Halo Sport 2
Owner’s Guide
Halo Neuroscience | April 2019
Powering on your Halo Sport 2 5
Powering off your Halo Sport 2 5
Downloading the Halo Sport app 6
Pairing with the Halo Sport app 6
Choosing a Neuropriming session 7
Difference between Neuropriming sessions 7
Placing Halo Sport 2 on your head 9
Starting a Neuropriming session 11
What to do during a Neuropriming session 12
What to do after a Neuropriming session 13
Pairing to Bluetooth audio (iOS) 14
Pairing to Bluetooth audio (Android) 14
Switching between audio sources 15
Device and operating system compatibility 16
Checking the battery status 18
Headset will not connect to the Halo Sport app through Bluetooth 20
App shows some contact, but not enough to start a session 20
App shows no contact at all 21
Pairing with multiple devices 22
Replacement parts and accessories 26
Looking for troubleshooting help? Click here to skip to the troubleshooting section.
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Carefully unpack the box and confirm the following items are included:
Halo Sport 2 headset | Primer band | USB-C Charging cable |
If any part of Halo Sport 2 or the accessories appear to be damaged, please do not attempt to use the headset. Contact Halo Neuroscience support for immediate replacements. Customer support contact information can be found at support.haloneuro.com.
A Primer band
B Microphone
C USB-C charging port
D Power button
E Indicator light
F Volume/center buttons
G Recessed arrow
To turn on your Halo Sport 2, press the power button (D) on the right earcup once. The indicator light (E) will start flashing.
If the light (E) is rapidly flashing, your Halo Sport 2 is ready to pair through the Halo Sport app.
If the light (E) is slowly blinking blue or green (once every three seconds), your Halo Sport 2 is already paired to your mobile device through the Halo Sport app. To unpair your Halo Sport 2 from your current mobile device and pair to a new one, refer to page 22.
For more information about the indicator light colors and what they mean, click here.
Press and hold the power button (D) until the indicator light (E) turns solid green and starts to fade away, then release. The light will turn off and stay off. Halo Sport 2 is now powered off.
Your Halo Sport 2 will also automatically turn off after 10 minutes of Neuropriming inactivity. If you’re connected to Bluetooth audio (flashing green light), the headset will not automatically turn off.
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To use your Halo Sport 2, you first need to download the free Halo Sport app on a compatible mobile device. You will use the app to control your Neuropriming sessions, view your session history and more.
The app is required to start a Neuropriming session, but once the session is in progress, your headset does not need to be in range of your mobile device to continue and complete your Neuropriming session. Please note that the Bluetooth audio function has a limited range and will be disconnected if you go out of range.
To Neuroprime with Halo Sport 2, you first need to download the free Halo Sport app and create an app account. The Neuropriming function must be paired through the Halo Sport app (NOT through your phone’s Bluetooth settings). Once you're logged in on the app, follow the instructions below to connect.
When your headset connects, you’re ready to Neuroprime. If you have trouble connecting, be sure to try our Bluetooth troubleshooting steps.
Wireless audio: If you follow the instructions above to pair to an Android device, your headset’s wireless audio function might now be paired as well (a slow green blinking light means you’re connected to Bluetooth audio). If you have an iPhone, the app will show you instructions for how to pair the audio through your Bluetooth settings. If you need help with this, check out the section Pairing to Bluetooth Audio (iOS) or Pairing to Bluetooth audio (Android).
To start a Neuropriming session, you’ll need to establish good contact between the headset and your head. To do this, you'll need to get your Primer band’s foam tips (“nibs”) very wet. To do this, remove the Primer band from the headset and hold it under running water with the nibs facing sideways for about 60 seconds. While wetting, you can press on the nibs to help them absorb water. When fully soaked, all sides of the nibs should be dark grey and very wet. The more wet the nibs are, the better contact you will get.
Primer band with dry nibs Primer band with wet nibs
After wetting, shake off your Primer band to remove any excess water. If possible, use a towel to dry the back side of your Primer band.
