How the presence sensor works
The presence sensor detects nearby devices by listening for Wi‑Fi signals, rather than requiring users to actively connect to a network.
It uses technology that tracks:
Footfall: which shows how many devices enter the sensor’s range.
Dwell time: which shows how long those devices remain within range.
The sensor operates at approximately one and a half times the range of standard Wi‑Fi hardware, although the exact range can vary depending on the hardware used and the environment.
By monitoring the status of the Wi‑Fi icon on devices, the sensor can identify whether a device is present even if it is not connected to the Wi‑Fi network.
What the sensor detects
The sensor primarily detects Wi‑Fi beacons emitted by phones and other devices.
This means:
Devices are detected when their Wi‑Fi functionality is active.
Devices do not need to be connected to the network to be counted.
Detection is passive and based on signal presence, not user interaction.
⚠️ Important: If a phone is turned off, has Wi‑Fi switched off, or its Wi‑Fi is sleeping, the sensor cannot detect it.
MAC address randomisation
Many modern smartphones and operating systems use a built‑in privacy feature called MAC address randomisation. This feature regularly changes the identifier a device shares over Wi‑Fi to prevent long‑term tracking.
Because the presence sensor relies on detecting these Wi‑Fi identifiers:
Devices cannot always be recognised as the same device when they return.
A single device may appear as multiple visits.
Some devices may not be detected at all.
This means presence data should be used as an estimate of footfall trends, not an exact headcount.
Despite this, the sensor is still useful for understanding:
Overall changes in visitor numbers.
Busy and quiet periods.
Typical dwell behaviour over time.
Data privacy and personal information
Protecting privacy is a core principle of how the presence sensor operates.
The sensor doesn't collect any personally identifiable information (PII).
No user data is captured simply by being detected within range.
PII is only collected if a guest actively connects to your Wi‑Fi network, and this follows your existing Wi‑Fi data capture and consent processes.
Sensor location and setup
Sensors are shipped directly to you to install and position according to your own requirements, and we have no visibility over where sensors are situated within a venue.
🤓 Tip: To get the most out of your data, we recommend placing your sensor or sensors in public areas.
For help installing the sensor, take a look at our plugin guide.
If you need help troubleshooting your sensor, take a look at our troubleshooting guide.