Sphero Products
General
Vulnerability Disclosure Program
Enabling Location Permissions on Android
User Manuals
Sphero's Unsolicited Ideas Policy
Airplane Travel with Sphero
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 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
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
Which Robots work 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
Robot Keeps Disconnecting
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
-999 Error Code
Making my Programs Public
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
littleBits FUSE
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
Installing littleBits Code Kit app in the Classroom
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?
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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
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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
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SpheroCare - Protecting your Robots + Bits
There is Something Wrong with my Order
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Request a Quote
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Sphero W-9 and Sole Source Letter
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- All Categories
- Sphero Edu
- Connection Troubleshooting
Connection Troubleshooting
Updated
by Micah Daby
On occasion you may have a connection failure in the Sphero Edu app. The following content is intended to inform and help solve common issues while connecting.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Below are all the BLE Sphero robots supported in the Sphero Edu app:
- Sphero RVR
- Sphero BOLT
- Sphero SPRK+
- Sphero Mini
- BB-8
- BB-9E
- R2-D2
- R2-Q5
BLE Troubleshooting
Powering On
All Sphero robots need to be "powered on" before they can be connected in the Sphero Edu app. Below are instructions for powering on each Sphero robot:
- Sphero RVR: To power RVR on, the removable battery must first be charged. The battery bay is located on RVR's left side and is accessible by opening the battery door with the RVR key (included with every RVR). After the battery is charged, it must be placed in the battery bay and the battery bay door must be securely closed with the RVR key. Unlike BOLT or Mini, RVR has a physical power button located on its right side. Press the button to power on RVR before connecting in the app.
- Sphero BOLT, Sphero SPRK+: Ensure the charging base is plugged in via a micro USB cable. Place the BOLT or SPRK+ in the charging base. You will see the LED's on the BOLT or SPRK+ light up when they are on and ready to be connected. You may need to reposition the robot slightly to make sure the charging base is properly contacting the robot if the LEDs don't light up.
- Sphero Mini: Pinch the seam on the shell and pop the shell off of Mini. Plug a micro USB cable into the port on the Mini and plug the other end into a power source. Your Mini is powered on when you see the LEDs turn on.
- BB-8, BB-9E: Ensure the charging base is plugged in via a micro USB cable. Place the BB-8 or BB-9E in the charging base. You will see the LED's on the BB-8 or BB-9E light up when they are on and ready to be connected. You may need to reposition the robot slightly to make sure the charging base is properly contacting the robot if the LEDs don't light up.
- R2-D2, R2-Q5: Observe the micro USB port on the back of the R2-D2 and R2-Q5 robots. Plug a micro USB cable into the port on the R2-D2 or R2-Q5 and plug the other end into a power source. Your R2-D2 or R2-Q5 is powered on when you see the LEDs turn on.
Location Permissions
You may notice that your Android device asks for "Location Permissions" when you start the app and attempt to connect to a robot. Don't worry! We aren't tracking your location or private information. Location Permissions are required since Android 6.0 if an app is using what is called "coarse" or "fine" location data. On Android, scanning for BLE enabled robots and calculating how far away they are is considered a use of "coarse" location data. You can get geeky and learn about this OS level change here.
Connection Failures
On occasion the Sphero Edu app will fail to connect to your robot. Here are some things to think about if you are having issues connecting:
- Interference: Depending on your environment, there may be interference that's causing some challenges when connecting. Here are some things to think about:
- If you have multiple Sphero robots, or other Bluetooth devices, then think about moving the robot you are attempting to connect to away from the others before attempting to connect. This can help ensure a more reliable connection.
- Certain building materials can cause interference. Metal structures or concrete can occasionally compound connection issues. Try moving around and connecting from a different location in the room or building you are in.
- Hardware: Not all phones or computers have the same bluetooth hardware. We've optimized the app to work with the most common devices, but there are some edge cases. It can be a good idea to try connecting with another device to isolate if the hardware you are using is having a hard time connecting to our robots.
- Critical battery: It's a good idea to make sure your battery is charged before attempting to connect. The app may disconnect from the robot if the battery level is too low. You'll know your robot has a critical battery if it has LEDs that are flashing red. Time to charge!
- Resetting Bluetooth: There's a lot of code that goes into making an awesome Bluetooth connection happen. Sometimes things get a little weird or stuck. If you run into connection issues, it may be a good idea to disable then re-enable Bluetooth before connecting in the Sphero Edu app.
- Restarting Sphero Edu: On rare occasion Sphero Edu may get a little confused when communicating with your mobile device or computer. A quick restart of the app can sometimes help improve connection.
No Luck?
We encourage you to contact us at support@sphero.com if you are still having connection woes. We may be able to help determine if there's an issue with your robot or device.
Classic Bluetooth
Below are all the Classic Bluetooth Sphero robots supported in the Sphero Edu app:
- Sphero 2.0*
- Sphero SPRK*
*Sphero 2.0 and Sphero SPRK are not supported on the Windows release of Sphero Edu. Learn more about compatibility here.
Pairing
iOS
- Remove Sphero 2.0/SPRK from the Induction Charger.
- Shake Sphero awake. A double tap will usually work.
- Your Sphero will flash 3 consecutive colors when it is awake and ready to pair.
- Access iOS Bluetooth settings.
- Go to "Settings" then "Bluetooth".
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
- Wait for the device to detect Sphero.
- The name of your Sphero robot will match the flashing colors of your Sphero. For example, Sphero-RYW means that your Sphero will be flashing red, yellow, and white.
- When your Sphero is detected, select it for pairing.
- Pairing usually takes less than 30 seconds, but it can take up to 2 minutes.
- Your Sphero will glow white once it is paired to your iOS device.
- Occasionally you will need to try pairing more than once.
- Once your Sphero is paired, connect to it in Sphero Edu.
Android OS
- Remove Sphero 2.0/SPRK from the Induction Charger.
- Shake Sphero awake. A double tap will usually work.
- Your Sphero will flash 3 consecutive colors when it is awake and ready to pair.
- Access Android OS Bluetooth settings. Depending on the Android device, Bluetooth controls may be in different locations in settings.
- Check "Settings -> Connections -> Bluetooth" or "Settings -> Bluetooth". These are common locations.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled.
- Wait for the device to detect Sphero.
- The name of your Sphero robot will match the flashing colors of your Sphero. For example, Sphero-RYW means that your Sphero will be flashing red, yellow, and white.
- When your Sphero is detected, select it for pairing.
- Pairing usually takes less than 30 seconds, but it can take up to 2 minutes.
- Occasionally you will need to try pairing more than once.
- Once your Sphero is paired, connect to it in Sphero Edu
Fire OS
- Remove Sphero 2.0/SPRK from the Induction Charger.
- Shake Sphero awake. A double tap will usually work.
- Your Sphero will flash 3 consecutive colors when it is awake and ready to pair.
- Access Fire OS Bluetooth settings.
- Check "Settings -> Wireless & Bluetooth".
- Tap "Bluetooth" and make sure Bluetooth is "turned on".
- Tap the "Pair a Bluetooth Device" button.
- Wait for the device to detect Sphero.
- The name of your Sphero robot will match the flashing colors of your Sphero. For example, Sphero-RYW means that your Sphero will be flashing red, yellow, and white.
- When your Sphero is detected, select it for pairing.
- Pairing usually takes less than 30 seconds, but it can take up to 2 minutes.
- Occasionally you will need to try pairing more than once.
- Once your Sphero is paired, connect to it in Sphero Edu.
Windows
Sphero 2.0 and Sphero SPRK are not supported on the Windows release of Sphero Edu. Learn more about compatibility here.
macOS
- Remove Sphero 2.0/SPRK from the Induction Charger.
- Shake Sphero awake. A double tap will usually work.
- Your Sphero will flash 3 consecutive colors when it is awake and ready to pair.
- Access macOS Bluetooth settings.
- Check "System Preferences -> Bluetooth" and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Wait for the device to detect Sphero in the "devices" panel.
- The name of your Sphero robot will match the flashing colors of your Sphero. For example, Sphero-RYW means that your Sphero will be flashing red, yellow, and white.
- When your Sphero is detected, select it for pairing.
- Pairing usually takes less than 30 seconds, but it can take up to 2 minutes.
- Occasionally you will need to try pairing more than once.
- Once your Sphero is paired, connect to it in Sphero Edu.
Chromebook
- Remove Sphero 2.0/SPRK from the Induction Charger.
- Shake Sphero awake. A double tap will usually work.
- Your Sphero will flash 3 consecutive colors when it is awake and ready to pair.
- Access macOS Bluetooth settings.
- Check "Settings -> Bluetooth" and make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Click the Bluetooth panel to open it and see paired and unpaired devices.
- The name of your Sphero robot will match the flashing colors of your Sphero. For example, Sphero-RYW means that your Sphero will be flashing red, yellow, and white.
- When your Sphero is detected in the "unpaired" list, select it for pairing.
- Pairing usually takes less than 30 seconds, but it can take up to 2 minutes.
- Occasionally you will need to try pairing more than once.
- Once your Sphero is paired, connect to it in Sphero Edu.