While the head and hands will be vinyl - you have a choice of two different types of body - one is referred to as Cortex and the other as Vinyl. Both body types are pre-built.Welcome to Smart Doll Land!
Thank you for choosing Smart Doll - we’re glad to have you here :-)
Danny here. If you’re like me, you probably skip manuals (which is why we don’t include any) and want to jump straight in.
Before you do, there are a few important things worth knowing - especially how the joints are designed to move (and how they’re not). A quick read of this guide can help you avoid accidental damage and get the most out of your Smart Doll from day one.
Once you’ve removed your Smart Doll from the packaging, take a moment to get familiar with how the joints move.
You’ll notice the joints click when adjusted. Some directions will feel firmer and more pronounced - these are designed to support more load. A little force is normal, but it should never feel like you need to fight it.
If you feel resistance, stop. That usually means the movement isn’t aligned with the intended axis. Move gently, follow the natural motion of the joints, and when in doubt, pause and reassess.
How the Arms Move Along Their Axes
The internal joint moves along fixed axes, not freely like a human arm.
As shown in Video 1 below, the arm can be raised forward and then rotated outward. However, once in that position, it cannot be lowered directly back down to the side. To return the arm to the side, reverse the motion: bring the arm forward first, then lower it.
Similarly, when the arm is raised out to the side, it must be lowered before being brought forward. In both cases, follow the reverse of the motion you used to get there.
Avoid forcing the arm through positions it does not naturally follow, as this can place stress on the internal frame and cause breakage.
As shown in Video 2 below, the elbow uses a sliding double joint that extends when bent beyond 90 degrees.
After posing, return the lower arm to its original position, then “reset” the joint by gently pushing the elbow back into the upper arm.
Video 1 - Follow the joint axis - reverse the motion to return the arm to its original position.
Video 2 - Elbow reset - straighten the arm, then push the joint back into place.
Disassembly
If you purchased an option bust part (or apparel that requires removing parts), you will need to remove the arms, head, and default bust.
Start by removing the head as shown in Video 3 below. You may wish to apologize to your Smart Doll first (even though they won’t feel pain).
Hold the chest firmly and grip the head securely. Gently wriggle the head while applying light outward force - avoid pulling straight without movement. Holding the doll close to your chest, as shown, will give you better control and leverage.
Make sure you have a firm grip - the head may suddenly come loose and go flying across the room… and your floating Smart Doll head may haunt you forever.
Start by removing the head as shown in Video 3 below. You may wish to apologize to your Smart Doll first (even though they won’t feel pain).
Hold the chest firmly and grip the head securely. Gently wriggle the head while applying light outward force - avoid pulling straight without movement. Holding the doll close to your chest, as shown, will give you better control and leverage.
Make sure you have a firm grip - the head may suddenly come loose and go flying across the room… and your floating Smart Doll head may haunt you forever.
Next, remove the arms as shown in Video 4 below. Hold the chest firmly with one hand, and use your other hand to pull the arm out. Rather than pulling straight, wriggle the arm while applying outward force. This helps ease the joint out safely.
The arms are designed to fit securely and may require a bit more effort to remove - this is intentional, so they don’t come loose during use. A bit of “huff and puff” is normal here :-)
For best leverage, hold the doll close to your chest and position the arm pointing downwards, as shown. This allows the arm to act as a lever, making removal easier.
Finally, remove the bust by pulling upward on the neck bust. You’re now ready to install your new parts or dress your Smart Doll.
The arms are designed to fit securely and may require a bit more effort to remove - this is intentional, so they don’t come loose during use. A bit of “huff and puff” is normal here :-)
For best leverage, hold the doll close to your chest and position the arm pointing downwards, as shown. This allows the arm to act as a lever, making removal easier.
Finally, remove the bust by pulling upward on the neck bust. You’re now ready to install your new parts or dress your Smart Doll.
Video 3 - Wriggle the head while pulling - avoid pulling straight.
Video 4 - Wriggle the arm while pulling - use downward positioning for leverage.
Reassembly
Reassembly is where each part needs to be fully and correctly fitted - take your time with each step. Install the new bust by placing it onto the neck peg. Ensure it sits flush and securely, with the small ring at the base of the neck peg visible, as shown in Video 5 below. This indicates the bust is properly seated.
Next, reattach the arms. The shoulder joint engages in two stages: the first click may feel dull and give the impression that it is secure, but it is not fully seated.
When reattaching the first arm, use your thumb to apply counter pressure on the shoulder socket while your other hand pushes the arm in. This helps seat the joint properly, as shown in Video 6 below.
Video 5 - Press the bust down until it sits flush - ensure the ring remains visible.
