Pair via QR Code
Use camera to scan pairing code
Pair via QR Code
Use QR codes for secure, quick pairing when devices can't discover each other via LAN.
Pro Tip
QR pairing is the most secure method because it uses physical proximity for key exchange. If you're setting up robots in a security-sensitive environment, always prefer QR pairing over LAN discovery.
When to use QR pairing
- Devices on different networks
- LAN discovery is blocked by firewall
- You want verified out-of-band key exchange
- For initial pairing in secure environments
Prerequisites
- One device with a camera (usually the Remote)
- One device with a display (the Agent showing the QR code)
- Both devices running OctoMY™
Step 1: Generate QR code on agent
On the Agent:
- Open ☰ Menu → Pairing
- Tap Show QR Code
The Agent displays its pairing QR code:
The QR code contains:
- Agent's public key fingerprint
- Agent's current network addresses
- A one-time pairing token
- Expiration timestamp
Step 2: Scan QR code on remote
On the Remote:
- Open ☰ Menu → Pairing
- Tap Scan QR Code
- Point camera at the Agent's QR code
Step 3: Verify and connect
Once scanned, the Remote shows the Agent's identity:
Important: Verify the identicon and fingerprint match what the Agent shows.
Step 4: Complete pairing
- Tap [Connect] on the Remote
- The Agent receives the pairing request
- Accept on the Agent (or it auto-accepts if configured)
- Set trust level on the Agent
Both devices now show connected status.
Security benefits
QR pairing provides additional security:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Out-of-band exchange | Key exchange is physical, not network |
| Visual verification | Identicons can be compared side-by-side |
| Time-limited tokens | QR codes expire after 5 minutes |
| No broadcast | Doesn't expose presence on network |
QR code contents
The QR code is a JSON payload (base64-encoded):
{
"v": 1,
"type": "pairing",
"id": "a1b2c3d4...",
"pk": "MIIBIjANBgkq...",
"addrs": ["192.168.1.105:8124"],
"token": "xyz789...",
"exp": 1705312800
}
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
v |
Protocol version |
type |
Payload type |
id |
Node ID (public key hash) |
pk |
Public key |
addrs |
Network addresses |
token |
One-time pairing token |
exp |
Expiration timestamp |
Troubleshooting
Camera not working
Check permissions:
- Ensure camera permission is granted to OctoMY™
- On Android: Settings → Apps → OctoMY™ → Permissions → Camera
Try alternative:
- Use LAN discovery instead
- Enter connection details manually
QR code expired
The QR code is valid for 5 minutes. If expired:
- Tap [Cancel] on the Agent
- Generate a new QR code
- Scan again
Scan not detecting
- Ensure good lighting
- Hold camera steady
- Fill most of the viewfinder with the QR code
- Clean the camera lens
- Try increasing screen brightness on Agent
Connection fails after scan
The scan works but connection fails:
- Devices may not be able to reach each other directly
- Try enabling NAT traversal
- Check firewall settings