> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.verifone.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.verifone.com/support-us/verifone-hq/device-management/adding-devices/adding-devices-manually.md).
# Adding devices manually
This section discusses adding devices to VHQ manually.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Use this when** you need to add a single device to VHQ by hand, or update the serial number or device ID of an existing device.
{% endhint %}
The device ID must be unique within a given model. You must enter either the serial number or device ID to add the device details.
## Add a device manually
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Open Add Devices
Go to **Device Management** > **Manage Devices** > **Add Devices**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Click Add Device Manually
Complete the following fields:
* Enter the **Serial #** or **Device ID** in the respective boxes. When a new device is added with the device ID and model but no serial number, the device is identified based on the device ID and model, and the serial number is updated later. VHQ also allows you to set a device ID on devices that don't have one.
* Select the device model in the **Model** drop-down list.
* Select the **Hierarchy** level.
* If you click **Software and Key Assignment**, the following options are displayed:
* Click **Enabled** to enable download automation, or **Disabled** to disable it.
* In *Assignment Type*, select **Reference Set** or **Packages and Key Profiles**.
* If you select **Reference Set**, assign the software directly (**Direct Assignment**) or inherit it from the hierarchy (**Inherit from Hierarchy**).
* If you select **Packages and Key Profiles**, choose from the available VHQ packages to assign to the device.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Add the device
Click **Add**. The newly added device is now visible in the *Add Devices* screen.
{% hint style="info" %}
In VHQ Device Search, this device will have the *Pending Registration Device* status.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Update the serial number or device ID
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Open Device Profile
Go to **Device Profile**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Edit the details
Click the pencil icon to edit the serial number and device ID. The *Edit* dialog box is displayed.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Save
Update the device ID, then save the details.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Guidelines
* When a new device is added with a device ID and model but no serial number, the device is identified by device ID and model, and the serial number is updated once known.
* In VHQ, devices can be configured using either the serial number or device ID, but the device ID is required for software and parameter downloads to work. If a device registers without one, VHQ checks whether a device ID is already associated with it and pushes that value to the device if found.
* For this to happen automatically, the **Push Device ID to Devices** setting (**Administration** > **System Configuration**) must be set to **True**. When enabled, the VHQ Messaging Server includes the deviceId in its response to any message from a VHQ R11 agent, and the agent uses that value going forward.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Example**: a device with serial number S1 and no device ID contacts the server. If VHQ already has D1 associated with S1, it sends D1 back to the agent, which then uses it in all future heartbeat messages.
{% endhint %}
Keywords
Also called: manual device add, add device manually, push device ID. Search terms: serial number, device ID, hierarchy level, software assignment.
---
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