Sphero Products
General
Vulnerability Disclosure Program
Enabling Location Permissions on Android
User Manuals
Sphero's Unsolicited Ideas Policy
Airplane Travel with Sphero
Sphero BOLT
BOLT Power Pack
BOLT Features
BOLT Power Pack Tips
Charging and Setting Up BOLT
Connecting BOLT
BOLT Modes
Charging Cradle Compatibility
Condensation Inside Sphero BOLT
Prolonging BOLT Battery Life (Deep Sleep)
BOLT at Home Guide
Sphero Mini
Where Did the Sphero Mini App Go?
Sphero Mini Disconnects when Plugged In
Sphero Mini FAQ
Getting Started with Sphero Mini
Sphero Mini's Lights
Sphero Mini Connection Troubleshooting
Sphero Mini Soccer FAQ
Sphero Mini EDU 16 Pack FAQ
Sphero RVR
Sphero RVR Warnings
Drawing power for the USB and UART ports
Missing UART Cable
Lost Charging Cable?
RVR Battery FAQ
Getting Started with RVR
Lost Battery Key?
Cleaning RVR's Wheels
Ollie
Ollie FAQ
Ollie Dies Quickly After a Full Charge
Ollie and Darkside Security
Waking Ollie
Ollie Device Compatibility
Specdrums
Specdrums MIX Device Compatibility
Specdrums Edu Device Compatibility
Windows and MacOS MIDI
Number of Rings that can Connect to App
Number of Colors Specdrums can Play
Specdrums MIX Tutorial: Getting Started
Are Specdrums Waterproof?
Specdrums Battery Life
Specdrums MIX Tutorial: Customizing Packs
What Colors can Specdrums Play?
Specdrums MIX Tutorial: Recording and Sharing a Song
What objects can be played with Specdrums?
Specdrums EDU 12 Pack FAQ
Specdrums Edu App not Making Noise
Replacement Ring FAQ
Spedrums MIX "Share" Feature not Available
Sphero
Cleaning Sphero
Pairing Sphero with a Device
Charging Sphero
Sphero Quick Start Guide
Sphero Light not Working
Sphero's Bluetooth Range
Sphero Volts/Hz
Sphero Firmware Updates
Is Sphero Waterproof?
Sphero not Holding a Charge
Unable to Update Firmware
Sphero isn't Charging
What is Boost Mode?
Resetting Sphero
Connecting Sphero to Device
Sphero not Following Driving Instructions
Sphero is Glowing Blue + White - Not Connecting
Red Flash
Sphero Accessories
Sphero SPRK Edition
Sphero SPRK+
SPRK+ Power Pack
Power Pack charging base stopped working
Can I charge other Sphero robots in the Power Pack?
Power Pack dimensions and specifications
Power Pack modes and light indicator
One of the SPRK+ robots in my Power Pack won't connect.
How can I purchase a Power Pack?
Using the SPRK+ Power Pack
SPRK+ Power Pack General Information
Using the Protractor + Maze Tape
What's the difference between SPRK+ and SPRK Edition?
SPRK+ not Holding a Charge
SPRK+ Charging Solutions
SPRK+ not Connecting
Condensation Inside Sphero SPRK+
Charging SPRK+
Getting SPRK+ in my Classroom
Prolonging SPRK+ Battery Life (Deep Sleep)
SPRK+ Modes
Connecting SPRK+ to a Device
BOLT Upgrade Program
Code Mat
Activity Cards Available Languages
Code Mat Dimensions
Code Mat Compatible Robots
Code Mat App Compatibility
Activity Card Information
How many Students can use the Code Mat?
Can I Buy Additional Activity Cards?
Sphero Sports
Sphero Edu
Computer Science Foundations
Using Computer Science Foundations
Purchasing Computer Science Foundations
Accessing Computer Science Foundations
Is SPRK+ Compatible with CS Foundations?
Sphero Edu: Important Notifications
Changing support for iOS 9 in the Fall of 2020
Update: Sphero Compatibility with Chrome OS
Sphero Q&A: Chrome OS Update
Important RVR Firmware Update
Which Robot is Best for my Needs?
