I set this up because I wanted a physical clicker for a Moes finger switch bot, without reaching for my phone. The reality is simple. The Fingerbot talks Bluetooth, usually through the Tuya or Smart Life stack. That gives you short-range direct control, about 10 metres in normal conditions. If you want a true Bluetooth universal remote that pairs directly to the Fingerbot, compatibility is hit and miss. The reliable options are a Tuya/Moes Bluetooth gateway or a local controller such as Home Assistant with a Bluetooth adapter. Both let you use cheap remotes or create proper automation scenes with reliable range and remote access.
Start with the Fingerbot itself. Fit fresh batteries and mount the actuator so it hits the target switch cleanly. Download Smart Life or Tuya on your phone and pair the Fingerbot first. Confirm the app can toggle the finger and that the device shows as online. If the Fingerbot responds only via the app, it is likely using Tuya Bluetooth low energy profiles rather than a generic HID profile. That means most third-party universal Bluetooth remotes will not pair directly. If you still want to try a third-party remote, check the remote’s spec for BLE GATT control or Tuya compatibility before buying. A more practical route is the Bluetooth gateway. Pair the Fingerbot to a Tuya/Moes Bluetooth gateway or hub, then pair your remote to that hub if the remote uses standard RF or Zigbee, or use the hub to expose the Fingerbot over Wi‑Fi so other remotes and voice assistants can control it.
If you want a step-by-step remote control setup that actually works, follow these condensed steps:
1) Pair the Fingerbot to Smart Life/Tuya and confirm local control within 10 metres.
2) Add a Moes/Tuya Bluetooth gateway and pair it with the same account, or install a local hub like Home Assistant with a Bluetooth dongle.
3) In the app or Home Assistant, create an automation scene that triggers the Fingerbot action you want. Name the scene clearly.
4) Pair your physical remote to the gateway or configure the remote as a trigger in Home Assistant, then map its button to the scene.
Automation scenes are where this gets useful. In Smart Life/Tuya you can make a scene that presses the Fingerbot for a set duration or sequence. In Home Assistant you can create scripts with precise timing, repeat counts and conditions like time of day or presence on your network. If you have multiple Fingerbots, group them into a single scene for a single button press. Use explicit names for scenes and buttons so you do not accidentally trigger the wrong device.
Integration notes and practical checks. If you want voice control or remote access, a Bluetooth gateway that bridges to Wi‑Fi is the simplest route. Home Assistant gives more control and local automations, but requires some setup and a Bluetooth adapter. Watch the Bluetooth range; metal, walls and other radios drop it below 10 metres. If the Fingerbot misses presses, improve alignment, increase the press distance within the Fingerbot’s 12 mm travel, or add a closer gateway. Keep firmware updated on the Fingerbot and any gateway. If a device goes offline, remove and re-pair it in the app rather than juggling settings.
Troubleshooting checklist. Replace batteries first. Re-check alignment and travel. Confirm the app can operate the Fingerbot before adding remotes or hubs. If pairing fails, reboot the hub and toggle Bluetooth on your phone. If a third-party remote will not pair, expect to need a gateway or local controller as a protocol translator. The final takeaway is blunt: direct Bluetooth universal remotes rarely work reliably with Moes Fingerbot. Use a Tuya/Moes gateway or a Home Assistant hub for a robust remote control setup and for creating automation scenes that actually behave.
