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How to troubleshoot video lag on your EarthRover

Updated over a week ago

This guide applies only when driving with a SIM card inserted (4G mode). Video lag can appear in different ways:

  • The video freezes on your screen.

  • Control commands are delayed.

  • The bot only runs for less than 5 minutes before disconnecting (black screen).

This issue usually relates to network connectivity. Remember, the bot needs two internet connections to work:

  1. The bot’s SIM card (sends video and control data).

  2. The driver’s internet (your phone or computer).

If either side is unstable, you may experience lag or disconnects.

Check the Connection Indicator

On the lower right corner of the driving screen, you’ll see two types of connection indicators:

  1. Your Device Connection (phone or computer)

    Shows the stability of the internet on your computer or phone (the device you’re driving with).

    • Great / Good = Stable internet connection.

    • Poor = Unstable internet on your device.

  2. Bot’s Connection (4G SIM inside the bot)

    Shows how strong the bot’s SIM card signal is.

    • More bars (white) = Strong 4G signal.

    • Fewer bars, turning red = Weak or unstable 4G signal at the bot’s location.

Both your device and the bot need stable connections to avoid lag, delays, or disconnects.

Screenshot example:

“Great” internet connection on device and "strong" 4G signal at the bot's location

Rule Out the Bot’s Location or SIM

  • Try driving the bot in a different location with stronger 4G coverage.

  • If available, test with another SIM that you know works reliably.

For full troubleshooting, see: Fixing 4G Connection Issues.

Check the Driver’s Internet

Your driving device (phone or computer) needs a stable internet connection to keep the bot responsive.

  • Use a reliable home Wi-Fi or strong mobile data.

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi or shared office networks. These can be unstable or block connections.

  • If you notice lag, try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see which works better in your location.

Browser Troubleshooting

  • Use Google Chrome for the best compatibility.

  • If lag continues, also test with Microsoft Edge.


Important Note about Wi-Fi and 4G

If you have ever connected your bot to Wi-Fi, it may automatically reconnect to that Wi-Fi network, which will cause the 4G connection to drop.

  • To fix this, you must disconnect the bot from Wi-Fi.

  • One simple way is to enter incorrect Wi-Fi details (wrong SSID/password) so the bot cannot auto-connect.

  • Once Wi-Fi is disconnected, the bot will stay on 4G.


💡 Need help? Contact us via the chat widget, join our Discord, or email hello@frodobots.com (Mon–Fri, SGT).

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