> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mentraglass.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Build from Scratch

> Add the Mentra Bluetooth SDK to your own mobile app.

This is how to add the Mentra Bluetooth SDK to your own app from scratch. Choose
your platform below for the complete installation, permissions, configuration,
and connection flow.

If you want to try the SDK before integrating it, start with the
[Quickstart](/bluetooth-sdk/quickstart) and run a complete example app.

<Warning>
  Use a physical phone for Bluetooth testing. Simulators and emulators are useful
  for UI and compile checks, but they do not provide the real Bluetooth path.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  Bluetooth SDK `0.1.21-beta.5` requires the matching Mentra Live
  `0.1.21-beta.5` glasses software. Every SDK release requires the Mentra Live
  software release with the same version number.
</Warning>

## Choose Your Platform

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="React Native / Expo" icon="mobile-screen-button" href="/bluetooth-sdk/react-native-expo">
    Install `@mentra/bluetooth-sdk`, configure its Expo plugin and permissions,
    create a native build, and connect.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Android" icon="android" href="/bluetooth-sdk/android">
    Add the Maven package, configure Android permissions and native libraries,
    and connect from Kotlin.
  </Card>

  <Card title="iOS" icon="apple" href="/bluetooth-sdk/ios">
    Add the Swift package, configure iOS permissions and background modes, and
    connect from Swift.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Integration Sequence

Each platform guide walks through the same core sequence:

1. Add the platform package to your existing app.
2. Configure Bluetooth, microphone, local-network, and notification permissions
   required by the features you use.
3. Scan for Mentra Live, let the user choose a device, and connect.
4. Read SDK status and keep your UI derived from the latest connection state.
5. Check for and install the [matching Mentra Live software](/bluetooth-sdk/software-update)
   before testing SDK features.

## Continue Building

Once your app connects, use the guides below to add glasses features.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="API Reference" icon="book" href="/bluetooth-sdk/api-reference">
    Explore lifecycle methods, commands, events, and status models.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Camera and Streaming" icon="camera" href="/bluetooth-sdk/camera-streaming">
    Capture photos and video or stream to your own ingest endpoint.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Audio" icon="waveform" href="/bluetooth-sdk/audio">
    Use microphone input, transcription events, and speaker playback.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hardware" icon="glasses" href="/bluetooth-sdk/hardware">
    Handle buttons, touch, LEDs, battery, and capability state.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>