How to Use a Bluetooth Remote Controller with Your Robot

By Robot Kits & Laser Cutters for STEAM Education | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to pair a Bluetooth remote controller with your Makeblock robot, including setup steps and tips for using a Bluetooth dongle for PC connectivity.

Quick Answer

To use a Bluetooth remote controller with your Makeblock robot, power on the robot, enable pairing mode, and connect the controller via Bluetooth. For PC-based robots, a Bluetooth dongle may be needed.

Why Use a Dedicated Remote Over a Phone?

A dedicated Bluetooth remote controller, like the Makeblock Bluetooth Remote Controller Joystick, offers more precise and responsive control compared to a smartphone app. It eliminates screen distractions and provides tactile feedback, making it ideal for complex maneuvers like flips with Airblock. However, it requires the robot to have Bluetooth capability and may not be compatible with all models.

When You Need a Bluetooth Dongle

If your computer lacks built-in Bluetooth, a USB 2.0 Bluetooth Adapter (dongle) is necessary for wireless robot control. This is common with older PCs or certain setups. The Makeblock dongle is compact and designed for compatibility with mBot Ranger and mBot Ultimate, but note that it may not support all Bluetooth devices or operating systems without driver installation.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Prepare Your Robot: Ensure your robot is powered on and has Bluetooth capability (e.g., mBot, Ranger, or Airblock). Check the robot's manual for Bluetooth pairing instructions, as some models require entering pairing mode by pressing a button or running a specific program. Not all robots support Bluetooth; verify before proceeding.
2. Enable Pairing Mode on the Controller: Turn on the Bluetooth Remote Controller Joystick by pressing the power button. The controller will automatically enter pairing mode (indicated by a flashing LED). If it doesn't, consult the manual for a specific pairing button sequence. A solid LED usually means successful pairing; a flashing LED indicates it's still searching.
3. Connect via Bluetooth on Your Robot or PC: For a direct robot connection, the robot should detect the controller automatically. If using a PC, insert the Bluetooth dongle (if needed) and install any required drivers. Then, go to your PC's Bluetooth settings, search for devices, and select the controller from the list. If the controller isn't found, try restarting both devices and ensure they are within 10 meters of each other.
4. Test the Connection: Once paired, move the joystick to see if the robot responds. For Airblock, you can switch between drone, hovercraft, and vehicle models using the controller's built-in modes. If the robot doesn't respond, check battery levels and repeat the pairing process. A common mistake is forgetting to select the correct control mode on the controller or robot app.

Product Facts

Bluetooth Remote Controller Joystick: Suits for all Makeblock Bluetooth devices: Airblock/mBot/Ranger. Comes with 3 built-in Airblock control models. This controller is versatile across multiple robots and offers pre-set controls for Airblock, making it easy to switch between drone, hovercraft, and vehicle modes without reconfiguring.
Bluetooth Remote Controller Joystick
USB 2.0 Bluetooth Adapter, Bluetooth Dongle for PC Connectivity: USB 2.0 interface for reliable Bluetooth connectivity. Compatible with select Makeblock robotics kits (mBot Ranger, mBot Ultimate). If your PC lacks Bluetooth, this dongle provides a simple plug-and-play solution for wireless robot control, though compatibility is limited to specific kits.
USB 2.0 Bluetooth Adapter, Bluetooth Dongle for PC Connectivity