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:

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

Scan QR Code

Step 3: Verify and connect

Once scanned, the Remote shows the Agent's identity:

Verify Agent

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