RGB Critter BT Troubleshooting

Charging Troubleshooting - RGB Critter BT

If your RGB Critter is not charging, please go through the steps below in order:

Step 1: Check the Battery Door

Make sure the Battery Door is fully closed and latched. The battery will not charge unless the door is completely latched.

Step 2: Check Battery Orientation

Confirm the battery is inserted correctly. The positive (+) end of the battery should face the front of the flashlight.

Step 3: Try a Different Power Source

Plug the Critter into a different power source, such as:

• A standard USB-A wall adapter (5V, 1.5A or more)
• A power bank

Use the USB charging cable included with your order when testing.

Important Note About USB Power Delivery (PD)

Some USB wall adapters and USB-C charging ports use USB Power Delivery (PD). The RGB Critter BT does not support PD, and these adapters may not supply power to the device.

If a PD adapter is used and charging fails, the buttons on the RGB Critter BT may blink red.

For reliable charging, use a standard USB-A power source with the included cable.

If the Issue Is Not Resolved

Step 4: Test While Plugged In

Plug the Critter into a power source and check whether it powers on while connected.

• If the Critter does not power on:
  Try a different power source again. If it still does not turn on, please email support@antsonamelon.com with a short video showing the issue.
  
• If the Critter powers on only when plugged in:
  The Battery Door may be damaged or not making proper contact. See Only Turns On When Plugged In, or Cuts Out.

Watch: Charging Instructions (video)

Why does my RGB Critter BT only turn on when plugged in, or cut out when I spin it?

This is almost always the Battery Door or the end cap not making full contact, so the battery loses its connection when the light moves.

1. Use the Critter Key to turn the Battery Door until it is fully latched. It can look closed when it is not.
2. Screw the Modular Cap firmly onto the back.
3. Check the battery is in the right way round, with the positive (+) end facing the front.
4. Fully charge it and test again.
5. If you have a second AOAM battery, swap it in. If the problem goes away, the first battery is worn out. Batteries are covered for 60 days, and replacements are in our Replacement Parts collection.

Still cutting out? Email a short video showing what it does to support@antsonamelon.com and we will sort it out. A damaged Battery Door is the usual cause, and new doors are in the Replacement Parts collection.

Watch: Charging Instructions (video)

Battery Level and Button Colors - RGB Critter BT

If the buttons are showing a color you did not expect, they are almost always reporting the battery level rather than a fault.

Checking the Battery Level

The RGB Critter BT shows a Battery Life Indicator after either of the following actions:

• Plug the Critter into a power source
  
• Unplug the charger, turn the Critter off, then hold the Arrow button
  

The Arrow button check only works with the charger unplugged. While the Critter is plugged in, the charging indicator uses the button LEDs, so holding the Arrow button will appear to do nothing.

What Each Color Means

• 🔴 0-10% - Red
  
• 🟠 11-25% - Orange
  
• 🟡 26-50% - Yellow
  
• 🟢 51-75% - Green
  
• 🔵 76-90% - Blue
  
• 🟣 91-96% - Purple
  
• 🟪 97-100% - Solid Purple
  

My Buttons Show Purple and Stay On

That is the fully charged reading and it is normal. Solid purple means the battery is at 97-100%, so there is nothing wrong with your Critter.

What the Red LEDs Mean While Charging

• Pulsing red means the RGB Critter BT is charging properly. This is normal.
  
• Blinking red means there is an issue with the USB power source. Try a different USB port or a wall adapter that supplies at least 1.5A, and use the original USB charging cable.
  

If the buttons still behave differently from the above after updating your firmware, email support@antsonamelon.com with a short video showing what the Critter is doing.

Battery Discharge Notice

To conserve battery power, turn off the RGB Critter BT by holding the Power button for 1 second.

If an 18650 battery is left inside the RGB Critter BT, it will continue to discharge slowly over time, even when the device is not in use.

For long-term storage (more than 2-3 weeks), we recommend:

• Removing the battery from the RGB Critter BT
  
• Storing the battery at approximately 50% charge
  
• Keeping the battery in a cool, dry environment
  

For more information on proper battery handling and safety, please visit:

https://antsonamelon.com/pages/battery-safety

Why did my RGB Critter BT turn on in my bag?

