How to reset a gimbal to factory settings

You’re mid-shoot, the lighting is perfect, and everything is set for a smooth tracking shot. You power on your gimbal, but something feels off. 

The camera tilts slightly, drifts, or doesn’t respond as expected. You tweak the settings, recalibrate, and restart, but nothing fixes it. At this point, a factory reset might be your best option.

Gimbals rely on sensors, motors, and software to stabilize movement. Over time, small errors build up, leading to issues like calibration failures, firmware glitches, and erratic behavior. 

If your gimbal won’t hold a level horizon, lags, or struggles with joystick inputs, resetting it can clear out corrupted settings and restore normal function.

After a reset, always recalibrate the motors, reinstall firmware updates if needed, and rebalance your camera. 

This prevents unnecessary strain on the motors and keeps the gimbal performing at its best. If problems continue, hardware issues might be the cause, making further troubleshooting necessary.

Understanding Factory Reset: What It Does and When to Use It

Gimbals work best when they hold onto precise settings. But sometimes, things go wrong—calibration drifts, motors behave strangely, or settings clash with firmware updates. 

When that happens, a factory reset wipes everything back to default. Think of it like rebooting a frozen phone. 

It clears out custom settings, resets motor configurations, and removes any quirks caused by misalignment or firmware glitches.

What Happens When You Reset a Gimbal?

• Custom settings disappear. Any personalized motor tuning, joystick sensitivity, or follow-speed adjustments get erased.
• The gimbal reverts to factory defaults. The same settings it had out of the box return, resetting how it responds to movement.
• Bluetooth and app connections reset. Some models may require re-pairing with your smartphone or camera.
• Stored calibration data gets erased. You’ll need to balance and calibrate the gimbal again before use.

When Should You Reset a Gimbal?

• Gimbal behaves erratically – If the motors jitter, overcorrect, or lose stabilization even after recalibration.
• Firmware update issues – If an update disrupts settings or causes unexpected behavior.
• Unresponsive controls – If buttons, the joystick, or smartphone app fail to communicate with the gimbal.
• Persistent drift or tilt – If the gimbal leans or moves on its own after multiple calibration attempts.
• Pairing or connectivity problems – If your phone or camera won’t connect after trying basic troubleshooting.

When a Reset Might Not Be Necessary

• If your gimbal tilts slightly, recalibrate the accelerometer and gyroscope before jumping to a reset.
• If motors feel weak or unresponsive, adjust the motor strength settings instead of wiping everything.
• If the smartphone app glitches, restart the app or re-pair the device before considering a reset.
• If you recently updated the firmware, double-check the update instructions to see if settings need manual adjustments.

What to Keep in Mind Before Resetting

• Save your custom settings if the gimbal’s app allows it. Some brands let you back up profiles.
• Prepare for rebalancing and recalibrating after the reset. Skipping this step can lead to unstable footage.
• Keep your gimbal’s firmware up to date after resetting. Running old software can bring back the same problems.

How to Reset Different Gimbal Brands and Models

Resetting a gimbal restores default settings, removes calibration issues, and fixes software glitches. Different brands have unique reset methods. Follow the instructions below for your specific model.

A. Resetting DJI Gimbals (Ronin, Osmo, RS Series)

▶️ DJI Ronin Series (RS3, RS2, Ronin-S, Ronin-SC)

✅ Reset via DJI Ronin App:

• Open the DJI Ronin app on your smartphone.
• Connect to the gimbal via Bluetooth.
• Go to Settings > More Settings and select Restore Factory Settings.
• Confirm the reset and restart the gimbal.

✅ Manual Button Reset (if the app doesn’t work):

• Power on the gimbal.
• Hold the power button and M button together for 10 seconds.
• Release when you hear a beep.

After resetting, recalibrate the gimbal and adjust motor settings for proper stabilization.

▶️ DJI Osmo Series (Osmo Mobile, Pocket, Action)

✅ Osmo Mobile Series (OM 4, OM 5, OM 6):

• Power off the gimbal.
• Hold the trigger button + M button while turning it on.
• Release when the LED blinks.

✅ Osmo Pocket:

• Open the Settings menu on the touchscreen.
• Scroll down and select Factory Reset.

✅ Osmo Action Cameras:

• Open the DJI Mimo app.
• Navigate to Settings > Factory Reset and confirm.

B. Resetting Zhiyun Gimbals (Crane, Weebill, Smooth Series)

▶️ Zhiyun Crane & Weebill Series (Crane 2S, Crane M3, Weebill-S, Weebill 3)

• Power off the gimbal.
• Hold Mode (M) button + trigger button.
• Turn the gimbal back on while holding the buttons.
• Release when the indicator lights flash.

If the reset doesn’t work, update the firmware using the Zhiyun Assistant app, then try again.

▶️ Zhiyun Smooth Series (Smooth Q, Smooth 4, Smooth 5S)

• Hold power button + mode button for 5 seconds.
• Release when the gimbal vibrates or the LED blinks.
• Restart and recalibrate in the Zhiyun Play app.

✅ Troubleshooting if reset fails:

• Connect the gimbal to a PC and use Zhiyun Gimbal Tools to restore factory settings.
• If firmware issues persist, download the latest version from the Zhiyun website and reinstall it.

C. Resetting Moza, FeiyuTech, and Other Gimbals

▶️ Moza Gimbals (AirCross, Mini-P, Mini-S)

• Power on the gimbal.
• Hold the joystick button + power button together.
• Release when the LED flashes.

