Learn how to Setup Betaflight on Your FPV Drone for the First Flight: Newcomers Masterclass

November 13, 2025

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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 really want 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, take a look at 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 straight in your internet browser — no set up wanted: https://app.betaflight.com/

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

For those who desire the normal desktop model, you may obtain and set up it from GitHub: https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight-configurator/releases/newest

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

Your drone makes use of an previous 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 – permits 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 periods.
Change language – change to your most well-liked language for higher readability.

Updating Firmware

You don’t need to 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 perhaps a more recent model obtainable, updating isn’t obligatory until the brand new launch consists of particular options or bug fixes you need.

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

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

Connecting Your Drone to the Pc

Join your drone to your laptop utilizing a USB cable — be sure 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 laptop 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 uncertain which COM port is the best one, unplug the USB cable and reconnect it — the right port is the one which seems if you reconnect.

For those who can’t discover the COM port or nonetheless can’t join, you’ll have a driver problem in your laptop. 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 you must take note of:

Firmware Model and Goal – Exhibits which model of Betaflight and goal board are at present put in in your FC.
Voltage Studying – Shows the voltage detected by the FC. If no LiPo battery is linked, it would present the USB voltage.
Sensor Icons (High Bar) – The lit-up icons signify lively sensors in your flight controller.
- If an icon is crimson, it signifies a possible problem (e.g., a crimson GPS icon means it hasn’t acquired a satellite tv for pc repair but).
- For primary flying, all you really want is the Gyro — the opposite sensors merely present further 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 may discover the extra tabs for superior options.

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

For those who see a pop up warning akin 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 you must create a backup earlier than making any modifications 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 easiest way is to easily click on the “Save Backup” button within the Presets tab.

Moreover backups, the Presets tab can also be the place the net group shares their tunes, charges, and OSD layouts. You’ll be able to discover and apply these presets straight from inside Betaflight. Be taught 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 may 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 need to see the 3D mannequin on display screen transfer precisely as your drone strikes — meaning your accelerometer is working accurately.

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

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

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

Ports Tab

The Ports tab is the place you configure all of the peripherals (exterior units) linked to your flight controller by way of 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 accurately, and also you don’t want to alter something right here. Nonetheless, should you’re constructing a drone from scratch, listed below are the 2 important configurations it’s worthwhile to know:

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

Fast Tip: For those who’re utilizing DJI or Walksnail, there’s a fair simpler manner — 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 screen) after making modifications. For those who change to a different tab or shut Betaflight with out saving, your modifications will likely be misplaced.

Configuration Tab

The Configuration tab incorporates your drone’s core system settings — issues like replace frequencies, sensors, and flight options. You’ll be able to go away most choices at their default values, however there are a number of vital settings you must evaluation and regulate if wanted.

1. System Configuration

Gyro Replace Frequency: This determines how briskly gyro samples are taken. The worth relies on the particular gyro used in your flight controller and is normally fastened, 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, greater 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 finest to max it out.

Basic 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 charge).

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

You can even allow or disable onboard sensors right here:

Accelerometer: All flight controllers have accelerometer, so you may 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 really has them and you intend to make use of altitude maintain or GPS options.

2. Personalization

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

3. Arming Angle

The Arming Angle is a security function that forestalls 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 gained’t have the ability 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 may re-arm and attempt to shake it free.

4. Options

Allow solely the options you propose 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 suggest 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 should you don’t have a bodily buzzer. You’ll be able to 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 vital 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, verify the voltage studying on the prime bar (highlighted in crimson).

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

Learn how 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 some of the vital security settings in Betaflight.

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

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

Minimal Really helpful 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 a substitute, which makes the drone robotically return towards the takeoff level. I’ve a tutorial on the right way 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 permits you to configure and confirm that your radio receiver is working accurately together with your flight controller.

