Skip to main content

Mobile App Setup (Android & iOS)

Meshtastic nodes are primarily controlled through official companion apps over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Wi-Fi.

📱 Download the App​

Pairing via Bluetooth​

  1. Turn on your Meshtastic node with the antenna firmly attached.
  2. Enable Bluetooth and Location Services on your phone (Location permission is required by Android/iOS to scan for BLE peripherals).
  3. Open the Meshtastic app:
    • Go to the Bluetooth tab / scanner.
    • Look for your node's identifier (e.g., Meshtastic_xxxx).
    • Tap to pair.
  4. If a 6-digit PIN displays on your node's OLED/E-Ink screen, enter it when prompted by your phone.

⚙️ Initial Device Configuration​

1. Node Names​

Under Settings -> User:

  • Long Name: Use English (ASCII) characters only, no emojis, and keep it under 15 characters (e.g. Alex T-Echo, kita home).
  • Short Name: 4 characters max (e.g. ALEX, kitD).

2. LoRa Region & Presets​

Under Settings -> Radio Config -> LoRa:

  • Region: Set to EU_868.
  • Modem Preset: Set to MediumFast.
  • Tap Save (the node will restart).

3. Device Role​

Under Settings -> Device:

  • Portable / Handheld: Set to CLIENT (default).
  • Indoor Node: If placed in an apartment or on lower floors, set to CLIENT_MUTE to avoid congesting the mesh.
  • Home Station: If you have both a home node and a portable node, set the home node to CLIENT_BASE.
  • ⚠️ ROUTER is recommended ONLY for rooftops (floor 9 or higher) or mountain peaks.
  • Note: The legacy REPEATER role is deprecated. Do not use ROUTER_CLIENT or SENSOR.

4. MQTT & Live Map (Optional for Home Nodes)​

If your node is connected to home Wi-Fi and you want to contribute reception to the Armenian community live map: Under Settings -> Module Config -> MQTT:

  • MQTT Enabled: ON
  • Server Address: mqtt.msh.am
  • Uplink Enabled: YES
  • Downlink Enabled: ❌ NO (Keep OFF to protect RF channels from internet spam)
  • Topic: msh/AM