The way to Setup Betaflight on Your FPV Drone for the First Flight: Novices Masterclass

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Betaflight can appear intimidating at first look — there are such a lot of tabs, settings, and unfamiliar phrases. However don’t fear — there are solely a handful of choices you actually need to configure to get your drone flying. Explaining each function in Betaflight would take hours, so on this information, I’ll concentrate on the important setup steps you want after constructing or shopping for your first FPV drone.

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Betaflight is the most well-liked flight controller firmware for FPV drones. For those who’re new to FPV, try my overview of flight controller firmware to be taught the way it compares to different choices: https://oscarliang.com/fc-firmware/#Betaflight

The place to Get Betaflight Configurator

Betaflight Configurator is the software program used to configure and flash firmware to your flight controller.

Now you can entry it instantly in your internet browser — no set up wanted: https://app.betaflight.com/

Observe: The Betaflight Configurator internet app solely works in Google Chrome and different Chromium-based browsers similar to Microsoft Edge or Vivaldi. It’s not suitable with Firefox, Safari, or Opera.

For those who desire the standard desktop model, you’ll be able to obtain and set up it from GitHub: https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight-configurator/releases/newest

The online model is mostly the simplest to make use of because it doesn’t require set up or guide updates — it’s all the time the most recent launch. That mentioned, there are a number of circumstances the place it’s your decision the desktop model, similar to:

Your drone makes use of an outdated model of Betaflight firmware, and also you want an identical Configurator model.
You don’t have entry to the web or desire a standalone setup.

Configurator Choices

Earlier than connecting your flight controller, let’s regulate a number of preliminary Configurator settings to make your workflow smoother.

Click on Choices within the left-hand panel.

Listed here are a number of suggestions:

Reopen final tab on join – robotically opens the final tab you used everytime you reconnect to the flight controller.
Digital connection mode – helps you to discover and be taught Betaflight Configurator while not having an actual flight controller linked.
Allow Darkish Theme – simpler on the eyes, particularly for lengthy setup classes.
Change language – swap to your most popular language for higher readability.

Updating Firmware

You don’t should replace the firmware instantly.

For those who bought your flight controller following my suggestions, it ought to already include Betaflight pre-installed. Whereas there is likely to be a more moderen model obtainable, updating isn’t needed until the brand new launch contains particular options or bug fixes you need.

In case your drone is flying nice and also you’re new to Betaflight, it’s greatest to carry off on updating for now — flashing new firmware can erase all of your present settings, which means you’d should arrange the drone once more from scratch.

For those who do resolve to replace, comply with this step-by-step tutorial to flash it: https://oscarliang.com/flash-update-betaflight/

Connecting Your Drone to the Laptop

Join your drone to your pc utilizing a USB cable — ensure you’re plugging into the precise flight controller, not the DJI Air Unit or different parts. There isn’t a have to plug within the battery.

In case your pc doesn’t acknowledge the flight controller, double-check that you just’re utilizing an information cable, not a charge-only cable.

In Betaflight Configurator:

Click on “Choose your system”, then “I can’t discover my USB system”.
A pop-up will seem displaying obtainable COM ports.
Choose the one that claims “Betaflight”.

Tip: For those who’re not sure which COM port is the suitable one, unplug the USB cable and reconnect it — the proper port is the one which seems while you reconnect.

For those who can’t discover the COM port or nonetheless can’t join, you’ll have a driver situation in your pc. Comply with this information for an answer: https://oscarliang.com/fc-driver-issues-flash-firmware/.

Interface Defined

When you click on Join, you’ll be greeted by a 3D mannequin of your drone on the Setup tab.

Let’s stroll by way of the interface and what it’s best to take note of:

Firmware Model and Goal – Reveals which model of Betaflight and goal board are presently put in in your FC.
Voltage Studying – Shows the voltage detected by the FC. If no LiPo battery is linked, it’ll present the USB voltage.
Sensor Icons (High Bar) – The lit-up icons signify lively sensors in your flight controller.
- If an icon is purple, it signifies a possible situation (e.g., a purple GPS icon means it hasn’t acquired a satellite tv for pc repair but).
- For primary flying, all you actually need is the Gyro — the opposite sensors merely present additional options or flight modes.

On the left-hand panel, you’ll see all of the obtainable tabs. To maintain issues easy, we’ll solely configure the important settings — simply sufficient to get your drone off the bottom. When you acquire extra expertise, you’ll be able to discover the extra tabs for superior options.