A tap of the Power button only puts it in standby, so a bump in a bag can wake it. The button lock clears when the light turns off, so it won't stop this. Before you pack it:

• Take the battery out. It's the only sure way, and the one to use for travel or storage longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
• For a short trip, hold the Power button for 1 second to put it into deep sleep.

App Connection Troubleshooting - RGB Critter BT

Watch: RGB Critter BT pairing and creating a group (video)

Always pair from the Devices page of the Ants on a Melon app, never from your phone's own Bluetooth settings. A Critter paired in phone settings will not show up properly in the app.

If you’re having trouble connecting your RGB Critter BT to the Ants on a Melon app, follow the steps below in order.

In most cases, connection issues happen when the device is in the wrong pairing mode or is still paired to another device.

Step 1: Put the Critter Into the Correct Pairing Mode

• First-time pairing or pairing to a new device
  
  Press and hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses green, then pair the device in the app.
  

• Already paired to this device before
  
  Press and hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses blue, then pair the device in the app.
  

Do not hold the button until green if the Critter has already been paired to the same phone or tablet.

Step 2: Remove Existing Bluetooth Connections (If Needed)

If pairing does not work, fully remove the existing connection and reset pairing.

In the Ants on a Melon app:

1. Go to the Devices page
   
2. Tap the three white dots next to the RGB Critter BT
   
3. Select Delete
   

On your phone or tablet:

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth
   
2. Find RGB Critter BT in the device list
   
3. Tap the info (ℹ️) icon
   
4. Select Forget This Device
   

After completing these steps, hold the Rocket button until the LED pulses green, then reconnect in the app.

Step 3: Reset the Device (If Needed)

If the issue persists:

1. Remove the battery from the RGB Critter BT
   
2. Wait a few seconds, then reinstall the battery
   
3. Restart your phone or tablet
   
4. Repeat Step 1 to place the Critter back into pairing mode and reconnect in the app
   

If You Still Can’t Connect

If you’ve tried all the steps above and are still unable to connect, please contact us at
support@antsonamelon.com and include:

• Your phone model
  
• Your operating system version (iOS or Android)
  

We’ll be happy to help you get up and running.

Do I need cell service or Wi-Fi to use my RGB Critter BT?

No. The RGB Critter BT does not require cell service or Wi-Fi to operate.

The Ants on a Melon app connects to the RGB Critter BT using Bluetooth, allowing you to control the device wirelessly without any internet connection.

Bluetooth control details

• Connect up to 10 devices within a 20-meter (66-ft) range
  
• No Wi-Fi or cellular service required
  
• For best performance, keep your phone and the RGB Critter BT within sight, as Bluetooth signals can be blocked by large objects
  

Using the RGB Critter BT Without the App

Yes, the RGB Critter BT can also be used without the Ants on a Melon app.

The flashlight includes three onboard, illuminated buttons that allow you to operate the device completely offline.

Key features when using the device without the app include:

• Onboard controls for mode navigation, speed adjustment, and brightness control
  
• 20 preinstalled lighting modes for immediate use without Bluetooth
  
• Custom mode storage, allowing presets created in the app to be transferred to the flashlight for offline use using the Export to Critter feature
  
• Support for managing up to 20 custom presets with current firmware updates
  

While full customization requires the app, all essential functionality is available directly on the device.

Designed for Offline Use

The RGB Critter BT is designed to work with or without the app, making it ideal for light painting, flow arts, and creative use in areas with no cellular service or internet access.

My exported modes didn't stick. What happened?

• After you tap Export To Critter, wait for the Critter to show a rainbow fade and disconnect from the app. That means the export finished.
• Test your modes with the buttons after it disconnects. While it is connected, the Critter plays whatever the app is playing.
• Only the first 20 modes of the playlist are exported.

If your modes still revert, update the firmware from the Devices page and email a short video to support@antsonamelon.com.

How do I use two or more RGB Critter BTs together?

The Devices page controls one RGB Critter BT at a time, so connecting a second one on its own will take over from the first. To run two or more together (a staff, double whips, a group of performers), make a Group:

1. Connect each RGB Critter BT on the Devices page.
2. In the Group section, tap Create Group, select the Critters, name the group and save it.
3. Make sure every Critter is powered on before you toggle the group on. Their LEDs turn white when grouped.

