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Sphero Play Connection TroubleshootingUpdated 5 months ago

On occasion you may have a connection failure in the Sphero Play app. The following information is intended to help solve common issues while connecting.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Below are all the BLE Sphero robots supported in the Sphero Play app:

  • Sphero Mini
  • Sphero BOLT 
  • Sphero SPRK+

BLE Troubleshooting

Powering On

All Sphero robots need to be "powered on" the first time they are used and before they can be connected to in the Sphero Play app. Below are instructions for powering on each BLE enabled robot:

  • Sphero BOLT+, 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+, 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.

Connection Failures

On occasion the Sphero Play 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 challenges when connecting. Here are some considerations:
    • If you have multiple Sphero robots, or other Bluetooth devices in range, then try moving the robot you are attempting to connect to away from the others before attempting to connect. This can help isolate your robot and 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.
    • If your environment is prone to interference, try staying close to your robot while connecting and programming.
  • 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 Play app.
  • Restarting Sphero Play: On rare occasion Sphero Play may get a little confused when communicating with your mobile device or computer. A quick restart of the app can sometimes help improve connection.
  • Restarting Your Device: In some rare instances, Bluetooth connections can be impacted by operating system updates, cached data, or general operating system bugs. Restarting your device may help resolve some connection issues if other steps do not help. 
No Luck?

We encourage you to contact us at [email protected] 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 Play app:

  • Sphero 2.0
  • Sphero SPRK

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 Play.
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 Play
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 Play.
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