Earlier than continuing, click on Allow Skilled Mode within the top-right nook. This unlocks additional tabs and superior choices which can be hidden by default. You don’t essentially want to alter them proper now, nevertheless it’s helpful to have them seen — in any other case, you would possibly surprise later why sure settings are lacking.

For those who see a pop up warning similar to “The accelerometer is enabled however not calibrated”, don’t fear. Merely place your drone on a degree floor and click on Calibrate Accelerometer within the Setup tab to repair it.

Presets Tab

I like to leap to the Presets tab first as a result of that is the place it’s best to create a backup earlier than making any adjustments in Betaflight.

There are a number of methods to again up your Betaflight configuration (defined right here: https://oscarliang.com/backup-restore-betaflight-config), however the simplest way is to easily click on the “Save Backup” button within the Presets tab.

Apart from backups, the Presets tab can also be the place the net neighborhood shares their tunes, charges, and OSD layouts. You may discover and apply these presets instantly from inside Betaflight. Study extra about how they work right here: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-presets/

Setup Tab

The Setup tab is the primary tab you’ll see in Betaflight Configurator.

Right here you’ll be able to confirm your flight controller’s orientation. Maintain your drone in your hand with the digital camera dealing with away from you, click on “Reset Z Axis”, then gently tilt the drone round. You must see the 3D mannequin on display transfer precisely as your drone strikes — meaning your accelerometer is working appropriately.

Fast Tip: If the 3D mannequin doesn’t match your drone’s actions, strive putting it on a superbly degree floor and click on “Calibrate Accelerometer.” You often solely want to do that as soon as when establishing a brand new drone.

If the 3D mannequin nonetheless doesn’t transfer appropriately, it’s seemingly your FC is mounted within the mistaken orientation — for instance, the other way up or dealing with sideways (the arrow on the FC ought to level ahead). You may repair this in two methods:

Bodily rotate the flight controller to the proper orientation, or
Within the Configuration tab, regulate the Board Sensor Alignment (Yaw offset) by setting it to 90°, 180°, or 270° till it matches appropriately.

Ports Tab

The Ports tab is the place you configure all of the peripherals (exterior gadgets) linked to your flight controller through UART ports.

Every UART has two connections:

TX = Transmit
RX = Obtain

You’ll see these labeled in your FC as TX1/RX1, TX2/RX2, and so forth — every pair represents one UART.

For those who purchased a BNF (Bind-N-Fly) drone, the Ports tab might be already configured appropriately, and also you don’t want to alter something right here. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re constructing a drone from scratch, listed below are the 2 important configurations you should know:

Receiver Setup:
- For those who’re utilizing a serial receiver (similar to ExpressLRS or Crossfire), allow “Serial RX” on the UART your receiver is linked to.
Video System Setup:
- For digital FPV techniques like DJI or Walksnail, choose “VTX (MSP + DisplayPort)” below Peripherals for the UART linked to your video transmitter (this additionally permits MSP robotically).
- For analog FPV techniques, if you happen to’ve linked the SmartAudio or IRC Tramp wire for VTX management, choose both “VTX (TBS SmartAudio)” or “VTX (IRC Tramp)” below Peripherals.

Fast Tip: For those who’re utilizing DJI or Walksnail, there’s a good simpler approach — go to the Presets tab and apply the preset referred to as “OSD for FPV.WTF, DJI O3, Avatar HD” (simply search “DJI”). This can robotically configure the Ports and OSD tab for you.

Professional Tip: All the time click on “Save and Reboot” (backside left of the display) after making adjustments. For those who swap to a different tab or shut Betaflight with out saving, your adjustments will probably be misplaced.

Configuration Tab

The Configuration tab comprises your drone’s core system settings — issues like replace frequencies, sensors, and flight options. You may go away most choices at their default values, however there are a number of necessary settings it’s best to assessment and regulate if wanted.

1. System Configuration

Gyro Replace Frequency: This determines how briskly gyro samples are taken. The worth is determined by the precise gyro used in your flight controller and is often mounted, so that you don’t want to alter it.

PID Loop Frequency (Looptime): This controls how briskly the PID calculations are carried out. The quickest looptime you should utilize is when it matches your gyro replace frequency (for instance, in case your gyro replace frequency is 8K, the utmost PID loop frequency can be 8K. Nonetheless, increased looptime means extra CPU load, so relying in your flight controller’s processing energy and what number of options you’ve enabled, it’s not all the time greatest to max it out.

