Welcome to your moonbird.
Your handheld breathing coach. This guide walks you through getting started, the two ways to use it, and everything else worth knowing along the way.
Quick start
Three steps to your first session.
- Wake.Give moonbird a gentle shake. A green light blinks to confirm it's ready.
- Touch.Place your thumb lightly on the sensor at the top. No need to press.
- Breathe.After a few seconds, moonbird begins to breathe. Follow the rhythm with your breath, inhaling as it expands, exhaling as it contracts.
When you're done, lift your thumb. Moonbird returns to rest after a few seconds.
First time? Sit comfortably and don't overthink it. Even five minutes of slow breathing tends to shift how your body feels. The first few breaths might feel deliberate; within a minute or two, the rhythm starts to feel natural.
Two ways to use moonbird
Moonbird works on its own and with the app. Which mode you enter depends on whether the sensor is covered when you shake to wake it.
On its own
Cover the sensor with your thumb, then gently shake. Moonbird wakes and starts your saved exercise straight away. No phone, no app.
The saved exercise is whatever rhythm you last chose in the app. If you've never connected to the app, it's the default rhythm.
With the app
Open the app first, then give moonbird a gentle shake with the sensor uncovered. The app finds your device, ready to pair.
Once paired, you can choose from guided exercises, set a personal rhythm, watch your heart rate respond, and work with Aura, your AI breathwork coach.
When to use which
Use standalone mode for quick sessions, when you're away from your phone, or when you just want to breathe without a screen. Use the app when you want to change exercises, see your data, or go deeper with guidance.
Inside the moonbird app
The app is where the device becomes personal.
Guided exercises
The app offers a library of guided exercises for different moods and moments, from calming down before sleep to grounding in the middle of a stressful day. Choose one and moonbird breathes at that rhythm while the app guides you.
Set a personal rhythm
If the preset exercises don't quite suit you, you can build your own. Choose your inhale and exhale length, and moonbird will breathe at that pace. Save your favorite as the standalone exercise so it runs whenever you wake moonbird on its own.
Aura, your AI breathwork coach
Aura is the coach inside the app. It learns your patterns over time and offers gentle guidance shaped to how your body actually responds, not a one-size-fits-all rhythm. The more you practice, the more personal it becomes.
Watch your response
As you breathe, moonbird's sensor reads your heart rate. The app shows how your heart rate variability changes and how your coherence builds, session by session. Over time you'll see what brings you calm fastest.
Tips for a better practice
Small choices that make sessions feel deeper.
- Find a comfortable position. Sit, stand, or lie down. Whatever lets your shoulders drop.
- Close your eyes if you like. Not required, but it helps quiet visual distraction.
- Breathe through your nose, into your belly. Let the breath be slow and deep without strain.
- Don't push. If a rhythm feels too slow at first, that's normal. With practice your body adapts. If you feel lightheaded, breathe a little more shallowly and return to your natural pace.
- Five to ten minutes is enough. Daily practice deepens the effect more than long, infrequent sessions.
- Try different times of day. Many people find mornings or just before sleep work best.
Care and charging
Keep your moonbird healthy.
Charging
Charge moonbird with the magnetic cable that came in the box. Plug the USB end into any USB power supply, computer, or phone charger. Connect the magnetic end to the charging port on the back of moonbird. A full charge takes around three hours.
The app will notify you when moonbird needs charging. A full battery lasts roughly six sessions of twenty minutes each.
Cleaning
Clean moonbird once in a while with a damp cloth and a little mild soap or alcohol gel (70%). Moonbird is water-resistant, not waterproof. Don't soak it. Dry it fully before charging.
Storage
Keep moonbird in its protection bag when not in use. Avoid leaving it in extreme heat or direct sun (for example, in a car on a summer afternoon).
Things to avoid
- Cleaning agents other than mild soap or alcohol gel
- Microwave, dishwasher, washing machine
- Bath, shower, or sauna
- Direct sun or extreme heat for long periods
- Dropping moonbird
- Trying to take moonbird apart (it'll void the warranty)
At the end of its life
When your moonbird reaches the end of its life, bring it to an electronics collection point for recycling rather than household waste. Proper disposal protects natural resources, human health, and the environment.
Specifications
The technical details.
| Dimensions | 122 × 54 × 44 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 100 g |
| Material | Medical-grade silicone |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, about 2 hours of use per full charge (6 × 20 min sessions) |
| Charging time | About 3 hours |
| Charging cable | Magnetic USB |
| Sensor | Optical PPG, via thumb contact |
| Bluetooth | BLE 5, 2402–2480 MHz |
| Operating temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Storage temperature | −5°C to 35°C, <75% relative humidity |
| Phone compatibility | iOS 15.1 or newer, Android 8.0.0 (Oreo) or above |
Troubleshooting
Quick fixes for the most common issues.
Moonbird doesn't wake when I shake it
The battery may be flat. Plug it into the magnetic cable and let it charge for a few minutes, then try again. If the green light still doesn't blink after a few seconds of shaking, contact support.
Moonbird doesn't pair with my phone
Open the app first, then shake moonbird with the sensor uncovered. If your thumb is on the sensor when you shake, moonbird enters standalone mode instead of searching for your phone. Make sure Bluetooth is on, and that the app has Bluetooth permission.
Moonbird won't charge
Check that the magnetic end is fully aligned with the port on the back. The cable connects with a satisfying click. Try a different USB power source. If charging still doesn't start, the cable may need replacing. Contact support.
The battery drains quickly
Bluetooth connectivity uses a bit of battery. If you're not using the app, standalone mode lasts longer. If the battery is draining unusually fast, contact support.
The sensor isn't reading my heart rate
Make sure your thumb is in light contact with the dark circle on top of the device. The sensor needs steady skin contact. Cold or very dry hands can sometimes make readings less reliable. If readings remain inconsistent, contact support.
Frequently asked questions
Is moonbird a medical device?
No. Moonbird is a consumer wellness product intended to promote relaxation as part of a healthy lifestyle. It is not a medical device and not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. If you have any health concerns, or a breathing exercise leaves you feeling unwell, speak with your doctor before continuing.
Can I share my moonbird with someone else?
Yes. The device itself works for anyone who holds it. Your saved exercises and personalized rhythm live in your app account, so each person who uses the app pairs from their own phone and gets their own personalized experience.
Can children use moonbird?
Moonbird is designed for adults. For children, we make a separate device, moonbuddy, designed specifically for ages 6 to 12. It's screen-free, no app needed.
What if I feel dizzy during a session?
It's normal to feel slightly lightheaded the first few times you breathe this slowly, especially if you're not used to deep nose breathing. Breathe a little more shallowly and return to your natural pace. You can always stop and try again later. If dizziness persists, speak with your doctor.
How often should I use moonbird?
Daily practice tends to deepen the effect. Five to ten minutes is enough to feel a shift; more is fine but not required.
What's the warranty?
Two-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. See moonbird.life for full warranty terms and the disclaimer.
What phones does moonbird work with?
Moonbird is compatible with iPhones running iOS 15.1 or newer, and Android phones running version 8.0.0 (Oreo) or above.
Support
If you can't find what you're looking for here, write to hello@moonbird.life. We read every message.