STIHL Connected Frequently Asked Questions

The STIHL Smart Connector can technically be retrofitted to STIHL as well as third-party products, however the full functionality if the STIHL Smart Connector is only guaranteed with fully supported STIHL models. The position where the Smart Connector should be fitted is predefined for fully supported STIHL products and the recommended product-specific servicing instructions are already stored in the system.

The following STIHL products are currently fully supported:

Chain saws: MSA 120, MSA 140, MSA 160*, MSA 160T*, MSA 161 T*, MSA 200*, MSA 220*, MS 170, MS 201 T*, MS 362, MS 462, MS 500i, MS 661*

Pole pruner: HT 103, HT 133*

Cut-off machines: TSA 230, TS 410, TS 420, TS 440, TS 500i

Brushcutters and clearing saws: FSA 45, FSA 56*, FSA 57*, FSA 130, FS 38, FS 55*, FS 94, FS 260*, FS 460, FS 510*, FS 560

KombiSystem, MultiSystem, Earth Augers and Harvesters: KMA 130, MM 56, KM 111, BT 131, SP 452*, SP 482*

Blowers and Vacuum Shredders: BGA 45*, BGA 56*, BGA 85, BGA 100, BG 50, BG 56, BG 66, BG 86, BR 430, BR 500, BR 600, BR 700, BR 800, SH 56, SH 86

Mistblowers: SR 430, SR 450

Hedge trimmers: HSA 45, HSA 56*, HSA 66, HSA 86*, HS 46*, HS 56*, HS 81, HS 82, HS 86, HS 87, HL 92*, HL 94

Lawnmowers and other: RMA 235*, GTA 26

* Not for the US version (collision with warning sticker)

For fully supported products the position where the Smart Connector should ideally be fitted is already predefined. Moreover, the recommended product-specific servicing instructions are already stored in the system. Partly supported products can be connected with the Smart Connector, but the positions where the Smart Connector should be fitted aren't predefined for these products and there are also no predefined product-specific servicing instructions.

You can use the STIHL Smart Connector with third-party products, but functionality will be limited (for example, pre-populated operating-time-related maintenance information will not be available).  General information on the use of the Connector on third-party products can be found in the user manual.

To run the STIHL connected App you need a smartphone that runs iOS 11.0 (or later) or Android 5.0 (or later).

For the STIHL connect Portal you'll need a Windows or Mac device with a web browser and working internet connection.

The STIHL Smart Connector gathers and temporarliy stores information on the use of your machine. The Connector automatically detects when the machine is being run and ascertains the operating hours. It then transmits this information to the STIHL connected App. You can view the operating hours of your machines on both the STIHL connected App and the STIHL connected Portal.

The full functionality of the STIHL connected system requires a smartphone with an account on the STIHL Connected App as well as an account on the STIHL connected Portal. It is possible to use a STIHL Smart Connector without a smartphone, but data will not be transferred from the Smart Connector to the STIHL connected Portal.

The STIHL connected App is the central system module of STIHL connected. It  transmits the data collected by the STIHL Smart Connector to the STIHL Cloud (via WLAN or the mobile data connection of your smart device). The data is then available to you to analyse or evaluate in the STIHL connected Portal. The STIHL connected App also allows you to better plan and document your jobs. 

You can download the STIHL connect App from the AppStore (for iOS) or GooglePlay Store (for Android).

Enter “STIHL connected” as your search term.

You do not need an internet connection to use the STIHL connected App. Machine data is temporarily stored on the STIHL Smart Connector and transmitted to the App via bluetooth. However, an internet connection is necessary for the data to be exchanged between the STIHL connected App and the STIHL connected Portal.

The STIHL connected Portal is the digital workplace developed specifically for commercial use and offers extended features for comprehensive, digital fleet management.

The STIHL connected App only allows access to a limited range of STIHL connected functions, analysis and display facilities. 

No. The STIHL connected Portal is a browser application, it does not need to be installed on any device.

You can get access to the STIHL connected Portal by registering at https://connect.stihl.com.

When the STIHL Smart Connector recognizes that a machine is in operation it send the runtime to the STIHL connected App several times per minute (provided that the smartphone is in range). If there is an internet connection, the STIHL connected App also transmits the data to the STIHL Cloud several times per minute. If there is no smartphone or internet connection the data is temporarily stored on the Smart Connector until a connection is created and then transferred.

Runtime is determined independently a smartphone.  However, the STIHL connected App needs to be active in order to transfer the runtimes recorded by the STIHL Connector to the STIHL connected Portal. If the STIHL Connected App is active, the runtime is automatically transmitted to the STIHL connected Portal several times per minute. If the STIHL Connected App is inactive, the transmission of information to the STIHL connected Portal is significantly slower. 

It is possible to use several STIHL Smart Connectors simultaneously. However, this may slow down the transmission of data from individual Connectors to the connected App.

The STIHL connected App can receive data from all Connectors assigned to the STIHL connected App account that are within range (about 10 meters).

Only one STIHL Smart Connector can be assigned to a product.

The usage is recorded regardless of a connection to the smartphone. Usage data is stored locally on the STIHL Smart Connector, so it is not always necessary to have a smartphone connection. When the STIHL Smart Connector reconnects to a smartphone, the usage data will be updated on the app and the STIHL connect pro portal.

Yes, the Smart Connector and STIHL connected system are also suitable for used products. Refer to the instructions in the user manual for further guidance.

When entering used products and setting up the Connector in the STIHL connected App you can enter the operating hours that the product has already run as the starting value for the runtime. 

At present the STIHL Smart Connector can only be used with the STIHL connected system.

At present the STIHL connected system cannot be used for theft prevention.

