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Download & Installation

This guide walks through downloading pre-compiled Switchboard binaries, installing the desktop and mobile applications, and completing your first local cryptographic pairing.

:::info Looking to Contribute or Build from Source? If you are a developer looking to contribute or compile Switchboard from source, see the Contributor & Developer Setup Guide instead. :::

🚀 Official Releases​

Pre-compiled, ready-to-run releases are published on GitHub:

👉 Download Latest Switchboard Release

📋 System Requirements​

PlatformMinimum RequirementRecommended
PC (Desktop Host)Windows 10 (64-bit), Linux, or macOSWindows 10/11 with DDC/CI monitor support
Phone (Mobile Client)Android 8.0 Oreo (API 26)Android 12+ (Material You dynamic theming)
Local NetworkWi-Fi or Ethernet on the same local subnet5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired PC + Wi-Fi phone

:::note Internet Not Required Switchboard communicates strictly over your local Wi-Fi or LAN. An active internet connection is never required for pairing, controls, or file transfers. :::

🖥️ 1. Desktop Installation (PC)​

  1. Open the Latest Releases page on your computer.
  2. Scroll down to the Assets section.
  3. Download the desktop executable:
    • Windows: Switchboard-Setup.exe (installer) or Switchboard-portable.zip.
  4. Run the installer or extract the portable executable to your preferred folder.
  5. Launch Switchboard.

Windows Firewall & Tray Behavior​

  • Firewall Prompt: On first launch, Windows Defender Firewall may ask for permission for the Switchboard daemon to communicate on private networks. Check Private networks and click Allow access.
  • System Tray: When you close the desktop window, Switchboard minimizes to your Windows system tray so your phone remains connected in the background. Right-click the tray icon to restore or quit.

📱 2. Mobile Installation (Android)​

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open Latest Releases in your browser.
  2. Under Assets, download the Android package:
    • Android: Switchboard.apk (or app-release.apk).
  3. Tap the downloaded APK in your browser or notification shade to begin installation.
  4. Allow Unknown Apps: If prompted by Android security ("For your security, your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from this source"):
    • Tap Settings.
    • Enable Allow from this source.
    • Return and tap Install.
  5. Open the Switchboard app from your app drawer.

🔗 3. First-Time Pairing​

Switchboard uses ephemeral X25519 (ECDH) key exchange to establish an encrypted bridge without usernames, accounts, or passwords.

┌───────────────────────────┐                ┌───────────────────────────┐
│       Desktop Host        │                │      Android Client       │
│  1. Open "Paired Devices" │  Scan QR Code  │  1. Tap "Scan QR Code"    │
│  2. Display QR / PIN code │ ─────────────> │  2. Point camera at PC    │
│  3. Accept Connection     │ <───────────── │  3. Instant E2EE Key Sync │
└───────────────────────────┘                └───────────────────────────┘
  1. Open Pairing Screen on PC:
    • In Switchboard Desktop, click the Paired Devices icon (left sidebar).
    • Your PC will generate and display a unique QR code and a 10-character manual PIN.
  2. Connect from Phone:
    • Method A (QR Scan — Fastest): Tap Scan QR code in the Android app. Grant camera permission and point your camera at the PC monitor. Pairing completes within milliseconds.
    • Method B (Local Network Auto-Discovery): Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi. Your PC will appear under Found on this network via mDNS. Tap your PC and enter the 10-character code displayed on your monitor.
  3. Start Controlling:
    • Once paired, your phone immediately displays the live control deck with your hardware monitors, per-app audio mixer, air mouse touchpad, and encrypted file transfer hub!

🔒 Security & Privacy Features​

  • End-to-End Encryption: Every packet, slider movement, and file transfer is encrypted with AES-256-GCM / ChaCha20-Poly1305.
  • Zero Cloud Relays: Your files and commands never touch third-party servers.
  • Instant Device Revocation: To disconnect or revoke trust, tap Forget Host on your phone or click the Remove Device icon in the desktop Paired Devices tab.

❓ Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues​

  • Devices cannot discover each other? Verify that both your PC and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi SSID and that "AP Isolation" / "Client Isolation" is disabled in your router settings.
  • Monitor brightness sliders not moving hardware? Ensure your external monitor has DDC/CI enabled in its physical On-Screen Display (OSD) settings menu.
  • Windows Firewall blocking connection? Ensure port 9427 (TCP) is allowed through Windows Defender Firewall for local subnet traffic.

For full troubleshooting steps, see the Troubleshooting & FAQ Guide.