📌 Before You Start – Model Compatibility

This guide covers all HOVERAir models (X1 Smart, X1, X1 PROMAX, and AQUA). However:

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: The water-based cleaning steps in Section B are exclusively for HOVERAir AQUA – its waterproof design allows this. Do NOT apply any water rinsing or soaking to X1 Smart, X1, or X1 PROMAX – it will cause internal short circuits and permanent damage, not covered under warranty.

Section A – Universal First Steps (All Models)

Step 1: Restart Your Device

A simple restart often clears temporary glitches.

1. Power off your device completely.
2. Power it back on – during startup, keep your hands away from the gimbal. Touching it may interfere with the self‑calibration rotation.
3. Watch the gimbal for 10 seconds:
   • Does it rotate smoothly and return to the center?
   • Is there no error message in the HOVER App?
   • ✅ If yes, your gimbal is functioning normally.
   • ❌ If the error persists, proceed to Step 2.

💡 Tip for AQUA users: If you're using the device after water exposure, make sure the gimbal area is completely dry before powering on.

Step 2: Check for Obstructions

Sometimes dust, sand, or debris gets in the way.

1. Power off the device.
2. Gently rotate the gimbal rotor with your finger – does it move freely, or do you feel resistance or grinding?
3. If you see any foreign object (sand, lint, etc.), carefully remove it.
4. Restart the device and check if the error clears.
5. If the gimbal feels smooth but the error persists, the obstruction may be intermittent (e.g., a tiny sand grain shifting inside the motor). Try rotating the gimbal quickly in both directions 5 times to see if you feel occasional catching – this can reveal hidden debris.

⚠️ Important: Do not apply excessive external force to the gimbal. If you suspect damage, stop and proceed to Section D.

Step 3: Check Firmware Version

Some gimbal issues are caused by outdated or recently updated firmware.

1. Open the HOVER App and connect your device.
2. Go to device settings and check the firmware versions for:
   • Aircraft (Drone)
   • Remote Controller (if applicable)
   • App itself
3. Make sure all are running the latest stable version.
4. If the issue appeared immediately after a firmware update, this is a known trigger for gimbal communication failures. Please proceed directly to Section D and mention the firmware update in your support request – our team can help with log analysis and potential rollback.

📱 App name: HOVER App (search in your app store)

Section B – AQUA‑Only: Water & Sand Recovery Steps

⚠️ USE THESE STEPS ONLY IF YOU OWN A HOVERAir AQUA.

If you've used your AQUA in saltwater, sandy beaches, or dusty environments, salt crystals or sand grains can lock the gimbal mechanism. A thorough freshwater clean usually resolves this.

Step B1: Freshwater Rinse + Soak (Try This First!)

If the issue occurs right after saltwater use, rinse immediately – do not let salt crystallise.

What to do:

1. Rinse the gimbal area thoroughly with fresh (tap) water – gently tilt the camera up and down repeatedly while rinsing to flush all crevices.
2. For deeper cleaning, if your AQUA has a decorative cover, carefully remove it (if applicable) and rinse from the side to reach the motor area.
3. Soak the entire device (with battery attached) in a bowl of clean fresh water for 30 minutes.
4. After soaking:
   • Gently shake off excess water.
   • Air‑dry naturally in a ventilated area.
   • ⚠️ Do NOT forcefully rotate the gimbal while drying – this can scratch internal magnets and damage the protective coating.

✅ Check: After drying, power on the AQUA and see if the gimbal moves freely.

Step B2: Blow Out Sand or Tiny Particles

If the gimbal still feels stuck after drying, a grain of sand may be lodged in the motor.

• Use a pressurised air blower with a fine nozzle, or a hair dryer on COLD air mode (no heat!).
• Direct airflow around the rotating joints – this can dislodge particles without pushing them deeper.
• 🔥 Never use hot air – heat damages electronics and plastics.
• After blowing, power on the AQUA and check if the gimbal moves freely again.

Step B3: Still Not Working? (AQUA)

If Steps B1 and B2 do not help, the issue may be a hardware fault – possibly:

• Motor corrosion from saltwater exposure
• Sand lodged deep inside the motor that cannot be flushed out
• Sealing damage affecting waterproof performance

Do not disassemble the device – that may void warranty. Proceed to Section D for support.

Section C – Advanced Troubleshooting (Specific Scenarios)

Scenario 1: Gimbal Shakes During Follow Mode

Possible causes:

• Snow or foreign objects blocking the gimbal motor
• Impact damage to the gimbal structure

What to try:

1. Check if the gimbal rotates smoothly (see Step 2).
2. Use a cool‑air blower to clear the rotation gaps.
3. If the issue persists, collect a video of the shaking and upload device logs (see Section D).

Scenario 2: Gimbal Shakes in Overhead (Bird's Eye) Mode

Possible causes:

• Impact damage to the motor shaft
• Hall sensor malfunction

What to try:

1. Power off and check motor rotation smoothness.
2. Confirm all firmware is up to date (see Step 3).
3. If shaking continues, collect original video + device logs and contact support.

Scenario 3: "Gimbal Motor Stalled" Error During Palm Landing

Cause: Your palm touched the gimbal during landing, blocking motor rotation.

Solution: Adjust your landing gesture – keep your hand flat and open, and avoid touching the camera/gimbal area.

Scenario 4: Gimbal Protective Frame or ND Filter Fell Off

Cause: Impact or collision.

What to do:

1. Check if the structural mounting points are damaged.
   • X1 PRO – plastic material, more prone to breakage
   • X1 PROMAX – metal material, more durable
2. If only the frame is damaged but the gimbal works fine → you may continue using it, or purchase a replacement part.
3. If the gimbal also shakes or shows errors → proceed to Section D for repair.

Scenario 5: Gimbal Jitter When Stopping After Sideways Flight

Possible causes:

• Broken lower frame
• Gimbal hardware fault
• Software issue

What to try:

1. Inspect the lower frame for cracks or breakage.
2. Confirm all firmware is up to date.
3. Collect video of the jitter + device logs and contact support.

Scenario 6: Gimbal Points Downward (-90°) and Won't Return

Possible causes:

• Motor corrosion (especially after water exposure)
• Debris stuck inside the motor

What to try:

1. If you have an AQUA, perform the freshwater rinse + soak (Section B1).
2. For other models, use cool air to blow out any debris.
3. If the gimbal still won't return to center, proceed to Section D.

Section D – Contact HOVERAir Support

If you have tried all applicable steps and the gimbal error remains, our team is ready to assist.

📧 Email: support@hoverair.com

📋 Information Checklist – Please Include ALL of the Following in Your Email

To help us diagnose your issue as quickly as possible (and avoid multiple follow-up emails), please prepare:

✅ Final Checklist Before Emailing

• I have restarted the device (Section A, Step 1)
• I have checked for obstructions (Section A, Step 2)
• I have confirmed firmware is up to date (Section A, Step 3)
• If I own an AQUA, I have performed freshwater rinse + soak (Section B1) and air‑blow (Section B2)
• I have collected: S/N, Log ID, video, photos, firmware versions
• I have noted when and how the issue occurred

🙌 Wrapping Up

We appreciate your patience! Most gimbal issues are resolved by the steps above. If you still need help, our support team will reply promptly and guide you through repair or replacement.

Stay adventurous, and keep flying! ✈️

This guide covers HOVERAir X1 Smart, X1, X1 PROMAX, and AQUA. For model‑specific questions, please refer to your device manual or contact support.