Connect your MinimalPad over USB
1
Plug in your MinimalPad
Use a data-capable USB-C cable to connect MinimalPad to your computer. The RGB underglow lights up to confirm it has power.
2
Open Studio in Chrome or Edge
Navigate to https://studio.minimalmacropad.com/. Studio requires Chrome or Edge — other browsers do not support the Web Serial API.
3
Click the USB / Serial option
In the connection dialog, click USB / Serial (labelled “Connect via USB-C cable”). The browser will open a device picker.
4
Select your MinimalPad
Your MinimalPad appears in the list. Select it and click Connect. The picker automatically filters to ZMK devices, so only compatible hardware is shown.
5
Wait for the green status indicator
The status bar at the bottom of Studio transitions from amber (connecting) to green and displays “MinimalPad connected”. This means the session is fully established.
6
Start editing
Your current keymap loads automatically. Click any key on the layout to reassign it — no additional unlock step is needed.
No unlock step or unlock key is required. Because MinimalPad firmware is built with
CONFIG_ZMK_STUDIO_LOCKING=n, the device is ready to edit as soon as it connects. You will never be asked to press a special key to unlock Studio.Troubleshooting quick-fixes
If things do not go smoothly, try these first:- MinimalPad is not in the device list — swap to a different USB-C cable (charge-only cables are common) or try a different USB port. Avoid passive USB hubs.
- Another application is using the serial port — close any terminal emulator, flashing tool, or other serial monitor that may have claimed the port, then try again.
- The browser option is greyed out — confirm you are using Chrome or Edge. Firefox and Safari do not support Web Serial.