i-BLADES Help Center

Here is a short video that gives you a brief introduction into how to use your Smartcase.

There are only a few simple steps to setting up your Smartcase.

1. Slide your phone into the Smartcase.

First ensure you use the phone model that is compatible with your make of Smartcase. 

Slide the Smartcase towards the micro-USB/USB-C connector (depending on your device). Ensure the micro USB connector is securely plugged into the phone.  You may need to snap the phone down into the top of the case which gives it a very secure fit.

2. Download the i-BLADES SmartApp

Go to the Google Play store and download the i-BLADES Smartapp. Make sure you type it correctly.  

Alternatively use the link below (You can only download from this link directly to your smarpthone).

i-BLADES SmartApp

3 Sign in and accept SmartApp permissions

Once the app is installed, follow the on screen instructions for sign in.

As the Smartcase is a peripheral device you need to give it permissions.  These permissions screens will pop up accept them and use the default one.

4. Mount your Smartcase

For those Smartcases with a switch this is easily performed by moving the switch at the bottom of your Smartcase from left to right.

The Smartcase will be mounted and ready to use.

4 When you are not using your Smartcase Unmount the case

In order to ensure your smartphone is not effective by battery life drain make sure you unmount the Smartcase when you are not using.

Turn the switch from right to left.

For those of you who do not have a Smartcase with a switch please see the article mounting a Smartcase without a switch.

The Smartcase has 3 different modes that are displayed in the i-BLADES SmartApp: 

1. Unmounted

2. Mounted

3. Standby 

Each mode will determine what functions are available to you. 

Smartcase Unmounted Mode

Unmounted Mode is when the Smartcase is inactive. The switch on the bottom of the Smartacse is to the left position:. If you snap-on the Smartblade it will autocharge the smartphone. The Smartcase needs to be mounted (see below) to activate its expanded functions. 

Smartcase Mounted Mode

Smartcase switch in the right position: In this mode you can operate all the Smartcase functions and use your Smartblade. You can charge manually by pressing the charge butt on.

Smartcase Standby

Standby mode is when the case is active but its in a powered down state. This mode occurs when the Smartcase switch is in the right position and either the user has pressed a button in the app to go into standby or it happens automatically. 

Standby occurs when the SmartApp is inactive. Default Standby occurs when the phone screen goes off for 15 secs. You can adjust this timing in the settings.

In order to enjoy the expanded functions of your Smartcase such as the Enviro Sensor, Storage and manual charging, you need to mount your Smartcase.

The procedure is simple.  It requires you to open the SmartApp.  Then locate the switch on the bottom of the Smartcase. It is discretely placed in the middle of the bottom of your case, This switch will mount and unmount your Smartcase.

In order to mount the Smartcase move the switch from the LEFT to the RIGHT.

The screen on the Smart App should change.  You will see the following.

If you wait a few seconds it will show the mounted screen.  See below.

From this screen you can access all the functions of the Smartcase.  It is now ready to snap on the Smartblade.

You can unmount the csae by moving the switch on the bottom of the case from right to left.  You will return to the unmounted screen in the SmartApp.

The i-BLADES Smartcase supports fast charging in those phone models that also support fast charging.  

Use the cable that comes with the case and the fast charging plug that came with your smartphone for most reliable results.

The SmartApp can be found on Google Play

For the best experience it is best to have the latest i-BLADES SmartApp on Google Play.  This can be found easily by searching in Google Play for i-BLADES SmartApp, or click on the link below.

If you choose auto-update in settings on Google Play you can keep up to date with the latest software updates.  These are uploaded to Google Play on a regular basis with new features and improvements.

The Device Firmware

You can update your Smartcase to the latest firmware using the i-BLADES SmartApp.  The latest firmware can then be loaded over the air to your Smartcase.  This can be achieved by:

1) Open the SmartApp and ensure you are on a mobile data or wi-fi connection setting.  As you will download the latest firmware if your firmware is not up to date.

2) Mount the Smartcase.

3) Go to settings and scroll down to firmware update.  You will see the latest firmware that is on your Smartcase.

4) Click update firmware.

5) The firmware will automatically check if there is a more up to date version.  If there is a more up to date version you will be prompted to download and install it.

If you have a case without a switch we will replace it as the switch is a far better experience.  

In order to mount the Smartcase without a switch follow the following steps after you have opened the SmartApp:

1. Pull down the notification tray a the top of your screen

The notification tray is where you find text messages, system notifications etc.

2. Select the USB connections menu

3. Press the charge option

It may appear you do not have all the Smartblade storage you ordered because some of the Smartblade storage is built-in and some is removable.

There are different configurations of Battery & Memory Smartblade storage from 16GB, 64GB and even 128GB.  Each can be selected as an option if offered on the product pages.

The location of the storage depends on the Smartblade.  However, there are two storage locations.  One built-into the Smartblade and one that is removable through a micro sd card reader.

1) Built-in storage
This is similar to the concept of a harddrive.  This is built-in to the Smartblade and is not externally visible.  The amount of storage on the Smartblade can be checked within the SmartApp on the storage screen.  All Battery & Memory Smartblades will come with some built-in storage.  The amount depends on the GB selected. 

