The Ryze Tello is a small, fun drone that many people love. It’s easy to fly, making it perfect for beginners and people just starting with drones. The Tello is packed with cool features like HD video and a flight time of up to 13 minutes. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to fly a drone without all the complicated steps.
You can fly the Tello with your phone, but using a Ryze Tello controller makes a big difference. The controller gives you better control, more distance, and smoother turns. It helps you fly the drone with precision, making your flying experience more fun and exciting.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up your Tello controller, offer useful tips, and fix any problems you might face. Let’s get started so you can enjoy your Tello to the fullest!
Mason knows photography inside and out. With 15 years of hands-on experience, he’s written about cameras, lenses, and gear of all kinds. He even spent five years as a journalist, diving deep into music and writing sharp, engaging stories. Now, Mason shares his photography knowledge, helping readers find the right gear and perfect their skills. He’s also proud of his unbeatable Wordle streak!
Understanding the Ryze Tello Drone
What is the Ryze Tello?
The Ryze Tello drone is small, light, and easy to use. It has a 720p camera to take great photos and videos while you fly. The drone can fly for up to 13 minutes and reach speeds of 8 meters per second. You don’t need to worry about complicated controls because it has automatic takeoff and landing. The Tello is great for beginners and fun to fly!
Why You Need a Controller
You can fly the Tello with your phone, but using a Tello controller is much better. The controller gives you more control, so the drone moves smoothly. You can fly farther and make quicker turns. It’s easier to keep the drone steady, which is important if you want clear pictures and videos. The controller helps you fly like a pro.
How to Connect Your Ryze Tello Controller
Step 1: Power on the Ryze Tello Drone
Turn on your Ryze Tello drone by holding the power button until the lights blink. This tells you the drone is ready. Make sure it has enough battery to fly.
Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on Your Phone
Next, make sure your phone’s Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is on. Go to your phone’s settings and turn on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Your phone needs one of these to talk to the controller.
Step 3: Power on the Tello Controller
Now, turn on your Tello controller. Press and hold the power button until the lights blink. The controller will start looking for the drone.
Step 4: Connect the Controller to the Drone
Once both the drone and controller are on, open the Tello app on your phone. It will help you connect the controller to the drone. If you’re using Wi-Fi, choose the Tello Wi-Fi network from your phone and link up with the drone. Follow the simple steps in the app.
Step 5: Fix Pairing Issues
If the devices don’t connect right away, try these fixes:
- Turn both devices off and on: This can help reset the connection.
- Check battery levels: Low batteries might cause connection problems. Charge both devices if needed.
- Get closer: Move the controller and drone closer together.
Step 6: Smooth Setup Tips
For the best experience, update the firmware on your drone. This ensures it works smoothly. Also, use the official Tello app for easy control.
Controller Features and Functions
The Ryze Tello controller is easy to use and helps you control the drone with simple buttons and joysticks.
Buttons and Joysticks
- Takeoff Button: Press this button, and the drone will fly into the air.
- Landing Button: When you’re ready to bring the drone down, press this button to land it safely.
- Emergency Stop Button: Press this button if something goes wrong. It stops the drone right away.
The controller has two joysticks:
- The left joystick moves the drone left, right, forward, or backward.
- The right joystick controls how high or low the drone flies.
LED Lights
The controller has LED lights to show the drone’s status. When the light is green, you’re ready to fly. A blinking red light means something’s wrong, like low battery or a connection issue.
Fun Features
The controller has some cool features:
- Automatic Takeoff and Landing: Press a button, and the drone takes off or lands all by itself.
- One-Touch Flip: Want to show off? Press the flip button, and the drone will do a fun flip.
- VR Mode: Some controllers let you connect a VR headset. You can see through the drone’s camera like you’re flying it yourself.
Adjusting the Controller
You can make flying smoother by adjusting the controller’s sensitivity. Set it low for slow movements or high for quick and sharp moves.
Flying the Ryze Tello with the Controller
Takeoff and Landing
To start flying, press the takeoff button. The drone will lift into the air. When you want to land, just press the landing button. The drone will slowly come down and land safely. Always land on a flat surface to avoid problems.
Hovering and Controlling Altitude
Once the Tello is flying, you can make it hover in place. Use the right joystick to control how high or low it goes. Push the joystick up to make the drone rise. Pull it down to make the drone go lower. Try hovering first to get a feel for the controls.
Flying Forward, Backward, Left, and Right
To fly the drone, use the left joystick. Push it forward to make the Tello go ahead. Pull it back to fly backward. Move the joystick left or right to make the drone go sideways. These simple moves will help you control your Tello in any direction.
Troubleshooting Common Tello Controller Issues
Sometimes, your Tello controller might not work like it should. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
1. Controller Not Connecting
If your controller doesn’t connect to the drone, try these steps:
- Turn on Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is on in your phone.
- Check the Battery: Ensure the controller and drone have enough charge.
- Restart the App: Close the Tello app, then open it again. This helps the connection.
2. Poor Controller Response
If the controller feels slow or doesn’t respond well:
- Calibrate the Controller: Calibrating fixes most issues. Do this through the Tello app.
- Update the Firmware: Check for updates on both the controller and drone. This helps fix bugs and improves performance.
3. Low Battery
To avoid running out of power:
- Charge Fully: Always charge the controller and drone fully before flying.
- Save Power: If the battery drains quickly, try flying in cooler places. Heat uses more power.
Follow these tips, and most of your Tello controller issues will be fixed quickly!
Maximizing Your Ryze Tello Experience
Add Accessories to Boost Your Flight
To get the most out of your Tello, you can add some helpful accessories. A third-party controller will give you better control and make flying easier. Extra batteries let you fly longer without worrying about power. Use prop guards to protect your drone while flying. A carrying case helps you keep your Tello safe when you’re not flying.
Tips for New Flyers
If you’re new to flying the Tello, start slow. Fly indoors where there is plenty of space. Use Easy Flight Mode to make flying easier. Throw & Go lets you launch the drone by tossing it in the air—no need for buttons!
Advanced Tips for Experts
Once you feel comfortable, try out the autonomous flight modes. These let your Tello fly on its own while you focus on taking cool videos. Use modes like Circle Me or Flip for smooth and fun flights. Always fly when the weather is good, and keep practicing to improve your skills.
Take Your Tello Flying Skills to the Next Level
Now you know how to set up your Tello controller, fly your drone, and fix any issues that pop up. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Try different flight modes and explore new things with your Tello.
Flying is all about learning and having fun. If something goes wrong, don’t worry—use the tips to get back in the air quickly. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be flying like a pro!
Got a story to share? Tell us how your flying is going in the comments below. Want to learn more? Check out our advanced tips to become even better!