Common guideline:

F4 FC: 4kHz
F7 / H7 FC: 4kHz or 8kHz
BMI270 gyro: Set PID Loop Frequency to three.2 kHz regardless the processor as a result of this gyro solely helps 3.2kHz Gyro replace price).

Everytime you enhance PID Loop Frequency or allow extra options, keep watch over the CPU Load indicator on the backside of the display — Betaflight 4.5 recommends maintaining it beneath 75%. Excessively excessive CPU load could cause instability to the flight controller. To scale back CPU load, both decrease the PID Loop Frequency or disable pointless options and sensors.

You may as well allow or disable onboard sensors right here:

Accelerometer: All flight controllers have accelerometer, so you’ll be able to safely go away it enabled. Your drone can nonetheless fly with out it, however flight modes like Angle Mode, Horizon Mode, and GPS Rescue require it.
Barometer / Magnetometer: Just some flight controllers have these sensors onboard, so allow these in case your FC truly has them and you propose to make use of altitude maintain or GPS options.

2. Personalization

Give your drone a reputation below Personalization. This identify seems in your OSD and in your CLI backup recordsdata, which makes it simpler to establish completely different quads later.

3. Arming Angle

The Arming Angle is a security function that stops your drone from arming when it’s in an uncommon orientation. By default, it’s set to 25°, which means in case your drone is tilted greater than 25° from degree (assuming your accelerometer is calibrated), you received’t be capable to arm.

For those who set this worth to 180°, it successfully disables this restriction, permitting you to arm no matter orientation — even the other way up. This may be useful in some conditions, for instance in case your drone lands on uneven floor or will get caught in a tree; you’ll be able to re-arm and attempt to shake it free.

4. Options

Allow solely the options you plan to make use of. At minimal, ensure OSD is enabled — it’s important for seeing flight knowledge like battery voltage, flight time, and warnings in your goggles.

5. DShot Beacon

I all the time advocate enabling DShot Beacon. It turns your motors into audible beepers (once they’re not spinning), which helps you find your drone after a crash — particularly if you happen to don’t have a bodily buzzer. You may be taught extra about which Beacon Tones and choices to make use of right here: https://oscarliang.com/dshot-beacon/

As soon as set, click on Save and Reboot.

Voltage Calibration

Earlier than you fly, it’s necessary to ensure Betaflight is studying your battery voltage precisely.

Measure your battery voltage utilizing a multimeter or battery checker.
Plug the battery into your drone (take away the propellers first for security).
In Betaflight Configurator, test the voltage studying on the prime bar (highlighted in purple).

If the voltage reported in Betaflight doesn’t match your measured voltage, you’ll have to calibrate the voltage sensor.

The way to calibrate:

Go to the Energy & Battery tab.
Click on the Calibration button (backside proper).
Enter the measured voltage within the pop-up field, then click on Calibrate.
Apply the brand new voltage scale — and that’s it!

Your voltage readings ought to now match your precise battery voltage.

Failsafe Tab

The Failsafe tab controls how your drone behaves if it loses connection together with your radio — making it probably the most necessary security settings in Betaflight.

⚠️ If the Failsafe tab is lacking, allow Skilled Mode first to make it seen.

For an in depth rationalization of how Failsafe works, try my full tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-failsafe/.

Minimal Really useful Setup:

For those who don’t have GPS, set the failsafe Stage 2 motion to “Drop”.
- When failsafe triggers (e.g. RC sign is misplaced), the drone will pause briefly to see if the sign returns, then disarm the motors and drop safely to the bottom.
- That is safer than letting the drone fly away uncontrollably.
For those who do have GPS, think about using GPS Rescue mode as an alternative, which makes the drone robotically return towards the takeoff level. I’ve a tutorial on methods to Setup GPS Rescue in Betaflight: https://oscarliang.com/setup-gps-rescue-mode-betaflight/

As soon as completed, click on Save and Reboot.

Receiver Tab

The Receiver tab helps you to configure and confirm that your radio receiver is working appropriately together with your flight controller.

Setting Up Receiver

For those who’re utilizing an ExpressLRS or Crossfire receiver:

Receiver Mode: Serial (through UART)
Serial Receiver Supplier: CRSF
Allow Telemetry

Binding the Receiver

As soon as your settings are appropriate, bind your receiver to your radio transmitter.

After binding, it’s best to see the channel bars and the 3D mannequin within the configurator transfer while you transfer your sticks.

