Does your Android device have trouble properly hearing you play piano? In some instances, your Android device’s microphone won't reliably detect the notes you’re playing. Connecting your instrument directly to your device will help it detect your playing more reliably.
A MIDI connection ensures nearly perfect note recognition, since processing digital data is easier and more precise than processing an acoustic signal. Depending on your instrument, you can connect via USB MIDI or Bluetooth MIDI.
Here's what you'll need, depending on whether you connect via USB cable or Bluetooth
Bluetooth MIDI:
A digital piano or keyboard that supports Bluetooth MIDI (Bluetooth MIDI is always listed in addition to Bluetooth audio).
A Bluetooth MIDI adapter (MD-BT01) if your instrument does not have built-in Bluetooth MIDI. The adapter requires MIDI ports on your instrument.
MIDI via USB cable:
Either USB to Host or MIDI ports on your instrument
Either a USB-A to USB-B cable or an In-Out MIDI/USB cable (check your piano's outputs)
Please note: The OTG adapter is crucial to ensure smooth communication between your instrument and your device!
Bluetooth MIDI
Many digital pianos have built-in Bluetooth MIDI. For instruments that don't, a Bluetooth MIDI adapter is required. We recommend the MD-BT01. Your instrument needs to have MIDI ports to use this adapter.
Whether your instrument has built-in Bluetooth MIDI, or you use a Bluetooth MIDI adapter, you can connect it to flowkey wirelessly.
Just open any song or lesson in flowkey, tap the gear icon in the top right corner, then open MIDI/USB. Your Bluetooth MIDI device should appear in the list of available MIDI devices. Select it to connect.
Please note: On Android, you may need to allow location permission for Bluetooth MIDI to work. You may also need to reconnect your Bluetooth MIDI device each time you open the app.
USB MIDI
Here's what your setup will look like after you've followed the steps below:
The steps you follow will depend on which port(s) your instrument has.
A) USB to Host port
B) MIDI ports
A) Your instrument has a USB to Host port (USB-B)
You’ll need a USB-A to USB-B cable (with USB 2.0) and an OTG adapter.
Connect the USB-B end to your instrument’s To Host port.
Connect the USB end of the cable to the OTG USB adapter. Most newer tablets or phones might require an OTG USB-A to USB-C, while older devices usually have a micro-USB port, which requires a micro-USB OTG adapter.
Plug the micro-USB or USB-C end of the adapter into your Android device.
Open any song or lesson within the app to reach the flowkey player. The app will ask permission to access your keyboard or digital piano. Please allow this access.
If your instrument isn’t detected automatically, tap the gear icon in the top right corner to reach the Settings menu, then open MIDI/USB to establish a connection manually.
That's it! You can now enjoy playing with flawless note recognition! When connected via USB MIDI, flowkey's audio will also play through your instrument's speakers or any headphones connected to it. If your Yamaha instrument supports Stream Lights, they will also work while connected via USB MIDI.
B) Your instrument has MIDI ports
You’ll need a MIDI to USB cable and an OTG adapter.
Connect the MIDI In/MIDI Out end of the cable to your instrument.
Connect the USB end of the cable to the OTG USB adapter. Most newer tablets or phones might require an OTG USB-A to USB-C, while older devices usually have a micro-USB port, which requires a micro-USB OTG adapter.
Plug the micro-USB or USB-C end of the adapter into your Android device.
Open any song or lesson within the app to reach the flowkey player. The app will ask permission to access your keyboard or digital piano. Please allow this access.
If your instrument isn’t detected automatically, click on the gear icon in the top right corner to reach the Settings menu, then open MIDI/USB to establish a connection manually.
Your device will connect and start communicating with your instrument via MIDI. That way, you will enjoy smoother note recognition. Happy playing!