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Connecting Your Muse Headband

This guide walks you through connecting your Muse headband to Petal Metrics for the first time.

Before You Begin​

Make sure you have:

  • ✅ Petal Metrics installed and signed in
  • ✅ A Muse headband (Muse 2 or Muse S recommended)
  • ✅ Bluetooth enabled on your computer
  • ✅ Muse headband charged and powered on

Step 1: Enable Bluetooth​

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer:

  • Windows: Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Turn on Bluetooth
  • macOS: System Preferences → Bluetooth → Turn On
  • Linux: Use your system's Bluetooth settings or bluetoothctl

Step 2: Power On Your Muse​

  1. Put on your Muse headband
  2. Press and hold the power button until you hear a tone
  3. The LED should start blinking, indicating pairing mode
tip

For best results, wear the headband while connecting. Skin contact helps establish a stable connection.

Step 3: Connect in Petal Metrics​

  1. Open Petal Metrics
  2. Click the Input button in the left sidebar to open Input settings
  3. Click Scan to search for nearby Muse devices
  4. Wait for your Muse to appear in the device list
  5. Click your device name to connect

The connection status will change to Connected when successful.

Step 4: Start Streaming​

Once connected, start data streaming:

  1. Look at the bottom of the left sidebar for the Stream section
  2. Click the green Play button to start streaming
  3. The button changes to a purple Stop button while streaming
  4. Data will begin appearing in the visualization area
tip

The streaming controls are always visible in the sidebar when a device is connected, giving you quick access to start and stop data flow.

Step 5: Check Signal Quality​

Once streaming, you'll see the real-time visualization:

  • Green electrodes: Good contact
  • Yellow electrodes: Moderate contact - adjust headband position
  • Red electrodes: Poor contact - reposition or moisten sensors

For best signal quality:

  • Ensure sensors make good contact with your forehead and behind ears
  • Adjust the headband until all electrodes show green
  • Stay still during initial calibration

Connection Status Indicators​

StatusMeaning
🔴 DisconnectedNo device connected
🟡 ScanningLooking for nearby Muse devices
🟡 ConnectingEstablishing BLE connection
🟢 ConnectedReady to stream data
🟢 StreamingActively receiving data

Signal Strength Indicator​

When scanning, each device shows a 4-bar signal strength indicator:

BarsRSSISignal Quality
████> -50 dBmExcellent
███░-50 to -60 dBmGood
██░░-60 to -70 dBmFair
█░░░< -70 dBmWeak

Battery Level​

Once connected, the app displays your Muse's battery percentage. Battery level is updated every 30 seconds.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues​

Device not appearing​

  • Ensure Muse is in pairing mode (blinking LED)
  • Move closer to your computer
  • Restart Bluetooth on your computer
  • Power cycle your Muse headband

Connection drops frequently​

  • Reduce distance from computer
  • Remove other Bluetooth devices
  • Check Muse battery level
  • Update Bluetooth drivers (Windows)

"Bluetooth not available" error​

  • Verify your computer has Bluetooth 4.0+ (BLE)
  • On Linux, ensure bluez is installed
  • Check system Bluetooth permissions

For more help, see Troubleshooting.

Next Steps​

Now that you're connected, explore what you can do: