Home Point not set

Overview

RTH unavailable — Home Point not captured or changed.

Common on: DJI Mini/Mavic/Air, Autel, FPV with GPS module (BN-220, M10), INAV GPS rescue.

Symptoms

Typical "Home Point not set" signs in flight, app or OSD:

• Home Point gray
• RTH unavailable
• Return home disabled
• Log satellite count, HDOP and RTH status before arming.

Common causes

Before replacing parts, rule out software, mechanical and environmental causes:

• No GPS lock at takeoff
• Moved after GPS lock
• App bug after update

Tools needed

Prepare before diagnostics — saves time in the field:

• Open area away from metal
• DJI Fly / Pilot or Betaflight Configurator
• Flight log export

Step-by-step fix

Work safely: battery off when working on ESC/motors; props removed; after repair — VLOS test flight.

• Wait for GPS lock before take-off.
• Manual Home Point update in app if supported.
• Relaunch app after firmware update.

Additional diagnostics

Log satellite count, HDOP and RTH status before arming.

Compare behaviour indoors vs outdoors — confirms GPS limitation.

FPV: Betaflight GPS tab — baud 57600/115200, mag alignment.

When to contact service

If any of the following apply — do not fly and contact authorised service:

• GPS still shows no satellites after calibration and firmware update.
• After crash — physical GPS antenna or cable damage.
• Compass wrong even in open field — service required.

Prevention

Prevention reduces failure risk and supports EASA Open / VLOS compliance:

• Confirm Home Point on map ritual

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to fly with "Home Point not set"?

No if the fault affects navigation, power, ESC or link. Fix on the ground first, then conduct a VLOS test flight in open area.

How long does diagnosis take?

Most “Home Point not set” cases — 15–45 min on the ground. Complex ones (firmware, hardware) may need 1–2 h and service.

Must I register repair with the NAA?

No mandatory repair registration, but a maintenance log is recommended for commercial operations.