Leica DISTO X1

Frequently asked questions about the Leica DISTO X1

By Miroslav Dvorak

|
26 November 2025

What happens if you see a number with an "i" icon on the display?
This is a message code. The numbers are displayed if a successful measurement could not be performed. The user can correct the measuring situation to achieve a measurement. Below you can find the spread sheet from the manual with the corrections:

No.Cause Correction
204Calculation errorPerform measurement again
240-245Data transfer errorConnect device and repeat procedure
252Temperature too highAllow device cool down
253Temperature too lowWarm device up
255Received signal too weak,
measuring time too long
Change target surface (for example white paper)
256Received signal too highChange target surface (for example white paper)
257Too much background lightShadow target area
260 Laser beam interrupted Repeat measurement

Other error messages not listed here may indicate a problem with the device. In such a case, please take the following measures:

Switching the device off and on again
Insert new batteries (please use quality batteries of known brand)
Repeat procedure
If the message appears during a measurement, select a good target at close range with little ambient light and repeat the measurement. If a measurement is possible, please check whether the previously performed measurement is at the edge of the device specification.

If the message also appears repeatedly after these measures, please contact your dealer.

How to switch off/on the beep?
Press and hold the FUNC button for 2 seconds to access the Settings menu. Then, press the FUNC button three more times to navigate to the Beep screen, where the text displaying 'BEEP' will be shown. Use the plus (+) or minus (-) buttons to select 'ON' / OFF. Press and hold the FUNC button for 2 seconds to save your selection and return to the measurement screen.

What exactly is the painter function and how does it work?
The painter function calculates the sum of several individual wall surfaces with a common height. Press FUNC button 1x to go to the area function.
Press ON/DIST button and measure the first wall length, press plus (+) or minus (-) buttons and measure the next wall length. The distance is automatically calculated. Repeat the procedure, until you have measured all wall 
2nd measurement: Measure the wall height. 
The result displays automatically the wall areas, which you have selected.

Which batteries should I use for the Leica DISTO X1?
In general you can use any alkaline battery or any rechargeable batteries (2xAAA). Lithium batteries or NiMH rechargeable batteries allow more than twice as many measurements as with regular Alkaline batteries.

Can I use the Leica DISTO X1 with rechargeable batteries? 
Yes, it is possible to use with standard rechargeable batteries. We offer a powerful charger system, which is ideal to use with DISTO: Leica charger UC20 with 2 Micro AAA NiMH batteries. For more information, please check our accessories.

What accessories are recommended? 
We recommend using our Leica target plates for measuring long distances. If the laser dot is not visible, we recommend you wear laser glasses (GLB30).

How can I get an extra year’s warranty? 
Our standard warranty of 2 years can be extended by one additional year if you register your device on our website https://www.disto.com/ within eight weeks of the purchase date. If the product is not registered, a two year warranty applies.

What does ISO 16331-1 standard mean? 
When products and services meet our expectations, we tend to take this for granted and be unaware of the role of standards. However, when standards are absent, we soon notice. We soon care when products turn out to be of poor quality or are unreliable or dangerous. An ISO Standard ensures consistent quality and reliability for a product. The range and accuracy of laser distance meters depend greatly on lighting conditions and the reflective properties of the target object. For Leica Geosystems it is important that the performance of the device is maintained not only in the test laboratory but even more so on everyday site tasks. Therefore we have worked with external experts to develop a global standard to test and specify laser distance meters and allow comparisons between devices of different manufacturers. Instruments tested in accordance with ISO 16331-1 achieve their promises. Further information can be found on our website: https://www.disto.com.

How can I turn on/off Bluetooth® on the device? 
Press and hold the FUNC button for 2 seconds to access the Settings menu. Then, press the FUNC button once more to navigate to the Bluetooth screen, where the text displaying “Bluet” will be shown. Use the plus (+) or minus (-) buttons to select 'ON' / OFF. Press and hold the FUNC button for 2 seconds to save your selection and return to the measurement screen.

What Bluetooth® technology is integrated in the Leica DISTO X1? 
The unit uses the newest Bluetooth® 6.0 technology. The device can be used to transfer data to smartphones or tablet PCs that have Bluetooth® 4.0 or higher. The devices must also have an operating system version that supports this Bluetooth® standard, this is the case for iOS, Android 4.3 or higher and Windows 10 and 11.

