# Pairing (/docs/users/pairing)



Pairing links a machine to your Cento account so the dashboard can see it and
run workspaces on it. It happens once per machine and survives restarts.

## How it works [#how-it-works]

1. During install (or when you run `cento login`), the CLI prints an approval
   link with a short device code.
2. Open the link in a browser where you're signed in to Cento.
3. Click **Approve**.

That's the entire manual step. The daemon stores its credential securely on
your machine (OS keychain where available) — no token ever passes through
your clipboard or shell history.

## Things to know [#things-to-know]

* **Pair once.** Restarts never ask again; the machine keeps its identity.
* **Revocable.** You can remove a machine from your account in the dashboard;
  its credential stops working immediately.
* **Per machine.** Each machine pairs on its own — there is no credential
  copying between devices.