How to fly Skydio X10 over cellular connectivity

Published: Updated:

  1. Skydio
  2. Skydio X10
  3. Flying Skydio X10

Skydio Connect 5G gives you the option to fly long distances over a cellular network.

[note] Flight over 5G Cellular is only available if you’ve purchased an X10 system with Skydio Connect 5G and a Skydio Connect 5G data plan. [/note]

Requirements:

  • Skydio X10 system with Skydio Connect 5G
  • Skydio Connect 5G data plan
  • Remote Pilot or Organization Admin permissions in Skydio Cloud
  • Media Sync, Fleet Manager, and Multi-Viewer Live Streaming licenses
  • For detailed information about browser requirements visit, Skydio Cloud System Requirements

Once your system is set up, you’ll be able to:

  • operate your drone from long distances using your Skydio X10 Controller
  • view live streams, and
  • share control of drones in your organization while in flight

…all over a cellular network.

[note] Software updates and the transfer of large support logs are not supported over 5G Cellular. [/note]

[note] If you have purchased DFR Command or Remote Flight Deck, you can also pilot Skydio X10 remotely via a web browser. Visit How to use Remote Flight Deck with Skydio X10 5G Connect for more information. [/note]

How to set up Connect 5G

To fly over a cellular network with an X10 Controller, you will need to enable a few settings in Skydio Cloud and on your controller.

Step 1 - Log into Skydio Cloud

Step 2 - Ensure your drone is claimed in Skydio Cloud

Step 3 - Set user roles to Remote Pilot or Organization Admin

  1. Select the Settings menu and the Users tab
  2. Select the ellipses icon next to the user who will be flying over cellular
  3. Select Edit
  4. Set the role to Remote Pilot or Organization Admin

[note] A user must be a Remote Pilot or an Admin in order to fly their system over cellular network. [/note]

CS_c18_cellular_remote_pilot_antd.png

Step 4 - Power on your Skydio X10 and controller

Step 5 - On your X10 Controller, select the Global Settings menu and the Radio tab

X10 radio.png

Step 6 - Toggle on Drone Connect 5G

CS_X10_media_UI_controller_connect_radio_menu3.png

Step 7 - Select the Global Settings menu and the Information tab

Step 8 - Scroll down to Device Settings, select Network, then ensure Cellular Data is toggled ON

Once you have configured all of your settings, you are ready to fly over Skydio Connect 5G.

How to fly over cellular with your Skydio X10 Controller

To pilot your drone over a cellular network, first make sure you have followed the setup steps above.

Step 1 - Navigate to the Radio menu

Located within Global Settings.

Step 2 - Select your preferred Flight Connection

The Radio menu allows you to select the connection X10 operates on. Displays the current link quality between the drone and controller, including signal strength (in dBm) and bitrate.

  • Fusion (default, recommended) - Optimizes inflight connectivity by automatically selecting the strongest signal between Connect SL and Connect 5G, eliminating the need for manual switching
  • SL - The drone will only use Connect SL (point-to-point)
  • 5G - The drone will only use Connect 5G (cellular)  

CS_X10_media_UI_controller_connect_fusion1.png

Use this menu or select the Signal Strength icon in the telemetry bar to view connection strength and manually switch connections. 

 

How to switch networks inflight

Skydio Connect Fusion provides continuous, high-quality video by encoding separate streams for both Connect SL and Connect 5G, then dynamically selects the strongest feed in real-time.

  • Optimizes inflight connectivity by automatically selecting the strongest signal between Connect SL and Connect 5G, eliminating the need for manual switching

If you would like to manually switch connections during flight:


Step 1 - Select the Signal Strength indicator
A drop-down menu will appear with Skydio Connect SL and Skydio Connect 5G as the available options.

Step 2 - Select the network you’d like to use and Skydio will automatically switch.

[note] You may experience a momentary loss of connection while switching. You will be able to dismiss this notification when Skydio regains connection. [/note]

CS_X10_media_UI_fusion4_rounded.png

 

Viewing the live stream of another drone on your network

Step 1 - Select Network Drones

CS_App3_media_UI_cellular_network_drones_1_antd.png

Step 2 - Use the map or list to select the drone you wish to connect to

Step 3 - Once connected, select View Live Stream

Here you can view the pilot's live stream of the color camera and thermal camera. You can also view the telemetry data of the drone in flight.

Taking control of another drone on your network

While viewing the livestream of a drone in flight select Take Control to commandeer this drone.

You can also select Take Control from the Gate Screen.

 

How to fly over cellular using a browser

Visit How to use Remote Flight Deck with Skydio X10 5G Connect for more information.

Explore More

How to optimize your live stream with Skydio X10

How to manage devices and batteries in Skydio Cloud

Getting Started Skydio X10

 

 

Skydio, Inc. A0474

Was this article helpful?