Skip to main content

Connecting to Reach

This guide explains how to connect to your Reach RS3 using the Emlid Flow app.

Overview​

Emlid Flow allows you to control Reach RS3 receivers with iOS or Android devices. Using the app, you can access your receiver over a Wi-Fi network, set it up for the survey, and collect and stake out points. The connection process is similar for both iOS and Android devices.

Download Emlid Flow​

To manage Reach RS3, download the Emlid Flow app on your iOS or Android mobile device.

Download Emlid Flow


Using Reach with Android devices

Some Android devices have battery optimization enabled by default. Make sure you disable it for Emlid Flow to avoid disconnection.

Power up Reach​

tip

You can read more about power supply in the Power supply guide.

To power up your Reach, follow the steps below:

  1. Hold the power button for 5 seconds to turn the unit on.

  2. Wait for about 30 seconds until the Power LEDs will stop blinking and the Network LED stays solid white.


Now you can connect to your Reach.

Connect to Reach​

You can connect to your Reach in two ways:

  • Using the BLE connection option. This is the recommended connection method. It is especially useful when working with corrections from an NTRIP provider. In this setup, the receiver uses your mobile device’s internet connection, so you only need to select the NTRIP over BLE option when configuring the receiver’s correction input.

    tip

    Learn more about working with corrections from an NTRIP provider in the How to set up RTK over NTRIP service guide.

  • Using the Wi-Fi connection option. In this case, your device and Reach must be in the same Wi-Fi network. This type of connection becomes available only after you enable it in Advanced settings in Emlid Flow.

To connect to your Reach receiver using Bluetooth, follow these steps:

note

Make sure your Reach receiver is running firmware version 32.2 or later, and that the Emlid Flow app is updated to version 12.2 or newer on both iOS and Android devices.

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet.

  2. Open the Emlid Flow app. When prompted, do the following depending on the platform:

    • On iOS, allow Bluetooth access so the app can find and connect to Reach receivers. Then, allow local network access so it can discover and connect to Reach receivers over Wi-Fi.

    • On Android, allow Bluetooth access so the app can find and connect to Reach receivers. Then, allow notifications to help maintain the connection and receive corrections from the receiver.

      note

      The required permissions may vary between Android versions. Devices running Android 12 and earlier typically require fewer permissions than Android 13 and later.

    These permissions are required for full receiver functionality. After you grant them, the receiver will appear in the list and the app connect to it automatically. If multiple Reach receivers are available, tap the receiver you want to connect to and wait for the connection to complete.

    Reach prioritizes the current connection when using BLE, regardless of type:

    • If Reach is connected via Bluetooth Classic to third-party software, disconnect it before using BLE in Emlid Flow.
    • If another device is connected to Reach, disconnect it before reconnecting using BLE in Emlid Flow.

  3. Once connected, check for firmware updates. If an update is available, a red dot will show next to the Settings section. Update the receiver firmware.

    note

    This step is optional, but we recommend updating your receiver regularly to ensure full functionality and access to the latest features. For more details, check out the How to update firmware guide.

Now your Reach is ready to use!

To check for the latest firmware updates, you can access Reach's settings and connect it to your Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot. Learn more from the guides below:

Further reading​