Do not submerge your Primer band in a bowl of water—it is best to hold it under running water at a slight angle to get it wet.
Do not submerge the Halo Sport 2 headset - it is not waterproof.
Dry off the back side of the Primer band. Using your thumb and pointer finger, pinch the Primer band from the textured circles on the back. While pinching, insert the Primer band into your headset by lining up the green arrow on the back of your Primer band with the corresponding recessed arrow on your headset. Use your thumbs to press the left and right sides of the Primer band against the headset to secure it. Use the alignment lines to verify that your Primer band is inserted properly.
Line up the arrow. Check the alignment lines.
With the Primer band installed, spread the headset wide and place it directly over the top of your head so that the Primer band’s nibs are the first thing to make contact with your head.
The headset should look vertical on your head when standing up straight. To be exact, you can measure the distance from the bridge of your nose to the bump on the back of your head and place Halo Sport 2 at the halfway point.
To get good contact:
As you adjust the headset, the “Contact strength” percentage on the “Adjust your headset” screen will indicate how close you are to getting good contact. When the contact strength reaches 100%, the app will advance past this screen to begin or resume your Neuropriming session.
If the contact strength is changing but not quite 100%, try adding more water to your Primer nibs.
If the contact strength is stuck at 0%, check to make sure that your Primer band is installed correctly. The arrow on the back of the Primer band (outlined in green) should line up with the recessed arrow on your headset. Once you’ve inserted the band, press it against the headset and check the alignment lines to verify that the band is centered.
If your headset loses contact with your head during your session, the “Adjust your headset” screen will appear and you will hear a repeating tone (see “Halo Sport 2 tones”). When you re-establish contact, the Neuropriming session will automatically resume.
When you establish good contact, the stimulation will ramp up and your 20-minute Neuropriming session will begin.
During the stimulation, it’s normal to feel some tingling on your scalp. If you find the stimulation to be uncomfortable, try turning down the amplitude (see “Adjusting the amplitude” for details). Getting great contact between the headset and your head will also reduce the sensation of the stimulation (see “Getting good contact”).
Once you start a Neuropriming session, you do not need to remain in range of your mobile device. If you go out of range and you hear a tone from the headset, most likely this means that you’ve lost contact between the headset and your head and need to adjust the headset and/or re-wet your Primer band. Once you re-enter close range of your mobile device, Halo Sport 2 will automatically link back up with your mobile device and the Halo Sport app will display your updated session status.
A Halo Sport 2 training session has two parts—a Neuropriming phase and a hyperplasticity training phase:
Depending on your activity, you can do one of the following during your 20-minute Neuropriming session:
Be sure to begin your training right after the 20-minute Neuropriming session is over to ensure maximum benefit from Halo Sport 2.
You can listen to audio during and after your Neuropriming session. Listening to audio with the headset will not impact the effect of the Neuropriming technology. Check out the Bluetooth Audio section for audio setup instructions.
To adjust the stimulation amplitude, navigate to the stimulation screen in the app and press the (+) to increase or the (-) to decrease. The range is 1-10 and the default setting is 5.
The amplitude adjustment allows you to set the level of Neuropriming to your comfort level. While the whole range is effective and safe, for optimal results it is recommended to set the level to the highest number that’s comfortable for you.
During your Neuropriming session you can choose to pause it. To do this, press the pause button next to the countdown timer on the Halo Sport App:
To resume, make sure you have the headset on correctly and then press the play (resume) button.
Halo Sport 2 has 3 different types of tones that will come from the earcups:
After you complete a Neuropriming session, start your training! The headset’s benefits will apply to any physical training you do during the following 60 minutes, whether you continue to wear the headset or not. You can keep the headset on to listen to audio or take it off when the Neuropriming session is over. There is no difference in training benefit either way.
Halo Sport 2 training results are best when the training period is paired with focused, repetitive movements for the specific skill you are trying to improve. It's also important to focus on proper form, because Halo Sport 2 accelerates the development of muscle memory.
Need some inspiration? Check out our training guides or follow us on Instagram.
