone 5S or later models.
  • Make sure your Tello drone is fully charged.
  • Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network with a 2.4GHz frequency.
  • Turn on your Tello drone.
  • Open the Tello app on your iPhone.
  • The app should detect your Tello drone automatically. If it doesn’t, make sure your Tello drone and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Once your Tello drone is connected to the app, you can use your iPhone to control the drone’s flight, take aerial photos and videos, and more.

Using a Bluetooth Controller

If you prefer a physical controller, you can connect a Bluetooth controller to your iPhone and use it to control your Tello drone. Here’s how:

  • Turn on your Tello drone.
  • Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network with a 2.4GHz frequency.
  • Turn on your Bluetooth controller and put it in pairing mode.
  • Open the Tello app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the Settings icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Tap “Bluetooth Controller” and select your controller from the list of available devices.
  • Once your controller is connected, you can use it to control your Tello drone’s flight, take aerial photos and videos, and more.

Keep in mind that the DJI Tello drone’s battery level and interference from other devices can affect its flight control. Also, the Tello drone has a built-in camera that you can use to take aerial photos and videos. You can also use the Tello app to activate special flight modes like Bounce Mode.

Overall, controlling your Tello drone with your iPhone is a simple and convenient way to enjoy aerial photography and flight control. With a step-by-step guide and LED lights to indicate its status, the Tello drone is a great choice for beginners and experienced pilots alike.

Tello Drone: Troubleshooting and Tips

Keep in mind that flying a drone is not all sunshine and roses. You could run into problems, so be prepared for this. Here are some common issues and their possible solutions:

Connection Issues

One of the most common problems drone pilots face is that they fail to connect their iPhones to their drones regardless of the drone brand. So don’t panic if it happens to you. Instead, try to troubleshoot the issue.

Since the Ryze DJI Tello drone is a good beginner-level drone, you could still run into connectivity issues. Sometimes, the windy conditions or standing at a distance from your drone could hinder connectivity.

Therefore, connecting your Tello drone to your iPhone may sometimes pose challenges. Take a look at some of the tips that would come in handy when troubleshooting connection issues:

  • Move closer to the Tello drone to avoid obstacles that can block the signal.
  • Charge the Tello battery to its full capacity and use a certified charger and cable.
  • Switch off or disconnect other Wi-Fi devices or sources that are not needed.
  • Ensure that your iPhone is running iOS 9.0 or later and that it is compatible with the Tello app.
  • Check that your iPhone is not in airplane mode and that Bluetooth is enabled.
  • Ensure that the Tello drone is in pairing mode before attempting to connect it to your iPhone.
  • If you are still having issues, try restarting both the Tello drone and your iPhone.

Flight Issues

If you experience flight issues with your Tello drone, here are some tips to help you troubleshoot:

  • Ensure that the Tello drone is in a safe and open area before takeoff.
  • Calibrate the Tello drone before takeoff to ensure that it is stable and balanced.
  • Check that the Tello drone is not overweight and that the propellers are in good condition.
  • Ensure that your iPhone is connected to the Tello drone before takeoff.
  • If the Tello drone is not responding to your commands, try restarting both the Tello drone and your iPhone.
  • By following these troubleshooting tips and ensuring that your Tello drone and iPhone are compatible, you can enjoy a seamless and successful flight experience.