At a glance

Before you start

1. Check the Notices to Operators first

• Skydio publishes NTOs for known issues. Read the ones for your aircraft before you replace a part. The main X10 ones are on this page: propeller hub wear, difficult prop installation, motor stator charring, delayed motor spin-up, battery connector wear, battery level estimation and update failures. [6][12][13][14][15][16][17]
• Keep the system up to date. Skydio does not force updates, but recommends staying current; a red icon in the Information menu means an update is available. [18]

2. Protect the logs

• Don't reformat or factory reset the drone before talking to Skydio Support. [19]
• Don't power off immediately after a landing or crash. Let post-flight tasks finish, or the flight log will be missing data. Don't remove, swap or rename files on the media card. [19]
• If the drone body or cameras are damaged, do not fly until Skydio Support has reviewed the logs. [19]

3. Safety

• Turn the drone off and remove the battery before servicing. Propeller blades are sharp. [20][7]
• Fit the sensor package lock (Drone Stabilizer Clip) whenever the drone is stored or the package is being handled. Use the clip labeled for your sensor package. [1][21]

4. Tools Skydio mentions

Props & arms

Skydio X10

1. Step 1

   Inspect every flight

   Look for hairline cracks, large breaks, chops or bends. Any of these: replace the props before flight. [5]
2. Step 2

   REV 2 only

   Since April 2025 X10 kits ship with REV 2 props (low-friction plastic hub, stabilizing hoop). To keep the warranty, stop using and discard all REV 1 props once you have REV 2. [6][5]
3. Step 3

   Remove

   Hold the motor, press the prop hub down and twist to release. Each motor turns one way, clockwise or counterclockwise. [5]
4. Step 4

   Check the motor

   Look for dirt or debris in the motor before you fit the new prop. [5]
5. Step 5

   Fit

   Match the hub color to the motor (gray to gray, blue to blue). Line the hub opening up with the motor, press down and twist to lock. Be gentle; if it will not fit, it may be the wrong set or side. [5][6]
6. Step 6

   Confirm the lock

   You should feel the lock and hear a click. The metal hub and plastic prop sit flush on top, with no gaps. Some spare kits need extra force; press firmly. [12]
7. Step 7

   Replace as a set

   Replace all four at once to keep the hour count simple. Interval: 250 flight hours, or 100 hours in high-stress flight with multiple attachments (sustained speed above 33 mph, aggressive or max inputs, high wind or gusts). [5][11]
8. Step 8

   Log it in Skydio Cloud

   An Organization Admin marks the change on the drone device page: Prop Hours, Mark Replaced, propeller type (REV 2), date, Update. If Prop Hours is empty, Skydio Cloud sends no replacement alert. [5][6]
9. Step 9

   Check the springs

   When you replace props, inspect all four motor-shaft springs. Some hub rotation and wear is normal with REV 2 hubs. [11][5]
10. Step 10

    Functional check flight

    Skydio says to do a functional check flight after fitting new props. [6]

Skydio X2E / X2D

1. Step 1

   Interval

   Replace props after 100 flight hours or at any damage. Replace all blades on the hub, even if only one is damaged. [7]
2. Step 2

   Remove

   Drone off. Grip the motor, unscrew the propeller pin with the Skydio torque driver and slide the blade out. Discard the old blades. [7]
3. Step 3

   Fit

   All three blades must come from the same kit. Marks face up, CW/CCW matches the hub and the dots match. Use new screws only; never reuse them. Tighten with the torque driver until it clicks. [7]
4. Step 4

   Inspect

   The screw thread pokes slightly out below the hub, and each blade swings freely without binding on the spokes. [7]
5. Step 5

   Arm clamp tension

   Release the clamp, extend the arm and relock with the blue marks aligned. Loosen the set screw, tighten the tension bolt with the torque driver until it clicks, then tighten the set screw until it clicks. [26]
6. Step 6

   Hard stops

   An arm that is not parallel to the chassis when fully extended has a damaged hard stop. Extend the neighboring arm for room, remove the tiny screw with the T3 driver, rotate the flange out and wiggle the stop free. Fit the new one with the larger pin into the chassis, refit the screw to about 6 cNm, flange flush. [23]