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To listen to audio with Halo Sport 2, you must be connected to an audio source (mobile device or computer) through Bluetooth. This will allow you to listen to audio wirelessly.
Halo Sport 2 has a built-in microphone. If you’re connected to a mobile phone, you can use the microphone to make phone calls while wearing Halo Sport 2.
To listen to audio wirelessly with Halo Sport 2, your headset needs to be on and the audio function must be paired through your iPhone or computer’s Bluetooth settings.
To do this, open the Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer and look for the “Halo Sport 2 XXXXX Audio” listing. Select the listing to pair. You may need to change the settings in your audio application to select your headset as the audio source. You’ll know that your headset is connected to an audio source when the headset’s indicator light is flashing green. A blue light means that audio is not connected.
To pair your Halo Sport 2’s audio function with your Android phone, you can either pair through the Halo Sport app (on some phones) or through your phone’s Bluetooth settings. If you just want to listen to audio with your headset (and not Neuroprime), then pairing through your Bluetooth settings is the fastest way to get set up. If you’re using a computer as your audio source, you must pair through your computer’s Bluetooth settings.
Open the Halo Sport app and log in. Put your headset into pairing mode by holding down the center button until the light on the headset begins to quickly flash blue (the center button is located below the power button, between the two volume adjustment (+/-) buttons). Once your headset is in pairing mode, go to the app’s home screen and select “Pair.” When paired successfully, you will be able to both Neuroprime and listen to audio wirelessly.*
*Please note that due to the wide variety of Android phone functionality, this method may not work for some phones. Halo Sport 2’s Bluetooth audio function may need to be paired through Bluetooth settings, as described in the section below.
First, enable pairing mode on Halo Sport 2 by holding down the center button until the light on the headset begins to quickly flash blue. The center button is located below the power button, between the two volume adjustment (+/-) buttons.
Once your headset is in pairing mode, go into your Bluetooth settings and select “Pair new device”. You should see a “Halo Sport 2 XXXX Audio” listing. Select that listing to connect.
On the back side of your headset’s right earcup, you will find a set of three buttons located underneath the power button. The raised +/- buttons can be used to control audio volume, and a quick press of the center button (between the volume controls) can be used to either play or pause your audio. You can also use your mobile device’s audio controls to control your audio.
A Volume up (+)
B Center button (play/pause)*
C Volume down (-)
*The center button has several functions:
If you want to switch between audio sources (for example, controlling audio from your computer instead of your phone), you’ll first need to unpair your headset’s audio from the current audio source.
You can do this by going into your device’s Bluetooth settings, locating the “Halo Sport 2 XXXXX Audio” listing and “forgetting” that listing.
You’ll know that your headset is ready to pair to a new audio source when the headset’s light is flashing blue. You can then go into the Bluetooth settings of your desired audio source device (mobile device or computer), locate the “Halo Sport 2 XXXXX Audio” listing and pair.
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Halo Sport 2 is compatible with most iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 and newer, as well as most Android devices on Android operating system 6.0 (Marshmallow) and newer that support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.0 and newer. To view a list of devices that are fully verified for compatibility with Halo Sport 2, please visit our Help Center.
Your headset details can be viewed in the “My Halo” section of the Halo Sport app. To get to “My Halo,” navigate to:
Profile tab → Settings icon (upper right) → My Halo Sport
In the My Halo section of the app, you can:
Within the Profile tab of the Halo Sport app, you can view the date, time, length and session type for any past Neuropriming sessions that you have initiated.
This screen will also tell you how many Neuropriming sessions you’ve done over the past week, how many total sessions you’ve done and what your longest session streak is. A streak is the number of days in a row you have Neuroprimed. Keep your streak going and see how high you can go!
Please note that if your headset gets disconnected from the app during your session, that session’s duration might appear as ‘Connect to update.’ Once you reconnect your headset, the session duration will sync and be updated within 5 minutes.
