Overview
Adding a BLE tag is the first step in tracking tools and equipment with Bluetooth in ToolWatch. Each BLE tag has a unique MAC address that must be added to ToolWatch before it can be assigned to a tool. To register a GPS tag, see Registering a GPS Tag in ToolWatch.
This article walks through the complete process of adding a tag using the Add Manually method recommended by ToolWatch.
Before You Begin
You will need:
The MAC address for each tag
The tag’s model and manufacturer
An optional item to link the tag to (you may assign it later)
Important
Do not use the printed number on the tag as the MAC address.
The MAC address is found only by scanning the tag’s QR code.
How to Find the MAC Address
For tags supplied by ToolWatch:
Scan the QR code on the tag with your phone's camera or a QR code scanning app. The tag's MAC address shows on your phone.
Enter this unique MAC address in ToolWatch.
Note: Each tag has its own unique MAC address. The MAC address has 12 characters, using only the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A to F.
For third-party tags, contact your ToolWatch wireless program representative.
Turn On the BLE Tag
Press the circular button in the middle of the tag.
2 red flashes = on
1 green flash = tag is transmitting a signal
How to Register a BLE Tag in ToolWatch
Follow the steps below in order.
Expand Tracking
Select Wireless Tags
Select +Add Tag. The Add Wireless Tag window opens.
In Tag Model, search for your model and select it. The tag model is on the tag.
Enter the tag’s MAC Address exactly as scanned. Skip Unique ID. This field is grayed out and you cannot type in it.
Serial Number: Use the printed serial on the tag or duplicate the MAC address.
The GPS checkbox stays empty for BLE tags. To register a GPS tag, see Registering a GPS Tag in ToolWatch.
Link to Item: (Optional) Enter the item number the tag will be assigned to, or leave this for later.
Click Enter (only if you entered an item number).
Select Save to add the tag to your organization. The tag shows in the Wireless Tag Browser.
After Adding a Tag
Once the tag appears in the Wireless Tag Browser, you can:
Assign it to a tool
Attach the tag physically to that tool
Use mobile scanning to identify or validate the tag nearby
Review scan data once gateways detect it
For assignment instructions, see:
To link a BLE tag in the mobile app, see Linking Wireless BLE Tags in the ToolWatch Mobile App.
Troubleshooting Tag Setup
The QR code won’t scan
Clean the tag surface
Try another QR scanning app
Ensure your camera app has permission to scan codes
The MAC address format looks wrong
MAC addresses contain A–F and 0–9 only
Confirm you did not use the printed serial number from the tag
The tag doesn’t appear after saving
Refresh the Wireless Tag Browser
Check for extra spaces before or after the MAC address
Verify that the MAC address was typed correctly