Lily58, nice!nano issue.
I set up my left and right half of my lily58 and the right half behaved normally and was able to be flashed, but the left half did not. I was unable to recognize the left nice!nano and I was unable to reset it as the reset button did nothing but temporarily turn off the solid blue led. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
25 Replies
@TyperAI
Thanks for the tag! Since the left nice!nano shows a solid blue LED, it’s getting power. If it isn’t showing up as the NICENANO drive, it’s usually either not entering the bootloader or the USB cable/port is power-only.
Try this:
- Use a known good data-capable USB-C cable (ideally the same one that worked on the right half) and plug directly into your computer (no hubs). Try another port/computer too.
- Double-tap the reset button quickly (two taps within ~0.5s). You should see the NICENANO drive appear. The brief LED blink only means it reset; it must be a fast double-tap to enter the bootloader.
- If the button doesn’t work, manually double-tap by shorting RST to GND with metal tweezers. Steps here: Entering the Bootloader https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader
- If you do get NICENANO, flash the Lily58 left UF2 from our firmware page: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
If it still never mounts as NICENANO on any computer/cable and double-tapping (button or RST-GND) doesn’t work, the bootloader may be wedged. See the “Unable to Enter Bootloader” section on that page (it links to the Nice Keyboards recovery guide).
A couple quick questions to help narrow it down:
- Does the same cable/port that worked for the right half fail on the left?
- Did the NICENANO drive ever appear on the left previously?
If you want more help, reply here or tag me and I’ll walk through next steps. If we determine the nice!nano is defective, email hello@typeractive.xyz and we’ll sort it out.
The cable and port that worked on the right half was the same that did not work for the left.
The Nicenano drive never appeared on the left half which is the one I started with. That is why I then tried flash the the right half because I didn’t know if I had done something wrong.
@TyperAI
Thanks for the details—that helps. Since the same cable/port works on the right but the left never shows NICENANO, the left nice!nano isn’t entering bootloader.
Do this in order:
1) Try another USB port and a second computer, just to rule that out.
2) Very fast double‑tap the reset button (two taps within ~0.5s). NICENANO should mount if it succeeds.
3) If the button won’t enter bootloader, manually double‑tap by shorting RST to GND with metal tweezers. Guide: Entering the Bootloader https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader
4) If still nothing, remove the nice!nano from the Lily58 (hotswap makes this easy), disconnect the battery, and try USB + double‑tap with the nice!nano by itself on your desk. This isolates a PCB/header issue vs. the controller.
5) If it does mount as NICENANO off-board, reseat the headers and check for bent pins, then try again in the board.
6) If it never mounts on any computer/cable, with button or RST-GND, the bootloader may be wedged or the board faulty. See “Unable to Enter Bootloader” on that page (it links the Nice Keyboards recovery steps). If recovery fails, it’s likely defective.
If you get NICENANO at any point, flash the left UF2 from our Lily58 firmware page:
https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
Quick confirmations that will help me diagnose next:
- Did the left nice!nano ever appear as NICENANO, even once?
- What happens when you try the RST-to-GND double‑tap?
Reply here or tag me and I’ll keep troubleshooting with you. If we confirm it’s defective, email hello@typeractive.xyz and we’ll take care of it.
Entering the Bootloader | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Learn how to enter the bootloader on your nice!nano.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
@TyperAI I now have acquired slightly more information. When I mount the nano on the pcb it will start rapidly flashing blue, but the second I plug in the usb cable it goes a solid blue and is unable to be reset with the reset button on the pcb
@TyperAI
Great clue, thanks. Solid blue when USB is plugged means the nice!nano has power, but the fact that the PCB reset button won’t reset it suggests the RST line isn’t actually reaching the nano (seating/alignment/connection issue), or the nano can’t get into the bootloader.
Do this in order:
1) Try the reset on the nice!nano itself, not the PCB button. With USB plugged in, very fast double‑tap the nano’s on‑board reset button. If no luck, double‑tap by shorting RST to GND on the nano with tweezers. Steps: Entering the Bootloader https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader
2) Isolate: remove the nice!nano from the PCB, disconnect the battery, and plug the nano directly into USB on your desk. Double‑tap reset again. Does the NICENANO drive appear?
3) If it mounts off‑board: reseat the headers fully (chips face down), check for bent pins, and confirm:
- No pins in B+/B- (top left/right) per our guide.
- The RST position actually has a pin installed and the corresponding socket pad on the PCB is soldered flush. Reflow that socket if needed.
- No solder bridges around the RST/adjacent pins.