The Halo Sport app can remind you to Neuroprime before your training. To set up reminders, go to:
Profile tab → Settings icon (upper right) → Set a reminder
To set reminders, you’ll need to toggle on “Enable reminders,” which will allow the app to send notifications to your phone.
You can then select a time and the days on which you want to receive Neuropriming reminders.
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While charging, the indicator light will be solid yellow.
Note: You cannot do a Neuropriming session while your Halo Sport 2 is charging. Do not wear your Halo Sport 2 while it is charging.
When fully charged, the light will turn solid green. If the charger is left plugged in for a long period of time, the light may turn yellow again, indicating that the charging system is properly refreshing the battery.
To check battery status when the headset is not charging, go to the ‘Home’ tab of the Halo Sport app. A battery indicator will appear on the top right.
If your headset battery is very low, your Halo Sport app will notify you that you need to charge your Halo Sport 2 before you can start another Neuropriming session:
If you see this screen, please plug in your headset to charge. While charging, the indicator light on the headset will be solid yellow. When your headset has enough battery life for one Neuropriming session, the app will say “Unplug charger to Neuroprime.” When your headset is fully charged, the headset’s indicator light will turn green.
You can use the included USB-C cable with any USB adapter or USB port to charge Halo Sport 2.
The headset takes about 2 ½ hours to fully charge.
A fully-charged battery will provide you with 15 complete Neuropriming sessions. If the headset is used for audio only, the battery will last about 10 hours.
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For more information, troubleshooting tips, and videos, visit support.haloneuro.com.
Problem | What to Do |
Headset will not turn on |
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Headset will not connect to the Halo Sport app through Bluetooth |
If these steps do not fix the problem, please try the following:
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App shows some contact, but not enough to start a session |
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App shows no contact at all |
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No Bluetooth audio | Be sure to follow our instructions for connecting to Bluetooth audio. If you’ve followed those instructions and you still don’t hear audio, try these steps:
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Poor sound quality |
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Headset won’t charge |
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Headset is unresponsive |
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If you’ve tried the steps listed here and you are still experiencing problems, please contact Halo Neuroscience Support. Contact information can be found at support.haloneuro.com.
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Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth Low Energy) lets you start, pause, and resume Neuropriming sessions from a compatible mobile device using the Halo Sport app. Bluetooth Smart is specifically designed to use the lowest amount of power possible to transfer data. Before you can start a Neuropriming session with Halo Sport 2, you must pair the headset with a compatible mobile device.
Audio is streamed with conventional Bluetooth technology (Bluetooth BD/EDR), which is used in virtually all wireless audio products to transmit high-quality sound between phones, computers, and headsets or speakers.
You cannot pair Halo Sport 2 with multiple mobile devices for Neuropriming at the same time. Once the Bluetooth Low Energy link is paired for Neuropriming within the Halo Sport app, only your phone can access your headset for Neuropriming. In order to Neuroprime from a different mobile device, you must unpair the headset from your current one (see ‘Unpairing a mobile device’ below).
To unpair your mobile device from Halo Sport 2:
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If you want to share Halo Sport 2 between multiple people, you can do so one of the following ways:
For teams or organizations interested in utilizing shared hardware, we also offer premium features for managing a roster of individuals on a single device. For more details, contact Halo Neuroscience at partnerships@haloneuro.com to ask about creating an enterprise account.
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Primer bands are designed to be long-lasting. However, like your running shoes or the padding in your bike helmet, Primer bands can become physically worn out after extended use. When this happens, you may want to replace your Primer band.
You can purchase more Primer bands from the Halo Neuroscience website at www.haloneuro.com.
