Sphero Products
General
Vulnerability Disclosure Program
Enabling Location Permissions on Android
Sphero's Unsolicited Ideas Policy
Airplane Travel with Sphero
Replacement Charging Cables
Battery FAQ
Can the Batteries be Replaced?
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 Activity Kit FAQ
Sphero Mini EDU 16 Pack FAQ
Is Sphero Mini Kit compatible with other Robots?
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 RVR and RVR+
Sphero RVR and RVR+ Warnings
Drawing power for the USB and UART ports
Missing UART Cable
Lost Charging Cable?
Sphero RVR and RVR+ Battery FAQ
Getting Started with RVR and RVR+
What's new with RVR+?
Lost Battery Key?
Cleaning RVR/RVR+ Wheels
Ollie + Ollie Darkside
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 1.0 + 2.0
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 indi™
littleBits Products
STEAM+ Kit / STEAM+ Coding Kit
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?
Cross Axle vs D-Shaft DC Motor | Cross Axle vs Hub Mount Servos
Available Lessons and Curriculum
Leaning to Use the STEAM Student Set
littleBits Code Kit
What standards can I Meet with the Code Kit?
o28 LED Matrix vs o29 Round LED Matrix
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?
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?
Pro Library / Makerspace Invention Wall
Makerspace Invention Wall / Pro Library Storage options
Wall Storage Mounting Instructions
2018 Pro Library Updates
Education Starter Kit
micro:bit Adapter
codeBit
General littleBits Questions
Disinfect littleBits with UV Light
littleBits Troubleshooting
Taking Care of Bits in the Classroom
littleBits Classroom - Lessons and Curriculum for Educators
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)?
Gizmos & Gadgets Kit 2nd Edition
User Manuals
User Manuals - English
User Manuals - Italian
User Manuals - Spanish
User Manuals - Portuguese
User Manuals - German
User Manuals - French
Sphero + littleBits Apps
Sphero Edu
Computer Science Foundations
Using Computer Science Foundations
Purchasing Computer Science Foundations
Accessing Computer Science Foundations
Which Robots work with CS Foundations?
Sphero Edu: Important Notifications
Changing Support for iOS 10 and 11 with Sphero Edu 6.3.0
Changing support for iOS 9 in the Fall of 2020
Update: Sphero Compatibility with Chrome OS
Sphero Q&A: Chrome OS Update
Sphero Virtual Robot Beta
Robot Keeps Disconnecting (iOS)
Important RVR Firmware Update - August 31, 2020
Changing support for Android 5, 6, and 7 in February, 2022
Major Sphero Edu Windows App Update
Changes to Community Programs in May 2022
iOS Sphero Edu Video Playback Issues
Major Sphero Edu macOS App Update
Sphero Edu and Location Services for Android and Chromebooks
Google Sign-In Changes for the macOS and Windows Versions of Sphero Edu (Legacy Issue)
Important RVR/RVR+ Firmware Update - October 2022
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
Connection Troubleshooting
Sphero Edu + Clever
Difficulties with Google Sign In
Locating Missing Programs
Sphero Edu Android App on Chromebooks
Sphero Edu Account Deletion
Sphero Edu JavaScript Wiki
Sphero Edu app (Windows vs. Chrome)
Getting Started with Sphero Edu
Classroom Management Tools
Sphero Edu + Google Classrooms
Sphero Edu Activity Codes
Sphero Edu Webinars
What Sounds Can I Make With Sphero EDU?
Archiving Sphero Edu Classes
-999 Error Code
Sphero Edu IT Guide for Schools
Changing Text-To-Speech Settings for The "Speak" Block
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
Privacy + Security
Face Drive not Available
Edu Jr
littleBits Apps
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- Sphero Products
- General
- 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 and RVR+ will provide power via the USB and Universal expansion port even when they appear 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.
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. In addition, the sealed shell also keeps dirt and debris out of the internal components.
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/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
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 Sphero EDU app in 2 places:
The upper right hand corner of most pages (once your robot is connected)

The robot connection screen

RVR and RVR+
If you have charged RVR/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