It is not possible to locate staff using STIHL connected. Location information is only used during active operation of machines to determine where work is being performed and to record usage data.

Our installation videos demonstrate how to do this for all compatible STIHL products. They can be accessed via the STIHL connected App and the connected Portal.

The adhesive tape, screws and washers supplied are designed specifically or the STIHL Smart Connector and used for 'bonding' and 'screw mounting' the device. Other mounting options (such as 'riveting' or 'cable ties') should be chosen and purchased accoring to the position where the Connector is to be fitted. If necessary, please refer to the information in the operating instructions.

The LED is activated as soon as the coin cell is fitted and goes off after a few seconds to save power. Depending on its color, the LED in the STIHL Smart Connector housing indicates the operating status of the power tool as follows:

• Normal operation: LED glows green
• Battery running low: LED flashes red
• Internal fault: LED glows red

If the LED glows red for several seconds it indicates an internal fault in the STIHL Smart Connector.  Please contact your STIHL servicing dealer for assistance.

Please ensure that a charged CR 2032 coin cell is fitted and that the polarity is correct. If the LED does not come on, refit the battery. If the LED still does not come on, fit a new battery. For further queries please contact a STIHL servicing dealer.

The datamatrix code is under the STIHL Smart Connector’s coin cell battery. Open the cover and remove the coin cell to find it.

Click on the Connector symbol in the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen on the connected App. All products in range will be displayed.

The influence of strong magnetic fieds can result in the STIHL Smart Connector record too high a runtime.

After entering a new product on the STIHL connected App or connect Portal you can add a Smart Connector under "Connector" in the product's detailed view. The installation videos shown will guide you through the process.

After launching the STIHL connected App, you can find your product overview under “Equipment.” You can add new product using the “+” sign at the navigation bar on the bottom of the screen. In the STIHL connect pro portal, you can create new tools using the navigation bar in the tool overview.

You will find the serial number and - on newer STIHL products - the barcode on the rating label of your STIHL product.

• First check that your smartphone has internet connectivity
• Try to move the datamatrix code into the App’s scan window. Make sure that there is adequate lighting and tap the scan window to re-focus the image
• If it isn't focusing, vary the distance between the smartphone and datamatrix code

If the datamatrix code still cannot be read, select the keypad symbol in the menu bar and enter the serial number of the STIHL Smart Connector.

Check the following:

• The smartphone with the STIHL connected App is within a range of ten meters of the Smart Connector (recognition can take up to 60 seconds)
• The smarphone meets the system requirements and has location and Bluetooth activated
• The insulator film between the coin cell and the contacts in the Smart Connector housing has been removed and the battery has been fitted observing the correct polarity
• The LED in the Smart Connector housing glows green for a few seconds after the battery is fitted

If you still cannot find the Smart Connector in the STIHL connected App after this check, please submit a Support Request on the STIHL connected App.

Check the following:

• Ensure that the STIHL connected App hasn't malfunctioned. If necessary, log out and close the STIHL connected App then restart it
• The battery on the Smart Connector has been fitted observing the correct polarity and isn't low on charge. If necessary, fit a new battery

If the data still isn't updated please submit a Support Request on the STIHL connected App

The location analysis does not offer a localisation function, it is designed for analysis of the application. To ensure that the location is shown correctly, the smartphone with STIHL connected App and the relevant STIHL product must be within range (10 meters) of each other at the place of use.

To ensure that the correct running time is recorded it is important that the Smart Connector be fitted to the STIHL product correctly, as outlined in the installation instructions. If the runtime is still inaccurate please ensure that there are no strong magnetic fields within a range of about 0.5 meters of the Smart Connector during storage, transport or use.

The language setting for the STIHL connected App can be changed under "Settings".  You can change the language for the STIHL connect Portal in the settings for your user account under "Account Details".

You can change the address of your user account via the account settings in the STIHL connected Portal. The address cannot be changed in the STIHL connected App.

When setting up a new product you can add a product picture from the photo gallery of your smartphone.

It currently isn't possible to change the picture of already-added products, although an implementation of this fuctionality is being developed. You can work around this by deleting the product (the product data will be lost) and adding it again with a new picture.

You can delete your personal account in account settings using the edit options in the STIHL connected Portal. Please note that this will permanently delete all personal data and product data stored in the STIHL connect system.

Select Delete under the "Edit” option in the detailed view of the product. 

Nicknames can be assigned in the editing mode when setting up a new product or carrying out subsequent editing. In the case of products already in the system you can find the setting in the  detailed view of the product under “Edit”. 

Select 'Forgot Password' on the login screen to have an activation link sent to you via email and assign a new password.

Take your STIHL product to your local dealer when prompted by the STIHL connected App. For all other maintenance, refer to your product’s user manual for step-by-step instructions.User manuals are also available to download from www.stihl.co.za.

No. STIHL warranty decisions are not made on the basis of service information from STIHL Connected.  

The servicing dealer is not automatically notified when a service is entered in the STIHL connect Portal. If you select Contact Dealer in the detailed view of your product when entering a service you can inform the dealer by email.   

The STIHL servicing dealer will have access to your customer data if you have added him/her to your account in the STIHL connected Portal. However the dealer will only have access to your product-specific machine data if you have agreed to “...the transmission of my data to the selected dealer ...” in the editing mode of your product.

STIHL only uses your personal data (particularly the machine, product and usage data) to fulfill the contract made with you and to provide support for your products.  We also use data to compile anonymized statistics which we use to improve our products and our service, for product monitoring and for guaranteeing product safety. 

Your STIHL servicing dealer is available for questions and answers. You can also contact STIHL directly on connected@stihl.co.za.