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Device Setup Guide

March 2026
•
5 min read
Device Setup Guide

Device Setup Guide

Manaia protects devices at the network level — most devices are protected automatically when connected to your home WiFi. This guide covers the different ways devices connect and how to extend protection beyond your home.

Home Network (Automatic)

When you set up the Manaia Home Lite on your home network, devices on your home WiFi are automatically protected. This includes:

  • Phones and tablets
  • Laptops and desktops
  • Smart TVs and streaming sticks
  • Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
  • Smart home devices (speakers, cameras, displays)
  • Any guest devices connecting to your WiFi

    • No app or configuration is needed on individual devices. Protection happens at the DNS level before traffic reaches any device.

    Assigning Devices to Profiles

    New devices appear in your dashboard within a few minutes of connecting to your WiFi. To assign a device to a profile:

    1. Go to Devices in the dashboard

    2. Find the new device (it will show its hostname and device type)

    3. Tap the device and select Assign Profile

    4. Choose the appropriate profile

    Unassigned devices use the Default profile's rules.

    iOS Roaming App

    The Manaia roaming app extends protection to iOS and Android devices when they leave your home WiFi — on mobile data, school WiFi, coffee shop networks, or friends' houses.

    Installation

    1. Download the Manaia app from the App Store or Google Play

    2. Open the app and sign in with your Manaia account

    3. When prompted, tap Enable Protection

    4. Your device will ask you to approve a VPN configuration — tap Allow

    5. The app routes DNS queries through Manaia's encrypted DNS servers (DoH/DoT)

    How It Works

    The roaming app installs a lightweight VPN profile that redirects DNS traffic only (not all internet traffic). This means:

  • No speed impact — only DNS lookups go through Manaia, not your data
  • Battery friendly — minimal power usage compared to a full VPN
  • Same protection — the same filtering rules, threat blocking, and logging apply as on your home network

    • Assigning to a Profile

    After installation, the roaming device appears in your dashboard. Assign it to the correct profile so it receives the right filtering rules.

    Smart TVs and Consoles

    Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices are automatically protected on your home WiFi. Some tips:

  • Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony) — Protected automatically. No app needed.
  • Streaming sticks (Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV) — Protected automatically.
  • PlayStation / Xbox / Switch — Protected automatically on WiFi. If connected via Ethernet directly to your router (not through the Home Lite), make sure the Ethernet goes through the Home Lite first.

    • Console-Specific Notes

    Some consoles allow manual DNS settings. Do not change DNS settings on the console — this could bypass Manaia's protection. If you notice a console has been manually configured with different DNS servers, Manaia will alert you via the tamper detection system.

    Troubleshooting

    Device not appearing in dashboard

  • Wait 5 minutes — devices appear after their first DNS query
  • Check the device is connected to your home WiFi (not mobile data)
  • Restart the device to force a DNS lookup

    • Roaming app not connecting

  • Check that the VPN profile is enabled in iOS Settings > VPN
  • Make sure you're signed in to the correct Manaia account
  • Try toggling the protection off and on in the app

    • Protection seems inactive

  • Verify the Home Lite LED is solid teal (not flashing)
  • Check that the Ethernet cables are firmly connected (WAN to modem, LAN to router)
  • Visit the dashboard — the Home page shows protection status for all devices

    • Blocked site still accessible

  • DNS changes can take up to 5 minutes to propagate
  • Clear the device's DNS cache (restart the browser or device)
  • Check that the domain isn't in an Allow rule on the profile

    • Need more help? Visit the Support page or chat with our AI assistant.

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