In this paper, we demonstrate a scheme for compensating distorted optical vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum. By inputting the intensity profile into the Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm [Optik35, 237 (1972)OTIKAJ0030-4026], the pre-compensation phase mask can be acquired. No additional probe beams are introduced, and all the computing is aiming at the transmitted vortex beams. The distorted vortex beams are investigated experimentally before and after pre-compensation, showing favorable compensation performance. This scheme will find applications in the areas of rotation detection, optical communications, and so on.