> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.researchanddesire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Offline Mode
> How your Chastity Lockbox operates when not connected to WiFi or the dashboard
Your Chastity Lockbox is designed to function both online and offline. This guide explains what works without WiFi, what requires connectivity, and how the device handles transitions between online and offline states.
## What works offline
These features function fully without any internet connection:
| Feature | Offline behavior |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Timed locks | Timer continues counting down locally |
| Lock/unlock mechanism | Physical lock engages and releases |
| Menu navigation | All menus accessible |
| Button controls | Full functionality |
| Sleep modes | Automatic and manual sleep work |
| Emergency unlock | Can be used locally (if enabled) |
| State persistence | Lock state survives restarts |
If you're going somewhere without WiFi, your lock will continue working. The timer runs on the device itself, not on a server.
## What requires WiFi
These features need an active WiFi connection:
| Feature | Why WiFi is needed |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Pairing | Device must register with dashboard server |
| Firmware updates | Downloads from update server |
| Dashboard sync | Receives keyholder commands |
| Time synchronization | Gets accurate time from NTP server |
| Activity logging | Sends events to dashboard |
| Public voting | Receives vote updates |
| Keyholder unlock | Remote unlock commands |
## Time display when offline
When your device isn't connected to WiFi and hasn't synchronized time, the lock screen shows:
> "Connect Wi-Fi to see time remaining"
Without time sync, the device cannot display accurate remaining time. However, the lock timer itself still runs correctly based on the configured duration.
### Why this happens
The device needs to know the current time to calculate "time remaining." Without an NTP sync:
* The device knows the lock duration
* The device doesn't know what time it is now
* Therefore, it can't calculate remaining time
Once WiFi connects and time syncs, the display updates to show accurate remaining time.
## Local play mode
When you start a lock directly on the device (not from the dashboard), it operates in "local play" mode:
### Local play characteristics
* Lock duration is stored locally on device
* Timer runs independently of server
* No keyholder involvement required
* Lock ends when timer expires
### Dashboard locks
When a lock is started from the dashboard:
* Settings sync to device over WiFi
* Break schedules are received
* Emergency unlock can be remotely disabled
* Keyholder can modify lock remotely
Local locks (started on device) cannot be modified from the dashboard. Dashboard locks can be modified by your keyholder even when you're offline—the changes sync when you reconnect.
## State persistence
Your device preserves its state across:
* Restarts
* Power cycles
* WiFi disconnections
* Deep sleep
The following data persists:
| Data | Storage |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Lock state (locked/unlocked) | Non-volatile memory |
| Lock end time | Non-volatile memory |
| Session settings | Non-volatile memory |
| WiFi credentials | Non-volatile memory |
| Calibration data | Non-volatile memory |
Even if your device loses power completely, it will return to its locked state when powered on.
## WiFi reconnection behavior
When WiFi disconnects during operation:
1. **Immediate**: Device continues operating normally
2. **Every 30 seconds**: Automatic reconnection attempt
3. **On reconnection**: Syncs state with dashboard
### Manual WiFi setup
You can reconfigure WiFi at any time through:
* Main Menu → Settings → WiFi Settings
* Lock Menu → WiFi Settings (while locked)
This opens the configuration portal without affecting your lock state.
## Offline scenarios
### Scenario 1: WiFi goes down during lock
* Lock timer continues normally
* "Connecting" indicator shows on status bar
* Auto-reconnect attempts every 30 seconds
* Lock unlocks when timer expires (no WiFi needed)
### Scenario 2: Starting lock without WiFi
* Navigate to Lock in menu
* Set duration with encoder
* Press Enter to confirm
* Lock engages locally
* Time display shows "Connect Wi-Fi to see time remaining"
* Timer still counts down correctly
### Scenario 3: Travel to location without WiFi
* Device works normally
* Dashboard cannot send commands
* Local emergency unlock still available (if enabled)
* On return to WiFi, state syncs automatically
### Scenario 4: Deep sleep disconnects WiFi
* WiFi disconnects in deep sleep (power saving)
* Lock state unchanged
* On wake, WiFi reconnects automatically
* Pending dashboard commands received
## Dashboard sync details
When online, your device periodically syncs with the dashboard:
### Outgoing (device → dashboard)
* Lock state changes
* Button presses
* Sensor readings
* Emergency unlock usage
* Break timing
### Incoming (dashboard → device)
* Lock commands
* Unlock commands
* Break schedule updates
* Session setting changes
* Time display preferences
Sync happens via MQTT for real-time responsiveness. Commands typically arrive within seconds when online.
## Troubleshooting offline issues
Connect to WiFi to sync time. The lock is still running—you just can't see the countdown until time syncs.
Your device must be online to receive dashboard commands. Check WiFi connection status in the status bar.
The dashboard updates when your device reconnects. Connect to WiFi and the status will sync.
Go to Settings → WiFi Settings to manually reconnect. Your lock state is unaffected.
## Related guides
How to connect your device to WiFi.
How sleep affects WiFi connectivity.
Understanding the WiFi status indicator.
How to verify your device is online.