Pairing EmbraceMini

Before powering on EmbraceMini to start data collection, make sure that you have generated participant credentials for logging into the Care App. You can check this article for a step-by-step guide on how to add participants to your site.

Out of the box, EmbraceMini will be powered off. Follow the steps below to power it on and start the pairing process.

EmbraceMini can only be paired with the Care App version 5.56.1 and above. Make sure to update the Care App to the latest version before pairing this device.

1. Press the front button to power on EmbraceMini. If nothing happens with the button press, the EmbraceMini battery may be flat, and the device needs to be placed on charge.
   
2. Pair EmbraceMini with the companion app installed on a compatible smartphone by following the in-app instructions.
   Keep EmbraceMini and the participant’s smartphone next to each other during pairing.

3. A slowly blinking blue LED will signal that EmbraceMini is ready to be paired
   If the LED is not blinking blue, press and hold the front button for 5 seconds to activate pairing mode.
   

   If EmbraceMini was previously paired, make sure it's not currently connected to any nearby devices. The device won't enter pairing mode if it's currently connected to a phone.
   Delete the pairing from the connected phone's Bluetooth settings to disconnect it.

4. Tap ‘Start pairing’ on the companion app to proceed.
   
5. Press the front button once to send a pairing request.
   The blue LED will start blinking faster.
   
   If the pairing is not confirmed, the pairing request will time out, and the process will fail. Follow the app instructions to retry the pairing.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for EmbraceMini to connect with the smartphone. If prompted, accept all the requested permissions to ensure proper system operation
7. The pairing is confirmed when you see the message, ‘EmbraceMini is paired and ready to collect data’.
   
   If the pairing does not occur within a few minutes, EmbraceMini will automatically switch off to preserve the battery. Return to step 1. 
8. To confirm that EmbraceMini is set, briefly press the front button. A green LED indicates successful configuration.
   
9. An onboarding guide on how to wear EmbraceMini correctly will be shown on the app. We recommend reading the guide thoroughly to ensure good data collection.
   
10. The Care App will show the status ‘Care is working correctly’ on a teal-colored background. Now you are ready to use EmbraceMini alongside the Care App. See here for more information on the different statuses of the Care App.

See the following article in case of pairing issues: Trouble pairing EmbraceMini

Android Companion device configuration

Android manufacturers may shut down applications such as the Care App from running in the background to optimize the phone’s battery life.

It is recommended to allow the Care App to run in the background. Whenever the app is closed, the phone is unable to communicate with the Empatica Wearable, and the connection will be lost. Android manufacturers are known to implement power-saving features that shut down apps in the background to prolong the phone’s battery life. This may also cause the Care App to be shut down while running in the background.

Following the steps below may allow the Care App to fully function even while placed in the background (these settings can vary depending on the phone model):

1. Allow the Care App to run in the background by enabling unrestricted battery access.
   • Settings > Apps > Care App (App info) > Battery > choose Unrestricted or
   • Settings > Apps > Care App (App info) > Battery usage > enable Allow Background Activity
2. Disable any battery optimization features from the phone’s settings.
   • Settings > Battery > toggle OFF any power-saving features or modes
3. Lock or pin the Care App in your Recent apps
   • Recent apps > Care App > Lock app (padlock icon)
4. Disable any ‘deep sleeping’, ‘sleeping’, ‘doze’ modes, or similar features on the phone.
   • Settings > Battery > Background usage limits > remove Care App from ‘Sleeping apps’ or
   • Settings > Battery > top-right 3 dots > Battery Optimization > All Apps > find Care App > select Don't Optimize

For a smooth and continuous data collection, we also recommend connecting EmbraceMini to the smartphone without any other Bluetooth pairings. With some smartphones (particularly Android models), connecting additional Bluetooth devices such as wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, etc., might cause issues in the data flow from EmbraceMini to the paired smartphone.

Disclaimer: The settings depend on the make and version of the Android OS running on the phone. For optimal performance, check the compatibility requirements here.