---
title: "First steps"
description: "Create your TapHome account, connect the Core unit, and configure modules. Complete guide to getting your smart home system running."
url: "https://taphome.com/en/docs/setup/first-steps/"
language: en
lastmod: 2026-11-06
generator: hugo
ai:
  topics: ["initial-setup","account-creation","core-configuration","modules","remote-access","connection-status"]
  questions: ["How do I create a TapHome account?","How do I set up a new TapHome Core?","Where do I find the 16-character access token?","How do I add modules to TapHome?","How do I enable remote access to my installation?","Where can I see if I'm connected locally or remotely?","What do the location status icons mean?"]
---

# First steps

Creating a TapHome account and basic setup.

Last updated: 2026-11-06

To get started with TapHome, you create a TapHome account in the app, add the control unit as a new location using the 16-character access token from its label, and then add the modules connected to the Core. You need the Core connected by a LAN cable to a Wi-Fi router with Internet access, and a phone, tablet, or notebook on the same Wi-Fi network. After setup you have Service, Admin, and User access to the installation and the control unit is updated, which takes 3–5 minutes. To reach the installation from outside the local network, add your TapHome account to the user list.

## Create a TapHome account

Launch the application and create your TapHome account (email / password).

> [!NOTE]
> All your future installations will be automatically linked to this account. We recommend using a valid email address so you can recover your password if you forget it.

## Setting up a new control unit

> [!NOTE]
> Connect the Core to a Wi-Fi router with Internet access using a LAN cable. Connect your phone, tablet, or notebook to the same Wi-Fi network.

1. If there is no location assigned to your account yet, you will see the **Add location** option. Confirm it.
2. In the list of locations, select the unit labeled **< New location >**.
3. **Name the location** so that you can easily identify it later among other installations. Then enter the **access token** – a 16-character code printed on the label on the control unit.
4. You have successfully set up the control unit and have been granted **Service, Admin, and User access**. You can find this in **Settings → All Users**.
5. The final step is to **update the control unit**.

> [!WARNING]
> During the update (3–5 minutes), do not disconnect the device.

## Adding modules

Connect all modules to the Core. Select **Settings → Hardware → TapHome Bus → Find new devices**. Modules connected to the Core will appear.

## Remote access

> [!NOTE]
> Don’t forget to add your TapHome account to the user list so you have remote access to the installation (outside the local network).
>
> If you want our remote help, add the user **[support@taphome.com](mailto:support@taphome.com)**.

## LAN / Remote access

If the control unit is on the same network as your TapHome app, the connection is always local – an Internet connection is not required.

### Connection indicator

The type of connection (local or remote) is indicated:

* In the top-left menu
* In **Settings → My location → Connected users**
* In **Settings → All Users**

![LAN](https://taphome.com/documentation/setup/lan@2x.png) ![Cloud](https://taphome.com/documentation/setup/cloud@2x.png)

### Location statuses

The following icons are used in the list of locations:

| Icon | Status |
|-------|------|
| ![New location](https://taphome.com/documentation/setup/location-new@3x.png) | New location |
| ![Online](https://taphome.com/documentation/setup/location-online@3x.png) | Location is available via LAN or remotely |
| ![LAN offline](https://taphome.com/documentation/setup/location-lan-offline@3x.png) | Location is available via LAN, but not remotely |
| ![Offline](https://taphome.com/documentation/setup/location-offline@3x.png) | Location is not available via LAN or remotely |

**See also** — [Requirements for Third-Party Devices](https://taphome.com/en/docs/setup/requirements/), [Users and permissions](https://taphome.com/en/docs/configuration/users-permissions/), [Documentation](https://taphome.com/en/docs/).

## Troubleshooting

Common issues related to this topic:

- [EXT sensor after replacement](https://taphome.com/en/troubleshooting/hardware/ext-sensor-not-communicating-after-replacement/) — Replaced external sensor (temperature, humidity, CO2) still not communicating with the module

[View all troubleshooting articles](https://taphome.com/en/troubleshooting/)