Sphero EDU Device Compatibility
Sphero Edu Class Codes
Account Setup
Verifying your Child's Sphero Edu Account
Verify Teacher Identity
Changing my Child's Password
Programming with Sphero Edu
In The Classroom
Change My Language
Privacy and Security
Sphero Edu QR Codes
Downloading Sphero Edu on Microsoft Devices
Connection Troubleshooting
Sphero Edu + Clever
Difficulties with Google Sign In
Locating Missing Programs
Sphero Edu app (Windows vs. Chrome)
Getting Started with Sphero Edu
Classroom Management Tools
Sphero Edu + Google Classrooms
Sphero Edu Webinars
Sphero Play
Downloading the Sphero Play App
Using Scream Drive
Sphero Play Device Compatibility
Programming with Sphero Play
Choosing Language Preference
Downloading Sphero Play
Unable to Access Golf Drive
Desktoy Mode
Privacy + Security
Face Drive not Available
Licensed Products
R2-D2
Purchasing R2-D2
R2-D2 Bluetooth Range
Is R2-D2 Waterproof?
Driving R2-D2
R2-D2 Play Modes
Resetting R2-D2
Putting R2-D2 into Deep Sleep
Power Requirements for Charging R2-D2
Is R2-D2 Compatible with Force Band?
Troubleshooting R2-D2 Connection Issues
R2-D2 Patrol Mode
R2-D2 Battery Life
R2-D2 Draw and Drive Mode
Connecting R2-D2 to a Device
Charging R2-D2
Ultimate Lightning McQueen
Lightning McQueen's Suspension Stuck
Lightning McQueen Care
Lightning McQueen not Driving
Lightning McQueen not Connecting to Device
Is Lightning McQueen Waterproof?
Charging Lightning McQueen
Lightning McQueen Stuck Updating
Connecting to Lightning McQueen
Ultimate Lightning McQueen Device Compatibility
Lightning McQueen Muted
Unboxing and Setting up Lightning McQueen
Lightning McQueen Play Modes
BB-9E
Driving BB-9E
Cleaning BB-9E
Changing BB-9E's Speed
Connecting to BB-9E
BB-9E's Battery Life
Is BB-9E Waterproof?
BB-9E not Driving in Correct Direction
What do BB-9E's Lights Mean?
BB-9E's Head not Lighting Up
Charging BB-9E
Putting BB-9E in Deep Sleep
Power Required to Charge BB-9E
Is BB-9E Compatible with Force Band?
Differences between BB-9E and BB-8
Waking BB-9E from Deep Sleep
BB-9E Play Modes
Force Band
Not all Holocrons Showing in the Armory
Force Band Keeps Reverting to the Blaster
Putting Force Band into Sleep Mode
Updating Force Band out of the Box
Force Awareness
What do the Different Force Band Lights Mean?
Combat Training
Force Band Button Menu
Wrong Force Band Connected to App
Force Band FAQ
Troubleshooting Force Band Connection Issues
Force Band Training Series
Updating Force Band Firmware
Only Getting Han's Blaster when Collecting Holocrons
Nothing Happening when Pressing Force Band Button
Droid Control
Wearing Force Band
Charging Force Band
Star Wars Droids App by Sphero
Watch With Me Mode (Star Wars)
Using Droid Interactions
Droids App Crashes during Watch with Me
Driving Droids with the Droids App
Patrol Mode
Droid not Connecting to Droids App
Connecting a Droid to Droids App
Star Wars Droids App Device Compatibility
AR Mode
Droid Interactions in the Droids App
Missing Features in Android App
Spider-Man
Spider-Man's Battery Life
What do Spider-Man's Lights Mean?
Unboxing and Setting up Spider-Man
Spider-Man Wakes up Without being Prompted
Spider-Man not Connecting to WiFi
Does Spider-Man Move?
Is Spider-Man Waterproof?
Spider-Man Security
Difficulties Downloading Spider-Man App
Does Spider-Man work with other Sphero Apps?
Resetting Spider-Man
Setting an Alarm on Spider-Man
How to Put Spider-Man in Deep Sleep + Wake Him Up
Spider-Man not Responding or Understanding
Changing Spider-Man's Volume
Enabling Guard Mode
Spider-Man Voice Commands
Charging Spider-Man
Spider Man has Wrong Date or Time
Spider-Man doesn't Understand Child's Voice
Using Spider-Man without WiFi
Troubleshooting Spider-Man Connection Issues
Connecting to Spider-Man
Spider-Man Languages
Spider-Man Play Modes
Cleaning Spider-Man
Spider-Man Privacy Information
Recommended Age for Spider-Man
Spider-Man Device Compatibility
Watch With Me Mode (Spider-Man)
Powering Spider-Man On and Off
Connecting Spider-Man to a Device
BB-8
Resetting BB-8
BB-8's Lights Flashing
Using BB-8 Voice Commands
Recording a Hologram
BB-8's Battery
Waking BB-8 from Deep Sleep
BB-8's Bluetooth Range
Is BB-8 Waterproof?
