Add Buoy to a .NET MAUI app

This guide adds Buoy and checks one web call. Start with a Debug build of your MAUI app. See Install for the .NET and OS floors.

Let your agent do it

Copy this prompt to your coding agent. Review its edits when the setup is done.

Let your coding agent install itClaude Code · Cursor · Codex

Read the prompt before you paste it

Add Buoy to this .NET MAUI app. Read the full guide first: curl -fsSL https://buoy.gg/install-maui.md Use the raw text, then do the setup here. Follow my scope and this repo's rules. Keep edits small. Do not commit or discard work. Keep Buoy out of Release with package and code guards. Ask before sign-in, a browser, or a device launch. Check both builds and list any steps still left. Do not claim capture works from a build alone.

The prompt asks your agent to inspect the project, choose matching tools and guide setup. Review its edits and verify the connection on your device.Read the setup instructions

1. Add the package

Run this in the folder with your app's .csproj. This command is for the first NuGet beta. It will work once that beta is published.

dotnet add package Buoy.Maui --prerelease

dotnet add package Buoy.Maui --prerelease

This also brings in Buoy.Core. Keep the resolved version in your project file. Make its package entry Debug-only as shown in Release builds.

2. Add your key

Run this in the same app folder.

npx buoy login

npx buoy login

Sign in with your Free or Pro account. The command writes a key to a local env file. Buoy reads that file when the app builds. Keep that file out of source control.

3. Start Buoy

Add these lines to your app's MauiProgram.cs. Keep your app's own setup and service calls. Call UseBuoy just once, before Build.

text

#if DEBUG
using Buoy.Maui;
#endif
using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;

var builder = MauiApp.CreateBuilder().UseMauiApp<App>();

#if DEBUG
builder.UseBuoyNetwork();
builder.UseBuoy();
builder.Services.AddSingleton<HttpClient>(services =>
    services.CreateNetworkClient());
#else
builder.Services.AddSingleton<HttpClient>(_ => new HttpClient());
#endif

return builder.Build();

#if DEBUG
using Buoy.Maui;
#endif
using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;

var builder = MauiApp.CreateBuilder().UseMauiApp<App>();

#if DEBUG
builder.UseBuoyNetwork();
builder.UseBuoy();
builder.Services.AddSingleton<HttpClient>(services =>
    services.CreateNetworkClient());
#else
builder.Services.AddSingleton<HttpClient>(_ => new HttpClient());
#endif

return builder.Build();

Buoy adds its own view to your app window. You do not need to wrap or replace pages. If your app has an HTTP client, keep its setup. Use the Network guide to wire that client. Do not add a second client your app never uses.

4. Check a web call

Build and run your app in Debug mode. Open Buoy once your account has access. Have your app make a fresh call through that client. Open Network and find its URL and status.

A plain new HttpClient() does not use Buoy. If the call is missing, check the app's client first. Then check your account and the tool's capture switch. The package alone does not prove calls are captured.

5. Add more tools

Use the tool guide to add each source. For in-app chat, see Ask Buoy. To link your phone, see Devices and Desktop.