What a Stuck Holy Stone HS720 Firmware Update Usually Means
A Holy Stone HS720 firmware update stuck issue typically happens when the drone, remote controller, or mobile app stops responding during the update process.
This article explains the most common causes, safe recovery steps, and how to avoid damaging the firmware or interrupting future updates.
The HS720 is a GPS-enabled foldable drone, and like many consumer quadcopters, it depends on a clean connection between the aircraft, controller, battery, and app during firmware installation.
When that chain breaks, the update can appear frozen even if the device is still processing in the background.
Why the Holy Stone HS720 Firmware Update Gets Stuck
Firmware updates fail for a small set of predictable reasons.
Understanding them helps you choose the safest fix instead of repeatedly restarting the process and making the problem worse.
- Low battery: The drone or controller battery may be too low to complete the update.
- Weak connection: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cable communication may drop mid-update.
- App conflict: The Holy Stone app may freeze, crash, or stop syncing with the drone.
- Interrupted power: Turning off the drone, controller, or phone too early can corrupt the update sequence.
- Incorrect firmware package: Installing the wrong file version for the HS720 can prevent completion.
- Storage or cache issues: A mobile device with limited storage or a corrupted app cache may block progress.
How to Tell Whether the Update Is Actually Frozen
Not every pause means failure.
Some firmware tasks take several minutes, especially if the app is transferring multiple components or verifying the file after installation.
Signs the update may still be working:
- The progress bar moves slowly but continues advancing.
- Indicator lights on the drone change pattern during the process.
- The mobile app shows a “writing” or “verifying” status.
- The controller remains connected and does not display an error.
Signs the update is likely stuck:
- No progress for 10 to 20 minutes.
- The app becomes unresponsive or closes unexpectedly.
- Lights on the drone stop changing and remain fixed.
- The controller repeatedly disconnects and reconnects.
- The app reports failure, timeout, or transfer interruption.
First Steps to Try Before Restarting Anything
Before forcing a reboot, take a few safe steps that preserve the update state and reduce the chance of firmware corruption.
Keep power stable
Make sure the drone, controller, and phone or tablet all have adequate battery life.
If a battery is near empty, connect it to a charger only after the update has clearly failed and the device is safely idle.
Wait a little longer
If the update has been running for only a few minutes, allow more time.
Some firmware packages perform internal validation that is not visible in the app interface.
Check the environment
Move away from sources of interference such as routers, crowded wireless areas, or metal surfaces.
Stable communication is important for the Holy Stone HS720, especially when the app is transferring update data.
Safe Recovery Steps for a Holy Stone HS720 Firmware Update Stuck
If the update has clearly stalled, follow a careful recovery sequence.
The goal is to reset the connection without causing partial firmware damage.
- Close the Holy Stone app completely on the mobile device.
- Disconnect the drone and controller only after the app is no longer actively transferring data.
- Power off the drone and wait at least 30 seconds.
- Restart the mobile device to clear temporary app memory and connection errors.
- Reinstall or update the Holy Stone app if it appears outdated or unstable.
- Reopen the app and reconnect the HS720 in the recommended pairing order.
- Attempt the firmware update again with stable power and no background apps running.
If the aircraft uses a microSD card or a file-based update method, confirm that the file matches the exact HS720 model and that the card is properly formatted before trying again.
What Not to Do During a Stuck Firmware Update
Some reactions can worsen the problem or create a firmware mismatch.
Avoid these mistakes while troubleshooting.
- Do not power off the drone during an active transfer unless it is clearly frozen and no response has occurred for an extended period.
- Do not start multiple update attempts at once.
- Do not use an unsupported firmware file from an unofficial source.
- Do not disconnect cables repeatedly during installation.
- Do not fly the drone until the update and calibration checks are complete.
How to Reconnect the HS720 After a Failed Update
After a failed update, the drone may need a clean reconnection sequence before the app recognizes it normally again.
A full reset of the connection path often resolves temporary pairing issues.
Try this order:
- Turn off the drone, controller, and mobile app.
- Restart the mobile device.
- Turn on the controller first, if your pairing instructions require it.
- Power on the HS720 and wait for its status lights to stabilize.
- Open the Holy Stone app and reconnect using the official pairing process.
- Confirm that the app displays the correct model name before launching the update tool again.
If the app still does not recognize the drone correctly, uninstall and reinstall the app to remove corrupted local data.
Then recheck permissions for Bluetooth, location, and network access, since mobile operating systems often block drone apps when permissions are incomplete.
When a Manual Reset or Firmware Reinstall Is Needed
Some update failures require a deeper reset, especially if the drone boots but the app cannot complete the installation.
In those cases, look for official Holy Stone instructions for recovery mode, reset procedures, or firmware reinstallation.
Use manufacturer documentation before trying advanced steps.
Many drones have specific recovery behaviors that depend on button combinations, SD card placement, or a strict update file naming convention.
Applying the wrong method can leave the HS720 in an unusable state.
Preventing Future Update Problems on the Holy Stone HS720
Once the drone is functioning again, a few habits can reduce the chance of getting stuck during later firmware updates.
- Charge everything fully before starting.
- Use the latest official app version from the App Store or Google Play.
- Update in a low-interference location with strong device battery life.
- Keep only the necessary apps open on your phone or tablet.
- Verify model compatibility before downloading any firmware package.
- Read release notes when available so you know whether the update changes flight control, GPS performance, or camera functions.
Common Questions About Holy Stone HS720 Firmware Updates
How long should an HS720 firmware update take?
It varies by file size, connection quality, and device performance.
A simple update may complete in a few minutes, while verification or multiple component updates can take longer.
Can I fly if the firmware update failed?
It is safer not to fly until you confirm the drone is fully operational.
Firmware issues can affect takeoff behavior, GPS lock, altitude hold, and return-to-home functions.
Will reinstalling the app fix the problem?
Sometimes.
Reinstalling the app can resolve corrupted cache data, missing permissions, or failed pairing records, but it will not fix an incorrect firmware file or a damaged installation on the drone itself.
Does a stuck update mean the drone is broken?
Not usually.
Most cases are caused by power, app, or connection issues rather than hardware failure.
The key is to recover methodically and avoid repeated interruptions.
Useful Checks Before You Try the Update Again
Before restarting the firmware process, confirm these basics:
- The drone battery is charged.
- The controller battery is charged.
- The mobile device has enough storage.
- The app is current and has required permissions.
- The correct HS720 firmware version is selected.
- The connection path is stable and uninterrupted.
With these checks in place, most Holy Stone HS720 firmware update stuck problems can be resolved without professional repair, as long as you follow the official update sequence and avoid forcing the drone through repeated partial installations.