---
title: Connect via USB
description: Switch your Somewear Node from Bluetooth to a wired USB-C connection after initial pairing.
url: "https://docs.somewear.app/soldier-borne/getting-started/pair-node-usb/"
updated: "2026-06-23"
requires: {}
facets:
  hardware:
    - node:
        since: baseline
  client:
    - atak:
        since: baseline
  satcom: []
---

Switch your Node from Bluetooth to USB when interference is a concern or a wired connection is operationally preferred. Bluetooth pairing must be completed first — USB mode is not available until the Node has been paired over Bluetooth at least once.

## Before you begin

- Node is powered on and currently connected via Bluetooth.
- USB-C cable is available and accessible.
- Android device is unlocked.

> **Note**
>
> Use a USB-C cable that supports **data**, not a charge-only cable. Many charging cables carry power but no data lines and will not work for pairing the Node.

## Switch to USB

1. In the ATAK plugin, tap **Settings** → **Hardware Settings**.
2. Tap **Connection Mode**.
3. Select **USB**. Switching to USB breaks the current Bluetooth connection and restarts the Node with Bluetooth disabled.
4. Wait for the Node to fully restart — allow up to 15 seconds. The plugin shows the Node as disconnected while it restarts.
5. Connect the USB-C cable between the Node and your Android device.
6. Tap **TAP TO PAIR TO DEVICE** in the plugin.
7. When Android prompts “Allow ATAK to access \[Node]?”, tap **OK**.

The plugin connects and the Node appears as active.

![Connection Mode selection screen showing USB option](https://docs.somewear.app/_astro/connection-mode-selection-screen-showing.xLIk8xWv_ZaAC2W.webp)

![Android USB access prompt](https://docs.somewear.app/_astro/android-usb-access-prompt.xLi3-ByZ_Z134RPh.webp)

![Plugin status bar showing the Node connected over USB](https://docs.somewear.app/_astro/plugin-status-bar-showing-the-node-conne.BZw8ed0q_l7QdW.webp)

## Returning to Bluetooth

Bluetooth stays disabled until you switch back explicitly. There are two ways to do it.

### Option 1 — Change the setting while still on USB

1. In the ATAK plugin, tap **Settings** → **Hardware Settings**.
2. Tap **Connection Mode**.
3. Select **Bluetooth**. The Node restarts with Bluetooth enabled.
4. Disconnect the USB cable and pair normally.

### Option 2 — Enter pairing mode via power cycle

1. Power off the Node.
2. Hold the Power Button from off, through the green LED phase, until the LED flashes fast white — the Node is now in pairing mode with Bluetooth enabled.
3. Pair via Bluetooth as normal.