Kinsa Smart Ear - User Manual

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Summary

Maintaining Smart Ear Accuracy

Cleaning and Proper Usage for Accuracy

Ensure a clean tip, proper ear insertion technique, and device stillness for accurate temperature readings.

Resetting the Smart Ear for Accuracy

Resolve accuracy issues by performing battery removal or factory resets on the Smart Ear device.

Smart Ear Setup and Pairing

Initial App and Bluetooth Setup

Guide to downloading the Kinsa app, enabling Bluetooth, and following prompts to pair the thermometer.

Troubleshooting Smart Ear Pairing

Steps to resolve common Bluetooth pairing problems, including resets and timeout issues.

iPhone Connection Troubleshooting

iPhone Pairing and Connection Steps

Steps to update the app, remove old pairings, reset the device, and re-establish connection on iPhone.

Android Setup and Reading Troubleshooting

Android Connection and Pairing Guide

Instructions for Android users to update the app, remove devices, reset, and pair the Smart Ear.

Android PIN Message and Smart Lock

Resolving "Smart Lock" PIN issues during Android pairing by managing phone security settings.

Android Audio and App Settings Optimization

Optimizing Android audio settings and updating the Kinsa app for setup and reading accuracy.

General Troubleshooting and Reading Tips

Tips for Accurate Readings Post-Setup

Advice on avoiding activities that affect temperature and ensuring device stillness during readings.

Rebooting Smartphone for Glitches

Rebooting the smartphone to clear temporary settings or glitches affecting device performance.

iOS Setup and Reading Troubleshooting

iOS Connection and Pairing Steps

Steps for troubleshooting iOS connections, including checking physical connections and audio settings.

iOS Audio and App Settings Optimization

Configuring iOS audio settings and updating the Kinsa app for optimal setup and reading accuracy.

The Kinsa Smart Ear is a digital thermometer designed for accurate temperature readings within the range of 95 °F to 107.6 °F (35 °C to 42 °C). It is intended for use with a smartphone app (Kinsa app) for setup, pairing, and temperature tracking. The device is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones.

Function Description:

The Kinsa Smart Ear measures body temperature and transmits the readings to the Kinsa app on a paired smartphone via Bluetooth. The app allows users to track temperature readings, set up the thermometer, and troubleshoot connection issues. The thermometer itself features a large power button, a small Bluetooth button, and an LCD screen to display readings and status icons.

Important Technical Specifications:

Temperature Range: 95 °F to 107.6 °F (35 °C to 42 °C)
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Compatibility: iOS and Android smartphones
Display Units: Celsius or Fahrenheit (user selectable)
Power Source: Batteries (removable)

Usage Features:

Setup and Pairing:
- Download the free Kinsa app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
- Open the Kinsa app, select the "Ear" thermometer (Sesame Street Ear or Standard Ear).
- Remove the battery cover and ensure the desired temperature unit (Celsius or Fahrenheit) is selected.
- Insert batteries.
- Press the large button to turn on the thermometer.
- Follow the in-app prompts to pair the device.
- Bluetooth Pairing Mode: The thermometer's Bluetooth pairing mode turns off after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery life. If pairing issues occur, a reset may be necessary.
Taking a Temperature Reading:
- For children 1 year or older and adults, gently tug the ear straight up and back.
- Snugly insert the tip of the Smart Ear into the ear canal.
- Press the large button to take a reading.
- Note: Digital ear thermometers are not recommended for newborns per the U.S. Mayo Clinic.
Importing Readings: If the Kinsa app was not running when readings were taken, they can be easily imported into the app later.
Troubleshooting (General):
- Inaccurate Readings:
  1. Clean the thermometer tip: Remove the cap, use a cotton swab with alcohol to gently circle the inner sensor area and clean the inner flat surface of the sensor (not just the rim).
  2. Ensure proper ear insertion: Gently tug the ear straight up and back, then snugly insert the tip into the ear canal.
  3. Reset by removing batteries: Remove batteries for one minute, then reinsert them to reset internal components.
  4. Factory reset: Hold down the large power button and the small button on the left side for about ten seconds until it powers off.
- Connection Issues (iOS):
  1. Get the latest Kinsa app version.
  2. Remove the Smart Ear from your iPhone's Bluetooth settings ("Forget This Device").
  3. Reset the Smart Ear: Hold down the small white Bluetooth button and the large round button for 5-7 seconds until the screen blinks, beeps, and shows a flashing Bluetooth icon.
  4. Reconnect: Open Kinsa app, tap "More" > "Add New". If the thermometer is off, press the round button to turn it on. In the app, tap "Set Up Now" for your Kinsa thermometer, then "Connect" and "Pair" when prompted.
- Connection Issues (Android):
  1. Check device compatibility.
  2. Get the latest Kinsa app version.
  3. Remove the Kinsa Bluetooth device from your phone's Bluetooth settings ("Unpair").
  4. Reset the thermometer: Press and hold the small white Bluetooth button and the large round power button for 5-7 seconds until the screen resets (flashes, beeps, shows Bluetooth icon).
  5. Pair: Open Kinsa app, open menu, tap "Set up Thermometer", tap appropriate "SET UP NOW" option.
  6. PIN Message: Some Android phones with "Smart Lock" may prompt for a PIN or pass key during pairing. Users may need to research how Smart Lock works on their device or adjust settings to not require a PIN for Kinsa.
- Stick Setup / Temperature Reading Errors (Android/iOS):
  - Physical device connections:
Close the Kinsa app from recent applications.
Ensure the headphone jack is clear of lint (use a toothpick).
Listen for a 'click' when plugging in the Kinsa into the black adapter (setup only), black adapter into the phone (setup only), Kinsa into the phone, Kinsa into the extension cord, or extension cord into the phone.
- Audio settings (Android):
Open Android Settings > Accessibility > Hearing.
Turn off "Turn off all sounds" and "Mono audio".
Access "Sound Balance" (or "Left and right sound balance"). Move the slider to the far left, then back to the center, ensuring it snaps into place. Tap SET.
Note: "Mono Audio" and "Turn off all sounds" must be off, and audio balance centered for Kinsa to work. Apps that amplify sounds (e.g., BoomSound, PowerAmp) must be disabled.
- Audio settings (iOS):
Open iOS Settings > Music.
If "EQ" is set to "Late Night", change it to anything else.
If "Volume Limit" is "On", tap it and drag the slider to the far right to turn it "Off".
Go to Settings > General > Accessibility.
If "Mono Audio" is on, switch it off.
Scroll to the audio volume balance slider (or tap "Audio Balance"). Move the slider to the far left, then back to the center, ensuring it snaps into place.
- Latest app version: Update the Kinsa app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Reboot Smartphone: Restart your phone to clear any glitches.
- During setup/reading: Do not touch the volume.
- Thermometer not sensed: Ensure the flat side of the thermometer is even with the surface it's resting on. Give the adapter and thermometer a quarter or half turn.
Reading Precautions:
- Avoid eating, drinking liquids, exercising, taking showers or baths, or smoking for 15 minutes prior to use.
- Keep the thermometer still during a reading.
- Do not change phone volume during a reading.
- Wait about 30 seconds between readings, as back-to-back readings can confuse the device.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: The tip of the Smart Ear thermometer should be cleaned regularly. Remove the cap, and use a cotton swab with alcohol to gently clean the inner sensor area and the inner flat surface of the sensor.
Battery Replacement: If accuracy issues persist, removing and reinserting the batteries for one minute can reset the device's internal components.
Factory Reset: A factory reset can be performed by holding down both the large power button and the small button on the left side for about ten seconds until the device powers off. This can resolve persistent accuracy or connection issues.
App Updates: Regularly update the Kinsa app to ensure optimal performance and access to the latest features and bug fixes.
Headphone Jack Cleaning (for Stick models): For Kinsa Stick thermometers, ensure the headphone jack is clear of lint by gently using a toothpick.