> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stardeck.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up and pair an Edge machine

> Power on an Edge machine, connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and pair it with your Stardeck organization.

Pairing connects one physical Edge machine to your Stardeck organization. It normally takes about
five minutes.

## Before you start

Make sure you have:

* power at the location
* a phone or other mobile device with Wi-Fi
* the location's Wi-Fi name and password, unless you are using Ethernet
* access to your Stardeck organization dashboard

Use a standard password-based Wi-Fi network or Ethernet. Wi-Fi networks that require an enterprise
username, certificate, or browser sign-in are not supported.

For managed business networks, allow DNS, HTTPS, outbound NTP on UDP port 123, and outbound
Cloudflare Tunnel traffic. The machine needs NTP to set its clock before it can make secure
connections. Contact [Stardeck support](mailto:support@stardeck.ai) for the current firewall
destinations and ports.

<Warning>
  Do not use a network that requires a browser sign-in after joining. The Edge machine cannot
  complete a hotel, café, or guest-network sign-in page.
</Warning>

## Pair the machine

<Steps>
  <Step title="Plug in the Edge machine">
    Connect the Edge machine to power.

    On first startup, its green status LED flashes and it creates an open Wi-Fi network named
    `Stardeck-Setup-XXXX`. The final four characters identify this machine.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the machine in Stardeck">
    While your phone still has internet access, open
    **[Settings → Edge Devices](https://www.stardeck.ai/dashboard/settings?tab=edge-devices)**
    and select **Add device**.

    Give the machine a recognizable location-based name, such as **Front Counter** or
    **Kitchen**, then select **Register Device**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Keep the pairing code open">
    Stardeck shows a six-digit pairing code. The code expires after 15 minutes, so leave the dialog
    open while you finish setup.

    If it expires, select **New code**. You do not need to create another machine.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Join the setup network">
    On your iPhone or other mobile device, open Wi-Fi settings and join
    `Stardeck-Setup-XXXX`.

    The Stardeck setup page should open automatically on iPhones and most mobile devices. If it
    does not, open a browser and go to `http://10.42.0.1`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect and pair">
    Select the location's Wi-Fi network, enter its password, and enter the six-digit pairing code.
    For a hidden network, type its exact name.

    Select **Connect & pair**. The setup network disappears while the Edge machine joins the
    location network. This is expected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm it is online">
    Return to the pairing dialog in Stardeck. It checks automatically and confirms when the
    machine is paired.

    The machine should now show **Online** in the device list.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The Edge machine has one Wi-Fi radio. It cannot host `Stardeck-Setup-XXXX` and stay connected to
  the location's Wi-Fi at the same time. Confirm success in the Stardeck dashboard, not on the setup
  page that disappears.
</Note>

## Set up over Ethernet

Connect Ethernet before powering on the Edge machine. The machine still creates
`Stardeck-Setup-XXXX` for pairing, but the setup page recognizes that it already has internet
access. Leave the Wi-Fi field blank and enter only the pairing code.

## If setup fails

The Edge machine brings `Stardeck-Setup-XXXX` back after an unsuccessful attempt:

1. Wait for the setup network to reappear.
2. Join it again.
3. Read the error shown on the setup page.
4. Correct the Wi-Fi details or generate a new pairing code.

For a deeper diagnosis, connect an HDMI display to the Edge machine and restart it. The local
screen shows startup and connection logs. See [Troubleshoot Stardeck Edge](/stardeck-edge/troubleshooting).

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Configure a printer" icon="print" href="/stardeck-edge/printers-and-drawers">
    Discover, configure, and test receipt hardware.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect it to an app" icon="link" href="/stardeck-edge/connect-to-an-app">
    Grant the machine to the app that will use it.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>