In one example, a server obtains an indication that a first mobile device is in a predetermined proximity to a non-mobile device. In response, the server permits the first mobile device to pair with the non-mobile device. The server generates whitelisted information associated with the first mobile device by adding information associated with the first mobile device to a whitelist that controls mobile device pairing for the non-mobile device. The server also obtains an indication that a given mobile device has obtained one or more keep-alive messages from the non-mobile device. Based on the whitelisted information, the server determines whether to permit the given mobile device to pair or remain paired with the non-mobile device. In response to determining to permit the given mobile device to pair or remain paired with the non-mobile device, the server permits the given mobile device to pair or remain paired with the non-mobile device.