Mastering the BOOX Tappy: A Complete Guide to Pairing and Using Your 2-Button Bluetooth Remote

Overview

The BOOX Tappy is a compact, two-button Bluetooth remote designed specifically for Onyx BOOX eReaders and E Ink tablets, though it can also work with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. It allows you to perform common actions—like turning pages, scrolling through websites, or controlling audio playback—without touching your device’s screen. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from initial setup to advanced usage tips, ensuring you get the most out of this tiny accessory.

Mastering the BOOX Tappy: A Complete Guide to Pairing and Using Your 2-Button Bluetooth Remote — Source: liliputing.com

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

An Onyx BOOX device (e.g., Boox Nova, Boox Note, Boox Tab series) or any other Bluetooth-compatible device
A BOOX Tappy remote (fully charged or with fresh battery)
Bluetooth enabled on your host device (typically found in Settings → Bluetooth)
Your BOOX device running a recent firmware version (recommended for best compatibility)

If you’re using a non-BOOX device, ensure it supports Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) profile, which most Android, iOS, and Windows devices do.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pairing the BOOX Tappy with Your Device

Power on the Tappy: Slide the small switch on the side of the remote to the “On” position. A tiny LED will flash, indicating it’s powered on and ready to pair.
Enter pairing mode: Press and hold the top button (the larger one) for about 3-5 seconds until the LED blinks rapidly. This signals that the Tappy is discoverable.
Open Bluetooth settings on your BOOX: Go to Settings → Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
Scan for devices: Tap “Scan” or “Search for devices.” After a few seconds, “BOOX Tappy” should appear in the list.
Select and pair: Tap “BOOX Tappy.” Confirm any pairing request (usually a PIN code is not required). The LED on the remote will stop blinking and remain solid, confirming a successful connection.

2. Configuring Button Actions on BOOX Devices

Once paired, you can customize what each button does. On most BOOX devices running firmware 3.2 or later:

Open Settings → Button Configuration (or search for “Button” in the system settings).
You’ll see two entries: Button 1 and Button 2 corresponding to the Tappy’s top and bottom buttons.
Tap on each to assign an action from the list, such as:
- Turn page forward/backward (ideal for reading)
- Scroll up/down (for web browsing)
- Volume up/down or Play/Pause (for audio)
- Home or Back (for navigation)
Save your preferences. The changes take effect immediately.

If you’re using a non-BOOX device, button behavior depends on the app. Many e-reader apps (e.g., Kindle, Moon+ Reader) allow you to map volume keys or other hardware buttons—experiment to find the best setup.

3. Everyday Usage Tips

Reading: In most e-reader apps, the top button turns the page forward; the bottom button turns it backward. Adjust in-app settings if needed.
Web browsing: Use the buttons to scroll through pages. Some browsers support full-page scroll; otherwise, it may simulate arrow keys.
Audio control: While playing music or podcasts, the top button typically acts as Play/Pause, while the bottom button skips tracks (behavior varies by app).
Disconnecting: Turn off the Tappy when not in use to save battery. Slide the switch to “Off.” It will reconnect automatically when turned on again if within range.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Tappy Not Discoverable

If your BOOX doesn’t see the Tappy during scanning, ensure you’ve pressed and held the top button long enough (3-5 seconds) until the LED blinks rapidly. A slow blink means it’s on but not in pairing mode.

Mistake 2: Connection Drops Frequently

Bluetooth interference can occur near other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, other Bluetooth peripherals). Move closer to your BOOX or try turning off other Bluetooth devices temporarily. Also, keep the Tappy’s battery charged—low battery can cause instability.

Mistake 3: Buttons Don’t Perform Expected Actions

This is often a configuration issue. Double-check that you’ve assigned actions in your BOOX’s Button Configuration settings. If using a third-party app, that app may not support external button mapping. Try default assignments or update the app.

Mistake 4: Accidental Page Turns

The Tappy’s buttons are quite sensitive. If you find yourself triggering actions by mistake (e.g., when placing the remote in a pocket), consider disabling the remote when not in use via the switch, or adjust the button mapping to require a longer press (if your firmware supports it).

Summary

The BOOX Tappy is a simple yet powerful tool for anyone who wants to control their eReader or tablet without touching the screen. By following the pairing steps and customizing button actions, you can streamline reading, browsing, and audio playback. Remember to keep the remote charged and troubleshoot common issues like pairing failures or misconfigured buttons. With a little practice, the Tappy becomes an indispensable companion for your digital reading experience.

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