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Indicator Light Activity | Headset State |
Off | Headset is off |
Fast blue blinking (twice per second) | Headset is ready to pair with the Halo Sport app. The blue color shows that Bluetooth audio is NOT connected. |
Slow blue blinking (once every three seconds) | Headset is paired with the Halo Sport app. When you open the app, the headset will connect to your phone automatically. The blue color shows that Bluetooth audio is NOT connected. |
Fast green blinking (twice per second) | Headset is ready to pair with the Halo Sport app. The green color shows that Bluetooth Audio is connected. |
Slow green blinking (once every three seconds) | Headset is paired with the Halo Sport app and Bluetooth audio is connected. When you open the app, the headset will connect to your phone automatically. The green color shows that Bluetooth Audio is connected. |
Brief green glow | Headset is in the process of connecting to the app. |
Smooth green -> yellow -> green rotation | Neuropriming session is active. |
Blinking yellow | Neuropriming session paused by user or automatically paused due to poor contact. |
Blinking red | Headset battery is critical and will shut off. Plug into charger. |
Solid yellow | Headset is charging. |
Solid green | Headset is fully charged. |
Flashing orange | Internal error detected. Turn off headset. Headset can be turned back on after waiting 10 seconds. |
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Halo Neuroscience may release firmware updates for your Halo Sport 2 headset in order to optimize your Halo Sport 2 experience. To check for and install a firmware update:
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When you are not using Halo Sport 2, store the headset in a clean, dry place.
Wipe and dry Halo Sport 2 with a clean cloth after each Neuropriming session.
The headset’s serial number can be found:
To view the serial number on the left earcup, you can remove the left ear pad from the Halo Sport 2 headset. To remove the ear pad, grip the back of the ear cup with one hand, and grip the outer edge of the ear pad with the other hand. Press down and pull/twist the ear pad counterclockwise. This might require a bit of force, so don't be shy. Once successful, you will hear a click and you'll be able to remove the ear pad.
Replacement parts and accessories can be purchased on Halo Neuroscience’s website at www.haloneuro.com.
If you cannot find the replacement part or accessory you are looking for, please contact Halo Neuroscience customer support. Customer support contact information can be found at support.haloneuro.com.
Halo Neuroscience warrants this Halo Sport 2 hardware product against material defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the ship date of purchase from Halo Neuroscience by the original purchaser. This express written warranty is exclusive and in lieu of any other warranty or remedy, express or implied. For additional information regarding this warranty and related topics, please go to our website at https://www.haloneuro.com/pages/warranty.
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Headset dimensions
Height adjustment: 40 mm slider each side
Head size range: 125-180mm
Weight: 350 g
Primer band
Nominal area: 46 sq cm
Conductive path: Carbon, saline solution
Contact material: Elastomer foam
Audio
Connection type: Bluetooth Audio
Interface type: 3.5mm Audio Jack
Frequency range: 20Hz - 20,000Hz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 5% @ 1kHz
Headset details
Operating temperature: 0 to 40 degrees C
Storage temperature: -40 to 60 degrees C
Power supply: Lithium-ion (LiPo) cell, USB - C recharge
Inputs & outputs
Output configuration: 1 scalp Primer band
Output architecture: Voltage-controlled current source
Number of current sources: 1 Maximum current: 2.2mA
Communication protocol
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) custom GATT service with encryption and binding
Bluetooth Audio
Contains TX FCC ID: A8TBM6252
Contains TX IC: 12246A-BM6252
CE R&TTE Conformity
If you experience undesired reactions, please stop using the system and consult with your trainer or physician. While Primer nibs are hypoallergenic and designed for comfort, users with sensitive skin may experience irritation under the Primer band due to stimulation. Use of any headset for prolonged periods may cause or exacerbate headaches.
The performance of Halo Sport 2 may be compromised by electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as interference from power lines, induction heaters, or body fat measurement scales. This could cause the headset to shut down and not deliver Neuropriming.
Although Primers are meant to be used with water or saline solution, Halo Sport 2 should not be immersed in liquid. Clean by wiping with a dry or damp cloth.
Halo Sport 2 contains a lithium-ion power cell. Do not disassemble the headset or dispose of it contrary to appropriate regulations.
Do not use Halo Sport 2 if the headset or Primer band has been damaged.
Charge Halo Sport 2 only with the included USB cable and an adapter compliant with all applicable regulations and standards.
Listening through any headphones at high volume can gradually cause hearing loss. Please listen responsibly.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This Device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
