Does pairing occur every time there is a connection?

[Tgage]

I am using an NRF52 dev board to develops a device that connects to an Android and IOS device.

I am unclear on where pairing comes into play with relation to connecting. For example I started off with the SDK example project BLE Peripheral Template, following along the general procedure from the beginners tutorials, I added a custom service and characteristics. I built up a GATT for my application just fine. What I don't understand is, does pairing occur every time there is connection? I am just not clear on when/ how often this occurs or if there is an easy way to tell. For instance of someone says that two devices are connected does that imply that a pairing must have occurred? Let me know if I am thinking of this all wrong. Any clarification on this would be greatly appreciated.

[Sigurd]

No, a connection between two devices does not imply that the devices are paired. Pairing is a procedure where encryption keys are exchanged between the devices, and a encrypted link is established between the devices. An ordinary connection is not encrypted or secure, so in order to share secure data, the devices needs to be paired.

If you want to enable pairing in your project, you need to add the Peer Manager.

[Tgage]

Great thanks for the clarification. Just what I needed!