The Minn Kota Micro Remote Bluetooth is the compact key-fob-size wireless control for Bluetooth-enabled Minn Kota trolling motors built after 2017. Spot-Lock, speed, steering, and AutoPilot – all from a small waterproof remote that clips to a lanyard or fits in a pocket. Multi-remote pairing means the trolling motor can learn this Micro Remote alongside your existing full-size i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote, so multiple anglers can each carry their own remote on the boat. Powered by a single replaceable CR2450 coin-cell lithium battery (no charging needed). Neck lanyard included.
The Minn Kota Micro Remote-Bluetooth (part 1866561) is the compact wireless remote accessory for Bluetooth-enabled Minn Kota trolling motor systems. Key-fob-size form factor, the most-used trolling motor functions on a small button cluster, full waterproof construction, and the multi-remote pairing capability that lets you add this Micro Remote to your boat without giving up your existing full-size i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link remote. The right accessory for boats with multiple anglers (each carries their own Micro Remote) and for owners who want a smaller, less-obtrusive remote option than the full-size remote that ships with the trolling motor.
What it controls. The Micro Remote handles the four most-used trolling motor functions: Spot-Lock (drop a GPS waypoint and lock the boat in position), speed (adjust trolling motor speed up or down), steering (turn the trolling motor left or right), and AutoPilot (engage the heading-hold mode that maintains the current heading regardless of wind side-load). For the day-to-day fishing operation that uses these four functions almost exclusively, the Micro Remote covers the use case completely.
What it doesn’t control. The Micro Remote doesn’t have the full feature set of the larger i-Pilot Link color touch-screen remote: no recorded path management, no waypoint library navigation, no multi-page menu screens, no chart display. For owners who use those advanced features regularly, keep the full-size remote as the primary controller and use the Micro Remote as a secondary controller for quick access to the basic functions while moving around the boat. Since the trolling motor learns multiple remotes, you don’t have to choose – both remotes work simultaneously.
Multi-remote pairing. Bluetooth-enabled Minn Kota trolling motor systems can pair with multiple remotes simultaneously, so this Micro Remote works alongside your existing full-size remote rather than replacing it. Useful in three common scenarios. First: tournament boat with the captain at the bow on the trolling motor’s foot pedal and a second angler in the back of the boat – each gets their own remote so neither has to reach across for the other’s remote. Second: family boat where multiple users each want their own remote to control the boat without passing one remote around. Third: the boat owner wants a backup remote in case the primary remote is lost overboard or runs out of battery mid-trip.
Compatibility. The Micro Remote pairs only with Bluetooth-enabled Minn Kota navigation systems manufactured after 2017. That includes most current Terrova, Ulterra, Ultrex, Riptide Terrova, Riptide Ulterra, Riptide Ultrex, and the QUEST series motors with Bluetooth. For older pre-2017 Minn Kota motors without Bluetooth, the Micro Remote isn’t compatible – those motors need the older non-Bluetooth remote variants. If you’re not sure whether your trolling motor has Bluetooth, check the model decal on the motor head or the original purchase documentation.
Waterproof construction. Fully waterproof – rated to survive splash, rain, full submersion, and the occasional drop overboard (though you’ll want to retrieve it before the lanyard sinks). For typical fishing use where the remote sees water exposure constantly, the waterproof rating is critical. The remote keeps working through wet conditions where a non-waterproof remote would fail.
Compact form factor. The Micro Remote is roughly the size of a car key fob – small enough to slip into a pocket, clip to a vest, or wear on the included neck lanyard without being obtrusive. Compared to the larger full-size remotes (which take up significant pocket or belt space), the Micro Remote disappears when you’re not using it. For anglers who fish all day with the remote on their person, the smaller size is meaningful comfort.
CR2450 coin-cell battery. Powered by a single replaceable CR2450 lithium coin-cell battery. CR2450 batteries are commonly available at any drug store, hardware store, or auto parts store – no need for a special-order or proprietary battery. Battery life is typically months of use under normal fishing patterns. Replace the battery via the rear cover (small Phillips screws). the battery slot is sealed against water intrusion when properly closed.
Neck lanyard included. The supplied neck lanyard lets you wear the remote around your neck for hands-free carrying while casting and fishing. Lanyard color is black to match the remote. The lanyard is detachable if you’d rather clip the remote to a vest or fishing belt with a different attachment.
Setup. Power on the Micro Remote (insert the supplied battery if not already installed), put the trolling motor into pairing mode (consult the trolling motor’s manual for the specific pairing procedure – typically a button-press sequence on the trolling motor’s control panel), the trolling motor learns the Micro Remote as a paired controller. Once paired, the remote works immediately. Setup time is typically 1-2 minutes.
Use. The button cluster on the front of the Micro Remote handles all four functions. Single-press buttons for the discrete functions (Spot-Lock engage / disengage, AutoPilot engage / disengage). Press-and-hold buttons for continuous adjustment functions (speed up, speed down, steer left, steer right). The button layout is intuitive – most users figure it out in a couple of minutes without consulting the manual.
What this isn’t. Not a replacement for the i-Pilot Link color touch-screen remote (that has the full feature set including paths, waypoints, and chart display). Not a wired controller (this is wireless Bluetooth only). Not compatible with pre-2017 non-Bluetooth Minn Kota trolling motors. Not a foot pedal substitute (it doesn’t replace the foot pedal for boats that have one).
Specs. Compatible with Bluetooth-enabled Minn Kota trolling motors manufactured after 2017. Functions: Spot-Lock, speed, steering, AutoPilot. Bluetooth wireless. Waterproof. CR2450 coin-cell battery (one included with new purchase). Neck lanyard included. Manufacturer Part Number 1866561.
What’s in the box. The Micro Remote, the CR2450 coin-cell battery (pre-installed), the neck lanyard, and the brief instruction sheet. Pairing setup is done with the trolling motor itself.
Minn Kota limited warranty applies. Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock units.
