How to Bind an ExpressLRS Receiver to an EdgeTX Radio Controller

This article explains how to bind an ExpressLRS (ELRS) receiver to an EdgeTX radio controller using a bind phrase, power cycling, or the bind button. Instructions vary slightly depending on whether your radio has a color touchscreen or a black-and-white non-touchscreen display.

Quick Guide: Binding Methods

Ensure the receiver and transmitter firmware versions match (e.g., both on ELRS 3.x.x). Visit ExpressLRS Firmware Options for details.

1. Using a Bind Phrase

  • Set the exact bind phrase in the ELRS Configurator or WebUI for both receiver and transmitter.

  • Power on both devices; they will bind automatically (LED on receiver turns solid).

  • Note: No manual bind mode needed.

2. Power Cycling (No Bind Phrase)

  • Power cycle the receiver three times (plug in, unplug within 2 seconds, repeat).

  • On the third power-up, the receiver LED double-blinks, indicating bind mode.

  • On the radio:

    • Color Touchscreen: Navigate to Model Setup > Tools > ExpressLRS Lua Script > [Bind].

    • Black-and-White Non-Touchscreen: Press SYS, scroll to Tools, select ExpressLRS Lua Script, choose [Bind].

  • Binding is complete when the receiver LED is solid.

3. Using the Bind Button (ELRS 3.4.1+)

  • Press and hold the receiver’s boot button for 2 seconds (LED double-blinks).

  • Follow the radio steps above to select [Bind] in the Lua Script.

  • Note: Not all receivers have a bind button; check your hardware.

For troubleshooting, see the ExpressLRS Troubleshooting Guide.

Detailed Instructions for Advanced Users

Prerequisites

  • Verify that the receiver and transmitter are on the same major firmware version (e.g., 3.x.x). Minor versions may differ. Update firmware via the ExpressLRS Configurator.

  • Ensure the radio is set to CRSF protocol:

    • Color Touchscreen: Go to Model Setup > External RF > Mode > CRSF.

    • Black-and-White Non-Touchscreen: Press MDL, go to Model Setup, scroll to External RF, set Mode to CRSF.

  • Check wiring: Receiver TX to FC RX, RX to FC TX, 5V, and GND. See ExpressLRS Receiver Wiring.

Method 1: Bind Phrase

  1. Set Bind Phrase:

    • Use the ELRS Configurator to compile firmware with a unique bind phrase for both devices.

    • Alternatively, for WiFi-enabled receivers (ELRS 3.x+), power on the receiver, wait 60 seconds for WiFi mode (rapid LED blink), connect to the receiver’s WiFi (http://10.0.0.1), and enter the bind phrase in the WebUI.

  2. Binding:

    • Power on the transmitter, then the receiver. They auto-bind if the bind phrase matches.

    • A solid LED on the receiver and a “C” in the Lua Script’s top-right corner confirm binding.

  3. Security Note: Keep the bind phrase unique to prevent interference from other radios.

Method 2: Power Cycling

  1. Enter Receiver Bind Mode:

    • Power cycle the receiver three times (on/off within 2 seconds each).

    • On the third cycle, the LED double-blinks, indicating bind mode.

    • Note: This method only works if no bind phrase is set. If the receiver has a bind phrase, reflash firmware without one.

  2. Activate Transmitter Bind Mode:

    • Color Touchscreen: From the home screen, tap Model > Tools > ExpressLRS > [Bind].

    • Black-and-White Non-Touchscreen: Press SYS, scroll to Tools, select ExpressLRS, press Enter, scroll to [Bind], press Enter.

    • A popup appears briefly, and the receiver LED turns solid upon successful binding.

  3. Verify: Check for a “C” in the Lua Script and test stick inputs in Betaflight’s Receiver tab.

Method 3: Bind Button (ELRS 3.4.1+)

  1. Enter Receiver Bind Mode:

    • With the receiver powered, press and hold the boot button for 2 seconds (not longer, as 7 seconds triggers WiFi mode).

    • The LED double-blinks, indicating bind mode.

    • Note: If no boot button exists, use power cycling or bind phrase methods.

  2. Activate Transmitter Bind Mode:

    • Follow the same Lua Script steps as in the power cycling method.

  3. Verify: The receiver LED turns solid, and the Lua Script shows a “C”.

Model Match Troubleshooting

  • If the Lua Script shows “Model Mismatch” (receiver LED triple-blinks):

    • Color Touchscreen: Go to ExpressLRS Lua Script, set Model Match to Off, then back to On to sync IDs.

    • Black-and-White Non-Touchscreen: Press SYS, select ExpressLRS, set Model Match to Off, then On.

    • Alternatively, set Model Match to Off permanently if not using multiple models.

Additional Notes

  • Color Touchscreen Radios: Navigation is intuitive via touch. Update to EdgeTX 2.8.0+ for optimal ELRS support.

  • Black-and-white non-touchscreen Radios: Use SYS/MDL keys and scroll wheels. For full functionality, they may require EdgeTX 2.7+.

  • Betaflight Integration: For SPI receivers or newer firmware (ELRS 3.4+), use Betaflight Configurator (10.10+) Receiver tab > “Bind Receiver” button or CLI command bind_rx.

  • WiFi Mode: If the receiver LED blinks rapidly, it’s in WiFi mode. Power cycle and try again or connect to http://10.0.0.1 to update settings.

For more details, refer to the ExpressLRS Binding Guide or contact our support team.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025