✅ Reset via Moza Master App:

• Connect the gimbal via Bluetooth.
• Open Moza Master app, go to Settings, and tap Factory Reset.

▶️ FeiyuTech Gimbals (AK Series, G6, Vimble)

• Turn off the gimbal.
• Hold the trigger + mode button while turning it on.
• Release when the status light blinks.

✅ Reset via Feiyu ON App:

• Open the Feiyu ON app.
• Navigate to Device Settings > Reset and confirm.

Final Steps After Reset

• Recalibrate the gimbal using the brand’s app.
• Run auto-tuning to adjust motor strength.
• Check firmware updates to avoid recurring issues.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, resetting a gimbal doesn’t work as expected. Maybe it freezes mid-process, reboots into the same error state, or refuses to reset altogether. Before assuming the worst, check these common problems and apply the right fix.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Gimbal doesn’t reset after following the reset steps	Software glitch or incorrect reset method	Double-check the model-specific reset steps. If using an app, close and restart it before trying again.
Reset option is grayed out or unavailable in the app	Outdated firmware or app bug	Update the app and firmware. Restart both the gimbal and the app, then try again.
Gimbal still behaves erratically after a reset	Calibration issues or mechanical misalignment	Perform a full recalibration (gyroscope, accelerometer, and motor balance). Make sure the camera is properly balanced.
Reset completes, but the gimbal won’t turn on	Power issue or corrupted firmware	Charge the battery fully. If the problem persists, reinstall the firmware manually using a computer.
Gimbal shuts down or vibrates after reset	Incorrect motor settings or unbalanced payload	Check motor settings in the app and adjust based on the weight of your camera setup.

Additional Tools and Software That Help with Gimbal Maintenance

Gimbals don’t just work flawlessly forever. They need proper maintenance, updates, and the right accessories to stay reliable. 

Ignoring these can lead to shaky footage, motor failures, and constant resets. Here’s what you need to keep your gimbal in top shape.

1. Apps for Firmware Updates, Motor Tuning, and Calibration

Skipping firmware updates leads to glitches and performance drops. Every gimbal brand has its own app for updates and fine-tuning settings.

▶️ DJI Gimbals (Ronin, RS, Osmo Series)

• DJI Ronin App (iOS, Android) – Update firmware, adjust motor strength, and tweak responsiveness.
• DJI Assistant 2 (PC/Mac) – Perform advanced diagnostics and deep resets.

▶️ Zhiyun Gimbals (Crane, Weebill, Smooth Series)

• Zhiyun ZY Play App – Basic firmware updates and remote control.
• Zhiyun Calibration Tool (PC/Mac) – Fix drifting, rebalance motors, and refine motion settings.

▶️ Moza & FeiyuTech Gimbals

• Moza Master App – Adjust motor torque, joystick settings, and perform firmware updates.
• Feiyu ON App – Mobile-based calibration, remote shooting controls, and motor adjustments.

📌 Quick Tip: Check for firmware updates every month. Set a reminder so you don’t forget.

2. Accessories That Prevent Wear and Tear

A balanced gimbal runs better and lasts longer. The right accessories reduce motor strain and keep movements fluid.

• Counterweights – Needed when using heavy lenses or extra gear. Prevents motor burnout.
• Quick-Release Plates – Makes switching cameras faster without rebalancing every time.
• Gimbal Support Systems – A vest or dual-handle grip reduces arm fatigue during long shoots.
• Extra Batteries – Gimbals drain power fast. Always have backups.
• Replacement Cables & Screws – Loose screws and damaged wires cause performance issues. Keep extras handy.

📌 Pro Tip: If your gimbal struggles with balance, don’t force recalibration. Use counterweights instead.

3. Maintenance Habits to Avoid Frequent Resets

Most gimbal problems come from poor maintenance. A few simple habits can save you from endless troubleshooting.

✅ Balance Before Every Shoot – Small weight shifts cause motor strain. Always double-check.
✅ Turn Off Before Adjusting – Never force a motorized joint while powered on. It damages components.
✅ Store in a Dry, Safe Place – Humidity and dust kill electronics. Use a protective case.
✅ Charge Batteries Properly – Avoid overcharging or draining completely. Stick to the recommended charging routine.
✅ Inspect for Wear and Tear – Loose screws, frayed cables, and motor noise signal deeper issues. Fix problems early.

📌 Action Step: Do a 5-minute check before every shoot. It saves hours of troubleshooting later.

▶️ – Related Topic: What Is FPV Mode on a Gimbal?

▶️ – Related Topic: Steadicam vs Gimbal

▶️ – Related Topic: Buyers Guide: Best Gimbals for Sony A6000

Final Thoughts

A factory reset clears out old settings, fixes unexpected glitches, and gets your gimbal back to its default state. 

If recalibrating or updating firmware hasn’t solved the issue, resetting gives you a clean slate. It’s a last resort when other troubleshooting steps don’t work.

Once you’ve reset your gimbal, don’t just assume it’s ready. Go through the setup process again. 

Recalibrate the motors, adjust the balance, and test different shooting modes. Check if the problem is gone. If not, you might be dealing with a hardware issue.

If you’re serious about getting the best performance from your gimbal, keep learning. Knowing how to balance your setup, update firmware properly, and fine-tune settings makes a big difference. 

Take the next step—read more on gimbal balancing, calibration techniques, and firmware updates. A well-maintained gimbal keeps your shots steady and your workflow frustration-free.