# Custom devices

> Bring your own device, name it in Italic, and send its recordings through the API.

A **custom device** is one you bring and connect yourself. Italic doesn't pair with it
over Bluetooth, and it has no battery, firmware or recording settings in the
app, though Italic can [listen for its signal](#find-it-over-bluetooth) to help you find it. It sends each recording to Italic through the [API](/guides/recordings#custom-devices),
and the recording shows up on [Home](/home) under the device's name, as a Clip
or a Memo, like a recording from [Sudo](/devices/sudo), [Dex](/devices/dex) or
[Glyph](/devices/glyph).

Devices are listed in sections. **Italic** has the devices Italic makes and
connects to. **Custom** has the ones you bring. **External** is for other
makers' hardware that runs firmware Italic provides, such as the
[FoloToy Passport](/devices#external-devices). **Add device** will walk you
through its setup once its installer is released.

## Add a custom device [#add-a-custom-device]

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Add device">
    In the Italic app, open the **Profile** tab and tap **Add device**. On the
    web, open **Devices** in the sidebar and choose **Add custom device**.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Choose Custom device">
    Give your device a name, such as **Kitchen recorder**.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Send its recordings">
    The device's page shows its ID and where to send recordings: a POST to
    Italic's recordings endpoint that names the ID as `deviceId`, with a link
    to the recordings guide. On the web, the page also shows an example
    request. Whatever runs on the device sends each recording to the API that
    way, using an [API key](/guides/recordings#custom-devices) that can create
    recordings.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Find it over Bluetooth [#find-it-over-bluetooth]

If your device sends out a Bluetooth signal, choose it once on each iPhone: on the
device's page, under **Bluetooth**, tap **Choose its Bluetooth signal**, hold the
device close, and tap it in the list. Its page then shows the signal strength, and
Find pulses and says **Warmer** or **Colder** as you walk. Italic only listens and
never connects to it. A device that's off, or that stops sending its signal while
connected to another phone or computer, can't be heard.

## What you can do with it [#what-you-can-do-with-it]

- **See its recordings** on Home, in search, and on the device's page.
- **Rename it** with the pencil button on its page. The new name shows on your
  other iPhones, the web app and every recording it made.
- **Remove it** from the device's page. It stops being able to send new
  recordings, and its recordings keep its name. You can save it to your account
  again.

On Italic for Mac, a Clip from a custom device is listed but not copied or
pasted by itself, like any text saved through the API.