Before starting any walk, ensure your equipment is up to date. This simple step resolves the majority of known connectivity issues.
- DroneDeploy Mobile App: Verify that you are running the latest version of the DroneDeploy Mobile App. Check your device's app store for updates. (Current recommended version: v2.220.1 or newer)
- Camera Firmware: Update the firmware on your Insta360 camera immediately if you see a warning.
- If a firmware warning displays, update the camera as soon as possible after offloading your current data. Firmware updates often include critical stability fixes directly from Insta360.
2. Device settings for connection stability
Your phone or tablet may try to connect to the strongest available network, which disrupts the direct Wi-Fi connection with the camera.
- Disable auto-join for Wi-Fi networks:
- Go to your device's Wi-Fi Settings (e.g., Settings > Wi-Fi).
- Find any strong, known Wi-Fi networks (such as a job site network) and disable the Auto-Join or Auto-Connect feature for them.
- This prevents your device from automatically switching away from the camera's dedicated Wi-Fi signal mid-walk.
- Connect from the nearby devices list: Connect to the camera from the Nearby Devices list instead of using the (Saved) Cameras List. The Nearby List refreshes the connection in real time, which confirms the camera is on, in range, and ready to connect.
3. SD card maintenance for data integrity and speed
To prevent fragmented data that can cause unexpected recording stops (like the "Waiting for Camera Stop Recording" issue), maintain your SD card health.
- SD card requirements: Use a high-speed card (U3 or V30 speed rating is recommended).
- Format regularly: Once the SD card is close to full and you have successfully offloaded all data, perform a full format via the camera's settings menu.
- Avoid using the Quick Format option.
- A regular format thoroughly cleans the card and prevents the camera from needing to manage fragmented data during recording, ensuring faster, uninterrupted write speeds.
4. Troubleshooting: If disconnection still occurs
Temporary disconnects and reconnects are normal during a walk. A failure only occurs when the final reconnection attempt fails.
| Issue | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| The app is stuck or failing to reconnect. | 1. Wait 15 seconds for the built-in app logic to recover. 2. Power cycle the camera. 3. Force close and reopen the DroneDeploy Ground App. |
| Walk failed, or you had to manually stop recording. | 1. Collect Logs: Report the issue to your VDC team immediately or at support@dronedeploy.com. The log files (sent when you finish or fail a walk) are extremely helpful for the DroneDeploy team to diagnose the underlying IP issue. How to collect logs from an Insta360 X5: * On the camera's screen, navigate to Settings > Camera Info > Export LOG (ensure a memory card is inserted). * Connect the camera to a computer via USB. * Find and copy the entire log folder from the memory card to your computer. Your recorded walk will still be saved on your SD card and available for manual upload via the web, so you will not lose the captured data. |
| If issues persist after all updates. | 1. Check the environment. Contact your VDC/IT team to look for external Wi-Fi interference on the job site. |
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