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Launch monitor not picking up shots: what to check
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In short
Most missed shots come from set-up: the monitor is too close or too far from the ball, not aligned to the target, blocked by something, in poor lighting for a camera unit, or too near the net for a radar unit to read the flight. Check the maker's set-up guide, the ball type and the app connection, and update the firmware before assuming a fault.
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A launch monitor that misses shots, or reports a 300 yard wedge, makes practice frustrating. The good news is that most problems come from set-up rather than a faulty unit. Radar and camera monitors fail for different reasons, so the first step is knowing which type you have. This guide works through the checks in order, from position and alignment to lighting, balls, nets and the app. Model specific steps vary, so use your maker's set-up guide alongside it.
Know your monitor type
Radar units, usually placed behind the ball, measure the ball in flight. They need a clear view along the target line and enough flight before the ball hits a net. Camera units, usually beside the ball, take images at impact and need a clear view of the ball and even lighting. Some use both. Our how launch monitors work explainer covers this in more detail.
Radar
Behind the ball, tracks the flight. Needs depth.
Camera
Beside the ball, captures impact. Suits short rooms.
Step by step checks
Work through these in order and hit a few gentle wedges after each change.
- 1
Check the distance from the ball against the maker's guide, for example the gap behind the ball for radar units.
- 2
Level the unit and align it to the target line, using any alignment marks or the app's alignment screen.
- 3
Make sure nothing blocks its view: tees, a club head at address, a foot or the edge of a mat.
- 4
For radar, check the net or screen is far enough away for a reading.
- 5
For cameras, check the lighting is even and not shining straight into the lens.
- 6
Use the ball type the maker recommends; some need marked balls for spin.
- 7
Check the app is connected and the unit is not in sleep mode.
- 8
Update the firmware and the app.
Indoor problems
Indoors, radar units often struggle because the ball hits the net before the radar has seen enough flight. Moving the hitting position back, or moving the net further away, can fix this. Fans, swinging doors or a moving net can also confuse radar. Camera units indoors miss shots in dim light or under lights that flicker, and some struggle with very bright spotlights aimed at the ball.
Our indoor vs outdoor launch monitor and how to set up a launch monitor indoors guides cover room set-up.
Odd numbers rather than missed shots
If shots register but the numbers look wrong, check alignment first: a monitor pointed slightly left or right will report wrong direction and can distort carry. Check that the club selected in the app matches the club in your hand, because some units use the club to calculate data. Foam or practice balls, and very worn range balls, give unreliable results; see launch monitors, foam balls and nets.
Calculated numbers, such as spin on some radar units, are estimates. If only spin looks odd and ball speed and launch are sensible, the monitor may be working as designed. How accurate are golf launch monitors explains which numbers are measured.
Connection and power problems
If the monitor does not respond at all, charge it fully and restart both the unit and the phone or tablet. Forget and re-pair the Bluetooth connection if the app cannot find the device. Check that location and Bluetooth permissions are allowed for the app, which many need to connect. Close other apps that may be using Bluetooth.
Battery level matters more than many owners expect. Some units reduce performance or drop the connection when the battery is low, so a monitor that worked well for the first half hour and then started missing shots may simply need charging. Keep the phone or tablet charged too, because power saving modes can limit Bluetooth.
If nothing works, note the firmware version and the exact symptom and contact the maker's support. Many units can be tested remotely or replaced under warranty.
A quick reference
Use this table to match the symptom to the likely cause, then go back to the checks above for the fix. If several symptoms appear together, start with position and alignment, which cause the most problems.
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Misses most shots indoors | Net too close (radar) or poor lighting (camera) |
| Misses some shots | Ball position or something blocking the view |
| Wrong direction | Unit not aligned to target |
| Spin looks wrong | Ball type, markings or calculated spin |
| No connection | Bluetooth pairing, permissions or low battery |
Frequently asked questions
Why does my launch monitor miss shots indoors? Usually the net is too close for radar to read the flight, or the lighting is wrong for a camera unit.
Do I need special balls? Some camera units need marked balls for spin. Check the maker's guidance; avoid foam balls for full data.
Should I update the firmware? Yes. Updates often improve shot detection and fix bugs.
What you need
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Voice Caddie SC4 Pro: spin and a built-in screen