Best Ways to Track Small Drones Using Signals and Technology
By Damon Johnson, Raising Drones
Let’s be honest—drones are cool. Whether you’re filming a real estate property, inspecting a roof, or just enjoying the view from above, flying a drone can be fun and useful. But what happens when your drone flies out of sight? Or worse… goes missing?
As more people start using drones for business and fun, it’s important to know how to track them. Whether you're a beginner or already flying for clients, knowing how to find and follow a drone in the sky is key to staying safe and professional.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Why Do You Need to Track a Drone?
Tracking a drone isn’t just for big companies or police officers. It helps:
Find lost drones
Stay within flight rules
Keep the airspace safe
Avoid flying where you shouldn't (like near airports)
Sometimes, you might even want to know if a drone is flying near you, especially if you don’t know who’s flying it.
What Is Remote ID and Why It Matters
Imagine if every car had a tag that told you where it came from and who owned it. That’s what Remote ID does for drones. It’s like a digital license plate.
As of March 2024, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires most drones flying outdoors to have Remote ID. It sends out your drone’s location and some basic info so others—like law enforcement or airports—can track it.
If your drone doesn’t already have this built-in, don’t worry. You can add a small device called a Remote ID module to your drone.
Best Apps and Tools to Track Nearby Drones
Even if you don’t own the drone, you can often see which ones are flying nearby with the right tools.
1. Drone Scanner App
As shown in a Drone Girl article, Drone Scanner App is a free mobile app that shows you drones flying nearby using Remote ID signals. It’s like having a drone radar in your pocket.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy. Just install the app, open it, and see if any drones are around.
2. OpenDroneID
This tool was built by drone experts and supported by the FAA. It’s an open-source project, meaning anyone can use or add it to other apps or software.
Check it out here: OpenDroneID
How Radio Signals Help Track Drones
Drones talk to their remote controllers using radio signals—just like walkie-talkies. Some companies and researchers are now using radio frequency (RF) technology to detect and track these signals. Even if a drone doesn’t have Remote ID, you might still be able to find it this way.
According to a story from FOX8 News, some scientists are working on ways to listen for these drone signals and track them in real time.
Some companies that use this tech include:
These tools are often used at airports, stadiums, or government sites to stop drones from flying where they shouldn’t.
Attach a GPS Tracker to Your Drone
Looking for something simple? Try adding a GPS tracker to your drone. These are small devices that stick onto your drone and let you track its location on your phone.
Some options include:
Jiobit Smart Tag – light and long-lasting
Trackimo – made especially for drones
Apple AirTag – not real-time, but great if your drone crashes in the woods
These are great backups, especially if you lose signal or your battery dies mid-flight.
How to Spot a Drone Flying Near You
Want to know if someone else’s drone is flying nearby? You can:
Use apps like Drone Scanner
Watch for lights (most drones have blinking lights)
Listen for the buzzing sound
Check flight apps like OpenSky or B4UFLY (great for seeing where drones should be flying)
And remember, if you ever feel uncomfortable about a drone flying near you, don’t try to take it down. Just report it to local law enforcement or the FAA.
Final Thoughts
Here at Raising Drones, we’re all about helping you fly smarter—not just higher. Whether you’re just getting into drones, training for your commercial license, or launching a drone business, understanding how to track and protect your drone is part of the job.
With tools like Remote ID, tracking apps, GPS tags, and RF technology, you have plenty of ways to keep your drone (and your airspace) safe.
Stay curious. Stay confident. And as always—keep flying smart.