Basic Setup for Your Tile Home Automation Device

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction: Tile Tracker: Basic Setup

Tile is a Bluetooth-enabled tracker that pairs with your smartphone. Tile trackers come in multiple compact form factors that can attach to items via keychain, or neatly tuck away inside your wallet or notebook without adding extra bulk. In this guide, we will go through basic setup steps that will help you get started with your new Tile tracking device.

2. Mobile Device: Bluetooth Check

Bluetooth must be enabled on your mobile device before proceeding, otherwise the necessary app will not be able to locate or communicate with your device. To enable Bluetooth on your mobile device, perform the following the steps:

iOSAndroidSwipe up from the home screen and tab the Bluetooth icon to enable it.Swipe down from the home screen and tab the Bluetooth icon to enable it.

Once Bluetooth is enabled, you are ready to proceed to the next step of the setup process.

3. Tile Tracker: Install App

1. From your mobile device's app store or marketplace, find and install the Tile app.
   

1. Once the app has been installed, open the Tile app.
   

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2. Once the Tile app opens, you will be prompted to log into a Tile account. Log in with an existing account, create one or log in with Facebook.
   

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2. The Tile app will need access to both Bluetooth and GPS location services (1). If necessary, select Always Allow (2) to give the app the permissions it needs to function. When both of these things have been allowed, select Continue (3) to proceed.
   

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2. The Tile app will take you through a few guided-tour screens after this. This will take you through the basics of using your Tile device with your mobile device.
   

1. Once the tour is finished, select Start using Tile to begin using the app normally.
   

1. Your Tile app is now installed and ready to use.

4. Tile Tracker: Add Device to App

1. Open the Tile app.
   

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2. From the main screen of the Tile app, press the + button to begin adding a Tile tracker to the app.
   

1. From the available device list, choose Tile.
   

1. Select the type of Tile device you are adding from the available list.
   

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to get your Tile device to begin communicating with the app.
   

1. Once the pairing process has completed, you will receive a confirmation screen.
   

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2. Next, the app will ask you to label your Tile device. This will help you identify what item you're tracking if you have multiple Tile devices.
   

1. On the last screen, you can test your Tile by tapping the green Find button. This will make your Tile ring until you click the logo on it.
   

1. Your Tile is now paired with the app and is ready to use! Select Done to complete setup. You can repeat this process for as all the Tiles you need.
   

5. Tile Tracker: Using Tile

There are two ways you can use your Tile device to locate things. You can either use your phone to locate your Tile, or you can use your Tile to locate your phone.

To use your Tile device:

1. Open the Tile app from your mobile device's home screen.
   

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2. From the main screen of your Tile app, you will see a list of all the Tile devices you've added to the app, including your phone (1). The icon to the right of each Tile device shows you the connection status of your Tile.
   
3. A solid green line will indicate that your phone is connected to the Tile (2).
4. A dotted green line indicates that your Tile is nearby but hasn’t connected yet (3). This can help you find your Tile when it’s in the house, but you’re not sure what room it’s in. Walk from room to room until the line turns solid.
5. A grey line indicates that your Tile is not nearby (4). If that’s the case, use the map feature to find where your Tile was last seen.
   

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2. Select the Tile device you want to find to continue.
   

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2. On the individual Tile screen, you can see your options for finding your stuff. If you’re within range, tap the green Find button to ring your Tile.
   

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2. If you need to see a map of where your stuff is, tap Options (1) then choose View on Map (2).
   

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2. The View on Map button will show you where your Tile was last seen on a map. You can pan around and zoom to see where it is.
   

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2. You can also use your Tile to find your phone. Double-click the logo button on the Tile itself, and your phone should start ringing, even if it’s on silent.
   

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2. When you find your phone, you’ll see a notification on the screen that you must acknowledge to stop the ringing.
   

6. Tile Tracker: Battery Advisory

Tile devices are designed with a non-removable and non-rechargeable battery. Tile guarantees that the battery on your Tile tracking device will last one full year. After that year, you have the ability to replace a non-functioning Tile device at a discount with the company's ReTile program.

For more information on battery life and the ReTile program, visit the Tile website.