Frequently Asked Questions about Bluetooth Connection
What is the Bluetooth range?
PocketLab sensors have a Bluetooth range of about 100ft with direct line of sight. Objects in between the sensor and the device it is connected to can lower connectivity. Water is an especially good insulator of Bluetooth, so people walking between the sensor and the device can occasionally cause the connection to drop.
What devices are PocketLab sensors able to connect to?
PocketLab sensors are compatible with most devices manufactured since 2014 with built-in Bluetooth. For more information on compatibility, see this article:
PocketLab Notebook Compatibility
What should I do if my connection is dropping unexpectedly?
There are a few common issues that may cause the connection to drop:
- Make sure your PocketLab sensor has a clear line of sight to the device it is connected to.
- Make sure the PocketLab is charged. If the light is flashing red, it means the battery is low. Plug in your sensor for at least 15 minutes, or change the battery if you are using PocketLab Thermo.
- Make sure your computer or mobile device is not going to sleep. Keeping the screen on can ensure the sensor stays connected and collecting data.
If you are still experiencing issues, please reach out here.
Can I connect while offline?
You do not need an internet connection to connect via Bluetooth. You can use the iOS or Android apps while offline, or use the web app on a computer as long as the page is loaded. If you lose internet access while connected or recording, your data will not be affected.
What kind of Bluetooth do PocketLab sensors use?
PocketLab sensors run on Bluetooth 4.0.
Can I connect to PocketLab sensors outside of the app?
We do not have an open API to directly access sensor data at this time. We may add a way to connect directly to the sensors for custom applications in the future. Please reach out and let us know if you have a use case in mind.