To use a Hohem gimbal, first mount and balance your phone on the gimbal before turning it on, then download the correct app for your model to connect and start capturing smooth video. The most common mistake is pairing from your phone’s Bluetooth settings instead of connecting inside the app, which will prevent the gimbal from working.
Which Hohem app do I need to use a Hohem gimbal?
Using the wrong app is the number one reason a Hohem gimbal won’t connect. Identifying your model first prevents that frustration. Current models like the iSteady M7 use the Hohem Joy app, available on the App Store and Google Play. Legacy models, specifically the iSteady Mobile+, iSteady Pro2, iSteady Multi, XG1 Classic, and iSteady Gear series, require the Hohem Gimbal app. The Hohem Pro app is also available for devices running iOS 10.0 or later. Check your gimbal’s model number on the box or arm, then download the correct app before proceeding.
How to balance your phone on a Hohem gimbal
Balancing must be done before powering on the gimbal; otherwise the motors cannot compensate and footage will be shaky. Remove your phone case, especially if it is bulky, as even a thin case can throw off balance. Position your phone so the side that was the bottom (or home button side) is as close as possible to the tilt motor. Slide the phone clamp and adjust the balancing knob until the phone remains still when the roll axis is rotated up and down. For small phones like the iPhone 13 mini, you may need to slide the clamp closer to the motor; for big phones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, slide it outward. Once balanced, do not turn on the gimbal until you are ready to connect to the app.
How to connect your Hohem gimbal to the app
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Open the correct app (Hohem Joy or Hohem Gimbal) you downloaded.
- Inside the app, select the corresponding model of your gimbal from the connection menu.
Do not pair from your phone’s Bluetooth settings list. For iSteady Multi, Hohem says to download Hohem Gimbal from Google Play and App Store and connect inside the app rather than pairing from the phone’s Bluetooth list. The gimbal’s Bluetooth light will only turn on after it is successfully connected through the app. Hohem says the Bluetooth light is only on when the gimbal is connected with the app successfully. If the app cannot find the gimbal, make sure you are using the correct app (Hohem Gimbal for legacy models, not Hohem Joy) and that no other Bluetooth device is interfering.
Basic controls and shooting modes
Once connected, the physical joystick on the handle controls pan, tilt, and roll movements. The mode button cycles through core shooting modes:
- Pan Follow: The gimbal follows your hand’s left and right movement while keeping the tilt and roll locked.
- Lock: The camera stays fixed in its current orientation regardless of how you move the handle.
- Pan and Tilt Follow: The gimbal follows both horizontal and vertical hand movements for dynamic shots.
Additional app-based modes include timelapse, motion timelapse, and object tracking. You can also adjust motor strength and joystick sensitivity inside the app’s settings.
Troubleshooting common Hohem gimbal problems
If the gimbal does not connect, first verify you are using the correct app for your model. If connection fails repeatedly, restore the gimbal’s parameters through the app: open Hohem Joy, go to Settings → Gimbal Parameter Settings → Restore settings. For legacy models using the Hohem Gimbal app on iOS, go to Settings → Parameter Presets → Normal → Confirm → Save, then restart the gimbal. For iSteady Multi on iOS, restore path is Settings → Parameter Presets → Normal → Confirm → Save, then restart the gimbal. On Android, use Settings → RESTORE → Save. For iSteady Multi on Android, restore path is Settings → RESTORE → Save. For deeper connection fixes, visit the sibling page dedicated to Bluetooth pairing issues.
If you are struggling with a different device and need to take a screenshot on my Android to share the error with support, press the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Hohem gimbal without the app?
Yes, the gimbal can operate in basic follow modes using just the physical buttons and joystick, but you will lose access to calibration, firmware updates, and advanced modes like timelapse and object tracking.
Why does my gimbal drift or shake even after balancing?
Drift is usually caused by an unbalanced phone or a calibration that needs restoring. First rebalance the phone, then use the parameter restore path in the app. If shaking persists, the motor strength may be too high, lower it in the app’s settings.
How do I update the firmware on my Hohem gimbal?
Open the app while the gimbal is connected, go to Settings, and look for the Firmware Update option. Follow the on-screen prompts. Keep the gimbal charged and your phone connected to Wi-Fi during the update.
Can I use a phone case with any Hohem gimbal?
Hohem recommends removing the case, especially bulky ones, for optimal balance. Very thin cases might work, but you may need to rebalance with the case on. If the gimbal struggles to hold position, remove the case.
What should I do if the joystick controls feel reversed?
Open the app, go to Settings, and look for Joystick Orientation or Control Direction settings. You can invert the pan, tilt, or roll axes individually to match your preference.
