Using ToyControl on Android

ToyControl works on Android phones and tablets with Chrome. Here is what is different from a computer setup, and what to watch out for.

ToyControl runs on Android phones and tablets in Chrome. Pairing is identical to a computer: open the site, click the + in the sidebar, confirm in the Bluetooth window. There are a few things that work a little differently on a phone, so this article covers what to watch out for.

What you need

• An Android phone or tablet with Bluetooth (almost any device from the last five years works).
• Chrome on Android (other Android browsers are not supported).
• The toy charged and turned on.

Step 1: Open ToyControl in Chrome

Open Chrome and go to toycontrol.app.

If you have not signed in before, you can skip the sign-in and use anonymously, or send yourself a magic-link email.

Step 2: Grant the Bluetooth permission

The first time you click the + to pair a toy, Chrome asks for Location permission. This is how Android grants Bluetooth scanning rights. It is the same prompt that any Android Bluetooth feature uses; it is not Location data being collected.

Tap Allow.

If you accidentally tapped Deny, you can fix it:

1. Open Android Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Chrome > Permissions.
3. Tap Location and allow it.

Also switch Location itself on

This is the half people miss. Granting Chrome the Location permission is not enough: the phone's master Location switch has to be on as well, or Bluetooth scanning returns nothing and the pairing window stays empty with no error.

1. Open Android Settings.
2. Go to Location.
3. Turn Use location on.

On Android 12 and newer this is often not needed (those versions have a separate Nearby devices permission), but on Android 11 and older it is required. If your pairing window is empty and you are sure the toy is on, check this first.

Step 3: Pair the toy

1. In ToyControl, tap the + in the Devices section.
2. Pick your toy from the catalog.
3. The Bluetooth window opens. Tap your toy.
4. Tap Pair.

The toy appears in the sidebar.

Things to know on a phone

• Backgrounding pauses play. If you switch apps or lock the screen for too long, ToyControl pauses the session to save battery. Keep the tab open and the screen on for live sessions.
• Battery drains faster. Bluetooth + active video uses significant power. Plug in for long sessions.
• Small screens. The sidebar can be collapsed by tapping the arrow to make more room for the source view.
• Headphone audio works normally. Plug or pair headphones, audio routes through them.

What about tablets

Android tablets work the same way as phones, with a bigger screen. The Chrome version matters more than the screen size; make sure you have a recent Chrome.

What does not work

• Firefox on Android: no Bluetooth support in the browser.
• Other Android browsers (Samsung Internet, alternative Chrome forks, and the rest) are not tested. Stick to Chrome.
• iPhone or iPad: see How to use ToyControl on iPhone or iPad.

Next steps

• Paired? Try a pattern preset or a script.
• Adding a partner? See How to start a remote play room.
• Switching to a computer setup? See How to pair your first toy.