Sensor package & attachments

1. Step 1

   Remove (X10)

   Remove the sensor package lock and the battery. Loosen the four captive screws with the 2 mm / 28 cNm tool. Hold the frame edges, not the package, and lift straight up while gently rocking side to side. Do not pull at an angle or peel it off. Refit the lock for storage. [27]
2. Step 2

   Install (X10)

   Remove the lock. Line the holes under the bracket up with the guide posts, then lower it straight down without rocking. Press down between the two top screws until it locks. [27]
3. Step 3

   Torque

   Tighten all four screws with the Skydio torque tool; it clicks at the set torque (2 mm, 28 cNm). [27][10]
4. Step 4

   Power on

   Fit the battery and power on the drone and controller. The drone calibrates itself with the new package. [27]
5. Step 5

   Isolators

   Inspect every 40 flights or 30 flight hours; every 20 flights or 15 hours if the drone is stored at 50–55 °C (122–131 °F). Replace any isolator with abnormal wear, tears or separation, especially where the inner gaskets meet the main connector. [28]
6. Step 6

   Replace an isolator

   Power off and remove the lock; the package stays on. Pinch the inner gasket and pull the top down through the upper bracket, then pull it up out of the lower bracket. The end with the hole goes in the lower bracket: thread it through from between the brackets, then thread the other half through the slightly offset upper bracket. Roll the edges until it matches the others. [28]
7. Step 7

   Lens filters (VT300-L / VT300-Z)

   Drone off, stabilizer clip on. Clean the lenses, surround and applicator. Lift a filter with the applicator, center it (large lens within one stair-step ring; small lens even all round), press 2–3 seconds, then pull the liner tab. Never fit a filter on the radiometric thermal lens. Check for debris, tilt or lifted edges. [21][29]
8. Step 8

   Attachments

   On install: the attachment connector is free of debris, cables are undamaged, and the attachment is fully seated and torqued. Every 50 flight hours check the attachment bracket for cracks and that its C-clip is tight. [1]
9. Step 9

   Dock-based X10 attachments

   Coat each captive attachment screw with Vibra-Tite VC-3 (about 1.5 turns), let it set, then torque to 28 cNm with the Skydio tool (or a ±10% tool). No other threadlocker and no solvents. A coated screw can be reused three times before reapplying. Controller-based X10 guidance is unchanged. [22]

Battery & charging

Skydio X10

1. Step 1

   Remove and fit

   Grip the chassis, put your palm over the power button and thumb under the pack, and press until the magnets release. To fit, align with the rails and slide toward the sensor package until the magnets engage. Fully seat it before flying. [2]
2. Step 2

   Inspect the pins

   Before fitting, check the battery pins and the battery bay for damage and debris. [2][1]
3. Step 3

   Charge

   Only the Skydio X10 Dual Charger and Skydio power supplies and cables. Pulsing blue is charging, solid blue is waiting, solid green is done. [2]
4. Step 4

   Store

   About 50% charge, 22–28 °C (71–82 °F), under 75% relative humidity. Don't store at very low charge. Above 50%, packs start self-discharging after 14 idle days; slight warmth during that is normal. [2]
5. Step 5

   Maintenance cycle

   Every 2 months, and after storage longer than 2 months: charge fully, then fly in a controlled area down to the Low Battery landing threshold, and recharge before storing. [2][1]
6. Step 6

   Cold

   Below 0 °C (32 °F) the X10 won't launch until the pack warms. Self-warming works down to −20 °C (−4 °F) and needs at least 30% charge. Triple-tap the button to pre-warm. [2][30]
7. Step 7

   Reset

   Hold the battery power button for 15 seconds. [2]
8. Step 8

   Swelling

   A pack can swell temporarily after hot, high-power flight or fast charging. Let it cool at room temperature for one hour. If it is still swollen, or won't insert, don't force it; remove it from service. [2]
9. Step 9

   Battery shim (SOSB-26-V3)

