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This repository was archived by the owner on Jun 9, 2026. It is now read-only.
RTL8821CU and other BT dongles not working via OTG on R36S Plus BoyHom (Got it working!) #230
Description
Hello,
I’m using the R36S Plus from BoyHom and would like to add Bluetooth support.
For this I bought an RTL8821CU dongle.
Problem:
As soon as I plug in the dongle, my WiFi connection drops completely.
In the WiFi menu it only shows “%” instead of available networks.
The same happens when I try with a Bluetooth-only dongle.
I already tested several ArkOS distributions, always with the same result.
Expected behavior:
WiFi should continue to work while the BT dongle is active.
What I’ve tried so far:
Different ArkOS versions
Multiple dongles (RTL8821CU + Bluetooth-only dongle)
Question:
Is there any solution or workaround to use Bluetooth alongside WiFi on the R36S Plus?
Activity
KalleTheodor commentedon Sep 27, 2025
I flashed a completely new firmware, and with that, the dongle worked immediately.
The root cause of the issue was the onboard WiFi module, which was blocking OTG.
After desoldering the onboard WiFi chip, OTG started working right away.
I've now soldered the 8821CU module directly onto the board.
Important: The 5V connection is only needed if you're using a disassembled USB dongle (i.e., wiring the chip directly).
Do not use the 3.3V line from the original WiFi module — it won’t power the dongle correctly.
Instead, find a proper 5V point on the board (see red wire in the photo).
Everything is working smoothly now. Hope this helps someone running into the same issue.
[-]RTL8821CU and other BT dongles not working via OTG on R36S Plus (BoyHom)[/-][+]RTL8821CU and other BT dongles not working via OTG on R36S Plus BoyHom (Got it working!)[/+]basilpolicy commentedon Sep 28, 2025
Where did you obtain this module?
KalleTheodor commentedon Sep 28, 2025
I obtained the module as a USB WiFi/BT dongle (it needs 5 V).
When you get the board, you can also simply swap out the onboard WiFi module.
Here are two pictures for clarification:
Datasheet (EBYTE Modul)