Solid colors always match across a group. Color-changing modes may drift slightly out of step between lights.

My RGB Critter BT is frozen or the buttons don't respond. What do I do?

1. Check the button lock. While the light is on, press the Arrow and Power buttons together. A red flash means the buttons are now locked, green means unlocked. In the app, also check the Lock Buttons and Lock Power Button switches in Universal Settings.
2. Restart it. Take the battery out and put it straight back in, positive (+) end facing the front. Don't hold any buttons while you do it.
3. Update the firmware from the Devices page of the app.

We know about a firmware issue that can occasionally stop the buttons responding until the battery is removed, and a fix is in progress. You can follow it on our Updates Calendar.

Why does my RGB Critter BT start on mode 1?

When it isn't connected to the app, it plays the 20 modes stored on the light and starts on mode 1 each time it turns on. While it is connected, it plays whatever the app is playing.

To put your own modes on the light, use Export To Critter: in the app, tap the three dots next to a playlist in My Playlists and pick Export To Critter. The first 20 modes go onto the light and play with no phone needed.

How do I lock or unlock the buttons?

While the light is on, press the Arrow and Power buttons together. A red flash means the buttons are now locked, green means unlocked.

The lock only works while the light is on, and it clears when the light turns off. Tap the two buttons together; holding them turns the light off.

If the buttons stop responding, check this first. In the app you can also use the Lock Buttons and Lock Power Button switches in Universal Settings.

How do I turn it fully off?

A tap of the Power button only puts it in standby, so a bump can wake it. To make sure it stays off:

• Hold the Power button for 1 second to put it into deep sleep.
• For travel, or storage longer than 2 to 3 weeks, take the battery out.

One color is missing, the light looks dim, or it flickers

1. Charge it fully and test again. A low battery dims the light. If it is noticeably brighter while plugged in, the battery is worn out. Batteries are covered for 60 days, and replacements are in our Replacement Parts collection.
2. Check Universal Settings in the app. Brightness below 100% dims the light. PWM mode can look like flicker on camera; switch to Analog for smooth output.
3. Test each color. In the app, play solid red, then green, then blue to see which one is missing.

Still missing a color? Email a short video to support@antsonamelon.com and we will get it repaired.

I lost my Critter Key or Battery Door, or an accessory won't thread on

Critter Keys, Battery Doors, end caps, o-rings and batteries are all sold on their own in our Replacement Parts collection. Batteries ship to US addresses only.

If an accessory will not thread on, do not force it. Turn it backward by hand until you feel a small click as the threads drop into line, then turn it forward gently. If it still binds, email a photo of both threads to support@antsonamelon.com and we will tell you what is going on. Always keep an accessory on the front and the end cap on the back, because a bare end can dent the housing.

The buttons don't line up with the silicone sleeve

Stand the RGB Critter BT upright and twist the sleeve until the notches line up with the three buttons.

Heat above 60°C (140°F), such as a hot car, can stretch the sleeve out of shape. If yours has deformed, email a photo to support@antsonamelon.com and we will help.

My serial number won’t register, or I can’t find it

• Your serial number is on the Devices page of the Ants on a Melon app. It is 8 characters long, so type it exactly, with no spaces.
• Can’t connect to read it? Fix the connection first (see Pairing Issues), or email your order number to support@antsonamelon.com and we will sort it out.
• Register here: warranty registration. Full terms: warranty information.

What's in the box, how long does it run, and what's covered?

• In the box: RGB Critter BT, 18650 3.6V 2500mAh battery, USB-C to USB-A charging cable, Critter Key. It arrives uncharged, so charge it first.
• Runtime: about 7 hours in color and about 2 hours on full white.
• Charging: a standard USB-A source, 5V at 1.5A or more. USB-C fast chargers (USB Power Delivery) are not supported.
• Water: not waterproof and no IP rating. Keep it out of rain, spray and dust.
• App: free, no subscription. iPhone and iPad on iOS 17.0 or later, Android 7.0 or later. Download the app.
• Serial number: on the Devices page of the app. You need it to register your warranty.
• Warranty: Register your RGB Critter BT and read the full warranty. Batteries are covered for 60 days. For a claim, email a photo or short video to support@antsonamelon.com.