The TrimUI quickstart guide should help you navigate your new TrimUI Brick console using stock OS. Save this page so you have a quick place to refer back to hotkeys, tips, and troubleshooting advice.

Hotkeys #

System & Hardware Hotkeys #

These shortcuts work globally or within the main menu interface.

Menu & Navigation Hotkeys #

Use these keys when browsing your game lists.

In-Game Hotkeys #

These are the standard hotkeys for use when emulating through RetroArch or other emulators.

The in-game hotkeys are similar for custom firmware users on CrossMix / Knulli / MinUI too.

MinUI is known for using MENU + START to Quit and MENU + POWER for Sleep.

CrossMix often enables specific “Function” buttons (if mapped) for LED control or performance modes.

Safely charging your TrimUI Brick #

It is generally recommended not to use fast chargers with the TrimUI Brick. This is also consistent with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Much like other budget handheld consoles, TrimUI uses simpler, older charging circuits. If there is a temporary failure in this chip while using an unsuitable charger, it will brick the device.

Ideally, you will use the USB-C cable included, plugged into a standard 5V/ 2A (or 1.5A) power brick.

Quick tips for the TrimUI Brick #

• Turn off the LEDs: If the RGB lights annoy you, go to Settings > System > LED. You can dim them or turn them off completely to save battery.
• Screenshots: Press MENU + Y to take a screenshot. They are saved in the Screenshots folder on your SD card.
• Resume Game: The Stock OS has a “Game Resume” feature. If you shut down properly (via the Menu), it will often let you jump right back into the game where you left off upon rebooting.

Improvements and Optimizations #

The “PS1 Audio Fix” (Threaded Video) #

Context: Some PS1 games (like Tekken 3 or Bloody Roar II) push the Trimui’s CPU to its limit. If the video frame drops below 60fps, the audio will normally crackle.

• The Fix:
  1. Open a PlayStation game.
  2. Press MENU + X.
  3. Go to Settings > Video > Output.
  4. Toggle Threaded Video to ON.
  5. Save: Quick Menu > Overrides > Save Core Override.

Fixing “Floaty” Controls #

Context: RetroArch defaults to a safe but slow audio buffer (sometimes 128ms). This can make platformers like Mario feel “floaty.”

The Fix:

1. Go to Settings > Audio > Output.
2. Find Audio Latency (ms).
3. Lower it to 64ms (Safe) or 48ms (Aggressive).
4. Note: If you hear crackling, raise it back up by one step.

Troubleshooting common issues #

Device stuck in “Limbo Mode” #

• The Issue: The Trimui Brick has a known quirk where it sometimes crashes while sleeping or shutting down. The screen is black, but the internal chip is still running (and often getting warm), draining the battery. You might see a faint green light blinking.
• Fix 1 (Easy): Locate the tiny RESET hole on the bottom of the device (near the USB-C port). Gently press it with a SIM tool or paperclip. The device should reboot instantly.
• Fix 2 (If Reset fails): Hold Power + Volume Down for 5–10 seconds. This can force a boot into recovery mode.
• Fix 3 (Last Resort): If the device is hot and unresponsive, you may need to unscrew the back and unplug the battery connector for 10 seconds to fully reset the power cycle.

My TrimUI Console Won’t Power On #

• The Issue: The device does not turn on. There may be an orange charging light when plugged in, but the device is not booting up.
• Fix 1: Charge the device for at least 30 minutes before booting it up. Sometimes it is caused by battery drain.
• Fix 2: Remove the SD card and press POWER + VOL until it flashes then powers on. You may have to hold the buttons for up to 30 seconds.
• Fix 3: Download the SD Recovery Package from the TrimUI official Github page.
  • Extract the archive & flash the included .img file onto an SD card using the included “Win32DiskImager” software (spare 8-32GB SD card recommended)
  • Start the Brick with the SD recovery card inserted & wait for the green bar to appear & complete. If the bar doesn’t appear, try holding the Power Button + Volume Down button together for a few seconds until it does.
  • Once completed, remove the recovery SD card from the Brick & start the console as normal (you should see the classic TrimUI logo at this stage)
  • Reinsert your regular microSD card.
• Fix 4: Reconnect the battery.
  • Unscrew and remove the backplate of your console.
  • Disconnect the battery cable.
  • Wait for 5 minutes.
  • Reconnect the battery and try to power on the device.

Games Not Showing Up on My Device #

• The Issue: You added ROMs to the SD card, but they aren’t on the menu.
• The Fix: The Stock OS does not auto-scan.
  1. Go to the Main Menu (System View).
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Select “Refresh Roms”.
  4. Note: Ensure your folders are named correctly (e.g., GBA, FC, SFC, PS).

My TrimUI Console is Not Charging #

• The Issue: You plugged it in, but the LED isn’t lighting up.
• The Fix:
  • Cable: Ensure you are using a USB-A (rectangular) to USB-C cable.
  • Brick: Do not use a Mac/Laptop charger. Use an old phone block (5V).
  • Patience: If the battery is deeply drained (0%), leave it plugged in for 30 minutes before trying to turn it on. The light might not turn on immediately.

I have Tried All of the Troubleshooting Steps #

If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting steps and you bought the device from GameSwap, send us an email for further support.