If the mistaken channels reply (e.g., roll strikes while you throttle), strive a distinct Channel Map. It’s often both AETR1234 or TAER1234. Nonetheless mistaken? The way to Configure Channel Map Correctly: https://oscarliang.com/channel-map/

Troubleshooting No Stick Response

If the channels aren’t responding in any respect:

Is the receiver sure to the transmitter? (do you see a strong inexperienced LED on receiver?)
Is the receiver soldered to the proper UART pins (TX/RX)?
Have you ever enabled Serial RX for the proper UART within the Ports Tab?
Have you ever chosen the proper RX protocol (CRSF for ExpressLRS/Crossfire)?

Checking Channel Midpoints and Endpoints

As soon as your sticks are transferring appropriately, confirm the midpoints and endpoints for the primary 4 channels (Pitch, Roll, Yaw, and Throttle):

Midpoints (don’t contact the sticks): ~1500 (it’s okay to have some jitters, if it fluctuates barely between 1498–1502, you’ll be able to repair it by coming into 2 within the RC/Yaw deadband)
Endpoints (push the sticks to the sides): ~1000 (low) and ~2000 (excessive). Small variations are completely nice (e.g., 988 or 2012).

In case your midpoints or endpoints are off, comply with this information to repair them: https://oscarliang.com/adjust-tx-channel-mid-end-point/.

Understanding Stick Thresholds

Stick Low Threshold: Defines how low the throttle stick should go for the FC to acknowledge it’s absolutely down. This impacts arming conduct and parameters like PID_MIN_THROTTLE.
Keep away from setting it precisely to 1000, even when your throttle can go that low — set it round 1010–1050 is a safer guess.
Stick Heart: All the time 1500.
Stick Excessive Threshold: Defines when the throttle stick is taken into account absolutely raised. The default worth of 1900 is ok and doesn’t have an effect on stick vary and flight efficiency.

Observe: Stick thresholds should not the identical as stick endpoints — they merely inform Betaflight methods to interpret stick positions for sure features (e.g., arming, OSD menu). Due to this fact you’ll be able to simply go away these settings at default.

Modes Tab

The Modes tab helps you to assign radio switches to activate completely different flight modes and features similar to:

Arming (required to take off)
Angle Mode (self-leveling)
Beeper (discover your drone)
Flip Over After Crash (a.ok.a. Turtle Mode)

You will discover an in depth rationalization of every mode right here: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-modes/

The way to assign a swap:

Setup the switches in your radio first (you’ll be able to assign switches to channels 5 to 12): https://oscarliang.com/setup-switch-mixes/
Click on “Add Vary” on the specified mode.
Flip the swap in your radio — Betaflight will robotically detect it.
Regulate the slider vary to outline when the mode is lively.
Flip the swap once more — the yellow marker ought to transfer beneath the slider. Be certain it falls throughout the lively vary when the mode is ON.
Click on Save to verify your setup.

Motors Tab

The Motors tab is used to check and configure your motors and ESCs.

⚠️ Security First: All the time take away all propellers earlier than testing motors in Betaflight.

ESC/Motor Protocol

The one setting you often want to alter right here is the ESC/Motor Protocol. For any trendy ESC, DShot is really useful. The quantity after DShot signifies the communication pace and will match your PID Loop Frequency:

DShot600 for 8KHz
DShot300 for 4KHz
DShot150 for 2KHz

Additional Studying: ESC Protocols and Firmware Overview

To your first flight, you’ll be able to go away all different motor tab settings at their default values.

Click on Save and Reboot, then return to the Motor Tab to check your setup.

Testing Motors

Examine the next:

Do the motors spin? Use the grasp slider or take a look at them individually.
Are they within the appropriate order?
Do they spin within the appropriate route?

The right motor order and route (default “props in” configuration):

motor 1 at rear proper, spins clockwise
motor 2 at entrance proper, spins counter clockwise
motor 3 at rear left, spins counter clockwise
motor 4 at entrance left, spins clockwise

If the motor order is mistaken, click on “Reorder Motors” and comply with the on-screen directions.

If any motors spin within the mistaken route, click on “Motor Route” to reverse them.

Additional Studying: the default configuration is named props in, however when the motor rotation is reversed it’s referred to as props out. Study the variations right here: https://oscarliang.com/reversed-motor-prop-rotation-quadcopter/

OSD Tab

The OSD tab helps you to select which flight knowledge seem in your goggles — similar to battery voltage, timer, GPS coordinates, distance to house, pace, altitude, flight mode and so forth.