Video 6 - Apply counter pressure and push the arm in until you feel the final click.
For the second arm, clasp your palms around the shoulders and apply firm, even pressure inward until you feel a sharp, distinct click as shown in Video 7 below.
You’ll know the joint is properly set when you hear clear, audible clicks as you move the arm forward and through its range of motion. If not, it may pop out after a few movements.
Reattach the head by aligning it onto the neck peg as shown in Video 8 below. You can push it straight on with firm, even pressure. If needed, gently wriggle while pressing down to guide it into place. Holding the doll close to your chest helps with control.
Ensure the head sits fully flush with no gap. You can double-check by tilting the head into a “Confused Smart Doll” pose. If not fully seated, you may encounter the spinning head of doom.
You’ll know the joint is properly set when you hear clear, audible clicks as you move the arm forward and through its range of motion. If not, it may pop out after a few movements.
Reattach the head by aligning it onto the neck peg as shown in Video 8 below. You can push it straight on with firm, even pressure. If needed, gently wriggle while pressing down to guide it into place. Holding the doll close to your chest helps with control.
Ensure the head sits fully flush with no gap. You can double-check by tilting the head into a “Confused Smart Doll” pose. If not fully seated, you may encounter the spinning head of doom.
Video 7 - Palms on, press evenly - you’re aiming for that sharp click.
Video 8 - Push the head on firmly - wriggle if needed.
Wig Attachment
Attaching a wig can be one of the trickier parts, as the wig cap is soft and flexible. Our wigs are designed to fit snugly so they stay in place, which can make them a little more challenging to put on.
Some folks prefer attaching the wig with the head attached to the body. I personally find it easier to remove the head, and this is how I do it.
Some folks prefer attaching the wig with the head attached to the body. I personally find it easier to remove the head, and this is how I do it.
As shown in Video 9 below, place the wig in your palm with the opening facing upwards. Lower the head into the opening and roughly position it where you want the final placement to sit in relation to the eyes. While holding the wig in place with one hand, use your other hand to pull the wig cap over the back of the head. Once fully on, adjust as needed.
We recommend positioning the wig so it doesn’t show too much or too little forehead, similar to the product photos. That said, it’s entirely up to you to style it how you like. If the wig has a parting line, adjusting its position can give a different vibe.
As shown in Video 10 below, if you are reattaching the head with the wig on, make sure the wig fibers don’t get caught between the neck and the head - otherwise your Smart Doll may think you pulled their hair… and return the favour.
Video 9 - Place the head into the wig, pull over the back, then adjust.
Video 10 - Make wig fibers don’t get caught before attaching the head.
Changing Hands & Using the Stand
If you purchased an Option Hand Pack, remove the default hands by holding the lower arm firmly and gently wriggling the hand off, as shown in Video 11 below.
Unless stated otherwise on the product detail page, all Smart Dolls come with a telescopic support stand to aid stability. The stand will click as you adjust the plastic tail section. If needed, you can use a screwdriver to fine-tune the tightness to your liking.
Insert the tail horizontally into the socket located at the back of your Smart Doll, as shown in Video 12 below. Do not insert it at an angle, as this may cause the tail plug to break. Once inserted, extend the telescopic rod to create three points of contact with the ground - the two feet and the stand. Pointing the toes slightly downward will provide extra stability.
You can also swing the rod left or right to hide it behind the leg when taking photos.
You can also swing the rod left or right to hide it behind the leg when taking photos.
Video 11 - Wriggle the hand off while holding the lower arm firmly.
Video 12 - Insert the stand straight - not at an angle.
The posing and articulation techniques demonstrated in the videos above are applicable to all our body types - Classic, Pear, Guy, and Cyber Shell Cortex.
Feet removal and attachment
Some apparel items may require the feet to be removed. As shown in Video 13 below , twist the foot to point backwards to improve your grip. Hold the shin firmly with one hand, then gently pull the foot off. Holding the doll close to your chest will give you better leverage.
To reattach, follow the reverse process as shown in Video 14 below. Keep your fingers clear of the ankle when pushing the foot back on to avoid getting them caught.
To reattach, follow the reverse process as shown in Video 14 below. Keep your fingers clear of the ankle when pushing the foot back on to avoid getting them caught.
Video 13 - Foot removal. Twist back, grip, then pull off.
Video 14 - Foot reattachment - Push on firmly - keep fingers clear of the ankle.
Following the steps above, you’re now ready to start your Smart Doll adventure. That said, the Knowledge Base is filled with other “things I wish I knew when I got a Smart Doll” tips and tricks that are well worth a look.
Finally, here are three simple rules of owning a Smart Doll:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- Do not submerge in water
- Never (ever) feed after midnight
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