How to Find Drone WiFi Name
If you need to connect a phone, tablet, or controller app to a drone, the first step is identifying the correct WiFi network name.
This guide explains where to look, how drone SSIDs are labeled, and what to do when the network does not appear right away.
Drone WiFi names are often easy to miss because they may use model numbers, manufacturer codes, or a default naming pattern that changes after setup.
Knowing the right places to check can save time and prevent connection errors.
What a drone WiFi name actually is
A drone WiFi name is the network name, or SSID, that the aircraft broadcasts for pairing with a mobile device or remote controller.
In many consumer drones, this network is used for live video transmission, app pairing, firmware updates, or initial setup.
Depending on the brand, the network may appear as:
- A brand-based name such as DJI, Holy Stone, or Ryze
- A model-based label such as “Drone_XXXX” or “FPV-XXXX”
- A custom name created during app setup
- A temporary hotspot that appears only after the drone powers on
How to find drone WiFi name on the drone itself
The fastest place to start is the aircraft body, battery compartment, or quick-start documentation.
Many manufacturers print the default WiFi name, network ID, or pairing information on a sticker.
Check the battery compartment and underside
Small consumer drones often place regulatory and network labels under the battery cover or on the underside of the frame.
Look for text labeled SSID, WiFi, network name, password, or device ID.
Review the user manual or quick-start guide
The manual usually lists the default WiFi naming pattern and explains whether the drone creates its own hotspot or connects through a controller.
If the drone has been reset, the manual is the most reliable reference for the original network name.
Inspect QR codes or app setup cards
Some drone kits include a QR code that opens the companion app or shows the initial network credentials.
Scanning the code may reveal setup instructions, a default WiFi name, or the correct pairing workflow.
How to find drone WiFi name on your phone
Once the drone is powered on, the WiFi name should appear in your phone’s available networks list.
The exact steps vary by device, but the process is similar across iPhone and Android.
On iPhone
- Open Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Wait for nearby networks to load
- Look for a drone-related SSID such as the brand name or model code
On Android
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & internet or Connections
- Select Wi-Fi
- Scan for available networks and identify the drone SSID
If multiple unknown networks appear, compare the names with the drone model or the manual.
Many drones use predictable prefixes, which makes the correct network easier to spot.
How to find drone WiFi name in the companion app
Many modern drones use an app to show the aircraft name, connection status, and pairing details.
Brands such as DJI, Autel Robotics, Parrot, and Holy Stone often provide onboarding screens that confirm the WiFi name or direct you to the correct access point.
Open the app and check areas such as:
- Device setup or pairing screens
- Connection settings
- Aircraft information or device details
- Firmware update prompts
Some apps also display the last-connected network, which can help if the drone name was changed during previous use.
Why the drone WiFi name may not appear
If you cannot find the network, the issue may not be the name itself.
The drone may not be broadcasting, the battery may be low, or the WiFi module may require a reset.
Common causes
- The drone is powered off or not fully booted
- The battery is too low to broadcast WiFi
- The app or controller is already connected to another network
- Airplane mode, Bluetooth, or mobile data settings are interfering
- The drone was renamed in the app and no longer uses the default SSID
- The WiFi radio has been disabled after a firmware change or reset
What to try first
- Power cycle the drone
- Wait 30 to 60 seconds after startup
- Move closer to the aircraft
- Restart the phone’s Wi-Fi
- Turn off VPNs and hotspot-sharing tools
- Forget old drone networks on the phone and scan again
How to identify the correct drone WiFi when several networks look similar
In apartments, offices, and outdoor events, nearby drones or routers can create confusing network lists.
To avoid connecting to the wrong SSID, compare the network name with the drone’s brand, band type, and signal strength.
Useful checks include:
- Signal strength: the correct drone network is usually strongest when you are near the aircraft
- Frequency band: many drones use 2.4 GHz, though some support 5 GHz
- Name pattern: look for serial-like endings, model numbers, or manufacturer prefixes
- Password prompts: default drone networks often require a printed password from the manual or label
If the SSID resembles a router name rather than a drone, it may belong to a nearby access point instead of the aircraft.
How to reset the drone WiFi name
If you previously changed the network name and want the default one back, a reset may help.
The exact process varies by manufacturer, but many consumer drones restore factory network settings after a full reset or firmware recovery.
Before resetting, check the app and manual for a “restore defaults,” “factory reset,” or “network reset” option.
After the reset, power the drone off and on again, then scan for the default SSID.
Keep in mind that resetting may also erase saved calibration, controller pairing, and custom settings.
Brand-specific patterns to look for
Different manufacturers use different naming conventions, so understanding the pattern helps narrow down the search.
- DJI: often uses controller-based or app-guided pairing rather than a simple visible hotspot on newer models
- Holy Stone: may use SSIDs such as HS- or HSFPV-style names
- Ryze Tello: commonly appears as a Tello-branded network
- Parrot: may use a Parrot prefix or product-specific identifier
- Autel Robotics: can use model-specific naming tied to the aircraft or remote controller
Always confirm with the model’s manual because naming patterns can change across generations.
Troubleshooting tips if the drone still will not connect
After finding the network name, connection problems can still happen.
The issue may involve compatibility, interference, or a missing app permission.
Check phone permissions
Some drone apps require location access to discover nearby Wi-Fi networks, especially on Android.
Without permission, the app may not list the drone even if it is broadcasting.
Update the app and firmware
Outdated firmware can cause pairing errors or hide the network after a failed update.
Install the latest app version from the App Store or Google Play, then check the manufacturer’s support page for firmware updates.
Reduce wireless interference
Wi-Fi congestion from routers, cameras, and other drones can weaken the signal.
Move to an open area, keep the drone and phone close together, and avoid metal structures or heavy RF environments.
Verify controller mode
Some drones do not expose a visible Wi-Fi hotspot when the remote controller is in use.
If the drone is designed to connect through a controller, the phone may need to connect to the controller’s Wi-Fi instead of the aircraft.
Where to get the exact WiFi name for your drone model
If the label is missing or the drone is secondhand, the most reliable sources are the manufacturer’s support pages, online manuals, and the app’s setup instructions.
Search by the full model number, not just the brand, because SSIDs often differ between nearly identical products.
Useful places to check include:
- Manufacturer support website
- PDF user manual
- Official app store listing
- Quick-start guide in the box
- Customer support or warranty registration page
For used drones, ask the previous owner whether the network name was customized during setup and whether a factory reset was performed.