Getting Started
Quick Start Guide
Follow these steps to set up your BYOK device and start writing.
1
Power On Your Device
Press the button on the front of the device to power on your BYOK.
2
Connect Your Keyboard
Choose your keyboard connection method:
For Wireless Keyboards:
- Navigate to the "Bluetooth" menu using the arrow buttons on the back of the device and select using the button with the raised dot
- Put your keyboard into pairing mode (follow your keyboard's specific instructions)
- Select "Connect a keyboard" on the device. Your BYOK should say "Bluetooth scanning..." for around 10 seconds
- Select your keyboard from the list. You should see "Bluetooth - connecting to keyboard..." then return to the main menu
- Test your connection using the arrow keys. Your keyboard should now reconnect automatically each time you restart
For Wired Keyboards:
Simply plug the keyboard into the USB port. If you have a USB-A keyboard, you'll need a USB A to C adapter.
Tips:
- •The fourth button on the back controls the backlight (5 levels including off)
- •Use arrow keys to navigate menus and ENTER to select
- •Note: Some wired keyboards with LED lights may drain battery faster - wireless is recommended for these
3
Connect WiFi and Update Firmware
Critical step to ensure you have the newest firmware version. This guide covers the direct Wi-Fi approach.
Important
We recommend updating to the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance and access to all features.
- Select "WiFi" from the main menu
- In the WiFi submenu, select "Connect new WiFi"
- After a brief pause, a list of networks will appear. Select yours and enter the password if needed
- Navigate down with arrow keys and select "OK"
- The WiFi submenu should now show "Using YOURNETWORK" at the top
- Select "Check for Update" at the bottom. If an update is found, it will download
- Once download finishes, restart your device and wait for the install to complete
Tip:
- •Quick press the power button to toggle the status bar (shows firmware version, file name, word count, battery level, etc.)
4
Set Up Syncing (Optional)
Enable two-way syncing with Studio for online backups and flexible workflows. Free to use with a Studio account.
- Create your Studio account at app.byok.io (if you haven't already)
- Once logged in, select the person icon at top right and choose "Devices"
- Select "Connect New BYOK"
- On your BYOK, navigate to the syncing menu and select "Sync Setup"
- Enter the device ID shown on the BYOK into the field on the app and choose "Connect"
- On your BYOK, select "Ok" on the screen displaying your device ID
- Verify that your device says "Sync Active" at the top of the syncing submenu. If not, restart and verify again
Tips:
- •Your device syncs automatically during power off (indicated by pulsing white LED)
- •You can also manually sync by choosing "Sync Now" in the Syncing menu
Enhance Your Workflow
Discover BYOK Studio
Studio is your companion writing platform at app.byok.io. While your BYOK is perfect for distraction-free drafting, Studio completes the workflow — plan your story, organize your research, compile your manuscript, and edit with powerful tools.
Manuscript — Compile chapters into your book
Grid — Mind map, plot, and organize visually
Cards — Flexible notes for story planning
Wiki — Build worlds and organize research
Drawer — Keep all your project files organized
Sync — Access your work from any device
5
Create Your First Project
Projects are like folders that help organize your writing and sync with Studio.
- Select "Projects" from the main menu
- Select "New Project"
- Enter the project name and select "OK"
6
Create Your First File
Now you're ready to create a text file and start writing.
- Select "File" on the main menu
- Select "New File"
- Name the file and choose "OK"
Tips:
- •To create a file in another project, create/open that project first
- •Check your current project/file by toggling the status bar (quick press power button or CTRL + SPACE)
- •Files automatically save as you work
7
Start Writing! ✨
You're all set! Begin writing on your distraction-free BYOK device. While writing you can do a number of things:
- Navigate your cursor using your keyboard's arrow keys, or jump to the beginning/end of a line with HOME/END keys
- Return to the main menu using ESC on your keyboard or by pressing the select button on the back of the device
- Open the status bar with CTRL + SPACE or quick press the power button to view word counts, battery, your current file, etc.
- Navigate with PAGE UP/DOWN or the arrows on the back of the device
- Power off your device by holding the button on the front of the device
Tips:
- •Be sure to check out the rest of the manual to learn the ins and outs of the BYOK. You can find everything from customizations, hotkeys, troubleshooting, etc.
- •If the default typeface isn't your thing, you can change fonts in Settings — and download many more from the Font Library on our website.
You're All Set!
Your BYOK is ready to use. Explore the rest of the manual to discover all the features and customization options available.
Not a fan of the default fonts? or browse the Font Library.
Need help? Check out the other sections in the sidebar or contact our support team.