Three ways to pair your ProxyBox

If your first pair attempt didn't work, you have alternatives. ProxyBox accepts pairing through three independent paths. They all end at the same Wi-Fi credential prompt, so pick whichever fits the device in your hand.

1. iOS app (Bluetooth, fastest)

Best when you have an iPhone or iPad nearby. About 30 seconds end to end.

1. Install the ProxyBox app on iOS 16 or later. The native app is coming soon, until it ships, use option 2 (web Bluetooth) or option 3 (captive portal) below.
2. Sign in or create an account.
3. Tap the plus menu, then "Set Up a Device." Allow Bluetooth when prompted.
4. Pick your ProxyBox from the list (named ProxyBox-XXXX, the first 4 characters of your sticker claim code).
5. Pick your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

The box runs through "Sending Wi-Fi", "Connecting", "Acquiring IP", and "Starting services" in about 30-45 seconds, then lands in your dashboard with a green Online dot.

If this fails: the most common cause is a stale iOS Bluetooth bond. Open iOS Settings, then Bluetooth, find the ProxyBox-XXXX entry, tap the info icon, and pick "Forget This Device." Then try again. Still failing? Try option 2 or 3 below.

2. Web Bluetooth (desktop browser)

Best when you have a Mac, Windows, or Linux laptop with a recent Chrome, Edge, or Opera. No app to install.

1. Open proxybox.us/pair in Chrome, Edge, or Opera.
2. Click "Scan for ProxyBox" and pick your device from the browser's Bluetooth picker.
3. Pick your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

The pairing page handles the same handshake the iOS app does. It works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Safari and Firefox do not yet expose Web Bluetooth, so use Chrome / Edge / Opera.

Tip: Bluetooth and the captive Wi-Fi setup network run concurrently while the box is unprovisioned, so both options are always available. If the desktop scan stays empty after 30 seconds, the activity light may not be blinking yet (first boot takes ~90 seconds); wait a moment and rescan, or fall through to option 3.

3. Captive Wi-Fi portal (any device, no app)

Best when Bluetooth is unavailable, restricted, or you just want the simplest path. Works on any phone, tablet, or laptop that can join a Wi-Fi network.

1. Plug your ProxyBox in and wait for the activity light to start blinking (about 90 seconds on first boot).
2. Open Wi-Fi settings on any device. Look for an open network named ProxyBox-Setup-XXXX.
3. Join it. A setup page opens automatically (this is a captive portal). If it doesn't, browse to http://10.0.0.1 in any browser.
4. Pick your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password.
5. The box switches to your home Wi-Fi. Your phone or laptop reconnects to its normal network.

Tip: Bluetooth (option 2) and the captive Wi-Fi network run concurrently, so both options are always available while the box is unprovisioned. If you don't see ProxyBox-Setup-XXXX after a couple minutes, the box may have already been provisioned by someone else; factory-reset it from the dashboard before re-pairing.

Which one should I use?

• Have an iPhone: use option 1.
• Android only, or iPhone is broken / lost: use option 2 (desktop) or option 3 (captive portal).
• Bluetooth not working at all: use option 3.
• Pairing for someone non-technical: option 3 is the simplest, no app, no browser version checks.

Common pitfalls

Wi-Fi password fails: the box only sees the password you type. If your Wi-Fi password contains a colon, semicolon, or quote, retype carefully and confirm caps lock is off.

2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz: the standard ProxyBox's Wi-Fi radio is 2.4 GHz. Most home routers expose both bands under the same SSID (called "band steering") which works fine. If your network is 5 GHz only, the standard box will not associate. (ProxyBox Roam supports 5 GHz.)

Already-paired box: if a box was previously paired to a different account, it will refuse new credentials. Factory-reset it first. See Factory-reset your ProxyBox.

Captive portal won't open: some Android phones suppress captive-portal notifications. Open any browser and visit http://10.0.0.1 while connected to the ProxyBox-Setup-XXXX network.

Last updated: 2026-04-29