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Stem2

Stem2 Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about setting up, using and troubleshooting Stem2.

5 min read. Updated August 4, 2026

How do I turn Stem2 on and off?

  1. 1

    Hold the slot-shaped power button for approximately three seconds to turn Stem2 on or off.

  2. 2

    The LEDs dim while the device powers down. Release the button before shutdown completes to cancel.

How do I pair Stem2 with Bluetooth?

  1. 1

    When you power on Stem2 for the first time, the centre LED pulses to indicate Bluetooth pairing mode.

  2. 2

    Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer and select Stem2.

  3. 3

    You'll hear a short sound when connected and the LED will stop pulsing.

How do I reconnect a previously paired device?

  1. 1

    Hold the Bluetooth button to disconnect the current device.

  2. 2

    Tap the Bluetooth button once to reconnect to the last paired device.

  3. 3

    Stem2 automatically reconnects to previously paired devices whenever possible.

How do I control playback?

  1. 1

    Tap the centre LED to play or pause.

  2. 2

    Press the Forward or Back buttons to skip tracks.

  3. 3

    Hold the Forward or Back buttons during local playback to fast-forward or rewind.

What is StemFM?

STEM.FM is an adaptive music streaming service that lets you:

  • Stream millions of songs
  • Separate music into stems
  • Mix songs together
  • Create seamless transitions
  • Sync music with your Stem2

Use the STEM.FM web app web app or the StemFM iOS app.

How do I connect Stem2 to StemFM?

Visit STEM.FM Setup or scan the QR code included in the box.

Follow the setup instructions to connect your device and mirror audio and controls.

Supported platforms include:

  • Mac
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Android

A Chromium-based browser such as Chrome is required.

Support for iOS is available though the StemFM app.

What are the benefits of linking my StemFM account?

When your account is linked:

  • Your Liked Music syncs to Stem2.
  • Newly created Stem tracks appear in your Liked collection.
  • You can manage Wi-Fi, firmware updates and device settings from STEM.FM.

What settings can I manage?

Stem2 settings include:

  • Manual firmware updates
  • Sync on or off
  • Stem controls
  • Wi-Fi management
  • Factory reset
  • Device information
  • Battery status
  • Account relinking

What does the STEM button do?

The STEM button converts compatible Bluetooth songs into Stem tracks.

This requires:

To create a Stem track

  1. 1

    Play a song over Bluetooth.

  2. 2

    Hold the STEM button.

  3. 3

    Wait for the circular animation.

Status colours

  • Green indicates the download succeeded.
  • Red indicates the process failed.

If processing fails, check your Wi-Fi connection or try another song.

After approximately 10–40 seconds, the Stem track begins playing locally.

Hold the Bluetooth button to reconnect your phone afterwards.

MacBook Bluetooth metadata is not currently supported.

Where are newly created Stem tracks saved?

If your device is linked to STEM.FM, newly created Stem tracks are automatically added to your Liked collection.

Can Stem tracks be mixed together?

Yes.

Stem tracks can be paired together and played with intelligent transitions between songs.

Do I need a subscription?

After your 7-day free trial, an active subscription is required to continue creating and listening to new Stem tracks.

What are stems?

Stems separate a song into its main musical parts:

  • Vocals
  • Drums
  • Bass
  • Melody

How do Stem controls work?

  • Tap a stem to switch to a compatible version.
  • Hold a stem to solo it.
  • Hard press to enable or disable a stem.

Stem controls can be enabled in device settings.

How long does the battery last?

Battery life is approximately:

  • Up to 40 hours at half volume
  • Around 10 hours at full volume

Standby time is up to six months.

Does Stem2 work without Bluetooth?

Yes.

Stem2 includes 64 GB of internal storage for local playback.

If Bluetooth disconnects, playback automatically switches to local mode.

Tap the Bluetooth button at any time to reconnect.

What do the LEDs mean?

LED colours indicate device status.

Wi-Fi:

  • White: Connected
  • Pulsing white: Syncing
  • Off: No Wi-Fi

Battery:

  • Green: High
  • Orange: Medium
  • Red: Low

Bluetooth:

  • Pulsing blue: Pairing

Firmware:

  • Flashing purple: Updating

What ports does Stem2 include?

Stem2 includes:

  • USB-C for charging, powering accessories and future data or audio output
  • AUX input for playing external audio alongside Bluetooth or local playback

Can I lock the controls?

Yes.

Quickly tap the Power and Volume Up buttons together to lock or unlock the stem controls.

The centre LED continues to control play and pause while locked.

Does Stem2 go to sleep automatically?

Yes.

  • Sleep mode activates after approximately 15 minutes of inactivity.
  • Hibernate activates after approximately 30 minutes in sleep mode.

Press the power button to wake the device.

Stem2 does not hibernate while charging.

What's included in the box?

The box includes:

  • Stem2 speaker
  • Padded carrying bag with strap
  • USB-C cable
  • Microfibre cloth with setup QR code

Is Stem2 waterproof?

Stem2 is rated IPX4 splash resistant.

It should not be submerged in water.

The device has been drop-tested to approximately 1.5 metres.

The silicone skin is replaceable through support.

Where can I find compliance markings?

Lift the silicone skin near the port section to view the regulatory markings.

What additional features does Stem2 support?

Stem2 includes or will support:

  • High sound output for its size
  • MIDI controller support (planned)
  • Album artwork colours
  • Manual colour controls (coming soon)
  • NFC support on Android
  • NFC support for creating Stem tracks on iPhone
  • Uploading your own music through STEM.FM
  • Storage for approximately 1,000–2,000 Stem tracks
  • Future multi-room playback
  • Bluetooth compatibility with Stem1 (Stem Player)

Opening the device yourself voids the warranty.

How does StemFM format work?

Stem tracks are processed into interactive frequency layers, allowing vocals, drums, bass and melody to be controlled independently.

Additional metadata includes tempo, musical key and other machine-learning generated music information.

How are Stem tracks created from Bluetooth?

Stem2 uses the track information sent by your phone or computer to locate and download a licensed Stem track when available.

MacBooks do not currently support this feature.

Will tempo matching and looping be available?

Tempo matching and looping are planned for a future firmware update.

Can I export Stem tracks?

You can export tracks that you uploaded and created yourself.

Licensed catalogue music can only be streamed or stored offline within Stem devices and StemFM.

How are copyright and licensing handled?

Uploads are checked using industry-standard audio fingerprinting services, including ACRCloud, together with internal fingerprinting.

Uploads that match licensed content are blocked and replaced with official catalogue versions where available.

Can music availability change?

Yes.

If licensing rights change, some tracks or features may become unavailable.

Availability may also vary by country.

Where can I get support?

Need more help?

Email: help@stemplayer.com

Don't have a Stem2 yet?

Buy Stem2 from the official shop