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Stratus FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Stratus features and hardware
16 articles

• How do I update Stratus' firmware?

To update Stratus' firmware, download the Stratus Update Tool located at www.chaosaudio.com/downloads Update Instructions 1. Connect your Stratus to your computer via USB-C. 2. Wait for Stratus to fully boot. 3. Run Stratus Update Tool as described below for your operating system. 4. Click "Check for updates". 5. Click "Connect the Pedal". 6. Click "Update". 7. Stratus will flash red and yellow upon successful update. 8. Do not unplug Stratus until the Stratus Update Tool indicates that the update is 100% complete. Download Instructions Windows: 1. Download the Windows application 2. Follow the prompts in the Microsoft Store for easy installation 3. Launch the update tool from your Microsoft Store Library Mac: 1. Download the Mac application 2. Follow the prompts in the App Store for easy installation 3. Launch the update tool from Launchpad (or how you normally would for any other Mac application) NOTE: Must be running macOS Big Sur 11.0 or higher. **TROUBLESHOOTING ** If you're having problems updating your Stratus, try the following steps: 1. Try using a different USB-C cable to complete the update. 2. Try relaunching Stratus Update Tool, and try unplugging and re-plugging your Stratus pedal. 3. Try restarting your computer. 4. If you're getting a "Failed to connect the pedal" error, please make sure the pedal is fully booted and that you're not simultaneously running a virtual machine (like Parallels for Mac). If you have any other questions please email us at support@chaosaudio.com

Last updated on Mar 25, 2025

• Do you offer returns for Stratus?

Chaos Audio Returns, Exchanges, and Cancellations Thank you for being a Chaos Audio customer. We proudly offer 30-Day Hassle-Free Returns on eligible items purchased directly from chaosaudio.com. How to start a return 1. Email support@chaosaudio.com within 30 days of the delivery date. 2. We will issue return instructions. Only orders placed on chaosaudio.com are eligible. Purchases made through other retailers must be returned through those sellers. Return eligibility - Item must include all original contents: device, cables, power adapters, packaging, and documentation. - Missing accessories or damaged packaging may incur additional fees. - Not eligible: Chaos Audio gift cards, software used for development purposes, and any item that is excessively worn, modified, or physically damaged beyond normal evaluation. Restocking fees and refund options We charge restocking fees to cover inspection, testing, cleaning, repackaging, and non-refunded payment processing costs. Domestic orders (United States): - Tier 1: Unopened and like-new Refund: 85% of purchase price (15% restocking fee) Store credit option: 100% store credit - Tier 2: Opened, registered, or lightly used and re-conditionable Refund: 80% of purchase price (20% restocking fee) Store credit option: 90% store credit - Tier 3: Heavily used, installed, or product and packaging both damaged Not eligible for refund or store credit International orders (outside the United States): Same tiers and rules as above, with a 5% higher restocking fee: - Tier 1: 20% restocking fee - Tier 2: 25% restocking fee - Tier 3: Not eligible Notes: - Original shipping charges are non-refundable unless the return is due to our error. - Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility unless we confirm a defect on arrival. Refund timeline Once your return is received and inspected, refunds are typically processed within 5 to 7 business days back to the original payment method. Exchanges and DOA claims If your product arrives defective or damaged, contact support@chaosaudio.com within 7 days of delivery with photos or video. We will troubleshoot and, if confirmed, arrange a repair or replacement at our discretion. Software purchases and in-app marketplaces - Software purchased on chaosaudio.com is refundable only within 24 hours of purchase. - Purchases made through Apple iOS or Google Android are subject to their respective refund processes. We do not process or assist with App Store or Google Play refunds. Cancellations - You may request cancellation before shipment by emailing support@chaosaudio.com. - If the order has not shipped, we will cancel and refund minus non-refunded payment processing fees from your payment provider. - Shipped orders must follow the returns process and restocking tiers above. International returns International customers have 30 days from delivery to request a return. Duties, taxes, and return shipping are the customer’s responsibility. The same eligibility rules and tiered restocking fees apply. Need help Musicians are on our support team and we are happy to help you get the most from your gear. Email support@chaosaudio.com and include your order number, serial number if available, and a brief description of your request! Play more. Worry less.

Last updated on Aug 15, 2025

• iOS shows “Bluetooth is turned off” in the Chaos Audio app?

If your iPhone or iPad has Bluetooth enabled but the Chaos Audio app says “Bluetooth is turned off” when you scan or try to connect to Stratus or Nimbus, the Bluetooth permission for the app is likely disabled. Below is the quick fix, plus a few extra checks if you still have trouble. Quick fix 1. Open the iPhone or iPad Settings app. 2. Use the search bar at the top and type Chaos Audio. 3. Tap Chaos Audio in the results. 4. Turn Bluetooth On. 5. Reopen the Chaos Audio app and try scanning again. That is it for most users. Why this happens iOS treats Bluetooth access as a separate privacy permission. If you declined the prompt the first time, or iOS reset app permissions during an update or reinstall, the app cannot use Bluetooth even if Bluetooth is on at the system level. Extra checks if it still does not connect 1) Confirm Bluetooth is fully on at the system level - Go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure the master Bluetooth switch is On. Tip: Toggling Bluetooth in Control Center does not fully turn it off or on. Use Settings for a true reset. 2) Make sure the Chaos Audio Bluetooth permission is on in Privacy - Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth. - Find Chaos Audio and make sure its switch is On. 3) Force quit and relaunch the app - Swipe up from the bottom, find Chaos Audio, swipe it away, then reopen. 4) Power cycle your gear - Turn Stratus or Nimbus off and back on. - Wait 5 to 10 seconds, then scan again in the app. 5) Do not pair in iOS Settings for control - Stratus and Nimbus use the app to connect for control. - You do not need to pair Stratus in iOS Bluetooth settings. - Nimbus can be paired in iOS Bluetooth if you want to stream audio, but app control still happens inside the Chaos Audio app. 6) Last resort reset of privacy settings If you previously denied Bluetooth and the toggle never appears, you can reset iOS privacy permissions: - Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy. - You will need to regrant permissions to apps afterward. Common questions Do I need Location turned on for Bluetooth to work on iPhone No. iOS does not require Location for Bluetooth control of Stratus or Nimbus. The app still cannot find my device Make sure only one phone or tablet is trying to connect. If another device is already connected, scanning will not show the pedal or amp. Can I stream audio over Bluetooth to Stratus No. Stratus uses Bluetooth for control. Guitar audio goes through your cable. Nimbus supports Bluetooth audio streaming if you pair it in iOS Bluetooth settings, but control still happens inside the Chaos Audio app. Contact us If you are still stuck, send a quick note to support@chaosaudio.com with: - Your iPhone or iPad model - iOS version - Chaos Audio app version - Whether you are using Stratus or Nimbus - A short description of what you see and what you have tried We will get you connected.

Last updated on Aug 19, 2025