Then reinstall and test the PCB reset button again.
4) If it never mounts (on any port/computer/cable) and even RST↔GND double‑tap doesn’t enter bootloader, the bootloader may be wedged. See “Unable to Enter Bootloader” on that page (it links to Nice Keyboards’ recovery). If recovery isn’t possible, it’s likely a bad nano.
Once you get NICENANO, flash the left UF2 from our Lily58 firmware page:
https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
If you can, share a close photo of the left nano install (focus on the header around RST). Reply here or tag me and I’ll keep helping. If we confirm the nano is defective, email hello@typeractive.xyz and we’ll sort it out.
Entering the Bootloader | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Learn how to enter the bootloader on your nice!nano.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
Are we sure there is a reset button on the nano directly?
@TyperAI
Short answer: yes, the nice!nano has its own reset button. However, in our builds the nice!nano is installed “face down,” so that tiny on‑board button faces the PCB and is usually inaccessible while installed.
Your options:
- Remove the nice!nano from the sockets and double‑tap its on‑board reset button, then flash.
- Or leave it installed and manually double‑tap reset by shorting the nice!nano RST pin to GND twice quickly (within ~0.5s). Steps here: Entering the Bootloader https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader
Since your PCB reset button isn’t resetting the nano, also check:
- The RST position actually has a pin/header installed on the nice!nano, and the matching PCB socket is soldered flush.
- Reseat the nano (chips/logo facing down), no pins in B+/B-.
- If possible, test the nano off the PCB (battery disconnected, USB only). If NICENANO mounts there, the issue is likely header/connection on the board.
If you can’t get NICENANO to appear even off‑board and with RST↔GND double‑tap, the bootloader may be wedged. Follow “Unable to Enter Bootloader” on that page; if recovery fails, email hello@typeractive.xyz.
If you want me to sanity‑check, reply/tag me with a close photo around the RST header area and I’ll help further.
Entering the Bootloader | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Learn how to enter the bootloader on your nice!nano.
@TyperAI
There is nothing obvious to me that looks like an onboard reset button
Got you. Let’s isolate the left nice!nano and see if it can enter the bootloader at all.
Do this:
1) Pull the left nice!nano off the PCB, unplug its battery, and plug it to your computer by USB only (no PCB).
2) Very fast double‑tap the nano’s on‑board reset button. If no drive appears, double‑tap by shorting RST to GND with tweezers. Steps: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader
3) Result A — You see the NICENANO drive:
- The nano is OK; the issue is the PCB/reset path or seating.
- Reseat the nano (chips/logos face down), ensure:
- A header pin is present in the RST position.
- No pins in B+ / B-.
- Sockets around RST on the PCB are straight/flush; reflow if needed.
- No bent pins or solder bridges near RST/adjacent pads.
- Test the PCB reset, then flash the left UF2: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
4) Result B — NICENANO never appears on any port/cable, even with RST↔GND double‑tap:
- Bootloader may be wedged or the nano faulty. Follow “Unable to Enter Bootloader” on that page (it links Nice Keyboards’ recovery). If recovery fails, it’s likely defective.
Quick checks to share back:
- Which header method did you use (EZ‑solder, no‑solder, Mill‑Max)?
- Can you post a close photo of the left nano install, especially the RST area?
- What happens in step 2 off‑board?
Reply here or tag me and I’ll keep troubleshooting. If we confirm the nano is bad, email hello@typeractive.xyz and we’ll sort it out.
Entering the Bootloader | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Learn how to enter the bootloader on your nice!nano.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
I get result b the same result as if I was hitting the reset button on the lily58 pcb
@TyperAI
Thanks for checking that. Since the left nice!nano never mounts as NICENANO even off the PCB, it’s very likely the bootloader is wedged or the nano is faulty.
Please do these quick confirmations:
- Off-board test: USB only (battery unplugged), double‑tap reset by shorting RST to GND twice quickly. Any change at all? LED pattern? If not, that’s a fail.
- Try a second data‑capable cable and another computer/port (just to be 100% sure).
- Swap test: Put your working right nice!nano on the left PCB. If it behaves normally there, the PCB/reset path is fine and the left nano is the culprit.
If the left nano still won’t enter bootloader by RST↔GND double‑tap on any machine/cable, follow “Unable to Enter Bootloader” (linked at the bottom here) for recovery steps:
Entering the Bootloader https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader
If recovery doesn’t work, the nano is almost certainly defective.
Next steps:
- If recovery fails, email hello@typeractive.xyz with your order number, a short summary of the tests you tried (including the off‑board RST↔GND double‑tap and swap results), and we’ll get you taken care of.
