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

# Devices and pairing

> Connect, verify, and manage your devices.

## Pair a device

Choose **Connect**, then scan the other device's QR invitation, or enter its private pairing code and choose **Join**. On the other device, the QR icon next to **Connect** shows both the invitation and the code.

Share invitations only with people you want to connect to. Private codes expire after three days and change after a server restart. Devices that are already paired stay paired.

Device names come from their codes and cannot be renamed.

## Verify a device

1. Open **Known devices** and choose **Verify** beside the device you want to check.
2. Contact the owner outside Evakage, such as by phone or in person.
3. Ask them to open **Known devices**, choose your device, and read its safety code. Enter that code in your verification dialog and choose **Verify**.

Verification is remembered in this browser. If the other device's identity changes, verify it again.

Enable **Verified devices only** in Settings to require verification. For a room, every recipient must be verified before you can send.

## Find and manage devices

| Control | What it does |
| - | - |
| **Show** | Choose all, online, offline, or your devices |
| **Filter** | Search the list; active filters appear in bold amber |
| Column heading | Sort the list |
| **Open** | Open the conversation with a device |
| Gear icon | Device settings: **Verify**, **Hide**, and **Block / Unblock** |
| Trash icon | Delete the conversation with a device |
| **Show** in Known devices | Restore a hidden device to your list |
| **Delete** in Known devices | Forget the relationship and require pairing again |

Your own account's devices cannot be hidden or blocked. Deleting a conversation clears its local history. It does not recall delivered content or remove pending server copies.

Advertising is off by default. Enabling it makes your device discoverable but does not authorize pairing.

## Send and receive

Choose **Open** beside a device to start a conversation. Type a message or choose **Attach File**. You can also drop a file into the chatbox or onto a device or room, or paste with **Ctrl/Cmd+V**.

In **Settings**, choose how to handle incoming files: **Ask for new devices**, **Always ask**, or **Accept automatically**. When approval is required, choose **Accept** or **Decline** for each file. Messages do not need this approval.

Hover over **Status** for connection details. Active transfers show speed and estimated time remaining.

Administrators can restrict server access with `AUTH_TOKEN` or `DEVICE_ALLOWLIST`. See the [access settings](/hosting/configuration#server-and-access).


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