What the problem looks like after an update
If your Holy Stone HS175 not working after update, the failure usually shows up as a drone that will not bind, will not arm, loses GPS response, or powers on but refuses to take off.
In many cases the update itself is not the true cause; the real issue is a mismatch in firmware, app settings, calibration, or controller pairing that appears immediately afterward.
This guide explains the most common causes, how to verify whether the update actually succeeded, and which recovery steps are most likely to restore normal operation without risking the aircraft.
Why the HS175 can stop working after firmware updates
The Holy Stone HS175 depends on a coordinated stack of components: the aircraft firmware, the remote controller, the mobile app, GPS modules, and the battery management system.
If one part updates while another does not, the drone can become unresponsive or behave unpredictably.
- Firmware mismatch between the drone and controller
- Corrupted update caused by interruption, low battery, or unstable connection
- Calibration loss after the update resets sensor values
- App permission issues on Android or iOS, especially location and Bluetooth permissions
- Pairing failure between the aircraft and transmitter after settings reset
- Battery or power instability after a partial update
Check whether the update completed correctly
Before changing settings, confirm that the firmware installation actually finished.
A partial update can leave the HS175 in a state where it powers on but cannot initialize flight systems.
Signs the update may have failed
- The drone powers on, but the LEDs blink abnormally or stay stuck in one pattern
- The app no longer recognizes the aircraft
- The controller connects, but throttle or stick input has no effect
- The compass or gyro calibration will not complete
- GPS locks never appear, even outdoors with a clear sky
What to verify first
- Battery is fully charged on both the drone and controller
- You are using the correct Holy Stone app version
- The phone has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location permissions enabled if required by the app
- No pending phone OS updates are interfering with connectivity
- The aircraft and controller are powered on in the correct sequence
Reset the connection between drone and controller
Connection problems are one of the most common reasons the Holy Stone HS175 not working after update.
Rebinding the drone and remote controller often clears the issue, especially if the app update reset the pairing state.
- Turn off the drone, controller, and phone app.
- Power on the controller first.
- Turn on the drone and wait for its lights to stabilize.
- Follow the HS175 binding process shown in the manual or app.
- Move the left stick up and down once pairing is complete, if required by the model’s normal bind sequence.
If the controller still does not connect, try moving away from other 2.4 GHz sources such as routers, wireless cameras, or crowded indoor environments that can interfere with the signal.
Recalibrate the compass and gyroscope
Firmware updates often reset sensor baselines.
If the HS175 arms but drifts, refuses GPS hold, or flashes errors related to orientation, recalibration is usually the next step.
Gyroscope calibration
Place the drone on a perfectly level surface and follow the standard calibration sequence in the user manual.
A level table or floor is important because even a slight tilt can confuse the inertial sensors.
Compass calibration
Perform compass calibration outdoors, far from metal objects, vehicles, reinforced concrete, and power lines.
Rotate the drone exactly as the manual instructs.
Poor compass calibration can cause unstable flight, erratic hovering, or takeoff refusal.
If calibration fails repeatedly, remove the battery, power everything down, and retry in a new location with less electromagnetic interference.
Check the app permissions and phone settings
Many update-related problems are not caused by the drone at all.
The mobile device can block access to functions needed for flight initialization, camera control, or GPS display.
- Location permission may be required for drone apps on Android and iPhone
- Bluetooth permission may be needed for pairing
- Wi-Fi connection may need to be switched to the drone’s camera network if the app uses direct link features
- Background restrictions can close the app during initialization
Also close any other drone apps running in the background.
Conflicting apps can hold onto the controller or network connection and prevent the HS175 from initializing correctly.
Use a clean power cycle
A full power reset can clear temporary faults that appear after a firmware or app update.
This is especially helpful when the drone seems “stuck” after installation.
- Turn off the drone, controller, and phone.
- Remove the drone battery for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Reinsert the battery and power on the drone.
- Power on the controller and reconnect the app.
- Test whether the drone now responds normally.
Do not attempt repeated aggressive takeoff tests indoors during troubleshooting.
If the motors do not respond as expected, stop and inspect the setup first.
Inspect battery health and charging behavior
After an update, the HS175 may appear broken when the real issue is weak battery voltage or an interrupted charging cycle.
A battery that cannot supply stable current may allow the aircraft to power on but fail under load.
- Charge the battery until the charger indicates full capacity
- Check for swollen, damaged, or unusually warm batteries
- Try a known-good battery if you have one
- Inspect charging cables and the charging port for debris
If the drone boots inconsistently or resets when motors attempt to start, battery stability should be treated as a primary suspect.
Reinstall or reattempt the firmware update carefully
If the HS175 remains unresponsive after basic recovery steps, the firmware may need to be reinstalled.
Only do this if Holy Stone support or the official app indicates that the aircraft can safely accept a retry.
Before reattempting:
- Use a fully charged drone battery and controller
- Keep the phone connected to a stable network
- Do not interrupt the update process
- Stay within the official Holy Stone app or official instructions
Never install files from unofficial sources.
Third-party firmware can brick the aircraft, void support, and create safety risks.
Common symptom-to-fix matches
Drone powers on but will not bind
- Rebind the controller
- Power cycle all devices
- Confirm the correct app version
Motors will not arm
- Calibrate the gyroscope
- Check for low battery
- Confirm no error lights indicate compass or IMU issues
GPS does not lock after update
- Move outdoors to an open area
- Wait several minutes for satellite acquisition
- Recalibrate the compass
App opens but controls do nothing
- Recheck permissions
- Disconnect and reconnect the aircraft network
- Force close and reopen the app
When to contact Holy Stone support
If the Holy Stone HS175 not working after update even after recalibration, rebinding, and power cycling, the issue may involve damaged firmware or a hardware fault triggered during the update process.
Contact Holy Stone support if you see repeated boot loops, persistent LED error codes, or the drone cannot complete initialization outdoors with fully charged batteries.
Have your model number, firmware details, purchase date, and a short description of the symptoms ready.
Clear symptom notes help support teams determine whether you need a recovery procedure, replacement part, or warranty service.
What to do before flying again
Once the HS175 responds normally, test it in a safe open area with low wind.
Start with a short hover check rather than a full flight profile.
Confirm that takeoff, yaw, forward motion, return-to-home behavior, and landing work as expected before relying on GPS-assisted features.
If any function feels delayed or unstable, stop flying and repeat the calibration and pairing checks before the next session.