What is happening?
The app cannot find or connect to the car
- Keep the car nearby, with Bluetooth enabled and the app's permissions allowed.
- If the car has been asleep, plug it in, wait a few seconds, then try Push Start again. The first attempt may wake it without completing startup.
- Close the original Sphero app and disconnect the car from any other phone or tablet. Connect from inside Red Thunder, rather than pairing the car in Bluetooth settings.
Bluetooth permissions are missing
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings → Privacy & Security → Bluetooth and allow Red Thunder Remote.
- Android or Fire tablet: open the app's permissions in your device settings. Allow Nearby Devices or Bluetooth when requested.
- Older Android versions may also need Location permission and the device's Location setting turned on for Bluetooth scanning. Red Thunder uses this to find the car, not to track your location. Return to the app and try again.
It connects, but will not drive
- Unplug the charging cable before testing movement. Driving is blocked while the car reports that it is charging.
- Check that you are connected to the real car. Demo Mode lets you explore the controls without moving a car.
- Wait for startup and diagnostics to finish. If controls stay disabled, note the message shown and send diagnostics. Test on a clear, level floor once the car is ready.
Startup gets stuck, or the app disconnects
- Keep the app open and the phone close to the car. If a software update or repair is running, follow that screen's instructions and let it finish.
- For a normal connection attempt that stops progressing, save diagnostics if you can, then try disconnecting and reconnecting once.
- If no update or repair is running, close and reopen the app. Restart your phone if the problem continues. Note whether the app froze, the car lost power, or only Bluetooth disconnected—these details help us investigate.
Lights work, but sounds, eyes or movement do not
- Let startup finish before trying a light control or one animation. Note exactly what you see and hear.
- Open Diagnostics and use the light and animation checks when available. Record the results, even if one feature works and another does not.
- Send the report and ask for help before repeating a software reinstall. Core software repair does not restore missing sound or animation content, and working lights alone do not confirm that the rest of the car is healthy.
The app offers an update or repair
- Read the explanation in the app and share diagnostics before starting if you are unsure.
- When proceeding, follow the app's power requirements, keep the phone close, and leave the app open. Do not unplug the car or interrupt an active repair.
- If it fails or keeps being offered, keep the exact message and ask for help. A completed transfer does not guarantee that every physical feature works.
A game controller is not responding
- Pair the supported game controller with your phone or tablet in the device's Bluetooth settings.
- Game controller support requires Red Thunder Pro. Open the app's controller help to check its buttons and connection.
- Try the on-screen Drive controls after the car finishes startup. If touch works but the controller does not, include the controller model when asking for help.
The car stops working when unplugged
- Give the car time to charge using the correct power supply, then try again.
- If it loses power immediately or only stays connected on the charger, open Diagnostics and use the guided battery or charging checks when available.
- Share the result. A battery percentage or successful Bluetooth connection alone cannot tell us whether the battery can power the motors.
Red Thunder Remote