hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal User Manual

1. Introduction

The hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus is a 3-axis smartphone gimbal designed to provide stable and smooth video footage for mobile content creators. It features a foldable design for portability, a detachable remote controller, and a built-in extendable rod. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your gimbal to ensure optimal performance.

hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal with a smartphone mounted, showing its compact and ready-to-use form.

Figure 1: hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal with smartphone.

2. What's in the Box

iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal (x1)
Remote Controller (x1)
Tripod (x1)
Storage Pouch (x1)
Type C Charging Cable (x1)
Quick Start Guide (x1)
Warranty Card (x1)

Video 1: Unboxing and initial overview of the hohem iSteady X3 SE Gimbal.

3. Setup

3.1 Unfolding the Gimbal

To unfold the gimbal, gently extend the arms until they lock into place. Ensure all joints are securely positioned before mounting your smartphone.

Diagram showing the hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal unfolding from its compact state.

Figure 2: Steps to unfold the gimbal for use.

3.2 Attaching Your Smartphone

Place your smartphone into the phone clamp. Ensure the phone is centered and securely held. The camera lens should be positioned as indicated by the arrow on the clamp for proper balancing.

3.3 Balancing the Smartphone

For optimal performance, ensure your smartphone is balanced on the gimbal. Adjust the phone's position within the clamp until it remains level when the gimbal is powered off. This reduces motor strain and improves stabilization.

3.4 Powering On/Off

Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to power the gimbal on or off. The indicator lights will illuminate when the device is active.

3.5 Bluetooth Connection

Turn on your smartphone's Bluetooth. Open the Hohem Joy app and search for available devices. Select 'iSteady X3 SE Plus' to connect. The Bluetooth indicator light on the gimbal will turn solid blue once connected.

Image showing a smartphone connected to the hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal via Bluetooth, with connection details and payload capacity.

Figure 3: Bluetooth connection and device specifications.

3.6 Hohem Joy App Installation

Scan the QR code provided in the quick start guide or search for 'Hohem Joy' in your smartphone's app store to download and install the official application. The app unlocks advanced features and shooting modes.

Video 2: Demonstration of easy setup and connection with the Hohem Joy app.

4. Operating the Gimbal

4.1 Basic Controls

The gimbal features intuitive controls on its handle:

Power Button: Press and hold to power on/off. Single press to check battery level.
Mode Button (M): Press to cycle through different gimbal modes (e.g., Pan Follow, Lock Mode, POV).
Joystick: Controls the pan and tilt of the smartphone.
Record Button: Press to start/stop recording or take a photo within the Hohem Joy app.
Zoom Slider: Use to zoom in or out (requires app connection).

4.2 Gimbal Modes

The iSteady X3 SE Plus offers various stabilization modes:

Pan Follow (PF): The camera pans left/right following your hand movements, while tilt and roll axes are locked.
Pan & Tilt Follow (PTF): The camera pans and tilts following your hand movements, while the roll axis is locked.
All Lock (AL): All three axes are locked, keeping the camera pointing in a fixed direction.
POV (Point of View): All three axes follow your hand movements, providing a dynamic first-person perspective.
Inception Mode: Creates a spinning effect for dynamic shots. Activate via the Hohem Joy app.

4.3 Detachable Remote Control

The remote controller can be detached from the gimbal for convenient operation up to 32 feet away. It allows you to control recording, zoom, and switch modes remotely, ideal for group shots or vlogging.

hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal with its detachable remote control shown separately, highlighting its wireless functionality.

Figure 4: Detachable remote control for extended range operation.

4.4 Built-in Extendable Rod

The gimbal features an 8-inch extendable rod, allowing you to capture wider angles, higher perspectives, or use it as a selfie stick. To extend, pull the rod upwards from the handle. Retract it after use for durability.

A couple using the hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal with its extendable rod fully extended for a selfie, with a bridge in the background.

Figure 5: Using the built-in extendable rod.

4.5 AI Tracking and Gesture Control

Through the Hohem Joy app, the gimbal supports AI face and object tracking, keeping your subject in focus automatically. Gesture control allows you to start or stop recording with simple hand gestures, enhancing hands-free operation.

Image illustrating AI face and object tracking capabilities of the hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal, showing a person running with a green box tracking their face.

