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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Companion, TheCube.
If you don’t see your question here, check the Community Portal for more help.

General

❓ Does TheCube require the cloud?

No. TheCube works fully offline — speech recognition, apps, and notifications all run locally.
The optional TheCube+ service adds cloud features like account sync, larger AI models, and remote access.

❓ What is TheCube+?

TheCube+ is our optional subscription service. It provides:

  • Account login and device linking
  • Extended AI models and cloud interactions
  • Usage quotas and tiered pricing
  • Optional self-host support for advanced users

👉 See TheCube+ Overview for details.

❓ How do I reset my Cube?

For a full factory reset:

  1. On the touchscreen, go to Settings → System → Factory Reset.
  2. Confirm the reset. This will erase all data and settings. TheCube will reboot a few times during the process.

For a soft reset (reboot without losing data): Either:

  • On the touchscreen, go to Settings → System → Reboot.

OR

  • Just unplug TheCube, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Setup & Networking

❓ I can’t find thecube.local. What do I do?

Some networks don’t support .local addressing.

  • Try the direct IP address shown on the touchscreen or in the mobile app.
  • Or use your router’s device list to find TheCube by hostname.

❓ Can I use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

Yes, but it requires either a USB to Ethernet adapter or the official Ethernet add-on module. See Hardware Overview for details.

❓ How do I change Wi-Fi after setup?

Go to Settings → Connections → Network on the web UI (http://thecube.local) or touchscreen.
Alternatively, reset onboarding by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

Apps & Features

❓ How do I install new apps?

You can install apps from the official catalog or sideload them locally:

  • Open the Apps section in the web UI, the mobile app, or on the touchscreen.
  • Choose from available apps or upload a .cubeapp package.

👉 See Installing Apps for details.

❓ Does TheCube listen to me all the time?

No. TheCube only listens for its wake word (“Hey Cube”) when voice activation is enabled.
You can turn voice activation off at any time from the settings menu (but why would you want to? 😉 ).

❓ What built-in apps are included?

By default, TheCube comes with:

  • Timer & Alarms
  • Calendar & Reminders
  • Weather & News
  • Notes & Flashcards
  • Fun interactions (jokes, desk banter, personality quirks)
  • Healthy reminders (drink water, stretch)

👉 See Built-in Apps for a full list.

Hardware

❓ Can I open or mod my Cube?

Yes! TheCube is designed for tinkerers. Disassembly guides are provided in the Hardware Section. Keep in mind that while TheCube was designed to be open up and tinkered with, doing so may void your warranty. A-McD Technology (TheCube’s creator) is not responsible for any damage caused by opening or modifying your Cube.

❓ What expansion options are available?

TheCube exposes ports for I²C, SPI, UART, CAN, and GPIO, plus support for toppers and add-on modules.
👉 See Hardware Overview for details.

Troubleshooting

❓ TheCube doesn’t appear to be on. I just get a blank screen.

Try a few things:

  • Ensure the power supply is connected and plugged in. If so, unplug it and plug it back in.
  • Be sure to use the official power supply that came with TheCube or one that meets the required specifications (USB-C PD 45W or higher).
  • Check to see if the status LED on the back is on. If it is, compare the color to the LED Status Guide to see if it indicates an error.
  • If the LED is off, try a different power outlet or cable.

If these steps don’t work, you can try asking for help from the Community or opening a support request.

❓ My first voice command doesn’t work.

Make sure:

  • TheCube is ready. You should see the selected character on the screen and hear the startup chime.
  • Voice activation is enabled
  • You said “Hey Cube” before your command

Try speaking clearly and closer to the microphone on top of the device.

Still Stuck?

  • Visit the Community Forum for help.
  • Check Changelog for recent fixes.
  • File a support request if you believe your Cube is defective.