Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about SiliconWit.io.

Getting Started

What is SiliconWit.io?

SiliconWit.io is a connected operations platform for IoT and AIoT. It connects sensors, actuators, and industrial equipment over MQTT, MQTT-SN, CoAP, or HTTP, stores the data in a time-series database, and turns it into real-time alerts, dashboards, and automation, so you can monitor and control physical operations remotely instead of checking on them in person.

Explore Features

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The Free plan includes 2 active devices (a 3rd unlocks when you share one publicly), 7 days of data history, unlimited alerts, and email notifications, no credit card required. Paid plans add more devices, longer retention, SMS alerts, AI analytics, and automation.

See Pricing

Can I try SiliconWit.io without creating an account?

Yes. The Try Without Signup demo lets you send real sensor data from your browser or the command line and watch it appear on a live chart instantly, with no account, email, or credit card. The demo device stays active for about 30 minutes.

Try It Now

Do I need to know how to code to use it?

No coding is required to use the dashboard, set up alerts, or view data. Connecting a physical device does involve flashing firmware or sending data from existing device code, but SiliconWit.io provides ready-to-use code snippets (Arduino, Python, MicroPython, Node.js) and a guided setup wizard for common boards like ESP32.

Adding a Device

How do I connect my first device?

After creating a free account, go to your dashboard and choose a path: an instant browser-based demo device, guided ESP32 firmware flashing over USB, or manual setup with your own code and the provided MQTT or HTTP credentials. Full guides are in the documentation.

Quick Start GuideAdding a Device

Devices & Protocols

What devices and protocols does SiliconWit.io support?

Any MQTT, MQTT-SN, CoAP, or HTTP-capable device, including ESP32, Raspberry Pi, industrial controllers, and most sensors or actuators, over WiFi, cellular, NB-IoT, or LoRaWAN via gateway. If a device can send an HTTP request or connect to an MQTT broker, it can connect to SiliconWit.io.

MQTT BasicsMQTT Broker Details

Is there a limit on how many devices I can connect?

The Free plan allows 2-3 active devices. Paid plans (Starter, Business, Scale) raise that limit significantly, and Custom/Enterprise plans support unlimited devices with limits tailored to your operation.

See Pricing

Can I control devices remotely, or only view data?

Both. Beyond monitoring, SiliconWit.io can send commands back to a device, such as toggles, buttons, or sliders, from the dashboard or automation rules, and specific commands can even be shared publicly for no-login demos.

Commands Documentation

Can I connect a device over cellular or LoRaWAN?

Yes. Devices on cellular (2G/GPRS, NB-IoT) can connect over HTTP or MQTT the same way a WiFi device does. LoRaWAN devices connect through a gateway that forwards data on to SiliconWit.io.

MQTT Basics

Data & Security

Is my device data secure?

Yes. Data is encrypted in transit over TLS (MQTT on port 8883, HTTPS for the dashboard and API) and stored in a private, access-controlled PostgreSQL database. Devices and their data are private by default, nothing is public unless you explicitly choose to share it.

Security Settings

Where is my data stored?

SiliconWit.io runs on its own self-hosted infrastructure in Europe, using PostgreSQL with TimescaleDB for time-series telemetry, separate from the servers of the sensors sending data. It isn't shared with third parties beyond what's needed to deliver the service (e.g. email/SMS delivery).

Privacy Policy

Can I export my data?

Yes. From any device's detail page, you can export telemetry data as CSV or Excel. Paid plans also have API access for programmatic data retrieval, and webhooks can push data to your own systems in real time.

API Reference

How long is my data kept?

It depends on your plan: the Free plan keeps 7 days of history, paid plans extend that considerably, and Custom plans can set a specific retention period. You'll get a warning by email before older data is cleaned up.

Data Retention

Can I delete my account and data?

Yes, at any time from your account settings. Deleting your account removes your devices, telemetry, and profile information; a short grace period applies to some data types so an accidental deletion can still be recovered in time.

Deleting DevicesPrivacy Policy

Alerts & Automation

Can SiliconWit.io send alerts when something goes wrong?

Yes. You can set threshold rules on any data field and get notified by email, SMS (Business plan and up), push notification, Discord, Slack, Telegram, or a custom webhook, in real time as the data arrives.

Documentation Home

Can I automate actions based on device data?

Yes, on plans with automation enabled. Rules can trigger commands to other devices, not just notifications, so a reading on one sensor can drive an action on an actuator without you in the loop.

See Pricing

Does SiliconWit.io have a public API or webhooks?

Yes. Paid plans get REST API access for devices, telemetry, and webhooks, plus up to 3 outbound webhooks (HMAC-signed) that fire on events like new telemetry or alerts, so you can integrate SiliconWit.io with your own systems.

API Reference

Billing & Plans

What happens to my data if I downgrade or cancel?

You'll get an email reminder 7 days before your plan expires. After that, your account moves to the Free plan: devices beyond the free limit are paused, not deleted, and data older than the new retention window is removed after a grace period. Upgrading anytime restores your previous limits and data.

Subscription Plans

Can I pay for multiple months at once?

Yes. Paid plans can be billed for 1 to 12 months upfront in a single payment, and each payment gets a downloadable PDF receipt.

See Pricing

What payment methods are accepted?

Payments are processed securely through Paystack, supporting major cards and, depending on your region, mobile money. Prices are shown in USD, with KES pricing shown automatically for users in Kenya.

Can I change plans anytime?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade from your billing page at any time. Custom pricing for larger deployments is available by contacting the team directly.

See PricingContact Sales

Sharing & Community

Can I share my device data publicly?

Yes. Any device can be made public with a shareable URL, a chosen set of visible fields, and one or more categories (Agriculture, Manufacturing, Logistics, Research, Smart Buildings, Education) so it's discoverable on the public device gallery. Sharing a device also unlocks an extra device slot on the Free plan.

Browse Public Devices

What industries use SiliconWit.io?

Agriculture (greenhouse and irrigation monitoring), manufacturing (equipment monitoring), logistics (fleet and cold-chain tracking), research labs, and smart buildings are common uses, though SiliconWit.io works for any operation with sensors or equipment worth watching remotely.

Browse Public Devices

Is there a mobile app?

The web dashboard is fully responsive and works well on any mobile browser. You can also install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) from your browser for a native-app-like experience, without an app store.

Still have questions?

Browse the documentation or reach out and we'll help directly.