Getting Started with Skydio

We know the first thing you want to do is try out your new hardware. Please follow these steps before heading out for a test flight. They will help you succeed as you get started.

[note] Most of these steps refer to Skydio X10, however they can be applied to any Skydio system. [/note]

Is Everything in the Box?

Check to make sure that you have all of the drones and attachments that you ordered. If you’re missing something, please check with your Skydio representative. Shipments can be split for faster shipping and everything may not arrive at once.

Charge Everything

The batteries and controller must be charged to update and fly your drone. We encourage you to charge everything fully upon unpacking your hardware and leave everything charging as you set up your account.

Set up Your Account

Without assigning your software licenses, your vehicles will not work as expected. Skydio Cloud is how we know what software and users to assign to your vehicles. You received an email from Skydio with instructions on signing into your account, claiming vehicles, adding users, and assigning software licenses. All of these tasks must be accomplished before you start flying.

• Sign into your account
• Claim your vehicles
• Add users
• Assign software licenses

Check out this video with step-by-step instructions and more information to get you started: Getting started with Skydio Cloud

Keep in mind that all software capabilities are pushed from Skydio Cloud to the controller and then to the vehicle. If you make a change in Skydio Cloud, it will not be immediately reflected on the vehicle. The change is only reflected once pushed through while the vehicle is attached to the internet or the cloud settings are manually pushed.

Update Your Software

The vehicle comes with software from the factory that may need to be updated. Skydio is continually releasing software with fixes and new features. To ensure you are running the current release, please update your controller and then your vehicle (in that order). See instructions here. The update process will require a robust internet connection.

Live Streaming

This is a favorite for first flights. If you purchased live streaming, the license is automatically applied to your drone. Your controller and/or vehicle must be connected to the internet for live streaming to function. There is no need to fly your vehicle to test live streaming. To test the live stream, turn on the vehicle and controller, make sure you are connected to the internet, and enable the live stream (live stream is on by default when using cellular). To view the live stream, go to your Skydio Cloud account. It is easiest to test live streaming in your office before heading out for a flight. Full instructions here.

• For a vehicle without Remote Flight Deck or Skydio Connect 5G, connect a 2.4 GHz hotspot to the controller (Information -> Device Settings -> Network -> WiFI Settings -> Add a network)
• For a vehicle with Remote Flight Deck or Skydio Connect 5G, make sure there is cellular coverage, and the vehicle and controller cellular have been enabled.

ReadyLink is a powerful feature in Skydio Cloud that allows you to quickly and easily share access to the live stream of one or all drones in your organization. It also allows fleet-level live stream management. This feature can be enabled in Skydio Cloud. We encourage you to read more about it here.

• Multiple ReadyLinks can be active at one time
• ReadyLink can be created for incidents or events and shared internally and externally
• A map view of the vehicle’s location, pilot’s name, and battery percentage is displayed

Media Sync (Evidence Management)

To test Media Sync, you must first add the desired network in Skydio Cloud. This will tell the vehicle which network it needs to connect to. Add this network before your first flights to test Media Sync thereafter. For more information on how to Media Sync both over a wired and wireless connection visit this page.

Integrations

Feel free to add any integrations before you fly your first flight. For more information on third-party integration, please visit the Skydio Extend webpage.

A common integration for digital evidence management is built by Axon. With this integration, the Skydio drone will automatically and securely connect to Wi-Fi when plugged into a power source, at which point the system will automatically upload any new photos or video recorded to Axon Evidence, tagging them with the pilot’s name and additional data necessary for entry into evidence, ensuring chain of custody and removing the administrative overhead from officers and staff. Full instructions here.

Customer Support

If you are having technical issues please refer to our technical documentation here. If you need technical support beyond documentation, please contact our support team.

Get Out Flying

Take it easy for your first flights. Follow our quick start guide to get the drones up in the air. You can also find our full library of getting started videos here.