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

# Claiming Additional Devices

> Link multiple Nest thermostats to your account

## Overview

You can link multiple Nest thermostats to a single No Longer Evil account. This is perfect for:

* Multi-zone homes with multiple thermostats
* Managing thermostats in different properties
* Testing devices before deploying to production

## Prerequisites

Before claiming an additional device:

<Checklist>
  * [ ] Device has No Longer Evil firmware installed ([see installation guide](/hosted/installation))
  * [ ] Device is connected to WiFi
  * [ ] You're logged into your No Longer Evil account
</Checklist>

## How to Claim a Device

<Steps>
  <Step title="Generate Entry Code">
    On the Nest thermostat you want to link:

    1. Navigate to **Settings → Nest App → Get Entry Code**
    2. A 7-character code will appear (e.g., `K2P9WXL`)
    3. Note the code (it expires in 1 hour)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Dashboard">
    Go to [nolongerevil.com](https://nolongerevil.com) and log in to your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Device">
    In the dashboard:

    1. Click **"Add Device"** or the **"+"** button
    2. Enter the 7-character entry code
    3. Click **"Claim Device"**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Device Linked">
    If successful, the device will appear in your dashboard immediately with:

    * Device serial number
    * Current temperature
    * Connection status

    You can now control it from the dashboard!
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Entry Code Details

### How Entry Codes Work

Entry codes are temporary 7-character strings that link a device to your account:

* **Generated on-demand** by the thermostat
* **Single-use** - each code can only claim one device
* **Time-limited** - expires after 1 hour (3600 seconds by default)
* **Random** - uses secure random generation
* **Case-sensitive** - must be entered exactly as shown

### Why Entry Codes?

Entry codes provide a secure way to link devices without requiring complex authentication on the thermostat:

1. **User-friendly**: Easy to type and read
2. **Secure**: Short-lived and single-use prevents unauthorized access
3. **Offline-capable**: Can be generated without internet (code validated when connected)
4. **No credentials needed**: Don't need to enter passwords on the thermostat

## Managing Multiple Devices

Once you have multiple devices linked:

### Viewing All Devices

The dashboard shows all your devices in a grid or list view:

* Device name (customizable)
* Current temperature
* Target temperature
* Heating/cooling status
* Last seen timestamp

### Renaming Devices

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click Device Settings">
    Click the gear icon or settings button on a device card
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit Name">
    Enter a friendly name like:

    * "Living Room"
    * "Master Bedroom"
    * "Guest House"
    * "Basement"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click Save - the new name appears everywhere in the dashboard
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Removing Devices

To unlink a device from your account:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Device Settings">
    Open the device settings menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remove Device">
    Click **"Remove Device"** or **"Unlink"**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm">
    Confirm the removal

    <Warning>
      The device will continue to function as a local thermostat, but you'll lose remote access until you claim it again.
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Entry code says 'Invalid'" icon="xmark">
    **Possible causes:**

    * Code was mistyped (check for 0/O, 1/I/L confusion)
    * Code expired (>1 hour old) - generate a new one
    * Code already used - generate a new one
    * Device not connected to WiFi - check network

    **Solution**: Generate a fresh entry code and try again
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Entry code says 'Expired'" icon="clock">
    Entry codes are only valid for 1 hour after generation.

    **Solution**: Generate a new code:

    * Settings → Nest App → Get Entry Code
    * Enter the new code immediately
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Device appears offline immediately after claiming" icon="wifi-slash">
    The device may not be connected to WiFi or can't reach No Longer Evil servers.

    **Check:**

    * WiFi connection on the thermostat (Settings → Network)
    * Internet connectivity
    * Firewall not blocking port 443

    See [Network Troubleshooting](/hosted/troubleshooting#network-issues)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't find 'Get Entry Code' option" icon="question">
    Make sure:

    * No Longer Evil firmware is installed (see the No Longer Evil logo on boot)
    * Device has completed first boot
    * You're in Settings → Nest App (not Settings → App)

    If still missing, the firmware may not have flashed correctly. Try reflashing.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Security Considerations

<Info>
  **Physical access required**: To claim a device, someone must have physical access to the thermostat to retrieve the entry code. This prevents remote hijacking of devices.
</Info>

<Warning>
  **Don't share entry codes**: Treat entry codes like passwords. Anyone with the code can link the device to their account. If you accidentally share a code, let it expire or claim the device yourself immediately.
</Warning>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Using the Dashboard" icon="browser" href="/usage/web-dashboard">
    Learn how to control your thermostats
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/hosted/troubleshooting">
    Common issues and solutions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>