The Birdbuddy app is the gateway to your feathery friends, making it possible for you to receive photo postcards of your bird visitors. Once you download it and create an account, it will guide you through the crucial first steps that have to be taken in order to make the Birdbuddy experience work. 

Bluetooth pairing

If you've just downloaded the app:

1. Log in or create an account.
   To create an account, press Start with a new Birdbuddy so the pairing process will start straight away.
   The app will guide you through the pairing steps, such as selecting a name and setting the location:
   
    
2. If you pressed Start with a new Birdbuddy, skip this step.
   
   If you opt to log in first or pressed I don't have a Birdbuddy, you can start the pairing process when already in the app. Press the Cameras button in the top right corner and select "Add a Birdbuddy". Alternatively, you can press the + Icon in the top right corner.
   
3. Then you will be asked to enable Bluetooth (iOS & Android) and also your Location Services on some older operating systems (sometimes location will still need to be turned on manually from the toolbar after giving the permission).                            

4. Press Allow. 
   Bluetooth will only be needed during the pairing process.

   

5. The app will then ask you which device you're pairing: the Nature Cam or the Birdbuddy 2. Select the device and press Continue.
   If it can find the device on its own, it will let you know, and you can just press Connect.
   
   
6. Once you’ve selected your device, wait for the Bluetooth pairing request to appear on your screen. 
   Click "Pair". 
   
   
   On certain devices, the Bluetooth setup might prompt you to input a pairing code; this is not needed, so you can just click "Pair".           
7. First part successful! You’ve now paired your Birdbuddy’s camera module with your mobile device.

Connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network

During the second part of the pairing flow, you will have to select your desired Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks. Make sure that the network meets Birdbuddy's connectivity requirements.

Select an available network and enter your Wi-Fi password.
If the app detects your Wi-Fi network on its own, simply put in your Wi-Fi password!
                                                      
 

2. You’re ready to connect! The process can take up to 5 minutes (do not exit the screen while this takes place). If there is a problem with the connection, you’ll be asked to try again.                                     

3. Success! Your module is now connected to the internet. 

The Bluetooth connection is only needed for the initial exchange of information, and you can disable Bluetooth on your mobile device once your Birdbuddy is securely connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Birdbuddy Live Test

After successfully connecting to Wi-Fi, you will have the option to send an invite code to share the postcards your camera makes. Once sharing is completed or skipped, you will be directed to the Birdbuddy Live feature. Here, you can test the live stream even if the camera is not in its housing.

That’s it! Your account and module are now connected, and Birdbuddy can access the internet in its new home. All you have to do now is wait for that first postcard or make your own. The postcards will wait for your Home feed of the app so you can collect photos and share them with your family and friends.