- Here's a quick guide on how to unlock Protocol Dataloggers in Arknights: Endfield.
- How to Get Access Authorization
- How to Collect Datalogger Rewards
- How to Spend Your AIC Index
- What Changes in Wuling
- FAQ
Here's a quick guide on how to unlock Protocol Dataloggers in Arknights: Endfield.
Those yellow figures waving above little platforms aren't decorations. They're Protocol Dataloggers, and they're worth collecting once Arknights: Endfield lets you access them. Their rewards feed directly into your factory research.
If one refuses to verify your authorization, you haven't necessarily missed a nearby switch. Early in the game, that message is a story gate. You can leave the device alone and return after the relevant introduction.
How to Get Access Authorization
Continue the opening main missions through Chapter I, Process I, then follow the transition into Process II and Andre's factory research introduction. This is where the game opens access to the research systems associated with the dataloggers.

If you're still receiving the authorization message, follow your main mission rather than searching the surrounding rocks. Mark any datalogger you encounter early so you can revisit it after the story has introduced its use.
How to Collect Datalogger Rewards
Once access is available, approach a datalogger and interact with it. You'll receive AIC research currency. You don't need to connect them to your factory's power network.
Check your map as you travel between objectives and take nearby detours when practical. If a marker seems unreachable, look for an upper path or another entrance. Walking straight toward a map icon doesn't always lead to its actual elevation.

How to Spend Your AIC Index
Open the AIC Plan to research facilities and expand what your factory can produce. Read each node's prerequisites before spending your available Index. Check that you can supply its ingredients and power.
Early on, prioritize research marked as recommended and anything needed by your current mission. A tempting optional machine can wait if unlocking it would leave you short of the research required for the next production chain.
What Changes in Wuling
Wuling has its own AIC Plan and Wuling AIC Index. You'll need to collect dataloggers in that region instead of expecting your Valley IV research currency to cover the new tree. Advance the local main missions to establish your production access.
Once that plan opens, consider water, power, and Xiranite production before optional defenses. The Fluid Pump also matters for exploration. Collect more local dataloggers whenever you need research currency.
Advance the story for authorization, collect dataloggers during exploration, and spend each region's AIC Index on the facilities you need next.
FAQ
Q. Why can't I activate a datalogger?
A. Progress the main story until access authorization unlocks.
Q. What do dataloggers give me?
A. AIC research currency used to unlock factory facilities.
Q. Does Valley IV Index unlock Wuling research?
A. Wuling's AIC Plan requires its own regional Index.
Also, check out our Arknights: Endfield Review and other guides below:
- Arknights: Endfield: How to Find and Use Aurylene Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: How to Repair SOS Robots Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: How to Craft Industrial Explosives Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: Dijiang Cabin Management Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: How to Raise Operator Trust Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: Clue Exchange and Credits Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: Delver of the Cryptic Puzzle Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: How to Unlock Free Operators Guide
- Arknights: Endfield: How to Redeem Codes and Claim Rewards Guide






