# Flashing Repeater Firmware

MeshCore-capable LoRa boards typically ship without MeshCore firmware (blank, vendor test firmware, or sometimes Meshtastic), so flashing MeshCore repeater firmware is required. This can be done entirely in a web browser - no software installation needed.

## Using the MeshCore Web Flasher

1. Connect your device to your computer via USB
2. Open the [MeshCore Web Flasher](https://flasher.meshcore.io) (flasher.meshcore.io, as of June 2026) in Chrome or Edge (a Web Serial compatible browser is required; Firefox and Safari do not support it)
3. Select your device type from the list
4. Select the **Repeater** firmware variant
5. Click Flash and wait for the process to complete
6. The device will reboot automatically when done

## After flashing

Once flashed, connect to the device using the MeshCore app (via Bluetooth) or the MeshCore serial console (via USB) to complete configuration. A newly flashed repeater is not inert - it boots on the firmware default frequency (869.525 MHz, the EU default) and will transmit on that default until changed. You MUST set the correct frequency/preset for your region before deploying, both for legal operation and so the repeater is visible to your network. For the USA and Canada, set the regional preset (910.525 MHz / SF7 / BW 62.5 kHz / CR 5).

## Keeping firmware updated

MeshCore releases updates periodically with performance improvements and bug fixes. For a permanently deployed repeater, periodic firmware updates ensure you benefit from these improvements. The web flasher offers current official releases; select the latest stable build unless you have a reason to choose otherwise.