Schema stack

    Hardware Setup Stack

    Hardware setup pages pairing a Product with HowTo steps, FAQs, and breadcrumb navigation.

    Included schema
    How To
    Product
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Breadcrumb
    Fit

    When to use this stack

    • Device setup or onboarding guides
    • Hardware installation pages with prerequisites
    • Docs where FAQs cover troubleshooting and compatibility
    Composition

    What is included

    • Captures the setup steps in a structured sequence.

    • Represents the hardware being set up.

    • Answers compatibility, troubleshooting, and warranty questions.

    • Provides navigation context to the setup guide.

    Data contract

    Properties across the bundle

    Nested properties keep their parent path, such as offers.priceCurrency. Only publish values that match visible page content.

    Required properties

    • brand.name
    • description
    • image
    • itemListElement[].name
    • mainEntity[].@type=Question
    • mainEntity[].acceptedAnswer.text
    • name
    • sku
    • step.name
    • step.text
    • url

    Recommended properties

    • category
    • description
    • itemListElement[].item
    • mainEntity[].acceptedAnswer.text
    • mainEntity[].author.name
    • mainEntity[].name
    • manufacturer.name
    • model
    • supply[0].name
    • tool[0].name
    • totalTime
    Copy-ready example

    Combined JSON-LD

    Paste this as one script tag, then replace every example value with data from the live page.

    [
      {
        "@context": "https://schema.org",
        "@type": "HowTo",
        "@id": "https://www.example.com/setup/smart-hub#howto",
        "name": "Set up the SmartHub Pro",
        "description": "Connect the SmartHub Pro, activate firmware, and pair your devices.",
        "totalTime": "PT30M",
        "tool": [
          { "@type": "HowToTool", "name": "Phillips screwdriver" }
        ],
        "supply": [
          { "@type": "HowToSupply", "name": "Ethernet cable" }
        ],
        "step": [
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "name": "Unbox and connect power",
            "text": "Plug in the SmartHub Pro and wait for the status light to turn solid blue."
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "name": "Connect to the network",
            "text": "Use the Ethernet cable to connect the hub to your router."
          },
          {
            "@type": "HowToStep",
            "name": "Activate and update",
            "text": "Open the setup app, enter the device code, and install the latest firmware."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@context": "https://schema.org",
        "@type": "Product",
        "@id": "https://www.example.com/setup/smart-hub#product",
        "name": "SmartHub Pro",
        "description": "Multi-protocol smart home hub with Wi-Fi and Zigbee support.",
        "image": "https://www.example.com/images/smarthub-pro.webp",
        "brand": {
          "@type": "Brand",
          "name": "Northwind Home"
        },
        "sku": "SHP-2000",
        "url": "https://www.example.com/products/smarthub-pro",
        "category": "Smart Home Hub",
        "manufacturer": {
          "@type": "Organization",
          "name": "Northwind Home"
        },
        "model": "SHP-2000"
      },
      {
        "@context": "https://schema.org",
        "@type": "FAQPage",
        "mainEntity": [
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What phones are supported?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "iOS 15+ and Android 10+. The latest version of the setup app is required."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Why is the status light blinking?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Blinking indicates the hub is searching for a network. Check your router connection."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Is the device covered by warranty?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Yes. The SmartHub Pro includes a 2-year limited warranty with registration."
            }
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@context": "https://schema.org",
        "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
        "itemListElement": [
          { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.example.com" },
          { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Support", "item": "https://www.example.com/support" },
          { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "SmartHub Pro Setup", "item": "https://www.example.com/setup/smart-hub" }
        ]
      }
    ]
    Workflow

    Implement and verify

    1. 01

      Start with the live page

      Confirm titles, prices, availability, policies, and visible FAQ content before generating markup.

    2. 02

      Add one JSON-LD script

      Use the combined example as a template in the document head or before the closing body tag.

    3. 03

      Complete regional details

      Fill shipping destinations and timing for every region the page actually serves.

    4. 04

      Link the return policy

      Use a stable MerchantReturnPolicy URL and keep its terms synchronized with the page.

    5. 05

      Match visible answers

      Add only FAQs that users can read on the same page, with identical answers.

    6. 06

      Validate after changes

      Run Rich Results Test after implementation and whenever price, availability, or policy data changes.

    Quality check

    Common errors and fixes

    • Missing currency or availability

      Use ISO currency codes and complete schema.org availability URLs in Offer data.

    • Incomplete shipping details

      Include shippingDestination.addressCountry and deliveryTime.transitTime with units.

    • Return policy is not connected

      Reference MerchantReturnPolicy from the Offer and provide a stable public policy URL.

    • FAQ answers differ from the page

      Keep structured FAQ answers identical to visible answers.

    Questions

    Stack FAQs

    Can I include multiple hardware models?

    Yes. Add one Product per model and ensure the setup steps match the model shown on the page.

    Should I include the Product in HowTo?

    You can reference the Product @id in the page body or HowTo description, but separate Product markup is still recommended.

    Primary sources

    References