What a firmware update failure means on the Holy Stone HS175
A Holy Stone HS175 firmware update failed error usually means the drone, remote controller, app, or microSD card did not complete the update process correctly.
This guide explains the most common causes, how to fix them, and how to recover the HS175 without creating new problems.
The HS175 is a GPS camera drone with app-based updates and onboard firmware components, so a failed flash can affect startup, pairing, camera function, or flight stability.
The good news is that most update failures are caused by simple issues such as a weak battery, unstable phone connection, the wrong file, or an interrupted transfer.
Common reasons the Holy Stone HS175 firmware update failed
Firmware updates depend on stable power, the correct firmware package, and an uninterrupted connection between the drone and the update source.
When any part of that chain breaks, the update can stop midway or fail verification.
- Low battery: The drone or controller battery drops too low during the update.
- Incorrect firmware file: The package does not match the HS175 model or revision.
- Interrupted connection: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or app connection drops while transferring files.
- Bad microSD card: A corrupted, slow, or improperly formatted card prevents firmware writing.
- App or phone issue: The Holy Stone app crashes, permissions are blocked, or the phone switches networks.
- Outdated app version: The firmware tool in the app cannot communicate with current drone software.
- Wrong update sequence: Updating the controller before the aircraft, or vice versa, can cause mismatch issues.
First checks before trying again
Before repeating the update, make sure the drone is in a safe and stable condition.
A rushed retry can worsen a partial installation or create a new connection error.
- Charge the HS175 flight battery to 100%.
- Charge the remote controller fully.
- Use a phone with enough free storage.
- Turn off battery-saving mode on the phone.
- Remove unnecessary background apps.
- Use the original USB cable or a known-good cable.
- Keep the drone and controller close together during the process.
If the update uses a microSD card, confirm that the card is clean, compatible, and formatted correctly.
Many firmware issues on consumer drones come from file system problems rather than the firmware itself.
How to fix a Holy Stone HS175 firmware update failed error
1. Restart every device involved
Power off the drone, remote controller, and phone.
Wait at least 30 seconds, then restart them in the recommended order from the Holy Stone app instructions.
A full restart clears temporary communication glitches and can restore the update path.
2. Reinstall the Holy Stone app
If the app froze, lost connection, or showed an incomplete progress bar, uninstall it and install the latest version from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
On Android, also check that location, storage, and local network permissions are enabled if the app requires them.
3. Verify the firmware file
Make sure the update package is specifically intended for the HS175.
Do not use files for the HS175D, HS175G, or other Holy Stone models unless the manufacturer confirms compatibility.
A mismatched file can produce a failed update, boot error, or no response at all.
4. Reformat the microSD card
If the drone updates through a card, back up anything important and format the card to FAT32 if supported.
Use a reliable card, ideally from a recognized brand such as SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston, and avoid cards with known wear or errors.
After formatting, copy only the required firmware files to the card.
Extra folders, duplicate files, or renamed packages can confuse the updater.
5. Keep the connection stable
For app-based updates, disable VPNs and switch off mobile data switching if your phone keeps leaving the drone’s network.
Stay within a short range, avoid crowded Wi-Fi environments, and do not lock the screen if the app requires it to stay active.
6. Follow the update order exactly
Some Holy Stone drones require the aircraft firmware to be updated before the remote controller, while others need the controller updated first.
Check the official instructions for the HS175 and do not assume the sequence based on other models such as the HS720, HS440, or HS175D.
What to do if the update stopped halfway
A partial update is more concerning than a clean failure because the drone may have one firmware component updated and another still outdated.
In that case, avoid repeated random retries and use a controlled recovery method.
- Remove the battery and wait a few minutes.
- Inspect the drone for blinking lights or unusual startup behavior.
- Attempt the update again only with a fully charged battery.
- Use a different microSD card or a different phone if possible.
- Re-download the firmware to rule out a corrupted file.
If the drone powers on but the camera, GPS lock, or Wi-Fi pairing behaves abnormally, the partial update may need to be completed before normal operation returns.
Signs the Holy Stone HS175 may need support help
Most update problems are recoverable, but certain symptoms suggest a deeper firmware or hardware issue.
If you see any of the following after several careful attempts, contact Holy Stone support or the retailer.
- The drone does not power on after a failed update.
- Indicator lights stay solid, flash in an error pattern, or never initialize properly.
- The app can no longer detect the drone.
- The firmware file repeatedly fails at the same percentage.
- The controller and aircraft will not pair after the update.
When contacting support, include the HS175 serial number, app version, phone model, firmware version if available, and a description of exactly where the failure occurred.
That information helps support determine whether the issue is file-related, device-related, or a failed flash that needs recovery guidance.
Best practices to avoid another failed update
Preventing a repeat failure is mostly about preparation and patience.
Firmware updates are maintenance tasks, not quick taps, and the HS175 performs best when the environment is controlled.
- Update indoors with minimal interference.
- Use fully charged batteries on every device.
- Download firmware only from official Holy Stone sources.
- Read the entire update procedure before starting.
- Do not fly the drone until the update is fully complete and verified.
- Keep notes of the app version, firmware version, and date of update.
It also helps to avoid updating immediately before a flight session.
If something goes wrong, you will have time to troubleshoot without pressure.
Helpful device terms you may see during troubleshooting
When diagnosing a Holy Stone HS175 firmware update failed message, you may run into a few technical terms.
Understanding them makes the instructions easier to follow.
- Firmware: The internal software that controls the drone’s flight systems, camera, and communication.
- Bootloader: The startup component that prepares the device to load firmware.
- Pairing: The link between the drone and the controller or mobile app.
- FAT32: A common file format used by microSD cards for drone updates.
- Partial update: A firmware process that stopped before all components finished installing.
Understanding these terms makes it easier to identify whether the issue is with the app, the card, the file, or the drone itself.
In most cases, the fix is not advanced repair but careful repetition with the right conditions in place.
When to stop troubleshooting and wait for official guidance
If the HS175 behaves unpredictably after multiple update attempts, pause before trying more experiments.
Repeatedly forcing the same failed process can make it harder to identify the root cause, especially if the drone shows signs of incomplete firmware initialization.
At that point, the safest next step is to use official Holy Stone documentation, confirm the correct firmware package, and ask support whether a recovery file or special procedure is required for the specific HS175 version you own.