Video Format

For digital FPV techniques (DJI, Walksnail, HDZero): Set Video Format to HD for proper font sizing and format.
For analog FPV techniques: Choose Auto, or select PAL/NTSC if you understand your digital camera format.

Including and Positioning OSD Components

On the left, you’ll discover a checklist of obtainable OSD parts. To allow one, tick the field within the first column (every column belongs to a distinct OSD profile). The ingredient will seem within the preview space — drag and drop it wherever you favor.

The 2 should have parts are battery voltage and warnings, the remaining are as much as you.

Instance OSD Structure

As a substitute of manually positioning every ingredient, you’ll be able to paste this configuration into the CLI tab. That is my very own OSD format for a DJI freestyle quad (with out GPS):

set osd_vbat_pos = 2497
set osd_link_quality_pos = 2081
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2049
set osd_tim_2_pos = 3567
set osd_flymode_pos = 3535
set osd_throttle_pos = 3407
set osd_current_pos = 3438
set osd_mah_drawn_pos = 2529
set osd_craft_name_pos = 3083
set osd_gps_speed_pos = 1449
set osd_warnings_pos = 14677
set osd_avg_cell_voltage_pos = 2519
save

It seems to be like this.

For those who want extra information I’ve a complete tutorial going by way of each facet of Betaflight OSD: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-osd/.

PID Tuning Tab

The PID Tuning tab lets you fine-tune your quad’s flight conduct and make it fly precisely the way you need.

At first look, this tab can look intimidating, however you don’t want to alter something in your first flights — the default Betaflight tune works very effectively for a variety of FPV drones. Whenever you’re able to dive deeper, try my detailed information on PID tuning: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-tuning/

Charges and Expo (Rateprofile Settings)

The primary factor value experimenting with as a newbie are charges and expo — these management how your drone responds to stay actions.

Decrease charges → smoother, extra exact management (nice for cinematic flying or learners).
Increased charges → faster, extra responsive really feel (splendid for freestyle or racing).

There’s no common “greatest” price — it’s totally private choice and is determined by your flying model.

If you’d like some recommendations on methods to tune your charges, right here is my tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/charges/#Understanding-Precise-Charges

Video Transmitter Tab

For those who’re utilizing DJI or Walksnail, you’ll be able to skip this tab — it solely applies to analog.

The Video Transmitter tab helps you to configure your VTX by loading a VTX Desk. This lets you change channels and energy ranges by way of your OSD menu.

There are 3 ways to load a VTX Desk:

Choose a VTX Desk Preset within the Presets tab
Load a JSON file within the Video Transmitter tab
Paste a code snippet within the CLI tab (my most popular technique)

You may often discover the proper JSON file or CLI snippet in your VTX’s product web page. If not, test the producer’s web site or just seek for it on-line.

Professional Suggestions

The way to Cease Your Drone Beeping on the Bench

In case your drone retains beeping when linked through USB, it’s seemingly as a result of your radio is off and the FC doesn’t detect a sound radio hyperlink. To repair this, go to the Configuration Tab → Beeper Configuration, and disable the “USB” possibility.

Security Checks Earlier than Maiden Flight

Earlier than flying your drone for the primary time, it’s important to check your failsafe. In case your failsafe is ready to “Drop”, the motors ought to disarm instantly when sign is misplaced. You do not need the drone to behave unexpectedly within the occasion of a failsafe.

Take away all propellers for security.
Plug within the battery, flip in your radio, and arm the quad — the motors ought to begin spinning.
Now flip off your radio to simulate sign loss.
The motors ought to cease spinning inside a few seconds.
In the event that they proceed spinning, revisit your failsafe settings, and reset them to default if needed.

Different Betaflight Tutorials

Betaflight will be overwhelming at first, however when you’ve mastered the fundamentals from this information, you’ll be able to discover its superior options. Listed here are some helpful tutorials to proceed your studying journey:

Remaining Ideas

Betaflight doesn’t should be difficult. By understanding simply the core setup steps coated on this information, you’ll acquire the boldness to setup your FPV drone and begin flying with ease. When you’re comfy, experiment, discover, and benefit from the freedom FPV gives!

Comfortable flying!

Edit Historical past

Dec 2017 – Article created
Jul 2018 – Up to date directions
Sep 2018 – Added “The way to Replace” and new tutorial hyperlinks
Jan 2021 – Up to date for Betaflight 4.2
Oct 2022 – Up to date for Betaflight 4.3
Jan 2023 – Up to date for Betaflight 4.4
Nov 2025 – Up to date for Betaflight 2025.12