- If you do get NICENANO at any point, flash the left UF2 from our Lily58 firmware page:
https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
Reply here or tag me with the results of the RST↔GND double‑tap and the swap test, and I’ll guide you from there.
Entering the Bootloader | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Learn how to enter the bootloader on your nice!nano.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
What I did previously was the off board test as I can’t really short the board with the pins in the way. The led would turn from solid blue to off but no change in behavior. I tried a second port on a second computer, nothing.
I am not going to disassemble my working right half to try and see what it seems like we already know, that the loader is wedged. I am also unable to attempt recover because I don’t have any of the necessary equipment. @TyperAI
Thanks for running those tests. Given:
- Off-board USB-only test
- Double-tapping reset (including RST↔GND) only blips the LED but never mounts NICENANO
- Multiple known-good ports/computers tried
That strongly indicates the left nice!nano’s bootloader is wedged or the board is faulty. Since you don’t have the tools to attempt recovery, the right next step is a replacement.
Please email hello@typeractive.xyz with:
- Your order number
- A brief summary of what you tried (USB-only off-board test, RST↔GND double-tap, multiple computers/cables, never saw NICENANO)
- Confirm the right half works
We’ll get you sorted.
When you have the replacement, flash the left UF2 from our Lily58 firmware page:
https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
(If you ever need the bootloader steps again: Entering the Bootloader https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/entering-bootloader)
If anything changes (e.g., NICENANO suddenly appears), reply here or tag me and I’ll help you finish setup.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
Alright I have sent off an email, thank you for the help @TyperAI
You’re very welcome! Thanks for emailing hello@typeractive.xyz—appreciate you summarizing the tests. Based on what you shared, a replacement nice!nano is the right move.
When the replacement arrives, I recommend:
1) Flash off-board first
- Plug the new nano into USB (no PCB/battery) and double‑tap reset to get NICENANO.
- Flash the LEFT UF2 from: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
2) Install on the PCB
- Chips/logo face down.
- No pins in B+ / B-.
- Ensure a pin is installed for RST and the PCB socket is flush/soldered well.
3) Power and pair
- Plug battery, switch ON to charge.
- Pair the LEFT half to your device first.
- Then reset both halves once to let them find each other. If needed: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/split-halves-wont-connect
If anything is unclear or you hit a snag with the new nano, reply here or tag me and I’ll help. If the replacement also can’t enter bootloader off‑board, update your email thread and we’ll take care of it.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
Split Halves Won't Connect | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix your split ZMK keyboard halves not pairing.
@TyperAI after looking at vyls’s post I noticed that he and I had a similar issue and when I looked at the photo he uploaded which stated he was missing a u3 chip on his nice!nano I remembered mine looked the same. It is supposed to have some form of chip on the blank rectangle towards the bottom right. Could this be the source of my issue?
Good catch. While I can’t confirm component population from our docs, a missing IC on the nice!nano (e.g., the part marked “U3” on the silkscreen) could absolutely explain why it won’t enter the bootloader or mount as NICENANO. Combined with your off‑board tests failing, that strongly points to a bad controller.
Next steps:
- Please add a clear close-up photo of the left nice!nano (both sides, especially the area labeled U3) to your existing email thread with hello@typeractive.xyz. That will help us verify the missing part and expedite a replacement.
- If you can also include the short summary of tests you already did (USB-only, RST↔GND double‑tap on multiple computers, never saw NICENANO), that’s perfect.
If you want, you can also drop the photo here and tag me—I’ll confirm before you hear back via email.
@TyperAI the new nice!nano works but now I cannot seem to get the right half paired with the left half
Congrats on getting the new nice!nano working! For the halves not linking, try this exact sequence:
1) Verify firmware matches
- Left has LEFT UF2, right has RIGHT UF2, and both are either “with nice!view” or both “without.”
- If unsure, reflash both from: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
2) Power basics
- Both switches ON, not in bootloader, batteries connected/charged. Keep halves close (within 4–6 inches) for first link.
3) Clear all bonds on both halves
- On LEFT: cycle through BLE profiles (BT_NXT) and press BT_CLR on each (profiles 0–4).
- On RIGHT: do the same (it clears its own bonds locally even if not connected).
- If you’re using our default keymap, the BT keys are present; see the firmware page for the keymap image. If you can’t find them, briefly reflash our default UF2 so the BT keys are available.
4) Reboot both halves together
- Press reset on both at the same time. Wait ~30 seconds.