You can view the Smartblade storage through the Smart App.  Go to the storage/ file management screen.

SB Fixed (stands for Smartblade Fixed Storage) indicates the amount of storage that is held in the Smartblade built-in location.

SB Fixed

2) Removable storage.
Each Battery & Memory Smartblade has a micro SD slot that allows you to remove and add more Smartblade storage.   Some Smartblades will come with the a micro sd card in the removable slot.  You can easily swap if out for a different card.

You can view the Smartblade storage through the Smart App.  Go to the storage/ file management screen.

SB Removable (stands for Smartblade Removable Storage) indicates the amount of storage that is held in the Smartblade built-in location.

SB removable

There are two main ways to charge your phone with you battery and memory Smartblade. You can see them in the demonstration below.

Method 1 - Case unmounted

Snap on the Smartblade to the back of the Smartcase and it will start charging.

Method 2 - Case mounted

1) Mount the case.  

2) Snap on the Smartblade

3) You will see this screen on the i-BLADES SmartApp

If you press the charge phone button the Smartblade will charge the phone.

Your Smartblade has an LED at the top that indicates what state it is in.

Red light:  If the blade is being charged. Or when it is charging it will turn red when it needs to Receive power - i.e. when it needs charging.

Green light:  The LED will light green when the Smarblade is charging the phone battery.

Blue light:  If the blade is being charged the LED will be red, until it is fully charged then it will turn Blue.  If the Smartblade is attached to the case but it is not charging, then it will light blue as it is ready to charge or perform a function.

There are currently 2 ways to transfer data to your PC.  Both are wireless.

Wireless Transfer Direct to PC (WTDP)

WTDP allows you to move your files onto your PC seamlessly using what is known as FTP protocols.  This sets up a link between your Smartblade storage, SD card storage and your PC. This is done over a wi-fi network with a password secure link.

1. Ensure your phone and PC are on the same wi-fi network.

2. Ensure you have snapped on your Smartblade and the Smartcase is mounted (this will not work in standby mode).

3. Access the Smartblade storage screen and ensure your Smartblade storages are showing.

4. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and press the button Transfer to PC. 

5. You will be taken to a new screen and your link to the PC is already running. Type in the url that is visible in the SmartApp into your PC along with the user name and password provided.

6.  You will now see the Smartblade storage on your PC.  You just need to transfer them to the destination folders you want them to be stored in on your PC. Just drag and drop.

7.  Ensure when you have finished you press STOP on the SmartApp or turn your Smartcase to unmounted.  Otherwise you will maintain the ftp connection which will prevent normal power management.

Tips:

- The storages on the ftp use serial numbers to be displayed.  So your Smartblade storage will be displayed as a serial number like 3333/05AG22

- The folders that will hold the content you are likely transferring will be located in the public folder.

- If you are transferring images or videos these will be found in the folder called DCIM

- Once you have transferred the files you twill need to delete them from your SmartApp using the SmartApp.

Cloud save - then save to PC

You will see a share icon when you select files.  This will allow you to share files to cloud services that are on your smartphone.

The Smartcase has a switch discretely placed at the bottom of the case.  

If this switch is to the left position the Smartcase will not mount.

To mount the Smartcase you need to be in the SmartApp and move the switch from left to right.

If you are having trouble mounting your Smartcase

1) Ensure you are in the SmartApp. Put the switch to the right and wait.  You should see the following screen after a few seconds.

2) Try moving the switch back to the left and move it back again.

3) Close the SmartApp.  Remove the Smartcase.  Re-insert it and try again.

If you have this problem there are a few basic checks to undertake to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Smartblade contact not clean - Remove the Smartblade and clean the contact points.  Please take care do not use soap and water just use a clean cloth.
   
2. Smartblade contact not secure - Detach and re-attach the Smartblade. It can sometimes occur that you have not attached the Smartblade securely.
3. Smartblade is out of charge - Your Smartblade may not charge the smartphone because it is out of charge.  To check this snap open the SmartApp.  Mount the case and enter mounted mode (move the switch to the right).  Snap the Smartblade onto the back of the Smartcase.  It will show the % charge the Smartblade has on the outer circle of the battery dial.
4. Case mounted and not pressed charge button - You may have snapped on the Smartblade when you had the case mounted (switch to the right).  In this instance you need to initiate charge by opening the SmartApp.  Ensuring you are in Mounted mode. Press the button 'charge phone' on the home screen.

The Smartcase when not in use does not impact your phone battery life.  It is when it is mounted that is can have an impact because the phone recognizes the USB port is occupied.  This means the phone will not get into sleep mode.

This is managed through the use of the switch on the bottom of the case. 

When the switch is to the right and the case is mounted you can access expanded functions of the Smartblade. 

However, when you are not in need of the expanded functions. Move the switch to the left and you unmount the case.  The Smartcase in this state has zero impact on phone battery management. 

We recommend that when you are not using the Smartcase for data management, or the Envirosensor, that you slide the switch to the off position, to the left.  This completely disengages the Smartcase from the phone and your power consumption will be as usual.

What if my Smartcase does not have a switch?

If your Smartcase is one of the few that does not have a switch please get in touch with customer service for an exchange hello@i-blades.com.