Quick Answer
GPS Rescue is a Betaflight feature that brings your FPV drone back to its launch point if you lose signal or orientation. It needs a GPS module, a compass (optional but recommended), and correct configuration in the Betaflight Presets and Failsafe tabs.
What Is GPS Rescue
GPS Rescue is Betaflight's built-in return-to-home function. When triggered by a failsafe event (lost signal, low battery, or manual activation), the flight controller switches to a self-leveling mode, climbs to a safe altitude, and navigates back toward the point where it first achieved a GPS fix.
Unlike ArduPilot's RTL, GPS Rescue is an emergency safety net, not an autonomous flight mode. It works on standard FPV flight controllers with a connected GPS module.
Hardware You Need
To use GPS Rescue, you need a GPS module wired to your flight controller, a compass (often built into the GPS board), and Betaflight 4.3 or newer with a spare UART.
The HGLRC M100 Pro GPS Module is compact and suits smaller builds. The GOKU GM10 Nano V3.1 GPS offers faster satellite acquisition with an integrated compass. Both connect via a single UART.
Flight controllers like the SpeedyBee F405 V4 flight stack have dedicated UART pads and work well with external GPS modules. Browse more options in our GPS modules collection and flight controllers collection.
Setting Up GPS Rescue in Betaflight
1. Wire and Configure the GPS Module
Connect the GPS TX to an available UART RX pad on your flight controller, and GPS RX to the UART TX pad. In Betaflight, go to the Ports tab and enable Serial RX on the corresponding UART with a baud rate of 115200 (or whatever your GPS module specifies). Head to the Configuration tab and set the GPS provider to UBLOX (for most modules), then select the correct UART. Save and reboot.
2. Enable the GPS Rescue Feature
Open the Failsafe tab in Betaflight. Under "Failsafe Procedure," change the setting from "Drop" or "Land" to "GPS Rescue." This tells the flight controller to attempt a return-to-home instead of just cutting motors when signal is lost.
You can also enable GPS Rescue as a switchable flight mode by configuring it in the Modes tab. Assign it to a channel switch so you can trigger it manually if you lose visual orientation.
3. Tune the Parameters
In the Failsafe tab, adjust these key settings under GPS Rescue:
- Min Sats: Set to 7 or 8. The drone will not attempt rescue without enough satellites.
- Return Altitude: 30 to 50 metres works for most flying sites. The drone climbs to this height before heading home.
- Descent Distance: Start the descent when within this distance of home. 20 to 30 metres is typical.
- Ground Speed: 3 to 5 m/s is a safe cruising speed during rescue.
- Angle Mode Strength: Keep at default unless the drone wobbles during rescue.
For a deeper walkthrough of Betaflight configuration, see our Betaflight flight controller setup guide.
4. Test Before You Fly
With props off, arm the drone outside and wait for a GPS fix (solid LED on most modules). Check the Betaflight GPS tab to confirm satellites and home position. Turn off your radio to trigger failsafe and verify the motors respond as expected for a return-to-home attempt.
Common Problems and Fixes
Won't arm: Check satellites (minimum 7), verify UART config, and ensure the module has a clear sky view. Cold starts can take up to 5 minutes.
Flies wrong direction: Compass calibration may be off. Run calibration in Betaflight, or disable compass and rely on GPS heading. Mount the GPS module away from high-current wires.
Erratic flight: Reduce ground speed and increase return altitude. Strong wind can overpower a slow rescue.
FAQ
Q: Does GPS Rescue work on toothpick and whoop builds?
A: Yes, as long as the flight controller has a free UART for a GPS module and runs a supported version of Betaflight. Compact GPS boards like the M100 Pro fit easily on small frames.
Q: Can I use GPS Rescue instead of a failsafe parachute?
A: GPS Rescue is not a guarantee. It can fail due to poor satellite reception, compass interference, or strong wind. Always fly with a spotter and within legal range. See our failsafe setup guide for the full picture.
Q: Do I need a compass for GPS Rescue?
A: A compass is not strictly required. Betaflight can estimate heading from GPS movement alone. However, a compass makes rescue heading more accurate and reliable, especially during the initial climb phase when the drone has not yet started moving.
Q: What happens if GPS signal is lost during rescue?
A: The drone will fall back to the secondary failsafe procedure (typically Drop or Land). This is why you should always set a sensible secondary failsafe and never rely entirely on GPS Rescue as your only safety measure.