FAQ
Frequently asked questions
My Busy Tag lights up but doesn’t change its display. What should I check first?
If your Busy Tag turns on but stays on the logo or doesn’t update, it’s usually powered but not fully connected.
Please check:
that you are using a USB data cable (not a charging-only cable)
whether Busy Tag appears on your computer as a connected external drive
if your computer has restrictions on external storage devices
This is the most common issue and is often resolved by switching to a proper data cable.
How can I tell if I’m using the wrong USB cable?
A charging-only cable can power the Busy Tag but cannot transfer data.
A simple way to check:
When connected correctly, Busy Tag should appear as an external drive on your computer.
If it does not appear, the cable may not support data transfer.
Using a proper USB data cable resolves most connection issues.
My Busy Tag isn’t working. How can I reset it?
If your Busy Tag isn’t responding or behaving as expected, a reset usually fixes the issue.
How to reset your Busy Tag:
Disconnect the Busy Tag from your computer.
Find the small reset hole on the back of the device.
Press and hold the reset button using a paperclip or similar tool.
While holding the reset button, connect the Busy Tag back to your computer via USB.
Keep holding the reset button for 2–3 seconds, then release it.
👉 If it doesn’t work the first time, don’t worry — repeat the steps a few times.
In our experience, this reset process has successfully fixed the issue.
I tried resetting several times and it suddenly worked. Is that normal?
Yes, this can happen.
Some Busy Tags may require multiple reset attempts before responding.
This is not always the case, but it has successfully resolved issues for some users.
I am unable to update the firmware on macOS, causing the Busy Tag not to work properly. Why does this happen and how can I fix it?
The Busy Tag app available on the App Store is compatible only with firmware version 2.0 and does not support updating devices running older firmware.To resolve this issue, please install the Busy Tag app using the version available on our website: After installation, open the app and you will be prompted to update the firmware. Once the update is completed, your Busy Tag will function correctly and will be compatible with both the App Store version and the version downloaded from our website.
What is Busy Tag?
Busy Tag is a high resolution color display with a built-in busylight function and LED lining that helps you express yourself and communicate using lights, text messages, images, GIFs and other visuals. Busy Tag lets you manage distractions and improve your focus whether at home or in the workplace. It is a compact small-scale device that attaches to your laptop or desktop and displays your mood, message, status or availability in a colourful, fun and unique visual manner. Busy Tag is a versatile and innovative smart device that can help you improve your communication, social interaction, productivity and collaboration in the workplace. It is a great tool for anyone who wants to be more creative, noticed, efficient, organized, and connected in their personal and professional life.
What does Busy Tag do, what are the functions? What are the unique benefits of the device?
Busy Tag can be used to:
Clearly communicate your availability: Busy Tag’s color-coded display with LED lights instantly conveys your emotions, mood, message and availability to others, eliminating the need for guesswork or awkward interruptions. Others can easily see what you are up to and if you’re available for a quick chat or if you need focused time to complete your tasks.
Send non-verbal cues: Busy Tag’s unique visual text, image and light combination allows you to send fun, creative and clear messages without needing to interrupt your work or engage in prolonged conversations. With a simple tap, you can indicate “Available for Chat,” “In a Meeting”, “Please Call Me Later” or “I Need a Coffee”.
Enhance collaboration: Busy Tag’s bright and clear visual cues and non-verbal communication features contribute to a more collaborative and harmonious environment whether at home, while studying or at work. Team members can better understand each other’s needs and availability, fostering efficient teamwork and project completion.
Promote freedom of expression: Busy Tag can enhance your freedom of expression in the workplace by providing a simple and non-intrusive way to communicate your availability and intentions to friends, family, colleagues and clients.
Be seen and heard: Busy Tag is a fun, sleek and stylish device that can help you stand out in the school, at home or at the workplace. Its unique design and bright LED lights make it impossible to miss, and it can be personalized with a variety of colors, images, and text messages to reflect your style and preferences.
What are the Busy Tag dimensions?
It is a small, but mighty device regarding the remarkable functionality, the dimensions of the device: 36 x 46 x 8mm (1,42 x 1,81 x 0,31”) it weighs only 20 grams. But this multifunctional color display that is lined with LED lights will make others notice the Busy Tag from a distance and make you stand out in any setting or situation with your smart, funny, and colorful message.
Where can I place my Busy Tag?
You can place Busy Tag on your computer using the double-sided magnet included in the package. You can take Busy Tag anywhere with you and place it wherever you like as long as it is connected to the power source.
What is included in the Busy Tag 2 package?
In the package, you will find USB powered Busy Tag – a high-resolution color display along with double-sided magnets. USB-C data cable is included in the original Busy Tag 2 packaging. You can purchase a separate USB-C data cable as well as other accessories, such as a custom stand for the Busy Tag, power bank, or extra magnets for additional placement options.
What is included in the Busy Tag package?
In the package, you will find USB powered Busy Tag – a high-resolution color display along with double-sided magnets. USB-C data cable is not included in the original Busy Tag packaging, you will be able purchase a separate USB-C wire as well as other accessories, such as a custom stand for the Busy Tag, power bank, or extra magnets for additional placement options.
Can I use my own USB wire to connect Busy Tag?
Yes, you are able to use, connect, charge, and load information to Busy Tag, using a standard USB-C wire. The USB connection ensures fast and easy data transfer between your laptop or desktop.
What can I upload to show on Busy Tag display?
You can easily upload any of your messages, whether they are textual (the amount of characters depends on the chosen font and scale) or visual – custom images, pictures, GIFs, icons and emojis – whatever you can come up with, the creativity has no limits with Busy Tag! With Busy Tag you can show your mood, emotions, availability status, timer, your interests, requests, work and creative thought process as well as motivate yourself and others to achieve something good today!
How long does it take to ship Busy Tag?
For information regarding the purchase and shipping – please head over to Kickstarter campaign and for additional information – please refer to terms & conditions.
What are the basic features/functions of Busy Tag?
It is difficult to list everything just yet as the Busy Tag is a work in progress. You can freely upload .png, .gif, .jpg images or videos and display accordingly on the device screen and also set and customize color settings of the LED lights around the display to improve your message to the world.
How do I turn Busy Tag on and off?
You can turn Busy Tag on or off simply by connecting or disconnecting the device from an USB-C connection with a power source (PC, power bank, USB hub).
What can be shown on the Busy Tag screen?
You can load full color pictures or animations in .png, .gif, .jpg formats as well as some video formats or static lettering. The possibility to display other visual formats will be added in the near future as the Busy Tag project is in the development stage and is progressing rapidly.
What Busy Tag integrations are available?
Busy Tag API allows to create tailor-made solutions and integrations. AS the Busy Tag is a work in progress and we are working actively to make the product even more useful and attractive for the user.
Can Busy Tag work whilst disconnected from the USB-C cable?
No, Busy Tag requires an external power source at all times.
Can Busy Tag only work with a power bank with pre-loaded images?
Yes, it will also be able to function fully by showing the last loaded media.
