Step 1 – Make sure you have followed the connection instructions for your device. Review them here: https://www.vernier.com/til/get-started/spectrometers

Step 2 – Find you combination of software and connection type below to continue troubleshooting.

Step 3 – If none of these fix the issue or you have to do this repeatedly with the same spectrometer, Please contact Vernier Technical Support. Please include the serial number of the unit and all troubleshooting steps you have already completed.

I want to connect via USB to a computer (Mac or Windows) or Chromebook running Spectral Analysis software.

1. Remove the battery. Note: If you are collecting data via USB, you do not need the battery installed or the AC power cable connected. Removing both often solves most issues.
2. Reboot your computer or Chromebook.
3. Unplug and replug the USB cable.
4. Try a different USB cable — use one you know works.
5. Use a shorter USB cable if one is available.
   Shorter cables are more reliable for data communication.
6. Avoid using any USB adapters.
   Do not use USB standard-to-USB-C adapters or any converters; use a direct USB cable connection.
7. Use a powered USB hub between the spectrometer and your device, if possible.
   This can help ensure consistent power and data transfer.
8. If you are using the Spectral Analysis Progressive Web App (spectralanalysis.app) in Chrome, make sure you have connected properly.
9. Check that the serial number in the software matches the label on the spectrometer.
   (See TIL 2408 for more information.)
10. If you want to keep the battery installed:
    • Disconnect the spectrometer from all cables.
    • Press and hold the power button until all LEDs turn off.
    • Reconnect the AC power cable that came with the unit.
    • Plug the USB cable into your device.

I want to connect via USB to a LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3.

1. Remove the battery. Note: If you are collecting data via USB, you do not need the battery installed or the AC power cable connected. Removing both often solves most issues.
2. Reboot your LabQuest completely.
   • LabQuest 2⚊Home > System > Reboot
   • LabQuest 3⚊Choose Reboot from the Settings screen
3. Unplug and replug the USB cable.
4. Try a different USB cable — use one you know works.
5. Use a shorter USB cable if one is available.
   Shorter cables are more reliable for data communication.
6. Use a powered USB hub between the spectrometer and your device, if possible.
   This can help ensure consistent power and data transfer.
7. Check that the serial number in the LabQuest software matches the label on the spectrometer.
   (See TIL 2408 for more information.)
8. If you want to keep the battery installed:
   • Disconnect the spectrometer from all cables.
   • Press and hold the power button until all LEDs turn off.
   • Reconnect the AC power cable that came with the unit.
   • Plug the USB cable into your device.

I want to connect via BLE to a computer, Chromebook, iOS or Android running Spectral Analysis software.

Try the Full Power Reset described below.
See Why can't my device find Go Direct Spectrometer when I try to connect via Bluetooth?
NOTE: LabQuest is not compatible with Go Direct Spectrometers via BLE. You must connect via USB when using LabQuest 2 or 3 for data collection from a spectrometer.

Full Power Reset for BLE Connection

1. Disconnect all cables (USB, AC power, etc.).
2. Remove the battery.
3. Wait 1 full minute to allow the device to fully discharge.
4. Reconnect the AC power adapter (leave the battery out).
   → At this point, the Battery LED should be red, and the Power, Bluetooth, and USB LEDs should all be off.
5. Press the power button.
   → The Battery LED should remain red, the Power LED should turn green, the Bluetooth LED should begin blinking, and the USB LED should stay off.

✔️ If the LEDs behave as described:

6. Reinsert the battery.
7. Connect via Bluetooth in Spectral Analysis.
8. ⚠️ Important:
   • Charge the battery overnight for best performance.
   • Remove the AC power cable before data collection, as it can heat the sample.

❌ If the LEDs do NOT turn on:

6. With AC still connected and the battery still removed, plug in the USB cable to your computer.
   → The Battery LED should be red, Power LED green, USB LED green, and Bluetooth LED off.
7. Remove the AC power cable — the spectrometer should stay on and remain recognized in Spectral Analysis.
8. Disconnect the USB cable.
9. Reinsert the battery.
10. Press the power button.
    → The Power LED should turn green, and the Bluetooth LED should begin blinking. The Battery and USB LEDs should be off.
11. Connect via Bluetooth in Spectral Analysis.

I want to connect some other way.

1. Logger Pro is no longer receiving updates. Switch to Spectral Analysis or LabQuest.
2. LabQuest via BLE – This combination is not supported.

If none of these fix the issue or you have to do this repeatedly with the same spectrometer, Please contact Vernier Technical Support. Please include the serial number of the unit.

Also see Why Isn't My LabQuest 2 or 3 Recognizing My SpectroVis Plus or Showing Accurate Data?