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If Studio for browser does not show your MinimalPad in the connection dialog, work through the steps below in order. Most connection issues come down to the browser, the cable, or the firmware build.
On a Mac, Studio for Mac finds the pad on its own with no browser involved. If the browser is giving you trouble, it’s worth trying. Its own troubleshooting is in Studio for Mac problems.
1

Use Chrome or Edge

Studio requires the Web Serial API, which is only available in Chrome and Edge. Open Studio at https://studio.minimalmacropad.com/ in one of those browsers. Firefox and Safari are not supported and will not work regardless of other settings.
2

Use a data-capable USB-C cable

Many USB-C cables are charge-only and cannot carry data. Try a different cable — one that came with a phone, tablet, or other device that uses data transfer. A cable labeled as a data cable or USB 2.0/3.x cable is a safe choice. Charge-only cables will power the MinimalPad but the browser will not be able to see it.
3

Check the USB port

Try a different USB port on your computer. Avoid USB hubs if possible — connect the MinimalPad directly to a port on the machine itself. Some hubs do not reliably pass through serial devices.
4

Close other software using the serial port

If another application has the serial port open — a terminal emulator, the Arduino IDE, QMK Toolbox, another firmware tool, or Studio for Mac — the browser cannot claim the port. Close those applications and try connecting again.
5

Unplug and reconnect

Disconnect the MinimalPad from your computer, wait a few seconds for the OS to release the port, then plug it back in. Return to the browser tab and try connecting again.
6

Choose USB on the pad

The pad answers only on the connection it sends keys to. If it is set to Bluetooth, connecting over USB gets no answer: it stays on Connected and asks you to press &studio_unlock, although MinimalPad never needs unlocking. On the default keymap, hold the bottom-right key and press the third key on the second row (Use USB), then connect again.
7

Confirm the right firmware is installed

Both configurators need firmware with ZMK Studio built in: minimalpad_with_studio. If you are unsure what your pad runs, flash it again — see Update the firmware.
If you have worked through all the steps above and your MinimalPad still doesn’t appear, see Recovery.