Troubleshooting

First: Sign In and Update

Many issues happen because users skip signing in or updating.

Before troubleshooting:

  1. Sign in to the app with your Apple ID (iOS) or Google account (Android). Most features and updates wonโ€™t work without signing in.
  2. Update the app when prompted.
  3. Connect to your device and update the firmware.

Why this matters: Features youโ€™re looking for might only be available in newer versions. We regularly add improvements and fixes.

Finding version numbers:

  • Firmware version: PeekSmith 3 displays it on the home screen when you turn it on.
  • App version: Found on the Home page of the app.

Canโ€™t Connect to Your Device

If your device isnโ€™t showing up or wonโ€™t connect:

Check the Basics

  1. Is your device turned on? You should see the home screen.
  2. Is Bluetooth enabled on your phone?
  3. Is your device already connected to another app? It can only connect to one app at a time. Close other magic apps and try again.
  4. Is your device charged? Low battery can prevent Bluetooth connections.

iOS Issues

  • Allow Bluetooth access: Go to Settings โ†’ [App Name] โ†’ Enable Bluetooth.
  • Try restarting your phone if the device still doesnโ€™t appear.

Android Issues

  • Enable GPS/Location: Android requires location services for Bluetooth to work. Go to Settings โ†’ Location โ†’ Turn on.
  • Allow location access: Go to Settings โ†’ [App Name] โ†’ Permissions โ†’ Enable Location.
  • Try flight mode: Turn on flight mode for 5 seconds, then turn it off. This can reset Bluetooth.
  • Restart your phone: Android Bluetooth can be buggy. A restart often fixes connection issues.

Video guide: See how to enable location permission.

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Too Many Devices Connected

Phones can connect to 10-16 Bluetooth devices at once. If you have many devices connected (earphones, fitness band, car, etc.), try disconnecting some to free up space.

Donโ€™t Connect from Bluetooth Settings

The app will handle the connection for you. You donโ€™t need to pair from your phoneโ€™s Bluetooth settings.

Device Keeps Disconnecting

If your device disconnects during use:

  1. Update firmware: Older firmware versions (before v1.5.7) can cause disconnection issues. To update, see the firmware update guide.
  2. Check battery level: Low battery causes disconnections. Charge your device.
  3. Stay in range: Keep your phone within 10 meters (30 feet) of your device.
  4. Keep the app open: The app can run in the background, but some phones may close it to save battery. Check your phoneโ€™s battery optimization settings and exclude the app.
  5. Restart both devices: Turn off your device, restart your phone, then try again.

Video guide: See how to fix unexpected disconnections.

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App Not Working Properly

If the app crashes or behaves strangely:

  1. Update the app: Check your app store for the latest version.
  2. Update firmware: Make sure your device has the latest firmware.
  3. Restart the app: Close it completely and reopen.
  4. Reinstall the app: Delete and reinstall can fix corrupted data.

Migrating to a New Phone

If you moved the app from an old phone to a new one (using phone transfer/migration tools), the app may not work correctly.

Solution: Delete the app and reinstall it fresh from the app store. Donโ€™t restore it from a backup.

Feature Missing or Not Working

If you canโ€™t find a feature or it doesnโ€™t work:

  1. Sign in: Make sure youโ€™re signed in with your Apple ID or Google account. Most features require this.
  2. Update firmware: Many features require newer firmware versions. To update, see the firmware update guide.
  3. Update the app: New features are added regularly.
  4. Check compatibility: Some features may only work on certain devices or require specific accessories.

Screen Issues

Screen appears scratched

Your PeekSmith has a nearly invisible protective film on the screen. What looks like scratches is usually just the film.

Solution: Look carefully at the screen edges โ€” youโ€™ll see a thin layer you can peel off. The โ€œscratchesโ€ will disappear once you remove it.

Screen appears dark or empty

If your screen looks dark or completely black, the brightness might be set too low (level 1 or 2). In bright environments, low brightness can make the screen appear empty.

Solution:

  1. Go to a dark place: Turn off the lights or cover the device.
  2. Look closely at the screen: You should see dim text or graphics.
  3. Adjust brightness:

In standalone mode:

  • Press both front buttons to enter the menu.
  • Navigate to โ€œScreen Brightnessโ€ with the left button.
  • Increase with the right button (try level 5-7).
  • Exit with the side button.

With the PeekSmith app:

  • Go to Settings โ†’ PeekSmith Device โ†’ Details.
  • Increase the brightness slider.

Tip: Brightness levels 4-5 work well in most environments while preserving battery life.

Screen goes blank immediately after turning on

If your screen clears right after you turn on PeekSmith, something is automatically connecting to it.

Check for connection:

  1. Look at the screen when you turn it on โ€” do you see a โ€œConnectedโ€ icon briefly?
  2. If yes, an app or device is taking over control.

Find whatโ€™s connecting:

  1. Test if itโ€™s your phone:

    • Turn off Bluetooth on your phone.
    • Turn PeekSmith off and on again.
    • If the screen stays on, itโ€™s an app on your phone.
  2. Find the app:

    • Turn Bluetooth back on.
    • Close all apps (swipe up to force quit on iOS, or use app switcher on Android).
    • Turn PeekSmith off and on again.
    • If the screen stays on, reopen apps one by one until you find which one connects.
  3. Common culprits:

    • PeekSmith app running in background.
    • Other magic apps (WikiTest, Inject, etc.).
    • Some third-party apps aggressively auto-connect.

Solution: Close or uninstall the app thatโ€™s connecting, or disable auto-connect in that appโ€™s settings.

Not your phone? Another nearby device might be connecting (like a tablet or someone elseโ€™s phone). Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices to test.

Charging Issues

Device not charging

If your PeekSmith wonโ€™t charge:

  1. Try a different cable โ€” The cable might be damaged.
  2. Try a different charger โ€” Use a simple wall charger or computer USB port.

Common problem: Some โ€œsmartโ€ fast chargers donโ€™t work with PeekSmith.

Why this happens: Fast chargers designed for phones (1A/2A charging) try to detect if a device is plugged in. They may not detect PeekSmithโ€™s low power draw (100 mA) and wonโ€™t start charging.

Solution: Use a basic USB charger (like older phone chargers) or plug into a computer USB port. These provide constant 5V power.

Note: You can safely use any 5V charger, even high-wattage laptop chargers (100W+). They wonโ€™t damage the device.

For more charging information, see the main page.

Still Need Help?

Weโ€™re here to help. Before reaching out, please gather:

  • Device type: PeekSmith 3, Bond, MrCard, etc.
  • Firmware version: Found in device settings or on home screen.
  • App version: Found in app settings.
  • Phone type: iOS or Android, and version.
  • Order ID: If you purchased from us.
  • Description: Whatโ€™s happening vs. what you expected.
  • Video: A short recording helps us understand the issue faster.

Contact us: Visit our Contact page or join the PeekSmith Facebook Group for community support.