---
title: BUSY Bar issues
slug: bar/troubleshooting/busy-bar
description: Find troubleshooting steps for your BUSY Bar
image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/iox9C7SrTT1IWtXwFDTSF_busy-bar-issues.png
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-02-13T11:58:31.250Z
---

Find troubleshooting steps for your BUSY Bar below.

***

:::::ExpandableHeading
### Glue residue on the screen after removing the protective film

::Iframely{originalUrl="https://youtu.be/5YRnZ20yofI" embedUrl="https://youtu.be/5YRnZ20yofI" title="How to Safely Remove Protective Film Residue from Your BUSY Bar Screen" html="<div style=&#x22;left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;&#x22;><iframe src=&#x22;https://www.youtube.com/embed/5YRnZ20yofI?rel=0&#x22; style=&#x22;top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;&#x22; allowfullscreen scrolling=&#x22;no&#x22; allow=&#x22;accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;&#x22; referrerpolicy=&#x22;strict-origin&#x22;></iframe></div>"}

A small number of BUSY Bars from the first batch may have glue residue left on the front screen after you peel off the protective film. Follow the steps below to clean the screen.

:::hint{type="danger"}
:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/qnjdr5-ckAAHFovFCIo6c_danger-icon.png" alt caption width="76" height="88"}**&#x20;&#x20;**<font color="#FB2C36">**Do not use force — this may scratch the screen**</font>

The glue residue is hard to remove with ordinary cleaning solutions. Use only the recommended cleaner. Wiping with force or using an abrasive cloth may leave permanent scratches.
:::



**What you’ll need:**

- Microfiber cloth
- 70% isopropyl alcohol pads (available at any pharmacy)

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/ZM45sT6e1ECjiX93v0XC8_glue-removers.png" size="90" isUploading="false" position="center" width="1455" height="546" darkWidth="1455" darkHeight="546" showCaption="false"}

:::hint{type="warning"}
:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/VMfrpLrpuYMKhr31n5tsa_warning-icon.png" alt caption width="84" height="88"}**&#x20;&#x20;**<font color="#FAAB00">**Do not use**</font>****

:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/NWcikktBkbbAM7iIaGvh__nail-polish-remover.png" alt caption width="45" height="47"} <font color="#6E5E3A">**Any other cleaner\:** m</font>ay contain substances that can damage the screen, such as acetone in nail polish remover.

:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/0DTWpk4VEHFPoc3Nrd7Td_abrasive-cloths-1.png" alt caption width="47" height="47"} <font color="#6E5E3A">**Rough cloth\:**</font> may scratch the screen.

:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/XmYC_b1foA6FR8-jV_8C__towel-paper-new.png" alt caption width="45" height="47"} <font color="#6E5E3A">**Paper towels or wet wipes\:** </font>may have fibers that can scratch the screen.
:::



**How to remove the residue**

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Switch off your BUSY Bar and place it on a clean, debris-free surface.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Open an alcohol pad and lay it flat on the affected area of the screen.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Let the pad rest on the screen for a few seconds — this softens the glue.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Gently move the pad across the screen until all traces of the glue are removed. Do not scrub or press hard.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe off any remaining alcohol. **Avoid wiping with force** as it may cause permanent damage to the screen.
:::
::::

:::hint{type="warning"}
:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/VMfrpLrpuYMKhr31n5tsa_warning-icon.png" alt caption width="84" height="88"}**&#x20;&#x20;**<font color="#FAAB00">**Only use alcohol to remove glue residue**</font>

For regular cleaning, use an alcohol-free screen cleaner. Repeated exposure to alcohol can damage the screen.
:::
:::::

:::ExpandableHeading
### Statuses appear when the selector is in the OFF position

This is expected behavior. OFF mode puts the BUSY Bar to sleep, not a full shutdown. Notifications, focus session started in the app, and the ON CALL status will still show.

To shut down your BUSY Bar completely, go to **Settings → System → Power → Shut down**. To power it back on, press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** button for 3 seconds.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar won’t power on

If your BUSY Bar won’t power on, try these steps:

- Try charging your BUSY Bar for longer — at least 1 hour.
- Restart your BUSY Bar: Press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9cerr6S5jJu3AvWCAOTer-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}**&#x20;Start / Pause** and :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** buttons for 3 seconds.
- Do a hard restart: Press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** button for 20 seconds.