Figure 6: AI tracking in action.

Image showing a woman making a 'V' sign with her fingers, demonstrating gesture control for starting recording with the hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal.

Figure 7: Intuitive gesture control for recording.

4.6 Portrait and Landscape Switching

Seamlessly switch between portrait and landscape orientations with a single press of the mode button or through the app, adapting to various content formats like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube videos.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Charging the Battery

The gimbal has an 11-hour battery life and supports fast charging. Connect the provided Type-C charging cable to the gimbal's charging port and a suitable power adapter. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours. The indicator lights will show charging status.

Image showing two people hiking, holding the hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal, with icons indicating 2-hour fast charge and 11-hour battery life.

Figure 8: Battery life and charging information.

5.2 Cleaning and Storage

Wipe the gimbal with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals. When not in use, fold the gimbal into its compact form and store it in the provided storage pouch to protect it from dust and damage.

6. Troubleshooting

Gimbal not powering on: Ensure the battery is charged. Connect the charging cable and try again.
Unstable footage: Verify that your smartphone is properly balanced on the gimbal before powering it on. Check for any obstructions to the gimbal's motors.
Bluetooth connection issues: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and the Hohem Joy app is open. Restart both the gimbal and your phone if necessary.
Motors vibrating or making noise: This often indicates improper balancing or an overloaded motor. Re-balance your phone or ensure its weight is within the supported payload (0.66 lbs max).
App features not working: Ensure the Hohem Joy app is updated to the latest version and that the gimbal is correctly connected via Bluetooth.

7. Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model Number	iSteady X3SE+
Package Dimensions	7.32 x 6.1 x 2.05 inches
Item Weight	0.85 lbs (13.6 ounces)
Max Payload	0.66 lbs
Folded Size	8 inches (L) x 3 inches (W) x 3 inches (H)
Battery Life	Up to 11 hours
Charging Time	Approx. 2 hours
Remote Control Range	Up to 32 feet
Extendable Rod Length	8 inches
Compatible Devices	iPhone & Android smartphones (e.g., iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21/S21 Ultra S23 Ultra, OnePlus 12/11/10/9, Huawei Mate 60/50/40/30 RS Pro, Google Pixel 4/6/6 Pro)

8. Warranty Information

The hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the included Warranty Card for specific terms, conditions, and duration of coverage. Retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9. Customer Support

For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding your hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal, please contact hohem customer service. You can find contact details on the Warranty Card or visit the official hohem website.

Email: service@hohem.com

For video tutorials and additional resources, scan the QR codes provided in the Quick Start Guide or visit the hohem official channels.

	Hohem iSteady X2 User Manual: Features, Operation, and Specifications Comprehensive user manual for the Hohem iSteady X2 smartphone gimbal stabilizer. Learn about setup, operation, button functions, working modes, specifications, and warranty.
	Hohem iSteady M7 AI Tracking Smartphone Gimbal: Quick Start Guide A concise guide to setting up and using the Hohem iSteady M7 AI Tracking Smartphone Gimbal, covering charging, mounting, button functions, app connection, and tracking features.
	Hohem iSteady M6 Kit Gimbal Stabilizer User Manual - Setup, Features, and Specifications Comprehensive user manual for the Hohem iSteady M6 Kit smartphone gimbal stabilizer, covering setup, features, app usage, calibration, specifications, and warranty information.
	Hohem iSteady M6 Kit User Manual Comprehensive user manual for the Hohem iSteady M6 Kit, a 3-axis smartphone gimbal stabilizer. This guide covers product features, setup, mounting, balancing, battery and charging, AI tracking, app integration (Hohem Joy), calibration, firmware updates, specifications, and warranty information.
	Hohem iSteady Multi 3-Axis Gimbal User Guide User guide for the Hohem iSteady Multi 3-Axis Stabilizing Gimbal for compact digital cameras, smartphones, and action cameras. Includes setup, balancing, operation, app instructions, and troubleshooting.
	Hohem iSteady M7 User Manual: Features, Operation, and Specifications Comprehensive user manual for the Hohem iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal stabilizer. Learn about its features, modes, AI tracking, remote control, app integration, and technical specifications.