Troubleshooting – Complete Guide

Use this guide to quickly diagnose and fix common Dharma Dr issues. Work through the section that best matches your symptom. If a step refers to the app, make sure you’re on the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.

Factory Reset Instructions

Use a factory reset only if basic reconnect steps fail. A reset clears prior Bluetooth pairings—you will re-pair in the app after.

1. Place both Tabs in the charging case. Ensure the case is connected to power.
2. Enter reset mode on both Tabs. Press and hold the the buttons on both Tabs until for 10 seconds, then let go and their LEDs flash red. (Reset must be active on both Tabs.)
3. Complete the reset. Take the tabs out of the case and press the tab with the ~ symbol one time to have them pair together.
4. Re-pair in the app. Open the Dharma Dr app > follow the pairing prompts. If your phone previously paired, go to Bluetooth settings and “Forget” the old entry first, then pair fresh.

• iOS: Settings > Bluetooth > (i) next to the device > Forget This Device.
• Android: Settings > Bluetooth > Paired devices > Tap device > Unpair/Forget. If issues persist, clear Bluetooth cache (Settings > Apps > Show system > Bluetooth > Storage > Clear cache) and reboot the phone.

Tabs Won’t Turn On

1. Charge first. Seat both Tabs firmly in the case and connect the case to power. Allow at least 30 minutes of charge.
2. Check case/Tab contact. Reseat each Tab to ensure the pogo pins make contact. Wipe any dust/moisture from contacts.
3. Wake the Tabs. Remove Tabs from the case. Most units power on automatically; if not, press the Tab button once to wake.
4. Try a different cable/adapter. Use a known-good USB cable and a 5V (1–2A) wall adapter; avoid low-power hubs.
5. Factory reset (last resort). Follow the reset steps above, then try powering on again.
   
   Still off? Try charging for 2 hours. If LEDs never show and the Tabs won’t wake, contact support.

Tabs Not Pairing with the App

1. Enable phone Bluetooth + Location. Turn Bluetooth on. On Android, also enable Location (required for BLE scanning).
2. Keep close. Place Tabs within 2–3 ft (1 m) of the phone. Remove other active Bluetooth devices nearby.
3. Restart the app. Force-quit and reopen the Dharma Dr app. Make sure you’re logged in.
4. Forget old pairings. In phone Bluetooth settings, remove any previous “Dharma Dr” entries, then retry pairing from inside the app.
5. Power-cycle Tabs. Put both Tabs in the case, close the lid for 10–15 seconds, then remove and try again.
6. Firmware check (if available). If the app shows a firmware update banner once connected, complete the update and re-test pairing.

            Tip: Pair inside the Dharma Dr app, not from the OS Bluetooth list when possible.

Tabs Disconnecting During Use

1. Reduce distance/interference. Keep the phone on the same side of the body as the Tabs; avoid pockets/bags that block signal. Move away from Wi-Fi routers or other BT devices.
2. Lock the phone awake (test). Some devices suspend Bluetooth aggressively when the screen sleeps. Temporarily keep the screen awake (see “Keep Screen Awake” option in the app if available) and re-test.
3. Disable battery optimizations.
   • Android: Settings > Apps > Dharma Dr > Battery > Don’t optimize. *Can vary by phone model*
   • iOS: Ensure Low Power Mode is off during sessions.
4. Re-seat Tabs. Place Tabs in the case, close lid, wait 10–15 seconds, remove, reconnect in the app.
5. Update firmware/app. Install the latest app and, if prompted, update Tab firmware.

Tabs Fading White (Won’t Connect)

If your Tabs’ LEDs fade toward white and won’t connect, follow these steps:

1. Charge to full. Place Tabs in the case and charge until the case indicates full indicated by no light visible on the case. Under-charged Tabs may not complete pairing, they should be green when fully charged.
2. Power-cycle. Close the case lid for 10–15 seconds, then reopen and remove the Tabs.
3. Clear old pairings. Forget the device in your phone’s Bluetooth settings, then pair fresh from inside the Dharma Dr app.
4. Factory reset (if still stuck). Perform the reset steps above, then re-pair.
   
   Note: If LEDs continue fading white immediately after full charge and reset, capture a short video and submit a ticket.

Charging Case Not Working

1. Verify power. Use a known-good USB cable and 5V wall adapter. Try a different outlet.
2. LED behavior.
   • Flashing yellow Tabs — Charging in case (battery under ~90%).
   • Green Tabs — Fully charged.
   • Flashing red — Factory reset mode is active (requires both Tabs); place Tabs properly and close lid to exit.
   • No light on Case — Case is either unplugged from power, power cord not working, or the case is charged fully.
   • White light on Case — Case is fully charged, and safe to unplug.
3. Check fit. Ensure Tabs are seated firmly; magnets should pull them into place. Clean contacts gently with a dry, soft cloth.
4. Warm or noisy adapter. Swap the USB adapter/cable if warm to the touch or inconsistent.
   
   No LEDs at all? Leave the case on charge for 30–60 minutes, then recheck. If still unresponsive, contact support.

High-Pitched Squealing from Charging Case

A faint, high-pitched sound can be normal “coil whine” from the power circuitry while charging, but it should be minimal.

1. Change the power source. Try a different wall adapter (5V/1–2A) and outlet. Avoid fast-charge bricks.
2. Use a different USB cable. Low-quality cables can increase noise.
3. Charge on a hard surface. Soft surfaces can amplify vibrations.
4. Inspect Tab seating. Reseat Tabs; slight misalignment can cause intermittent electrical noise.
   
   If the squeal is loud, continuous, or new, stop using the case and contact support for evaluation.

General Tips & Best Practices

• Keep Tabs charged above 30% for stable sessions.
• Stay within 1–3 ft (1 m) of your phone during use.
• Update the app and firmware when prompted.
• Minimize wireless interference (turn off unused BT devices nearby).

Related Articles

• Setup – Getting Started
• Charging LED Lights
• How to Update Your Tabs Firmware
• Setting Up Remote Access