How can I turn on/off NFC on the device? 
Press and hold the FUNC button for 2 seconds to access the Settings menu. Then, press the FUNC button two more times to navigate to the NFC screen, where the text displaying “NFC” will be shown. Use the plus (+) or minus (-) buttons to select 'ON' / OFF. Press and hold the FUNC button for 2 seconds to save your selection and return to the measurement screen.

Can I send measuring data from a Leica DISTO X1 to iOS mobile devices?
Bluetooth:
Yes, the Leica DISTO X1 is compatible with iOS devices that support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. Any used apps should support the relevant Bluetooth® standard (e.g. Leica DISTO Plan App).

NFC:
Yes, the Leica DISTO X1 is compatible with iOS devices, starting with iPhone 7 and higher. Any app used must be adapted to receive measurement data (e.g. Leica DISTO Plan App).

Please note: iPads are not compatible with NFC connectivity as they lack the necessary NFC hardware.

Can I send measuring data from a Leica DISTO X1 to Android devices?
Bluetooth:
Yes, the Leica DISTO X1 is also compatible with Android devices that support Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. Any used apps should support the relevant Bluetooth® standard (e.g. Leica DISTO Plan App).

NFC:
Yes, the Leica DISTO X1 is compatible with most modern Android devices, as they are typically equipped with NFC hardware. However, it is recommended to verify this feature on the specific device beforehand, as it is not possible to specify an exact Android version when devices started incorporating NFC hardware due to variations among manufacturers.
Any app used must be adapted to receive measurement data (e.g. Leica DISTO Plan App).

Can I send measuring data from a Leica DISTO X1 to a Windows computer?
Bluetooth:
It is possible to send data to computers running with Windows 10 or higher by using the free software Leica DISTO transfer. This free software you can download from our DISTO webpage. Windows 8 and older Windows operating systems do not support data transfer from the Leica DISTO X1.

NFC:
NFC functionality is not supported on most Windows computers, as NFC hardware are not commonly included in these devices. For Windows compatibility, Bluetooth is the recommended connectivity option

Can I send measurement data from a Leica DISTO X1 to Linux, Windows mobile, Windows RT or Blackberry’s?
No, this is not possible.

What I need to know when using NFC? 
Placement of the NFC module
The NFC module is located on the back of the device, centrally above the battery compartment. The NFC symbol on the type label (4-wave NFC mark) marks the position of the NFC module.

Placement of the NFC antennas on smartphones
NFC antennas in smartphones are usually placed near the top back of the device. On iPhones, the antenna is located near the top front, close to the earpiece. In most Android phones, it is typically just below the rear camera.

Operating distance
For optimal performance, ensure that the DISTO is within a distance of up to 2 cm (approximately 0.8 in) from the NFC module on your phone. This range allows for efficient and reliable communication and data transfer. To reliably enter the working range, place the back of your Leica DISTO X1 against the back of your phone, where the NFC antenna is typically located, as described above.

Usage with DISTO Plan App
The Leica DISTO X1 utilizes NFC technology in combination with the DISTO Plan App to enhance user experience. This feature facilitates the initial connection setup and allows for seamless transfer of measurement data. Watch our How-to Video for Android or iOS to find out how to make the most of the DISTO Plan app and NFC.

Does the Leica DISTO X1 offer apps?
Yes, Leica Geosystems offers the DISTO Plan App and Leica DISTO transfer software.

I am having problems to get my Leica DISTO connected via Bluetooth® to my mobile device. 
It will help to delete pairing data from all devices to establish a brand-new connection. Please delete pairing data from your mobile device in its Bluetooth® settings. Please also note that the DISTO must not be connected to another tablet or smartphone, otherwise the device will not be found in the Bluetooth menu. If this is the case, you must first press "Ignore device" in the Bluetooth menu of the other tablet/phone.

How do I transfer the area or volume measurement to the connected software?
To transfer the calculated area or volume, press and hold the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds. The value will then be sent to the connected software, such as the DISTO Plan App or Leica DISTO Transfer.