5) Pair fresh
- Pair LEFT to your computer/phone first (forget/remove any old entries on the host).
- Once the LEFT is connected, press a key on the RIGHT. If needed, reset both halves once more.
If still not linking, most common causes are mixed firmware (left/right or nice!view mismatch) or stale bonds not fully cleared. The quick reference is here:
- Right Half Not Working: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/right-half-not-working
- Split Halves Won’t Connect: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/split-halves-wont-connect
Give that a try and let me know exactly what happens after step 5. Reply here or tag me and I’ll keep helping.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
Right Half Not Working | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix the right half ZMK keyboard.
Split Halves Won't Connect | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix your split ZMK keyboard halves not pairing.
I followed the steps @TyperAI and still nothing on the right side.
Thanks for the update. Let’s nail down the split link. The two most common causes are a firmware mismatch or stale bonds. Please do this exact pass:
1) Reflash both halves to known‑matching firmware
- If you have displays on both halves, use the “with nice!view” pair; if not, use the “without” pair.
- Left: lily58_left-...-zmk.uf2
- Right: lily58_right-...-zmk.uf2
Link: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
2) Clear ALL bonds on BOTH halves
- Use BT_NXT to cycle profiles 0→4 and press BT_CLR on each profile on the LEFT.
- Do the same on the RIGHT (it clears its own bonds locally even if not linked).
- If you can’t find the keys, the default UF2s include them; see the keymap image on the firmware page.
3) Power/reset sequence
- Switch both halves ON, keep them 4–6 inches apart.
- Optionally pair LEFT to your host first (remove old entries on the host).
- Press reset on BOTH halves at the same time, then wait 30–45 seconds.
4) Still not linking?
- Triple‑check you didn’t swap files (a right that shows up to your computer means it has LEFT firmware).
- Keep other previously paired hosts’ Bluetooth off to avoid interference.
- Try the above with the halves on USB power (no hubs).
If it’s still a no‑go, please reply with:
- Exact UF2 filenames you flashed on each side.
- Do you have nice!views on both halves?
- What the blue LED does on each half after the dual reset.
- Does the RIGHT ever show up to your host’s BLE list? (If yes, it has left/central firmware.)
I’ll stay on this with you—reply here or tag me with those details.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
I have nice!views on both halves, I can't see blue led well with the halves built. Right never shows up to BLE List @TyperAI
Thanks for the details. Since the right never shows up to your host, it’s likely on RIGHT firmware (good). Let’s force a clean split bond and known‑good firmware.
Do this exact sequence:
1) Reflash both halves with the matching “with nice!view” UF2s
- Left: lily58_left‑…‑nice_view‑…‑zmk.uf2
- Right: lily58_right‑…‑nice_view‑…‑zmk.uf2
Link: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
2) Clear ALL bonds on BOTH halves
- On LEFT: use BT_NXT to visit profiles 0→4 and press BT_CLR on each.
- On RIGHT: do the same (it clears locally even if not linked).
- If you’re unsure where BT keys are, the default UF2s include them; see the keymap image on the firmware page.
3) Power/reset to link the halves
- Turn OFF Bluetooth on other previously paired hosts to avoid the left immediately reconnecting elsewhere.
- Switch both halves ON, keep them 4–6 inches apart.
- Don’t pair the left to a host yet.
- Press reset on BOTH halves at the same time, then wait 30–45s.
- If no link, do one more dual‑reset.
4) Pair to your host
- Once the halves link, pair the LEFT to your computer/phone (forget old entries first).
If still no link:
- Double‑check the exact UF2 filenames you flashed.
- Confirm both battery switches are ON (the right won’t link if it’s off).
- Try with both halves on USB power.
- Make sure the right never shows up to your host; if it does, it has LEFT firmware by mistake.
References:
- Right Half Not Working: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/right-half-not-working
- Split Halves Won’t Connect: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/split-halves-wont-connect
- ZMK: Split keyboard halves unable to pair: https://zmk.dev/docs/troubleshooting#split-keyboard-halves-unable-to-pair
Reply/tag me with:
- The exact UF2 filenames used on each side
- Whether you could press BT_CLR on the right
- What happens after the dual‑reset window
I’ll keep helping until they link.
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
Right Half Not Working | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix the right half ZMK keyboard.
Split Halves Won't Connect | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix your split ZMK keyboard halves not pairing.
Troubleshooting | ZMK Firmware
The following pages provide suggestions for common errors that may occur while setting up or using devices running ZMK. If the information provided is insufficient to resolve an issue, feel free to seek out additional help from the ZMK Discord.