Device link vs thinking service

Two separate ideas that are often confused — linking your iPhone and choosing a model.

Updated July 13, 20261 min read

These are the two most confused ideas. They are separate.

Two columns: Device link showing iPhone and brain with padlock, and Thinking service showing brain connected to model icons
These are separate — linking does not pick your model.
Device linkThinking service
What it isYour iPhone connected to your Centurion brainWhich model answers your messages
Where you set itYou → Your linkYou → How Your Centurion Thinks
When it's wrong"Not linked" / connection errors"Needs attention" / no replies
Fix starts withWi‑Fi, Local Network, approvalChoose a model or add API key on the brain

Device link means your iPhone can reach your Centurion brain on your network — like pairing a trusted remote.

Thinking service means your brain has a working model and API key so it can think and reply.

You can be linked but still need to fix thinking — and vice versa is rare but possible during setup.

Note

If messages won't send, check which layer is broken. See Messages not sending.

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