ZeroTrace AirLeak
Installation & Setup
Hardware unboxing, mobile app install, first pairing
Three steps from box to first capture: Unbox → Install the app → Pair.
1. What's in the box
- ZeroTrace AirLeak unit (in custom enclosure)
- USB-C cable (for power)
- External 2.4 GHz dipole antenna (WROOM-1U variant)
The unit ships pre-flashed with the latest firmware. You don't need to flash anything to get started.
2. Install the ZeroTrace mobile app
The mobile app is the primary interface for AirLeak. It connects to the unit over Bluetooth, no cables, no desktop software.
Install ZeroTrace Mobile from the App Store:
See the ZeroTrace Mobile App docs for a full tour of the app.
3. Power the unit
Plug the AirLeak into any USB-C power source (a phone charger, a power bank, or a laptop port). The unit only needs power from USB-C, all control happens over Bluetooth. When it boots it starts advertising as AL-XXXX (the last four hex of its hardware ID).
4. Pair from the app
- Open the app and tap Pair a device.
- The app scans for nearby ZeroTrace devices and lists the AirLeak by its
AL-XXXXname and signal strength. - Tap it to connect and bond over Bluetooth.
5. Activate the license
AirLeak is HWID-bound and ships unlicensed. An unlicensed unit still advertises and accepts a connection so the app can activate it over Bluetooth.
- When prompted, scan the license QR code (or type the key).
- The app sends it to the unit; on success the unit stores it and unlocks capture.
Until a valid key is stored, capture stays held in Setup mode.
6. Pick a capture mode
Open the device's Modes tab. AirLeak exposes:
- Monitor, continuous BLE scan streamed to Live, Hunt and Insights.
- Wardrive, max-rate scan for geo-tagged collection. Live/Hunt/Insights pause; the Drive tab maps and logs every device you pass.
- Setup, the radio stops scanning. Use it while pairing or changing settings.
Tap Monitor. The Live tab starts populating with nearby BLE devices within a second or two.
That's it. AirLeak is now capturing every BLE device in range.
Troubleshooting first-pair issues
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
AL-XXXX doesn't appear in the scan | Confirm the unit's LED is on (it needs USB-C power). Make sure Bluetooth and (on Android) location permission are granted to the app. |
| Pairs but won't connect | Move closer; another phone may already be connected (the unit allows a limited number of connections). |
| Connected but no devices in Live | Mode is still setup, or the unit is in an empty area. Switch to Monitor and wait ~30 s. |
| License won't activate | Confirm the key matches this unit (it's HWID-bound) and the connection is stable. |
Continue to Capture Modes for what each mode does, or Your First Capture for a guided walkthrough of what to look at first.