How to Connect QiYi Timer to csTimer and Phone: Complete Guide
Connecting a QiYi timer (regular QiYi speedcube timer or QiYi Smart Timer Bluetooth) to csTimer is absolutely possible, but it is not done via Bluetooth directly. The reliable method is using a 3.5 mm audio/data cable to send Stackmat-style signals into your computer or phone, which csTimer then decodes.
📋 Table of Contents
Can QiYi Timer Connect to csTimer?
✅ Quick Answers
- ✓ Can QiYi timer connect to csTimer? Yes, both the older QiYi Timer and the newer QiYi Smart Timer can connect to csTimer via cable, using the Stackmat-compatible audio output.
- ✗ Can you connect via Bluetooth? As of late 2025, direct Bluetooth connection from QiYi Smart Timer to csTimer in the browser is not officially supported. The Smart Timer's app-level Bluetooth protocol is encrypted and not disclosed.
- ✓ Can QiYi Smart Timer connect to phone? Yes, via Bluetooth to the official QiYi Smart/Smart Player app on iOS/Android, or via cable to csTimer in the browser.
Hardware You Need
QiYi Timer Types
- QiYi Timer (regular) - Standard wired timer with 3.5 mm output jack
- QiYi Smart Timer - Includes 3.5 mm jack + Bluetooth + phone stand
Required Cables
- 3.5 mm TRS male-male cable - Both ends must be 3.5 mm
- USB sound card - For computers without 3.5 mm mic jack
- USB-C/Lightning adapter - For phones without headphone jack
⚠️ Important: Modern QiYi timers use 3.5 mm ports, not 2.5 mm. Make sure your cable matches!
How to Connect to Computer
Windows Step-by-Step
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1
Prepare your gear: QiYi Timer, 3.5 mm cable, Windows PC with mic input
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2
Connect the cable: Timer data port → PC microphone jack
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3
Open csTimer: Go to
https://cstimer.net -
4
Enable Stackmat mode: Options → Timer → "Enter times with" → Stackmat
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5
Grant microphone permission: Click Allow when browser prompts
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6
Power on timer: Turn on your QiYi timer
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7
Test a solve: Use timer normally - times should appear automatically in csTimer
macOS
The procedure is almost identical to Windows. Connect via 3.5 mm jack or USB audio adapter, enable Stackmat mode in csTimer, and grant microphone permission in System Settings → Sound → Input.
Linux
Use Chrome/Chromium or Firefox. Connect via 3.5 mm cable, enable Stackmat mode, and configure input device using PulseAudio or PipeWire settings.
How to Connect to Phone
There are two completely different methods for connecting to phones:
Method A: Bluetooth
For QiYi Smart Timer only - Connect to official QiYi app
- 1. Install QiYi Smart Timer app
- 2. Create account with email/phone
- 3. Enable Bluetooth on phone
- 4. Turn on Smart Timer
- 5. In app: Physical timer → Connect
- 6. Bind timer to account
- 7. Start solving!
Method B: Cable
For both timers - Connect to csTimer in browser
- 1. Get 3.5 mm cable + adapter
- 2. Connect timer → cable → phone
- 3. Open cstimer.net in browser
- 4. Enable Stackmat mode
- 5. Allow microphone access
- 6. Turn on timer
- 7. Test solves!
📱 Important Notes for Phone Connection
- • Android: Use USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter that supports microphone input
- • iPhone/iPad: Use Lightning-to-3.5 mm or USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter (MFi certified recommended)
- • Some phones have aggressive noise suppression that can distort the signal - use external USB sound card if needed
QiYi Smart Timer Specific Guide
How to Connect QiYi Smart Timer to csTimer
Although the QiYi Smart Timer has Bluetooth, you cannot use Bluetooth with csTimer. Use the 3.5 mm cable method instead:
- 1. Ignore Bluetooth for csTimer - use the 3.5 mm cable
- 2. Connect cable to Smart Timer's 3.5 mm data port
- 3. Plug other end into computer/phone microphone input
- 4. Open csTimer → Options → Timer → "Enter times with" → Stackmat
- 5. Allow microphone access
- 6. Power on QiYi Smart Timer and run solves
- 7. csTimer will read times as if they came from a Stackmat
💡 Pro Tip: The QiYi Smart Timer includes a built-in phone stand. When using Bluetooth with the official app, you can place your phone on this stand for easy viewing during solves!
Troubleshooting Common Problems
❌ No times appear in csTimer
- • Confirm "Enter times with" is set to Stackmat in csTimer options
- • Make sure QiYi timer is powered on
- • Check microphone permission in browser
- • Select correct input device in OS sound settings
⚠️ Times inconsistent or decoding errors
- • Use a higher-quality 3.5 mm cable
- • Try an external USB sound card
- • Disable noise suppression, echo cancellation, and beamforming features
🔌 Works on one device but not another
- • Some devices have headphone-only jacks (no mic support)
- • Use a USB sound card on PC
- • Use a certified mic-supporting audio adapter on phone/tablet
📱 Bluetooth connects to app but not csTimer
This is expected behavior. QiYi Smart Timer's Bluetooth protocol is encrypted and undocumented, so browser-based csTimer cannot directly pair with it. Use Bluetooth only with QiYi's own app, or use cable when using csTimer.
📺 Video Tutorials
Watch these helpful video guides to see the connection process in action:
How to Connect QiYi Smart Timer to csTimer (EASY)
Step-by-step guide showing the easiest method to connect your QiYi Smart Timer to csTimer.
How to Connect Your QiYi Timer to csTimer
Comprehensive tutorial covering both regular QiYi Timer and Smart Timer connections.
QiYi Timer: Connecting to Phone App and csTimer
Shows both Bluetooth connection to phone app and cable connection to csTimer.
Official QiYi Timer Data Cord Instructions
Official tutorial showing phone connection via cable method.
Connect QiYi Timer to csTimer on Mac (Short)
Quick tutorial specifically for macOS users.
Comparison: QiYi Timer vs QiYi Smart Timer
| Feature | QiYi Timer (Regular) | QiYi Smart Timer |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 mm audio/data jack | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Bluetooth built-in | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Connect to csTimer | Via 3.5 mm cable | Via 3.5 mm cable (not Bluetooth) |
| Connect to phone | Cable to csTimer browser | Bluetooth to QiYi app OR cable to csTimer |
| Official phone app | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (iOS/Android) |
| Phone stand included | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Ready to Connect Your Timer?
Now you know everything about connecting your QiYi timer to csTimer and your phone. Whether you choose cable or Bluetooth, you're ready to track your solves like a pro!