> ## 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.

# MinimalPad FAQ: Setup, Wireless, and Configuration

> Answers to common questions about MinimalPad compatibility, wireless setup, accessories, switch swapping, and configuring your keys.

Find answers to the most common questions about MinimalPad below. If your question isn't covered here, visit the [product website](https://www.minimalmacropad.com/) or browse the rest of the documentation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does MinimalPad work on macOS, Windows, and Linux?">
    Yes. MinimalPad identifies itself to the operating system as a standard HID (Human Interface Device) — the same class as any other keyboard. No drivers are required on macOS, Windows, or Linux.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Which app do I use to configure it?">
    On a Mac, [MinimalPad Studio for Mac](/mac/overview) — a native app that also switches your keys to match the app you're working in. On Windows or Linux, [MinimalPad Studio for browser](/browser/overview) in Chrome or Edge.

    Both configure the same pad and save to the same place. [Compare them](/configure/mac-or-browser).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does MinimalPad work without a configurator running?">
    Yes. Your key assignments are stored in memory on the device itself, so the pad uses them every time it powers on. Nothing needs to be open, and the pad doesn't need to be connected to a computer at all.

    The exceptions are the two things Studio for Mac does on the pad's behalf: [app profiles](/mac/profiles), which need it running to know which app is in front, and [Open app keys](/mac/change-a-key#open-an-app), which need it running to open the app. Without it the pad stays on its Default layer and an Open app key does nothing.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can a key open an app?">
    Yes, on a Mac. In [Studio for Mac](/mac/change-a-key#open-an-app), choose **Open app** for a key and pick any app on your Mac. Pressing the key opens it, or brings it to the front. It needs Studio for Mac running and firmware 0.5.0 or newer, which Studio can install for you.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use MinimalPad over USB?">
    Yes. Plug in a data-capable USB-C cable and MinimalPad works immediately as a keyboard device. USB is also the most reliable way to configure the pad.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use MinimalPad wirelessly?">
    Yes. MinimalPad supports Bluetooth Low Energy with up to 5 saved profiles, so you can pair it with up to five devices and switch between them. A 3.7V LiPo battery (not included) is required for wireless operation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is a USB-C cable included?">
    No. You need to supply your own USB-C cable. Make sure to use a data-capable cable — charge-only cables will power the device but will not work for configuring it or for USB keyboard use.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is a battery included?">
    No. Lithium batteries are difficult and expensive to ship internationally, so no MinimalPad ships with one. You need a battery only for wireless use; over USB the pad runs without one.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What battery do I need?">
    A 3.7 V LiPo battery with a JST PH 2.0 mm connector that fits the 80 × 50 mm cutout inside the case, up to 10 mm thick. The sizes 605070, 103665, and 104567 all fit. Check the connector polarity before you connect it. See [Quick start](/getting-started/quick-start#step-3-add-a-battery-for-wireless-use) for batteries that fit and how to connect one.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I replace the switches?">
    Yes. MinimalPad uses Kailh Choc low-profile hot-swap sockets on all 16 key positions. You can swap switches in and out without soldering — just pull the old switch out and press the new one in.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I configure what turning the dial does?">
    Not from either configurator. Dial rotation is defined in the firmware and shows as read-only. To change it you edit the firmware and reflash — see [Advanced customization](/firmware/advanced).

    The dial's **press**, however, is a normal key position and is fully configurable.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I control the RGB lighting?">
    Yes. Assign lighting actions to any key to control hue, brightness, saturation, animation speed, and effects. See [What a key can do](/configure/key-actions) for the full list.

    On a Mac you can also give each [app profile](/mac/profiles) its own colour, so the pad glows differently in Figma than in Photoshop.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do key changes require reflashing the firmware?">
    No. Key assignments are saved directly to the device without rebuilding or reflashing the firmware. Reflashing is only needed to update the firmware, for lower-level changes, or to recover a pad.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="When is a firmware rebuild required?">
    A firmware rebuild and reflash is only needed if you want to:

    * Change what turning the dial does
    * Create or edit firmware-level macros

    Everyday key reassignment, layer management, and lighting control need no rebuild. To update the firmware or recover a pad, you flash the ready-made firmware instead, with no rebuild.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I update the firmware?">
    On a Mac, [Studio for Mac installs it for you](/mac/updates). Otherwise download the latest firmware and flash it over USB-C — see [Update the firmware](/firmware/update). Your saved key changes and Bluetooth pairings stay on the pad either way.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where can I see current product configurations and prices?">
    Visit the [product website](https://www.minimalmacropad.com/) for up-to-date pricing, available configurations, color options, and stock information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is the difference between the DIY kit and the assembled version?">
    The DIY kit comes with all the parts and requires you to complete the assembly yourself. Note that while SMD components are pre-soldered, a soldering iron is still needed for the through-hole components. The assembled version is fully built, flashed with firmware, and tested before it ships.

    See [Choose your MinimalPad](/getting-started/choose-your-minimalpad) for a detailed comparison, and [Assemble your kit](/getting-started/assemble-your-kit) for the build itself.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What browser do I need?">
    Chrome or Edge, for [Studio for browser](/browser/overview). It uses the Web Serial API for USB and the Web Bluetooth API for wireless, and those are only supported in Chromium-based browsers — Firefox and Safari are not.

    [Studio for Mac](/mac/overview) has no browser requirement at all.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use the Mac app and the browser app on the same pad?">
    Yes, just not at the same moment — only one app can hold the pad's USB connection. Quit or disconnect one before connecting the other. Both write to the pad itself, so there is nothing to sync or export.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>