   Battery connector wear can cause in-flight power loss. New X10s ship with a shim; existing owners get a self-install kit. Drone off, battery out, drone upside down. Clean with the IPA wipe and let it dry. Remove the two M1.6 black round-head screws (press firmly; discard them). Seat the shim adhesive-side down under the pins with its two bosses in the screw holes, press firmly, then fit the two silver flat-head screws flush. Don't over-tighten; slightly under is acceptable. [15][20]
10. Step 10

    After the shim

    The battery may need a little more force to fit and remove. That alone is not a sign of swelling. [20][2]
11. Step 11

    Dual Charger firmware

    After updating the drone and controller, put a battery on the charger and connect the charger by USB-C to the drone's rear port. Solid blue, then seven blue flashes, means it is done. [31]

Skydio X2E / X2D

1. Step 1

   Inspect

   X2 batteries seat with magnets that can pick up metal debris. Check the magnets and pins; don't use the pack if either is damaged. [3]
2. Step 2

   Temperature

   Don't operate or charge below −10 °C (14 °F), and don't charge above 35 °C (95 °F) ambient. Warm packs at room temperature only. [3]
3. Step 3

   Store and cycle

   Store at about 50% charge, 22–28 °C, under 75% humidity. Fully charge and discharge every two months; Skydio calls a 3–6 month maintenance cycle best practice. [3]
4. Step 4

   Hibernation

   A hibernating pack won't charge above 50% on the Dual Charger. Fly until a forced low-battery landing, charge it in the drone for 5–10 minutes, then move it to the Dual Charger. [3]
5. Step 5

   Firmware

   Batteries update themselves before the next flight. The Dual Charger updates over USB-C from an updated X2 (up to 5 minutes; battery lights turn green when done). [32]

Calibration

Firmware & linking

X10 online update

1. Step 1

   Controller first

   Update the X10 Controller before the drone: Global Settings, Information, Controller Update, Check for Update, Update. [18]
2. Step 2

   Drone

   Power both on. On the Gate screen select the drone name, the information icon, then Update. It can take up to 30 minutes over Wi-Fi, and the drone keeps updating for up to 5 minutes after it reboots. [18]
3. Step 3

   Read the lights

   Solid yellow starting; one arm at a time flashing yellow from 0 to 50%; breathing yellow 50–100%; solid green done; flashing red error. The sensor package goes slack during the update; that is normal. [18]
4. Step 4

   If it fails

   Reboot both the controller and drone and try again; it may take two tries. Still failing after the second try: contact Skydio Support. [17]
5. Step 5

   Re-pair after old versions

   Updating from 37.2.32 or earlier to 39.237 requires re-pairing drone and controller with a USB-C cable. [18]

X10D offline update

1. Step 1

   Controller

   Copy the .tar file to the root of an exFAT USB-C drive approved by your IT security. Insert it in the controller, then Global Settings, Information, Controller Update, My Files, USB Storage 1, the flashpack .tar, Done. [24]
2. Step 2

   Drone

   Extract the offline_ota folder to the root of the drive (or the media SD card), with nothing else on it. Insert it in the drone's rear USB-C port (or media slot); the update starts by itself. Four arms solid green for 10 seconds means done. [24]
3. Step 3

   Verify

   Global Settings, Information, drone name: the version matches the one Skydio gave you. [24]

X2E / X2D

1. Step 1

   Controller first

   X2E: on Wi-Fi, INFO, Controller Update, Check for Update, Update; then select the drone under Devices and Update. Make sure the controller is paired to the drone you are updating. [36]
2. Step 2

   X2D offline

   Put offline_ota and the controller .tar on the root of an exFAT drive. Decrypt media and turn on the RGB lights first. Update the controller from My Files, then insert the drive in the drone and power on. Leave the drive in for at least 60 seconds after the gimbal re-engages, then power-cycle both. [25]

Pairing, logs and resets

1. Step 1

   Pair

   X10: power both on and connect them with the USB-C pairing cable; the drone lights turn solid blue and its name appears. X2: connect by USB-C and wait about 15 seconds. A controller pairs with one drone at a time. [37][38]
2. Step 2

