Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for an authentication-based communication link with a peripheral device are presented. In some embodiments, the peripheral device receives, from a host device, and stores, in a memory of the peripheral device, registration data including, for instance, a user credential, a user identifier, and/or a device identifier. Upon a request to pair the peripheral device with the same or a different host device, the peripheral device requests and receives, from such a host device, authentication data including a user credential, a user identifier, and/or a device identifier. The peripheral device determines whether a match exists between the received authentication data and the registration data. If so, a communication link is established with the host device.