How to Set Up Multi-Device

Step-by-step guide for using Vauchi on multiple devices.

Prerequisites

• Your existing device with Vauchi set up
• A new device with Vauchi installed (but not set up)
• Both devices have internet connectivity

Linking a New Device

Step 1: Generate Link Code

On your existing device:

Mobile (iOS/Android):

1. Open Vauchi
2. Go to Settings (gear icon)
3. Tap Devices
4. Tap Link New Device
5. A QR code appears (valid for 5 minutes)

Desktop:

1. Open Vauchi Desktop
2. Go to Devices (from the sidebar)
3. Click Link New Device
4. A QR code and data string appear (valid for 5 minutes)

TUI:

1. Open Vauchi TUI
2. Press d to go to Devices
3. Press l to generate a link
4. A QR code and data string appear in an overlay

CLI:

vauchi device link

A QR code and data string are displayed in the terminal.

Step 2: Join on New Device

On your new device:

Mobile (iOS/Android):

1. Open Vauchi
2. On the welcome screen, tap Join Existing Identity
3. Point your camera at the QR code from Step 1
4. Verify the confirmation code matches on both devices
5. Wait for the linking to complete

Desktop:

1. Open Vauchi Desktop
2. On the setup screen, click Join Existing Identity
3. Paste the data string from the existing device
4. Verify the confirmation code matches on both devices
5. Click Confirm to complete linking

CLI:

vauchi device join <data-string>

Then verify the confirmation code and run:

vauchi device complete <confirmation-code>

Step 3: Confirm

Both devices should show:

• Your existing device: "Device linked successfully"
• Your new device: "Welcome back, [Your Name]"

Your new device is now synced with your identity.

Verifying Setup

After linking:

On New Device

1. Go to Contacts — your contacts should appear
2. Go to Home — your contact card should appear
3. Go to Settings > Devices — both devices should be listed

On Existing Device

1. Go to Settings > Devices
2. You should see both devices listed
3. Your new device shows its platform and last sync time

Syncing Data

Data syncs automatically:

• Immediately: When both devices are online
• On app open: When you open the app
• Manual: Pull to refresh or Settings > Sync Now

What Syncs

Managing Devices

Viewing All Devices

Mobile/Desktop: Go to Settings > Devices to see all linked devices. Your current device is marked.

TUI: Press d to open the Devices screen. Navigate with j/k or arrow keys. Current device is marked [this device].

CLI:

vauchi device list

Revoking a Device

If a device is lost, stolen, or no longer needed:

Mobile/Desktop:

1. Go to Settings > Devices on another device
2. Find the device to revoke
3. Tap Revoke
4. Confirm by tapping Revoke Device

TUI:

1. Press d to open Devices
2. Navigate to the device with j/k
3. Press r to revoke
4. Press y to confirm

CLI:

vauchi device revoke <device-index>

Troubleshooting

Link Code Expired

QR codes are valid for 5 minutes. If expired:

1. On your existing device, generate a new link code
2. Scan or paste the new code quickly

New Device Not Syncing

1. Check internet on both devices
2. Wait a few minutes for initial sync
3. Pull to refresh on the new device
4. Check Settings > Sync for last sync time

"Too Many Devices" Error

You can have up to 10 devices. To add another:

1. Go to Settings > Devices
2. Revoke a device you no longer use
3. Try linking the new device again

Migrating to a New Phone

Option 1: Device Linking (Recommended)

1. Keep your old phone accessible
2. Follow the steps above to link your new phone
3. Wait for sync to complete
4. Optionally, revoke your old phone

This is the cleanest migration path.

Option 2: Backup & Restore

If you can't access your old phone:

1. Restore from an encrypted backup
2. See How to Recover Your Account

Security Notes

• Each device has its own derived keys
• Revoking a device invalidates its keys immediately
• The relay never sees plaintext data
• Link codes expire after 5 minutes
• A 6-digit confirmation code ensures you're linking the right devices

For more on security, see Multi-Device Feature.