Connecting Your Shipshape Gateway

Overview

The Shipshape Gateway is the central hub that connects all of your home's sensors to the Shipshape platform. Think of it as the translator between your sensors and SAM. Every sensor in your home communicates with the gateway, and the gateway sends that data securely to the cloud so SAM can keep watch over your home 24/7.

Setting up the gateway is the first physical step in getting your Shipshape system online. The good news: it requires no technical expertise. If you can plug in a lamp, you can set up your gateway.

What You Will Need

Before you start, make sure you have these items ready:

• Shipshape Gateway (included in your monitoring kit)
• Power adapter (included with the gateway)
• Ethernet cable (included with the gateway)
• Your home internet router (the box from your internet provider)
• Your smartphone with the Shipshape Home app installed

Why Ethernet (Not WiFi)?

You might wonder why the gateway uses a wired ethernet connection instead of WiFi. There are two important reasons:

• Reliability. A wired connection does not drop out when your WiFi gets congested from streaming, video calls, or too many devices. Your home monitoring should never go offline because someone started a Netflix marathon.
• Security. A wired connection is inherently more secure than wireless. Your sensor data stays protected without relying on WiFi encryption.

The gateway handles the wireless communication with your sensors on its own. It just needs a solid, wired connection to your router to relay that data to the internet.

Step-by-Step: Connecting the Gateway Hardware

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate Your Internet Router

Find your internet router, the box that runs your WiFi. This is typically located in a home office, utility closet, garage, or near where your internet service enters the home. If your internet provider gave you a separate modem, the gateway plugs into the router, not the modem.

Good to know: If you use a mesh WiFi system (like Eero, Google Nest WiFi, or Orbi), you will connect to the main base unit, not a satellite. See our Eero setup guide for details.

Step 2: Find an Open Ethernet Port

Look at the back of your router for an available ethernet port. These are small rectangular ports, usually labeled "LAN" or numbered 1 through 4. They look like slightly wider phone jacks.

No open ports? No problem. Pick up an inexpensive network switch (available at any electronics store). Plug the switch into one of your router's ports, and you will instantly have several additional ports to use. Your service professional may also carry one.

Step 3: Unbox the Gateway

Remove the gateway, power adapter, and ethernet cable from the box. You should have three items:

1. The gateway unit (a small, round device)
2. The power adapter (plugs into a standard wall outlet)
3. The ethernet cable (a cable with identical rectangular plugs on both ends)

Step 4: Connect the Ethernet Cable

• Plug one end of the ethernet cable into the ethernet port on the gateway
• Plug the other end into the open port on your router (or network switch)

You should feel a satisfying click when each end is fully seated.

Step 5: Plug in the Power

• Connect the power adapter to the gateway
• Plug the power adapter directly into a wall outlet if you can. A quality surge protector also works, but avoid basic extension cords, which can cause connection problems
• A light on the gateway will turn on, indicating it has power

Step 6: Wait for the Gateway to Boot Up

Most gateways are ready in 2 to 5 minutes. A brand-new gateway can take up to 15 minutes the first time, because it may install a software update and download its connection settings for Shipshape. Don't unplug it while that happens. The lights on the ethernet port only mean the cable is connected, not that the gateway has reached Shipshape.

Tip for service pros: Power on the gateway as soon as you arrive, before you start on sensors or appliances. It's usually ready by the time you add it in the app.

Good to know: The gateway does not need to be in a visible location. Tuck it behind your router or on a shelf nearby. Just make sure it has adequate ventilation and is not buried under a pile of items.

Step-by-Step: Connecting the Gateway to Your App

Once the hardware is plugged in and the gateway has had a few minutes to boot up, it is time to link it to your Shipshape account.

Step 1: Open the Shipshape Home App

Launch the app and make sure you are viewing the correct home. If you manage multiple properties, tap the home name at the top of the screen to switch.

Step 2: Go to Manage Network

• Tap Manager at the bottom of the screen
• Tap Manage Network
• Tap Add new gateway

Step 3: Choose Your Gateway

Tap Shipshape 2nd Generation.

Step 4: Scan the QR Code

The app opens your phone's camera to scan the gateway's QR code:

• Find the QR code on the bottom of the gateway or on its box
• Hold your phone steady over the QR code until it registers
• If prompted, allow camera permissions. The app needs camera access to read the QR code

Tip: Make sure the QR code is well-lit. If you are in a dark closet or behind furniture, use a flashlight or temporarily move the gateway to scan it.

Camera won't read it? Tap Enter gateway ID instead and type the gateway ID printed near the QR code. Letters and numbers only, and spaces don't matter. Then tap Continue.

Step 5: Wait for the Connection

Keep the app open and the gateway plugged in while it connects. The app shows a countdown, and it can take up to 12 minutes. When you see Gateway added successfully, your gateway is online and ready to communicate with sensors.

If you see Almost there, the gateway is online and finishing setup, which can include a software update. You can keep waiting or continue.

Placement Tips

• Keep it close to your router. If you need more distance than the included cable allows, use a longer ethernet cable (Cat5e or Cat6, available at any electronics store).
• Central location helps. The gateway communicates wirelessly with your sensors, so a more central location in the home can improve range. That said, most homes work perfectly fine with the gateway next to the router.
• Avoid metal enclosures. Do not place the gateway inside a metal cabinet or electrical panel. Metal blocks wireless signals.
• Keep it dry. The gateway is an indoor device. Do not place it in areas prone to moisture or condensation.

Troubleshooting

The gateway light does not turn on

• Confirm the power adapter is fully plugged into both the gateway and the wall outlet
• Try a different wall outlet
• Check that you are using the correct power adapter (the one included with the gateway)

The app cannot find the gateway

• Verify the ethernet cable is firmly connected on both ends (you should hear a click)
• Confirm the gateway has been powered on long enough. A brand-new gateway can take up to 15 minutes the first time
• Make sure it's plugged into a LAN port on your router, not into your internet provider's modem
• Restart the gateway by unplugging power, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in
• Still not working? See Gateway Won't Come Online During Installation, then call Shipshape support before swapping the gateway

The app says "Bummer!"

• The app couldn't finish linking the gateway. Check that the ethernet cable is connected to your router (not just to the gateway) and that your internet service is working, then tap Try Again.
• If the app says the gateway already exists in another home, tap Report the Issue and our team will take a look.

QR code will not scan

• Clean the QR code sticker if it is dusty or smudged
• Ensure adequate lighting on the QR code
• Hold your phone about 6 to 8 inches from the code and keep it steady
• Make sure camera permissions are enabled for the Shipshape app in your phone's settings

What Happens Next

With your gateway online, you are ready for the next step: sensor installation. Your service professional will place sensors throughout your home during a scheduled visit, and pair each one with your gateway.

Once sensors are active, SAM begins monitoring your home's critical systems in real time. You will start seeing data in your app and receiving alerts if anything needs attention.

For guidance on where sensors should go, see Where to Place Your Shipshape Sensors.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues during setup, contact our support team. You can also tap the SAM chat icon in your app for instant troubleshooting assistance. SAM can walk you through the setup process step by step.