> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.minimalmacropad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect MinimalPad to Studio in Your Browser

> Connect your MinimalPad to the browser configurator over USB-C or Bluetooth in Chrome or Edge, and read the connection status indicator.

USB is the most reliable way to connect, and the only way to flash firmware. Bluetooth works too, with a little more setup.

<Warning>
  You need a **data-capable USB-C cable**. Charge-only cables carry power but no data, so your pad won't appear in the browser's device picker. If the pad doesn't show up, the cable is the most common cause.
</Warning>

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="USB">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Plug in your MinimalPad">
        Connect it with a data-capable USB-C cable. The underglow lights up to confirm it has power.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Open Studio in Chrome or Edge">
        Go to [studio.minimalmacropad.com](https://studio.minimalmacropad.com/).
      </Step>

      <Step title="Choose USB / Serial">
        In the connection dialog, click **USB / Serial** ("Connect via USB-C cable"). The browser opens its device picker.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select your MinimalPad">
        Pick it from the list and click **Connect**. The picker filters to ZMK devices, so only compatible hardware is shown.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Wait for green">
        The status bar goes from amber to green and reads **MinimalPad connected**. Your keymap loads automatically and you can start editing.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Bluetooth">
    Pair the pad with your computer first, then let the browser connect to it.

    <Warning>
      Web Bluetooth support varies. It works reliably in **Chrome on Windows and macOS**. On Linux it may need the `chrome://flags/#enable-web-bluetooth` flag. If the Bluetooth option is greyed out or missing, use USB instead.
    </Warning>

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Power on your MinimalPad">
        Connect a charged battery, or a USB-C cable for power. Press any key if the pad is asleep.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select an unused Bluetooth profile">
        A new pad starts on an unused profile and advertises itself automatically. To pair another computer later, switch to an unused profile first — see [Bluetooth profiles](/configure/bluetooth-profiles).
      </Step>

      <Step title="Pair it in your computer's Bluetooth settings">
        Turn on Bluetooth and use **Add device** or **Pair new device**. Your computer does the searching. Select **minimalpad** — the pad advertises its name in lowercase — and wait until it shows as connected.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Connect in Studio">
        Go to [studio.minimalmacropad.com](https://studio.minimalmacropad.com/), click **Connect device**, then **Bluetooth**.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Allow Studio to use the paired pad">
        The browser opens its own Bluetooth picker. Select the pad you just paired. This gives the browser permission to talk to it; it doesn't replace the pairing in your system settings.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Wait for green">
        The status indicator turns green and reads **MinimalPad connected**.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Note>
  There's no unlock step and no unlock key. The pad is ready to edit as soon as the indicator turns green.
</Note>

## Reading the status bar

The bar at the bottom of the screen shows the state of the connection.

| State           | Indicator                         | What it means                                            |
| --------------- | --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Disconnected    | Grey — "Disconnected"             | No device connected. Click **Connect**.                  |
| Connecting      | Amber, pulsing — "Connecting…"    | Establishing the connection. Wait a few seconds.         |
| Ready           | Green — "MinimalPad connected"    | Connected and ready to edit.                             |
| Unsaved changes | Green, with a **Save** button     | Changes are on the device but not written to its memory. |
| Saved           | Green, with a checkmark — "Saved" | Everything is written and will survive a reboot.         |

## Quick fixes

* **The pad isn't in the device list** — try a different USB-C cable (charge-only cables are common) or another port. Avoid passive hubs.
* **Another application is using the port** — close any terminal, flashing tool, serial monitor, or [Studio for Mac](/mac/overview) that has the pad.
* **The option is greyed out** — confirm you're in Chrome or Edge.

Full walkthrough: [Studio for browser won't connect](/help/browser-studio).