- [Robot kits](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/) / **SunFounder GalaxyRVR troubleshooting** Updated 2026-10-27 # GalaxyRVR troubleshooting: fixes for every common problem Researched by [Riley Hart](https://robotsforthat.com/author/riley-hart/) · based on SunFounder GalaxyRVR build guide and docs · we may earn a commission Most GalaxyRVR problems come from 4 places: a plug that is not fully in, the camera board facing the wrong way, the mode switch on the wrong side, or the phone leaving the rover's Wi-Fi. Find your problem below and try the fixes in order. **SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit** $129.99 at SunFounder. Every part and tool in one box. [See it at SunFounder store](https://www.sunfounder.com/products/sunfounder-galaxyrvr-mars-rover-kit) ## Find your problem - No camera picture in the app - The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show up - The app keeps disconnecting - The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connect - A wheel spins the wrong way - One wheel does not turn - No lights when charging or switching on - The battery runs out very fast - It bumps into walls in Avoid mode - The camera points up, down or sideways - The rover tips over or gets stuck on bumps - A part is missing from the box ## No camera picture in the app **Why it happens:** The ESP32 CAM is in its adapter the wrong way, its ribbon is loose, or the camera is not getting power. - Turn the rover off. Pull the ESP32 CAM straight out and check it faces the same way as the drawing in step 38. - Open the little latch on the ESP32 CAM, push the camera ribbon fully in and close the latch (step 37). - Check the 5 pin wire is fully in at CAMERA on the board (step 35). - Turn on, press Reset and reconnect the app. Comes from [step 38: Plug in the ESP32 CAM](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-38). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-no-video/). ## The GalaxyRVR Wi-Fi does not show up **Why it happens:** The rover is in upload mode, the battery is flat, or the camera board is not powered. The camera board makes the Wi-Fi. - Check the battery lights. If both are off, charge it. - Slide the mode switch to the left (Run), not Upload. - Press Reset on the board and wait 20 seconds. - Check the ESP32 CAM is fully pushed into its adapter. If its small light stays off, it has no power. Comes from [step 45: Switch it on](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-45). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-no-wifi/). ## The app keeps disconnecting **Why it happens:** Your phone leaves the rover's Wi-Fi because it has no internet, or another network on the same channel interferes. - When your phone says No internet, tap Stay connected. - Turn off Wi-Fi assist on iPhone or smart network switch on Android. - Change the rover's Wi-Fi channel: join GalaxyRVR, open 192.168.4.1 in a browser, pick a new channel on the AP page (try 3, then 5), then tap Reboot on the Base page. Comes from [step 47: Join the rover's Wi-Fi](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-47). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-wifi-drops/). ## The app sees the Wi-Fi but will not connect **Why it happens:** Custom code uploaded to the board replaced the rover's own program, or the camera board firmware is old. - Slide the mode switch to the left (Run) and press Reset. - If you uploaded your own Arduino code, reinstall the official GalaxyRVR firmware with SunFounder's web flasher. - Update the ESP32 CAM firmware from SunFounder's docs. Comes from [step 46: Get the app](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-46). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-app-wont-connect/). ## A wheel spins the wrong way **Why it happens:** Two motor plugs are swapped. - Left motors go in A, B and C. Right motors go in D, E and F. - Swap the plug of the wrong wheel with its neighbour and test again. Comes from [step 18: Plug in the left motors](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-18). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-wheel-backwards/). ## One wheel does not turn **Why it happens:** Its plug is not fully in, or its wire got caught and snapped. - Push that motor's plug fully into its port. - Follow the wire from motor to board. Look for a cut or pinch near the wheel. - Tie loose wires to the frame so the wheels cannot catch them (step 20). Comes from [step 20: Tie the motor wires](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-20). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-wheel-dead/). ## No lights when charging or switching on **Why it happens:** The battery plug is loose or the battery is flat. - Check the battery plug is fully in at BATTERY (step 16). - Charge for 2 hours with a 5V 2A phone charger. - If the power switch feels loose and the lights flicker when you touch it, contact SunFounder support. Comes from [step 16: Plug in the battery](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-16). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-no-lights/). ## The battery runs out very fast **Why it happens:** The battery was not fully charged, or a loose power connection keeps cutting in and out. - Charge fully for about 2 hours before driving. - Check the battery plug and the shield are firmly seated. - About 90 minutes of driving per charge is normal. Comes from [step 44: Charge it fully](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-44). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-battery-drains/). ## It bumps into walls in Avoid mode **Why it happens:** The infrared sensors are not tuned for your room. - Put a box 20 cm in front of one IR sensor. - Turn the sensor's small screw until its light just comes on. - Repeat for the other sensor. Light, flat floors work best. Comes from [step 49: Let it drive itself](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-49). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-hits-walls/). ## The camera points up, down or sideways **Why it happens:** The servo arm went on before the servo centered itself. - Undo the tiny screw and pull the servo arm off. - Power on with the servo plugged into pin 6 so it centers (step 31). - Push the arm back on pointing straight and fix it again (step 32). Comes from [step 32: Fit the servo arm, then power off](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-32). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-camera-crooked/). ## The rover tips over or gets stuck on bumps **Why it happens:** The leg joints are too tight to swing. - Loosen each leg joint nut a quarter turn with the cross wrench. - The legs should swing freely when you lift the body (step 11). Comes from [step 11: Check: the legs swing freely](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-11). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-legs-stuck/). ## A part is missing from the box **Why it happens:** Rare, but it happens. - Check the spare bags first. Screws come with extras. - Email service@sunfounder.com with a photo of your parts. They send replacements. Comes from [step 2: Check nothing is missing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/#step-2). [See the full fix with the drawing](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-missing-part/). Still stuck? ## Show the AI coach a photo Open the step you are on, tap Stuck and take a photo. The coach checks it against that exact step and tells you what to fix. 3 free questions per kit. [Open the build tool →](https://robotsforthat.com/lab/build/mars-rover/steps/) ## More robot kit guides [How to build the SunFounder GalaxyRVR, step by step Build the SunFounder GalaxyRVR Mars rover step by step. 49 steps with a drawing each, the right screw for every joint and the mistakes to avoid.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-build-guide/)[Best robot kits Pick the right kit for your age and budget.](https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/) ## Sources - [SunFounder GalaxyRVR quick start](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/quick_start/quick_start_robopilot.html) - [GalaxyRVR board: switches and lights](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/hardware/cpn_galaxy_shield.html) - [SunFounder GalaxyRVR paper guide (PDF)](https://github.com/sunfounder/sf-pdf/raw/master/assembly_file/z0112v11-a0001012-galaxyrvr.pdf) - [SunFounder GalaxyRVR FAQ](https://docs.sunfounder.com/projects/galaxy-rvr/en/latest/faq.html) Drawings by robotsforthat. SunFounder GalaxyRVR is a trademark of SunFounder. We are not affiliated with SunFounder. HTML version: https://robotsforthat.com/robot-kits/galaxyrvr-troubleshooting/