Driving BB-8
Cleaning BB-8
Lost or Damaged BB-8 Head
BB-8 Voice Commands
Putting BB-8 in Deep Sleep
BB-8™ Tech Specs
BB-8 Charger Animations
Difference Between Battle-Worn and Original BB-8
Charging BB-8
BB-8 Training Video
Getting Started with BB-8
BB-8 Not Charging
How do I use the Draw and Drive feature for BB-8?
Android Error Message 907 Or 963
littleBits Products
Hall of Fame Kits
Hall of Fame Kit Instructions
Are the Templates in the Bubble Bot Waterproof?
Empty Compartment upon Opening
Sound Trigger not Holding a Sound for 3 Seconds
Can I Combine Kits to Make Extra Inventions?
Education Starter Kit
micro:bit Adapter
Pro Library
STEAM Student Set
How Many Students can use the STEAM Student Set?
I've Finished all the Projects. What's Next?
What Standards can I Meet with the STEAM Student Set?
Available Lessons and Curriculum
Leaning to Use the STEAM Student Set
General littleBits Questions
Disinfect littleBits with UV Light
littleBits Troubleshooting
Taking Care of Bits in the Classroom
Lessons and Curriculum for Educators
Droid Inventor Kit
Droid Troubleshooting
Droid Inventor App not Connecting to Control Hub
Droid Servo Alignment Off Center
Trouble Recording Secret Message
Part of Droid is Broken
Missing or Lost Part
Bluetooth Troubleshooting
Droid Inventors App Device Compatibility
Connecting Droid Inventor App to Control Hub
Droid Plastic Replacement Parts - 3D Files
Droid Inventor Kit Instructions
Other littleBits
littleBits Inventor Kits
Instructions for the Base Inventor, Electronic Music Inventor, and Space Rover Inventor Kits
littleBits Needed for the "Inventing with littleBits" JAM Course (now DIY.org)?
Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
Smart Device Needed for the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
Hero Inventor Kit Troubleshooting
Avengers Hero Inventor Kit Instructions
Purchasing the Avengers Hero Inventor Kit
littleBits Code Kit
Code was Uploaded, but Circuit doesn't Show Expected Output
What standards can I Meet with the Code Kit?
Is my Code Kit Circuit Set Up Correctly?
Is Prior Experience Needed for the Code Kit?
Will this Work with the Bits I Already Have?
Code Kit Device Compatibility
Debugging littleBits Code
Code Kit Debugging Checklist
Difficulty Connecting codeBit to Computer
I'm not a Teacher - Can I Buy This?
What Kind of Code Does this Teach?
Gizmos & Gadgets Kit 2nd Edition
General FAQ
littleBits FAQ
How do littleBits Work?
What can you Create with littleBits?
How do you Use littleBits?
What are littleBits?
Sphero FAQ
How do Sphero Robots Work?
Do Sphero Robots include a Camera?
What is Sphero?
Coding Languages and your Sphero App-Enabled Robot
What Ages are Sphero Robots for?
Battery FAQ
Sphero + littleBits Self-Service Resources
Can you Code with Sphero Robots?
What Coding Language do Sphero Robots Use?
What Games can I Play with Sphero?
What's Inside of a Sphero Robot?
What can Sphero Robots Do?
How do you Program Sphero Robots?
What are Sphero Programmable Robots?
Can the Batteries be Replaced?
Warranties + Returns
Warranty Information
Return Policy
Can you Refund the Tax on My Order?
I Need to Cancel my Order
I Need to Change my Shipping Address
SpheroCare - Protecting your Robots + Bits
There is Something Wrong with my Order
Orders + Shipping
Placing a Tax Exempt Order
How do I use a Purchase Order?
Request a Quote
When will my Order Arrive?
Sphero W-9 and Sole Source Letter
How are your Products Shipped?
What Payment Methods do you Accept?
