Just got your Mingo™? This guide walks you through everything — from first charge to first session — so both of you know exactly what to expect.

Still deciding? Read our full Mingo™ review first.

Here's what we'll tell you upfront: it's simpler than you think. And the first time doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be together.

Step 1: First Charge

1 Charge before you play.

The Mingo is rechargeable and comes with its own charging cable. Plug it in, and a full charge takes about 60 minutes. A small LED will let you know when it's ready.

Tip: Most Mingos arrive with enough charge to turn on right away. If it powers up, you're good — do a full charge later.

Step 2: Download the App

2 Connect before you start.

Both of you download the Mingo™ app (free on iOS and Android).

If you're in the same room, only one phone needs to connect to the Mingo via Bluetooth — that's it.

If you're long-distance — across the state, across the country, across the world — the person with the Mingo pairs it to their phone via Bluetooth, and the other person connects through the app via Wi-Fi. Same controls, no distance limit.

The full pairing walkthrough is in the instruction manual that comes with your Mingo. Setup takes about a minute either way.

Tip: If you've ever connected a pair of wireless headphones, you already know how this works.

One partner holding the Mingo™ in bed while the other controls it from a phone across the city

Step 3: Your First Session

3 Two players. Here's how it works.

One of you puts the Mingo on and gets comfortable. The other opens the app. And then you're both in it — because neither of you is fully in control alone.

The person wearing it feels everything. The person on the app decides what to send. One of you experiences, the other one drives — but the driver only knows where to go based on what the other person tells them. It's a 50/50 thing, and that's exactly what makes it work. Neither of you is on the sidelines. Neither of you is just watching.

Start on Level 1. Go slow. Pay attention to each other — not the screen. Nobody needs to know exactly what they're doing yet. That's the whole point of Level 1 — it's barely there on purpose, so both of you can find the rhythm together before anything else happens.

Tip: Communicate. If something feels good, say so. If it doesn't, say that too. The best sessions aren't the ones that go perfectly — they're the ones where both of you are paying attention.

The Mingo™ on a nightstand beside a lamp, a book and a silk eye mask

Step 4: Explore the Modes

4 15 levels. 4 ways to play.

Once you're comfortable with the basics, the app gives you a lot more to work with.

Tip: Start with presets. They're designed to work right out of the box. Save drawing mode for your second or third session — it's more fun once you both know the basics.

The Mingo™ in front of fifteen numbered intensity bars rising from soft pink to deep pink

Step 5: Long-Distance Mode

5 Same app. Any distance.

If you're not in the same room, you're already set up from Step 2 — Bluetooth on her end, Wi-Fi on yours. All 15 levels, all four modes, and the full drawing canvas work exactly the same. No distance limit.

Tip: Both phones on a stable connection is the only requirement. Works the same as being in the next room.

The Mingo™ on a world map ringed by postcards and stamps, linked by a glowing pink line

Step 6: Cleaning & Care

6 Clean after every use.

The Mingo is fully waterproof (IPX7) — rinse it under warm running water with mild soap and you're done. The medical-grade platinum silicone is non-porous, so nothing hides in the surface. Waterproof, obviously. Flamingos live in the water.

Do:

Don't:

Step 7: Troubleshooting

App won't pair?

Make sure Bluetooth is on and no other device is already connected to the Mingo. Close the app, reopen, and try again. Restarting both phones usually fixes it.

Long-distance connection drops?

Both phones need stable Wi-Fi. Close background apps that might be eating bandwidth. Try switching one phone from Wi-Fi to mobile data.

Too intense on the lowest setting?

More common than you'd think. Try it through a thin layer of fabric, or position it slightly off-center. Sensitivity adjusts with time.

Won't charge?

Make sure the charging cable is fully connected and seated properly. If the contacts look dirty, wipe gently with a dry cloth. Connect and wait 15 minutes before trying again.

Button is hard to find?

That's by design — the smooth surface means there's no raised bump. Run your finger along the widest part of the body until you feel a slightly different texture. After a few uses, muscle memory kicks in.

Ready?

Hundreds of Mingo™ flamingos arranged in a heart on a pink salt lake

140,000+ flamingo couples started right here. Most of them were a little nervous too.

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