Systems and methods for facilitating automatic connection between a mobile computing device and a self-propelled device are provided. The self-propelled device can transmit a radio signal in a sleep mode. The mobile computing device may detect the radio signal and generate a visual representation of the signal strength to facilitate in establishing an automatic connection. Once the signal strength crosses a predetermined threshold, a connection and control sequence may be initiated automatically in which a control mode may be initiated on the mobile computing device to enable user control of the self-propelled device.