Creating an Online Account
Become a Reseller of Sphero or littleBits Products
Grant Funding Resources
New Jersey Business Certificate
Lost Package
International Shipping
Declarations of Conformity
Holiday Shipping Cutoffs
US Military Addresses (APO/FPO)
- All Categories
- General FAQ
- Sphero FAQ
- Battery FAQ
Battery FAQ
Updated
by Sara Sampson
What Type of Batteries are used in Sphero Robots?
Sphero robots contain lithium polymer batteries. These are different than the batteries you typically buy at the store because of their power density - meaning they are really small, but produce a large amount of power!
Lithium batteries are also used in cell phones because of their high power density.
Sphero creates custom batteries for each of our products so they fit inside the compact design.
Why is My Battery not Holding a Charge?
We wish our batteries would last forever - there are two main reasons they are unable to.
- Age - over time all rechargeable batteries lose capacity, and eventually die
- Charging Cycles - in healthy batteries, ions flow between a cathode and an anode. When you charge a battery, ions move from the cathode to the anode. When you're using the battery (playing with your robot), ions move from the anode to the cathode. Over time, this process wears out the cathode, reducing the battery's capacity. You are now a battery expert!
I Haven't Used My Robot in a Long Time. Why Isn't it Working?
Even when batteries are not being used, their lifetime performance degrades. Batteries that are not used can lose 20%-35% each year depending on storage climate and temperature.
How Can I Extend the Life of my Battery?
Anytime your robot is not in use, we recommend putting your robot into deep sleep and keeping it off the charger.
For the best way to maintain your battery, prior to putting the robot into deep sleep, we recommend first running the battery down to 50%* and then putting in deep sleep. The most important thing to note is that, when not in use, the robot should be stored in deep sleep and in a cool area.
You can put your robot into deep sleep via the app you're using. Please note, putting a robot back on its charging base, or plugging it in, will wake the battery up from deep sleep. Therefore, robots should not be stored while charging.
If you're using a Power Pack, it is okay to store your robots on the charging bases as long as the Power Pack is not plugged into the wall and receiving power.
RVR will provide power via the USB and Universal expansion port even when it appears to be off, disconnect your projects when not in use to avoid draining the battery with them. You can also remove the battery when not in use to avoid slowly draining.
*For Lightning McQueen, we recommend charging the battery to 100% and then putting it into deep sleep. The battery should not be run down to 50% prior to putting in deep sleep.
Can I Replace or Repair the Battery?
The majority of Sphero robots have a hard outer shell (made of polycarbonate) that is fused together. This design allows our robots to be both incredibly strong and waterproof.
Because the shells are fused together, the battery cannot be replaced.*
We do not recommend trying to open your robot to look at the battery. Batteries can be dangerous, and destroying the shell voids your warranty.
*RVR has a replaceable battery and you can purchase a new battery here. Sphero Mini's shell can be removed, but the battery cannot be replaced.
How do I Know if My Battery is Dead?
Round Sphero Robots (including BB-8 and BB-9E)
Leave your robot sitting in the charging base for three hours. Please ensure your outlet is working and the heaviest part of the robot is nestled into the charging base.
After charging for three hours, remove the robot from the charging base. If the robot flashes red, or has no lights, this indicates a low or critical battery.
You can also check the battery level within the app.
R2-D2
Leave R2-D2 plugged into the charger for three hours. Please ensure you are using a working outlet.
After charging for three hours, remove R2-D2 from the charging cord. If R2-D2 flashes red, or has no lights, this indicates a low or critical battery.
You can also check the battery level within the Star Wars Droids app.
Spider-Man
Leave Spider-Man on his charging base for three house. Please ensure your outlet is working.
After charging for three hours, remove Spider-Man from the charging base. Wait five minutes, and then check the battery level within the app. If the battery charge percentage is significantly below 100%, this indicates that Spider-Man's battery is having difficulty holding a charge.
Lightning McQueen
Plug Lightning McQueen into his charger and charge for three hours. When the battery has enough power, the headlights on the car should start pulsing with the screen. After a period of pulsing, the screen will come on.
RVR
If you have charged RVR based on the below time requirements, but are only seeing one LED light on the charging indicator, please click the link in the next section.
- 1A charger (USB port on a computer, basic phone charger) - 10-12 hours
- 2A charger (Tablet charger, 2.1A labeled phone chargers) - 4-6 hours
- Quick Charge 3.0/USB-PD (Quick charge labeled charging brick, high end phone chargers) - 2-4 hours
What Do I Do if my Battery is Dead?
If you have determined your battery is dead, please click here for next steps.