> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.anthriq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.anthriq.com/bxi-studio/device-discovery.md).

# Connect

Device Discovery is the entry point for connecting hardware — select your device's family, and BXI Studio automatically finds it over the network or USB, ready to connect.

## Select Device Family

<figure><img src="https://2761951758-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FhtBZnSGOC4EMhU3nc5oM%2Fuploads%2FUUhE9uHLIz9hsxnBbAnc%2Fselect_device_family.png?alt=media&amp;token=2ed76012-c5d2-4312-8205-518523b72b8d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Before discovering devices, you'll choose which device family to connect to. BXI Studio uses this to route you into the right discovery flow — the steps differ depending on the hardware.

Two options are available:

* Anthriq Devices — for hardware made by Anthriq, including the Instinct EEG headset and the xSys EXG system
* NI USB-DAQ — for USB-connected National Instruments data acquisition modules (USB-6008, 621X, 634X)

Select whichever matches your hardware to continue into that family's discovery flow. If you're not ready to connect a device yet, select Skip to Home to go straight to the dashboard.

## How discovery works

1. BXI Studio broadcasts a network scan on launch.
2. Detected devices appear in the **Available Devices** section.
3. Each device card shows the device name and firmware version.
4. Click a device card to start connecting.
5. The card shows a loading state during connection.
6. Once connected, the device moves to **Connected Devices**.

## Device states

| State      | What it means                                                          |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Available  | Device found on network, not yet connected                             |
| Connecting | Connection in progress                                                 |
| Connected  | Active connection established                                          |
| Configured | Device has been through the configuration flow with a subject assigned |

## Connect a device

* Click an available device card. Connection starts automatically.
* The process takes 5–15 seconds depending on the device type.
* If the connection fails, an error message appears with a retry option.
* Multiple devices can be connected at the same time.

## Pair a new Wi-Fi device (Anthriq Devices)

For brand-new devices that have not yet joined your network:

1. Click **+ Pair New Device**.
2. BXI Studio scans for BXI SoftAP hotspots.
3. Select your device from the list.
4. Enter the device password (PoP).
5. Select your Wi-Fi network.
6. Enter the network password.
7. The device provisions and appears in the discovery list.

## Navigation reference

| Button            | Action                                    |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| Configure         | Enter device-specific setup flow          |
| Go to Dashboard   | Skip configuration, go to main app        |
| + Pair New Device | Start Wi-Fi provisioning for a new device |
| Retry (icon)      | Rescan for devices                        |

## Disconnect a device

Click the disconnect icon on a connected device card. If the device has a subject assigned, a confirmation dialog appears first showing the current assignment.

## Hardware setup links

Before connecting in BXI Studio, the device must be powered on and (where applicable) on your Wi-Fi network. Each device's hardware setup is documented in its product section:

* [xBud: Technical guide](/xbud/technical-guide.md)