   Controller password

   An X10 Controller password cannot be recovered or reset. If it is lost, the controller must be replaced. Write it down and store it safely. [37]
3. Step 3

   Upload logs

   Global Settings, Information, Skydio Support Logs, Upload to Skydio Support, then pick the flight or send controller logs. RTK/PPK data is not included; Skydio may ask for media-card files separately. [19]
4. Step 4

   Controller reset (X10)

   Hard reset: hold C3 and Power for 10–15 seconds, or press the small reset button on the front. Recovery Mode (last resort): hold Power until the power-off prompt, hold PAUSE, R1 and R2, enter Recovery Mode, Clear App Data. [39]
5. Step 5

   Controller reset (X2)

   Hold C1, Home, Launch and Pause for 45 seconds, or press the hard reset button (front on the Controller-S, top on the standard controller). [4]
6. Step 6

   X2 memory cards

   INFO, the drone under Paired Devices, Manage Data, Format Media Card or Format Logs Card. Don't select Factory Reset unless Skydio Support tells you to. [40]

Crash triage

1. Step 1

   Leave it powered

   Let post-flight tasks finish before you power off; powering off right after a crash loses log data. [19]
2. Step 2

   Upload logs

   Upload the support logs before any reset or reformat. [19]
3. Step 3

   Do not fly if damaged

   If the drone body or cameras are damaged in any way, don't fly until Skydio Support has reviewed the logs. [19]
4. Step 4

   Battery

   Don't use a battery that is damaged, dented or ruptured after a crash or drop. [3]
5. Step 5

   Props, motors, nav lenses

   After any collision, inspect the blades, motors and navigation camera lenses for damage and smudges. [42]
6. Step 6

   Motor windings

   Look into each motor: copper windings should be evenly colored. A blackened stator tooth, charring, blistered or warped enamel, or a burnt smell: do not launch. [13]
7. Step 7

   Spin by hand

   Each motor should have the same low, even resistance. A crunchy or rough feel means debris or bearing damage: blow it out with clean compressed air and recheck. [14]
8. Step 8

   Delayed spin-up

   One motor spinning up slowly before launch is part of the health check. If it aborts the launch and you find no damage or obstruction, it is safe to try again. [14]
9. Step 9

   Skydio Care

   Covered drones are claimed at skydio.com/care with your Skydio Care number. Send the drone only, with no SD cards, batteries or accessories. [43]

Water & weather exposure

1. Step 1

   Know the rating

   The X10 is IP55 and can fly in light to moderate rain and snow; the X10 Controller is IP54. Icing and lightning are not supported. The X2 guidance says not to fly in fog, rain or snow. [35][1][44]
2. Step 2

   Before flying wet (X10)

   All rubber seals closed. Set Global Settings, Sensing, Flight Environment (Standard by day, Low Light at night), turn obstacle avoidance off, and fly only with a strong GPS signal. [35][42]
3. Step 3

   After flying wet

   Power off, fit the sensor package lock, and rotate the drone so water drains out. Water inside is expected; sensitive parts are protected. [35]
4. Step 4

   Dry it

   Remove the battery, wipe the lenses with microfiber, and air-dry at least 12 hours with the arms upright in a ventilated, temperature-controlled room. Don't open any seal (including USB-C) or remove the sensor package or attachments while wet. Never stow it wet. [35][1]
5. Step 5

   Clean

   Wipe with a dry or damp microfiber cloth; lens cleaner on cameras only. Mild soap for heavy dirt, away from openings. Keep drain holes clear with compressed air or a toothpick. Never submerge it or run it under a tap or hose. [1]
6. Step 6

   Ice

   In freezing temperatures, inspect the prop leading edges after every flight for rime or clear ice. Any ice: stop flying and remove it all before the next flight. [30]

Scheduled maintenance

Test-flight & QC checklist

These items follow Skydio's X10 Flight Checklist and maintenance manual. Fly under your agency's SOP, within visual line of sight. [45]