If the issue persists, [contact support](https://support.busy.app/hc/en-us).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar is frozen

If your BUSY Bar freezes and doesn’t respond to button presses, try these steps:

- Restart your BUSY Bar: Press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9cerr6S5jJu3AvWCAOTer-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}**&#x20;Start / Pause** and :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** buttons for 3 seconds.
- Do a hard restart: Press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/D07ON6w4lkSzfD2t7BsJs-20260309-093629.png" alt caption width="110" height="110"}**Back** button for 20 seconds.
- Repair the firmware: If the problem persists, the BUSY Bar firmware might be corrupted. Go to the [BUSY Bar Recovery page](https://recovery.busy.app/) and follow the instructions.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar won’t charge

If your BUSY Bar won’t charge, try these steps:

- Try a different cable or power source.
- Restart your BUSY Bar: If it’s turned on, press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9cerr6S5jJu3AvWCAOTer-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}**&#x20;Start / Pause** and :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** buttons for 3 seconds.

If the issue persists, [contact support](https://support.busy.app/hc/en-us).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar won’t connect to Wi-Fi

If your BUSY Bar won’t connect to Wi-Fi, try these steps:

- Move your BUSY Bar closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Check your Wi-Fi band: BUSY Bar only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Check your router settings and make sure the 2.4 GHz band is enabled.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router.
- Try another connection method: See [Connect to Wi-Fi](docId\:OAuMOf3wwdbFNBlnqffSy).
- Connect to a hidden network manually: [Enter the Wi-Fi name and password manually](https://docs.busy.app/bar/basics/connect-wifi#connect-to-a-hidden-wi-fi-network-using-your-phone).
- [Update your BUSY Bar firmware via PC](docId\:CtPB9O5UzErW5xMxE3Yuw).

If the issue persists, [contact support](https://support.busy.app/hc/en-us).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### Battery drains quickly

BUSY Bar has a battery life of **up to 8 hours** on a full charge. The battery continues to drain even when the mode selector is set to **OFF**.

If you notice significantly shorter battery life, try these steps:

- [Update your BUSY Bar to the latest firmware version.](docId\:CtPB9O5UzErW5xMxE3Yuw)
- Reduce the screen brightness: On your BUSY Bar, go to **Settings → Brightness**, set **Mode** to **Manual**, and set the brightness level.
- Shut down your BUSY Bar completely: To preserve the battery when you won’t use your BUSY Bar for an extended period, go to **Settings -> System -> Power -> Shut down**.

If the issue persists, [contact support](https://support.busy.app/hc/en-us).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar fails to update firmware

If your BUSY Bar fails to update its firmware, try these steps:

- Make sure your BUSY Bar is connected to Wi-Fi: On your BUSY Bar, go to **Settings -> Wi-Fi**. See [Connect to Wi-Fi](docId\:OAuMOf3wwdbFNBlnqffSy) for instructions.
- Restart your BUSY Bar: Hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9cerr6S5jJu3AvWCAOTer-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}**&#x20;Start / Pause** and :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** buttons for 3 seconds.
- Make sure your BUSY Bar is [charged to at least 40%](docId:6gAZ7MkPcoNI4E1ZxxPhk).
- Try a different update method: Update using BUSY App or the local web interface. See [Firmware update](docId\:CtPB9O5UzErW5xMxE3Yuw).
- Try again later: The update server may be temporarily unavailable.
- Check the firmware file format: If you are updating from a firmware file, make sure it’s in the `.tgz` format.

If the issue persists, [contact support](https://support.busy.app/hc/en-us).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### Time zone setup is incorrect

You can set time manually on your BUSY Bar: **Settings → Time → Time Zone**.

