Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is a question from reader Bob about support for EXO Drones. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.
I own an EXO Cinemaster 2 drone. It was replaced once, and the new one never functioned properly either. Now, I cannot even get the app from the Apple App Store. Do you know of any recourse for customers or a source for a compatible app?
I am so sorry you’re dealing with this, but to be completely honest, I’m not surprised.
I’ve never been a fan of EXO Drones, and you won’t see it recommended in my guide to best camera drones. While they put a lot of slick marketing behind their lineup, the reality is that third-party, white-labeled drones like this one rarely deliver a good experience. One of my own reviewers had a notoriously rocky experience testing the EXO Blackhawk 3 Pro, dealing with frustrating app glitches, flight connectivity drops and subpar performance that fell far short of its lofty marketing promises.
In the consumer camera drone space, DJI really is — and has always been — the gold standard, and there are only a few DJI alternatives that I recommend. Not only do DJI drones they off great value for the price, but they entail reliable hardware and polished software. That’s also why it’s so tough watching the ongoing legislative bans on Chinese drones in the U.S. (particularly those aimed at DJI). I want to advocate for drone pilots like you, but my fear is that consumers will be forced toward sub-par, third-party alternatives like EXO out of necessity, only to end up with broken gear and zero customer support.
While you’re in a frustrating situation — and it’s too late to simply have gone back and purchased another drone initially — you aren’t completely out of options yet. Here’s my best advice around how you might get that drone back in the air — or at least to get some money back.
1. Find a compatible native app
Many of EXO’s drones are white-labeled from existing drone platforms manufactured overseas, primarily by MJX / Guangdong Meijiaxin Innovative Technology.
Because the internal flight controller and Wi-Fi transmission modules inside your Cinemaster 2 were made by MJX, third-party and original-factory apps built for MJX drones may work with your specific EXO models. Try the following two:
- M RC PRO (or MRC PRO): This is the native app developed by MJX for the base platform that the Cinemaster 2 was rebranded from. Many orphaned EXO users report that downloading M RC PRO allows them to connect to the drone’s Wi-Fi network, view the camera feed and utilize basic flight functions.
- X-Hubsan: Some EXO hardware variations use flight-control protocols that can link up with legacy utility apps like X-Hubsan 2.
iOS Tip: Apple doesn’t allow easy side-loading of old app files (APKs) like Android does. However, if you previously installed the EXO app on an older iPhone or iPad using your current Apple ID, open the App Store > Profile > Purchased > My Purchases, and search for “Cinemaster”. You may still be able to redownload the legacy installer from your personal purchase history even though it’s delisted from the public store.
2. Let the drone become a paperweight – and try to get your money back
Honestly I’m not sure step one is worth your energy or effort. Letting the cost sink — and allowing your drone to become an expensive paperweight — might honestly be more realistic. But there’s still a chance you can get money back.
Look to your credit card
If you purchased the drone relatively recently using a credit card, check your card issuer’s Purchase Protection or Return Protection policy. Typically, credit card purchase protection extends to just three months — assuming your credit card even offers the benefit. It sounds like you’ve held your drone longer than that, but it’s worth me at least throwing out there.
File a formal consumer protection complaint
This also likely won’t help you get your money back specifically, but it could help others down the line. I recommend you file a claim with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The company already has an F, alongside dozens of complaints. But at least filing a formal entry adds to the public record.
The bottom line
Your situation is exactly why I always caution readers against buying third-party, rebranded camera drones. When you stray away from established tier-one manufacturers, you risk losing the software ecosystem that keeps the hardware flying.
If an alternative app like M RC PRO doesn’t get you airborne, it might be time to cut your losses. Luckily, there are plenty of other great camera drones under $500 that might be worth getting instead.
Hope this helps you get back in the air, Bob! Happy flying!
The post What happened to EXO Drones, and why is the Cinemaster 2 app missing? appeared first on The Drone Girl.