LowMesh

Meshtastic mobile app

This guide walks through the official Meshtastic® mobile apps (iOS and Android). LowMesh devices ship with Meshtastic® firmware—you can start here without flashing. Menu labels move between releases—if something does not match exactly, use meshtastic.org/docs as the source of truth.

Screenshots below are placeholders in public/docs-images/meshtastic/. Replace each placeholder-*.svg with a PNG or WebP export using the same filename (or update the paths in this page) so your documentation shows real UI.

Before you open the app

  • Your radio should be running Meshtastic® (default on LowMesh hardware). To update or reinstall firmware, see Meshtastic firmware and the Flashing Guide—otherwise flashing is optional.
  • Use a data-capable USB cable for any USB workflows; most day-two configuration is Bluetooth.
  • Charge or power the radio so pairing does not brown out during transmit.

1. Install the app and grant permissions

Install from the official store linked on meshtastic.org (avoid unrelated third-party APKs).

On first launch you will typically be asked for:

  • Bluetooth – Required to find and talk to the radio (on Android, location is often required for BLE scan even if you are not sharing GPS).
  • Notifications – Optional but useful for message alerts.
  • Location / background – Only if you enable GPS position features; review what you are comfortable sharing.

Meshtastic app — install & permissionsMeshtastic app — install & permissions

2. Add your radio over Bluetooth

  1. Power on the radio near the phone (within a few meters for first pairing).
  2. Open the app and use scan, add device, or the + flow (wording varies).
  3. Select your node when it appears. If nothing shows: toggle Bluetooth, move closer, and confirm the board is not stuck in USB-only mode.
  4. Complete OS pairing prompts (PIN or “Pair” on Android/iOS).

Stuck? Remove the device from phone Bluetooth settings and try again—see Troubleshooting.

Meshtastic app — Bluetooth scan / add radioMeshtastic app — Bluetooth scan / add radio

3. Set region and RF basics

Open device or radio settings (exact tab names vary).

  1. Region – Must match where you operate; this selects legal bands and limits. Wrong region is unsafe and illegal.
  2. TX power – Start with defaults; raising power increases heat and battery use—see Radio & mesh concepts.
  3. Role / modem preset – If exposed, prefer defaults until you understand airtime and duty cycle.

Save or apply changes. Some settings require a reconnect or short reboot.

Meshtastic app — Region & LoRa settingsMeshtastic app — Region & LoRa settings

4. Name your node

Set a clear long name and short name so others recognize you on the mesh. Avoid sensitive personal data—mesh metadata can be observable.

5. Channels and encryption

Meshtastic® uses channels with a name and pre-shared key (PSK).

  1. Open channels (or equivalent).
  2. Configure the primary channel to match your group: same name and key on every node that must talk privately.
  3. Add secondary channels only when you need separate groups—each adds complexity.

Everyone on a private channel must match exactly. A single typo looks like “nobody hears me.”

For the theory behind keys and RF tradeoffs, read Radio & mesh concepts.

Meshtastic app — Channels & encryption keysMeshtastic app — Channels & encryption keys

6. Messages, nodes, and map

  • Messages – Send a test DM or channel message once a second node is on the same channel.
  • Node list – See who is heard directly or via routes; details depend on firmware version.
  • Map – Often requires location permission for the phone map view; position broadcast from the radio is a separate setting.

Meshtastic app — Messages & mapMeshtastic app — Messages & map

7. Firmware updates from the app (when available)

Some boards support OTA from the mobile app. Before updating:

  • Read the release notes for your hardware.
  • Prefer stable unless you need a specific fix.
  • Keep USB handy if OTA fails—recover with the Flashing Guide.

Web client

Meshtastic® also offers web clients (URLs change—use meshtastic.org). Web is useful on a laptop; Web Serial flashing is separate from day-to-day messaging.

Related docs

Official links

  • Documentation: meshtastic.org/docs
  • Apps: linked from the official site (verify package name on Android before installing).