BUSY Bar sets its time zone automatically based on the device you use to connect to it. This happens when you:

- Pair your BUSY Bar with BUSY App on your phone or desktop.
- Connect to the local web interface in a web browser.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### Firmware doesn’t update automatically overnight

If your BUSY Bar didn’t update its firmware overnight, check the following:

- Check the Wi-Fi connection: On your BUSY Bar, go to **Settings → Wi-Fi**.
- Make sure Auto-update is enabled: On your BUSY Bar, go to **Settings → Firmware → Settings → Auto-update&#x20;**&#x61;nd set it to **On**.
:::

::::ExpandableHeading
### Google Calendar integration isn’t working

If Google Calendar events aren’t showing on your BUSY Bar, try these steps:

- Check the Wi-Fi connection: On your BUSY Bar, go to **Settings → Wi-Fi**.
- [Make sure your BUSY Bar is connected to your BUSY account.](docId\:GTTBlGHrq0OJUa6qy6MWz)
- Check the Google Calendar integration: In your [BUSY account](https://cloud.busy.app), open the **Integration tab** and make sure the Google Calendar integration is active. See [Google Calendar integration](docId\:BLGy7-zUp3bo9IXaMhGea) for setup instructions.

:::hint{type="info"}
Note that the calendar integration doesn’t show 24-hour events, and events are not shown during an active focus session on your BUSY Bar.
:::
::::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar won’t connect to a computer via USB

If your computer doesn’t detect your BUSY Bar over USB, try these steps:

- Try a different USB port on your computer.
- Try a different USB cable: Make sure the cable supports data transfer, not just charging.
- Restart your BUSY Bar: Press and hold the :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/9cerr6S5jJu3AvWCAOTer-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="128" height="96"}**&#x20;Start / Pause** and :inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/acizC_ktW4Oi3wrSX9lwA-20260316-105319.png" alt caption width="80" height="96"}**&#x20;Back** buttons for 3 seconds.
- [Update your BUSY Bar to the latest firmware version.](docId\:CtPB9O5UzErW5xMxE3Yuw)
- Make sure you grant system permissions when connecting your BUSY Bar.
- Allow your browser to find devices on local networks: See how to enable this on [macOS](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/mac-help/mchla4f49138/mac) and [Windows 11](https://soundondigital.com/support/allow-an-app-through-firewall-windows-11/).

If the issue persists, [contact support](https://support.busy.app/hc/en-us).
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
### BUSY Bar is unresponsive after deleting system files

You can recover your BUSY Bar by reinstalling its firmware. This restores the system files needed for BUSY Bar to work.&#x20;

To recover your BUSY Bar:

- Go to the [BUSY Bar Recovery page](https://recovery.busy.app/) and follow the instructions.
:::

::::::ExpandableHeading
### Start / Pause button came off with the stabilizer wires

You can reattach the Start / Pause button by following these steps:

:::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Place the BUSY Bar with the front facing away from you.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Insert the smaller (C-shaped) stabilizer wire into the guides, as shown below.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/fgBZnNZZCqbREXxLHpYUN_1-image.png" size="90" isUploading="false" position="flex-start" width="2500" height="1179" darkWidth="2500" darkHeight="1179" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Push the upper part of the stabilizer wire into the clips until you hear two clicks.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/RQBczzyYUXeRLXMAWxV0n_2-image.png" size="90" isUploading="false" position="flex-start" width="2500" height="1180" darkWidth="2500" darkHeight="1180" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Turn the BUSY Bar around so the front faces you.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Insert the larger (U-shaped) stabilizer wire into the guides, as shown below.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/o73eZb37PkTrRGPe5dZu6_3-image.png" size="90" isUploading="false" position="flex-start" width="2500" height="1545" darkWidth="2500" darkHeight="1545" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Push the upper part of the stabilizer wire into the clips until you hear two clicks.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/w3qdp5V7kvsUFYp4OWvvW_4-image.png" size="90" isUploading="false" position="flex-start" width="2500" height="1180" darkWidth="2500" darkHeight="1180" showCaption="false"}
:::

::::WorkflowBlockItem
Align the Start / Pause button with the key switch and the guides.

:::hint{type="info"}
:inlineImage[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/JzzAMWPfMWluW80KVupgz-20260311-152018.png" alt caption width="76" height="88"}**&#x20;&#x20;**<font color="#2B7EFF">**Tip**</font>

Match the shape of the button to the cutout in the BUSY Bar’s housing to make sure it’s oriented correctly.
:::

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/g8xdq258PCYOpUR2gUoyV_5-image.png" size="90" isUploading="false" position="flex-start" width="2500" height="1297" darkWidth="2500" darkHeight="1297" showCaption="false"}
::::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Press the button firmly into the guides until you hear several clicks.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Press the button several times with the palm of your hand to make sure all clips are securely in place.
:::
:::::

That’s it. Your Start / Pause button is back in place.
::::::











