Vagustim can be used manually with the buttons on the device. The app provides the full experience — including guided programs, tracking, insights, Premium features, and more detailed controls — but basic sessions can also be started and adjusted directly from the device. This article explains the manual device controls.
Turning Vagustim On
Turn the power switch on. When the device powers on, the middle LED lights up purple and the L and R LEDs light up white, confirming that the device is powered on and ready.
If there is no interaction for 15 minutes, Vagustim automatically enters sleep mode. To wake it, press any of the + or – buttons.
Setting the Session Duration
The device comes with a default session duration of 10 minutes. Session duration can only be changed when no session is running.
To change the session duration:
- Press and hold L+ and R+ together for 1 second to set the session length to 20 minutes. The L and M LEDs light up yellow.
- Press and hold L+ and R+ together again for 1 second to set the session length to 30 minutes. The L, M, and R LEDs light up yellow.
- Press and hold L+ and R+ together a third time to return to the default 10-minute session. Only the L LED lights up yellow.
A single session should not exceed 30 minutes. If you would like more daily use, split it into separate sessions rather than running one long session.
Installing and Positioning the Earsets
- Plug the earsets into the socket at the top of the device.
- Place the earset so one contact point rests on the concha and the other touches the tragus.
- If the fit does not feel comfortable or stable, try changing the interchangeable spacer. Use a larger spacer if the earset feels too loose, or a smaller spacer if it feels too large.
- Lightly moisten the contact points with water, conductive spray, or Vagustim gel before placing the earsets. This helps improve skin contact and stimulation consistency.
Avoid using too much gel. Excess gel can sometimes spread the current across the surface and may make the sensation feel weaker, uneven, or uncomfortable.
Important: Always place the earsets in your ears before starting the session. Starting a session before the earsets are positioned can cause the sensation to feel sudden or uncomfortable once contact is made.
Starting a Session and Adjusting Intensity
Each side of the device controls one ear channel using its own + and – buttons.
- Press the + button on the side you want to activate.
- Use the + or – button on that same side to gradually increase or decrease the intensity.
- Adjust the intensity until you feel a gentle, comfortable tingling or pulsing sensation.
The sensation should never feel painful, sharp, or overwhelming. More intensity does not necessarily mean a better session. Each ear can be adjusted independently, and it is normal for the ideal intensity level to be different on the left and right sides. As intensity increases, the LED on that side becomes brighter.
Checking Earset Contact
The L and R LEDs show whether each earset has stable contact.
- Blinking green means the earset is not making stable contact. Adjust the position, moisture, or fit.
- Solid green means the earset has good contact and the channel is active.
If you cannot feel stimulation, or if the sensation fades in and out, check placement, moisture level, and earset stability before increasing intensity.
Pausing and Resuming a Session
- To pause or resume the left channel, hold L– and L+ together for 0.5 seconds.
- To pause or resume the right channel, hold R– and R+ together for 0.5 seconds.
When a channel is paused, the corresponding LED turns yellow.
Locking and Unlocking the Buttons
To prevent accidental button presses during a session, press and hold one diagonal button pair for 1.5 seconds. You can use either L+ and R–, or L– and R+.
The middle LED turns orange to confirm that the buttons are locked. Repeat the same button combination to unlock the buttons.
Checking Battery Level
Before starting a session, press and hold L– and R– together for 1 second.
- Three LEDs blinking means the battery is at 65 to 100 percent.
- Two LEDs blinking means the battery is at 35 to 65 percent.
- One LED blinking means the battery is at 0 to 35 percent.
If the battery drops below 10 percent, Vagustim will not start a session. Pressing + will cause the middle LED to blink rapidly instead of starting stimulation.
Charging the Device
Connect the included USB-C cable to the charging port and plug it into a certified USB power adapter. A standard phone charger or laptop USB port can be used — no special adapter is required.
Charging indicators:
- Left LED blinking means the battery is at 0 to 35 percent.
- Left LED solid and middle LED blinking means the battery is at 35 to 65 percent.
- Left and middle LEDs solid, with right LED blinking, means the battery is at 65 to 95 percent.
- All three LEDs solid means the battery is at 95 to 100 percent.
Replacing the Battery
- Slide open the battery cover on the back of the device.
- Remove the depleted battery.
- Insert the new battery in the correct orientation, following the markings inside the battery compartment.
- Slide the cover closed.
Vagustim uses a swappable single-cell Li-ion battery with a minimum capacity of 1000 mAh. If you will not be using the device for an extended period, remove the battery to help prevent leakage or oxidation damage.
Factory Reset
Press and hold all four buttons (L–, L+, R–, R+) at the same time for 3 seconds. This restores the device settings to factory defaults.
Finishing a Session
- When the session is complete, turn off Vagustim using the power switch.
- Remove the earsets carefully.
- Clean the earsets with an alcohol swab, damp cloth, or wet wipe. Let them dry fully before storing.
- Clean your ears with a wet wipe or soap and water if needed.
- Store the device and earsets in the carrying pouch.