Setting Up Receiver

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

Receiver Mode: Serial (by way of 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, you must see the channel bars and the 3D mannequin within the configurator transfer if you transfer your sticks.

If the incorrect channels reply (e.g., roll strikes if you throttle), strive a special Channel Map. It’s normally both AETR1234 or TAER1234. Nonetheless incorrect? Learn how 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 certain to the transmitter? (do you see a strong inexperienced LED on receiver?)
Is the receiver soldered to the right UART pins (TX/RX)?
Have you ever enabled Serial RX for the right UART within the Ports Tab?
Have you ever chosen the right RX protocol (CRSF for ExpressLRS/Crossfire)?

Checking Channel Midpoints and Endpoints

As soon as your sticks are shifting accurately, 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 may 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 superb (e.g., 988 or 2012).

In case your midpoints or endpoints are off, observe 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 wager.
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 okay and doesn’t have an effect on stick vary and flight efficiency.

Be aware: Stick thresholds usually are not the identical as stick endpoints — they merely inform Betaflight the right way to interpret stick positions for sure capabilities (e.g., arming, OSD menu). Due to this fact you may simply go away these settings at default.

Modes Tab

The Modes tab permits you to assign radio switches to activate totally different flight modes and capabilities akin to:

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

You’ll find an in depth rationalization of every mode right here: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-modes/

Learn how to assign a change:

Setup the switches in your radio first (you may assign switches to channels 5 to 12): https://oscarliang.com/setup-switch-mixes/
Click on “Add Vary” on the specified mode.
Flip the change in your radio — Betaflight will robotically detect it.
Alter the slider vary to outline when the mode is lively.
Flip the change once more — the yellow marker ought to transfer beneath the slider. Ensure it falls throughout the lively vary when the mode is ON.
Click on Save to substantiate 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 normally 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 may 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

Verify 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 proper 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 incorrect, click on “Reorder Motors” and observe the on-screen directions.

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

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

OSD Tab

The OSD tab permits you to select which flight knowledge seem in your goggles — akin to battery voltage, timer, GPS coordinates, distance to residence, pace, altitude, flight mode and many others.

Video Format

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

Including and Positioning OSD Components

On the left, you’ll discover a checklist of accessible OSD parts. To allow one, tick the field within the first column (every column belongs to a special OSD profile). The component will seem within the preview space — drag and drop it anyplace you like.

The 2 will need to have parts are battery voltage and warnings, the remainder are as much as you.

Instance OSD Format

As an alternative of manually positioning every component, you may 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 appears like this.

For those who want extra data I’ve an entire tutorial going by way of each side of Betaflight OSD: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-osd/.

PID Tuning Tab

The PID Tuning tab permits you to 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 to your first flights — the default Betaflight tune works very properly for a variety of FPV drones. While you’re able to dive deeper, take a look at my detailed information on PID tuning: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-tuning/

Charges and Expo (Rateprofile Settings)

The principle factor price 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 rookies).
Increased charges → faster, extra responsive really feel (ideally suited for freestyle or racing).

There’s no common “finest” charge — it’s completely private desire and relies on your flying model.

In order for you some tips about the right way 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 may skip this tab — it solely applies to analog.

The Video Transmitter tab permits 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 well-liked technique)

You’ll be able to normally discover the right JSON file or CLI snippet in your VTX’s product web page. If not, verify the producer’s web site or just seek for it on-line.

Professional Suggestions

Learn how to Cease Your Drone Beeping on the Bench

In case your drone retains beeping when linked by way of USB, it’s probably as a result of your radio is off and the FC doesn’t detect a legitimate 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 about 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 obligatory.

Different Betaflight Tutorials

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

Ultimate Ideas

Betaflight doesn’t need to be sophisticated. By understanding simply the core setup steps lined 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 affords!

Comfortable flying!

Edit Historical past

Dec 2017 – Article created
Jul 2018 – Up to date directions
Sep 2018 – Added “Learn how 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

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