I nearly gave up on my Smooth 4 in the first week I bought it. Every time I turned it on, something wouldn’t connect, the app felt clunky, or my phone just kept tilting sideways. If you’re struggling to figure out how to use Smooth 4 gimbal without the frustration, I’ve been exactly where you are.

Now, to use the Zhiyun Smooth 4, install the ZY Play app, turn on Bluetooth, pair your phone, balance it on the gimbal, and power it on. Then, pick a mode, like Pan Follow, Lock, Full Follow, Go, or Standby. Use the wheel for zoom/focus and the app for manual controls.

Inside, you’ll also learn —

Key Findings

How to Operate a Smooth 4 Gimbal Effortlessly

Now, I’ll break down how to use Smooth 4 gimbal step by step so that you can film like a pro. Let’s start

Step 1: Install and Set Up the ZY Play App

Grab your phone and download the Zhiyun smooth 4 app, ZY Play. You’ll find it in the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android). This app is where you’ll find most of the gimbal’s features, like manual controls, modes, object tracking, you name it.

Once it’s installed, make sure Bluetooth is turned on. You’ll need that for pairing in the next step.

Step 2: Pair the Smooth 4 with Your Phone

Go ahead and hold the power button on the gimbal Zhiyun smooth 4 until the blue lights turn on. 

Next, open up the ZY Play app. You should see a message like “Connect Device.” Tap that, and your Smooth 4 should pop up. 

If it doesn’t, check that it’s not still connected to another device in the background.

Once connected, the app usually jumps straight into camera mode. If it doesn’t, just tap the camera icon yourself and you’re in.

Step 3: Mount and Balance Your Phone Properly

Now let’s talk about balance. This step matters more than most people realize.

So, slide your phone into the clamp.

Mount and Balance Your Phone Properly

There’s a knob and sliding arm on the side. Now, you need to loosen the knob.

There’s a knob and sliding arm on the side. Now, you need to loosen the knob

Then, push the arm all the way to the outer edge. That helps with better weight distribution. 

Once it’s in, let go for a second. If it droops or tilts to one side, it’s not balanced yet. Repeat the process until your phone stays level on its own, and then tighten it. 

Done right, it prevents jerky motion and saves your gimbal’s motor (and your battery).

Step 4: Power On and Choose the Right Mode

Hold the power button to power up your smooth 4.

Power On and Choose the Right Mode

Next, check the mode switch near the handle. Here’s what each one does —

Follows your left-right hand movements, but keeps the tilt steady.
Locks the phone in one fixed direction, no matter how you move.

Read Also: How to Use a Gimbal for iPhone?

When to Use Each Mode of the Zhiyun Smooth 4?

Whether you’re tracking action, capturing cinematic pans, or holding a steady frame, each mode on the Smooth 4 is designed for a purpose. Here’s how to use them correctly.

1. Pan Follow (PF) Mode

This is your go-to mode when you want your camera to pan left and right with your hand, but lock the tilt. You can use it for —

2. Lock (L) Mode

Use Lock Mode when you want your phone to stay fixed in one direction, regardless of how you move the gimbal. I use it during —

3. Full Follow Mode

Full Follow allows both pan and tilt to move with your hand. Your camera mimics hand direction on two axes. This mode works best for —

4. Go Mode

Press and hold the top trigger, and your gimbal goes into hyper-responsive mode. I feel every movement is rather amplified and fast. You can use this mode while recording —

5. Standby Mode 

Tilt the gimbal into the vertical parking position, and it enters sleep mode without turning off. Now, the Standby mode is suitable when you need to —

Understanding the Control Panel and Focus/Zoom Wheel of Zhiyun Smooth 4

This part of the Smooth 4 is where you’ll spend most of your time once filming starts. I’ll walk you through the key controls so you can work more efficiently and accurately.

Focus or Zoom Wheel

You’ll find the focus/zoom wheel on the left side of the gimbal. I use it all the time to either zoom in smoothly or adjust focus manually. To switch between these two functions, just press the button right below the wheel. 

Once you do, the wheel responds based on the mode you’re in—either zoom or focus.

Manual Mode

When I want full control over the exposure, I open the ZY Play app and switch to manual mode. You’ll be able to adjust shutter speed, ISO, and white balance directly from the gimbal. It’s much easier than tapping through settings on your phone mid-shoot.

Shortcuts

In my case, I rely on the shortcut buttons to speed things up. 

Common Issues of Zhiyun Smooth 4 and How to Fix Them

From Bluetooth connecting issues to app glitches and battery weirdness, here’s how to fix what’s not working.

Gimbal not Connecting via Bluetooth

You power on your Smooth 4, open the app, and it’s stuck “searching.” Sounds familiar? If yes, then —

Gimbal not Responding to App Controls

If the buttons, trigger, or wheel stop doing anything, check app permissions first. Plus, make sure ZY Play (or Filmic Pro) has access to Bluetooth, your camera, and the local network. 

Also, always reconnect from inside the app, not just from Bluetooth settings. And yeah, you must keep the apps updated.

iPhone Connectivity (Filmic Pro conflicts, date/time workaround)

Here’s a weird one that still works —

Firmware Issues and Battery Drain

Don’t ever power on the Smooth 4 without your phone mounted and balanced. If you do so, it’ll put stress on the motors. If things still feel off, check for firmware updates in ZY Play. 

Also, features like object tracking or the built-in light can drain the battery even if you’re not using them. Turn those off unless you really need them.

Wrapping Up

If you’ve made it this far on how to use the Smooth 4 gimbal—or skipped ahead—here’s the bottom line. To use the Smooth 4 gimbal properly, start with balance. Without that, nothing else works right. 

Then, pair it through the ZY Play app, learn what each mode does, and get comfortable with the control wheel. Plus, use manual settings when needed, and don’t forget: power it on only after mounting your phone. 

If the app or Bluetooth acts up, you can fix most issues with a reset or a date/time tweak. And if you’re using a different model like DJI, learning how to calibrate a gimbal DJI Mini 3 Pro can help avoid similar issues. Also, for more creative control and better results, check out our guide on how to film with a gimbal for practical filming tips.

FAQs

Can I use Filmic Pro with Zhiyun Smooth 4?

Filmic Pro can work with Smooth 4, but some users must turn off automatic date/time on iPhones. Reportedly, if you manually set the year to 2019, Smooth 4 can detect the gimbal. This workaround often restores full button and zoom/focus control.

What is the max load on Zhiyun Smooth 4?

The Zhiyun Smooth 4 supports a payload range of 75g to 210g, which is ideal for most standard smartphones. However, heavier devices may cause imbalance or limit motor function during tilt (240°), roll (240°), and pan (300°) movements

What is the best app to use with Zhiyun Smooth 4?

The best app for the Zhiyun Smooth 4 is ZY Play, as it fully supports all built-in features. You get mode switching, object tracking, focus wheel control, and manual camera settings. Meanwhile, third-party apps often lack full integration.