Overview
A "device" in LoopString is a Raspberry Pi running the LoopString agent — a Node-RED instance configured to communicate with the cloud. Each device can have multiple rooms, sensors, and actuators.
Add Device Flow
Step 1: Open the Add Device Modal
From your dashboard, click the + Add Device button. This opens the device registration modal.
Step 2: Name Your Device
Give your device a descriptive name (e.g., "Grow Room Pi", "Garage Monitor"). This name appears in your dashboard and can be changed later.
Step 3: Get the Claim Token
The modal generates a 6-character claim token and displays it as both:
- A text code you can type manually
- A QR code you can scan with your phone
This token is valid for 15 minutes and links the Pi to your account.
Step 4: Enter the Token on Your Pi
On your Raspberry Pi, the LoopString first-boot wizard prompts for the claim token:
- If using the QR code — Scan with your phone camera, which opens the setup page with the token pre-filled
- If typing manually — Enter the 6-character code in the Pi setup wizard terminal
Step 5: Device Appears in Dashboard
Once the Pi successfully claims the token, it registers with Firebase and appears in your dashboard. The onboarding checklist updates automatically.
Device Limits
The number of devices you can register depends on your subscription tier:
- Free — 1 device
- Starter — 2 devices
- Maker — 5 devices
- Pro — 15 devices
- Business — 50 devices
- Enterprise — Unlimited
If you reach your device limit, you will see a prompt to upgrade your plan.
Device Settings
After adding a device, you can configure:
- Device name — Rename at any time
- Rooms — Organize sensors and actuators into logical groups
- Remote access — Enable Tailscale VPN tunnel for direct SSH access
- OTA updates — Keep the LoopString agent up to date
- Config backup — Export and import device configuration as JSON
Managing Multiple Devices
With a multi-device plan, you can:
- Group devices — Organize into fleets for overview monitoring
- Switch between devices — Use the device selector in the dashboard header
- Multi-Pi mesh — Link devices with primary/secondary roles for coordinated automation
Troubleshooting
If your device does not appear after entering the claim token:
- Ensure your Pi has an internet connection
- Check that the token has not expired (15-minute window)
- Try generating a new token from the Add Device modal
- See Device Offline for connection diagnostics
Next Steps
- Pi Setup Guide if you have not flashed the OS yet
- Connecting Sensors to start collecting data