If your device can’t find your Go Direct spectrometer when trying to connect via Bluetooth, work through the checklist below.

✅ 1. Update to the latest Software Version
Go Direct SpectroVis Plus (GDX-SVISPL) requires Spectral Analysis v5.0 or newer.
All other Go Direct spectrometers require Spectral Analysis v5.0 or newer.
👉 Check version and download here

✅ 2. LabQuest Is Not Bluetooth-Compatible with Spectrometers
LabQuest 2 and LabQuest 3 do not support Bluetooth connections with Go Direct spectrometers.
If you’re using LabQuest, connect via USB instead.

✅ 3. Confirm Device Compatibility
Make sure your computer, Chromebook, Android™, or iOS device meets the hardware and operating system requirements.
For iPads, we recommend iOS 16 or later for best Bluetooth performance.
👉 View system requirements

✅ 4. Bluetooth Setup Steps
Make sure you’ve followed the correct connection instructions for your spectrometer and device.
You can review the setup guides here: https://www.vernier.com/til/get-started/spectrometers

For Go Direct SpectroVis Plus (GDX-SVISPL):

  1. Charge the battery overnight using the AC power adapter.
  2. Unplug from AC and USB.
  3. Press the power button — the green power LED should come on, followed by a blinking blue Bluetooth LED.
  4. If the green LED does not come on, remove the battery for one minute, reinsert it, and try again.
  5. Also see My Go Direct SpectroVis Plus is not identified or won't turn on.

For all other Go Direct spectrometers:

  1. Connect the USB cable to a USB power adapter or a powered USB hub to activate the Bluetooth radio.
    ⚠️ Do not connect the USB to a computer — Bluetooth will not function if the spectrometer is connected to a computer via USB.
  2. Wait for the Bluetooth LED to blink, indicating the device is ready to pair.
  3. Open Spectral Analysis and tap Connect Spectrophotometer.
  4. Select your spectrometer from the list of discovered devices.

✅ 5. Disconnect USB Cables from devices
Bluetooth will not work while the USB cable is plugged into a computer or Chromebook.
Make sure to disconnect the USB cable from a computer or Chromebook before attempting to pair via Bluetooth.

✅ 6. Restart Your Device
Fully power off and restart your computer, tablet, or phone.
This clears cached Bluetooth settings and often resolves connection issues.

✅ 7. Check for Firmware Updates
Some Go Direct SpectroVis Plus units (sold between 2016–2019) require a firmware update to support Bluetooth.
👉 Check Does my Go Direct SpectroVis Plus Spectrophotometer firmware need to be updated? for update instructions

Related TILs
LabQuest Not Recognizing SpectroVis Plus or Showing Bad Data
Why can't my device find Go Direct Spectrometer when I try to connect via Bluetooth?
My Spectrometer is not working properly. It won't calibrate or is giving very noisy data.
Spectrometer Error: 'Could Not Collect Values' or 'Calibration Failed'

Published: June 12, 2019. Updated: April 30, 2025.