Getting Started with the MeshCore App

The MeshCore app is your primary interface for configuring and using MeshCore devices. It connects to your node via Bluetooth and provides access to messaging, network status, and device configuration.

Installing the App

• Android - Available on Google Play Store: search "MeshCore". Check the Play Store listing's "Requires Android" field for the current minimum OS version (verify before installing on an older phone; as of 2026).
• iOS - Available on the Apple App Store: search "MeshCore". Check the App Store listing for the current minimum iOS version.
• Desktop/CLI - The MeshCore serial console is accessible via a terminal emulator (e.g. PuTTY) at 115200 baud. Full serial CLI configuration is primarily exposed on repeater, room-server, and sensor firmware; on companion (BLE) firmware several CLI commands are "Serial Only" and the BLE app is the main configuration path.

First Connection

1. Power on your MeshCore device
2. Open the MeshCore app
3. Tap "Scan for devices" - your node should appear in the list
4. Tap your device to pair. A BLE PIN may be required - on many firmware builds/devices the default is 123456 (see the common-issues-and-fixes page).
5. Once connected, the app shows the main interface with messaging, contacts, and settings

App Overview

Messages Tab

Shows conversation threads. Public channel messages appear in a "Public" thread. Direct messages to specific nodes appear as separate threads. Tap a contact or "Public" to open a conversation and type a message.

Contacts Tab

Lists nodes that have been discovered by your node via advertisements. Each contact shows:

• Node name
• Last heard timestamp
• RSSI/SNR of last received advertisement
• Battery status (if reported)
• GPS coordinates and distance (if the node has GPS)

Settings Tab

Device configuration options including radio settings, advertisement configuration, position, and security settings. Changes are pushed to the connected device; some settings may require a device reboot to take effect.

Connecting to a Community Network

1. Tap Settings → Choose Preset
2. Select USA/Canada (Recommended) for North American networks. Important: confirm this preset selects a frequency in the US 902-928 MHz ISM band (the North American community convention is ~910.525 MHz / SF7 / BW 62.5 kHz). MeshCore firmware boots on the EU default (869.525 MHz) until a region is set, so setting the region before transmitting is required - never transmit on a 868/869 MHz EU frequency in the US.
3. Set your node name to something identifiable (your callsign or a location name)
4. Enable advertisements and set flood mode to reach the full network
5. Return to Contacts - nearby repeaters should appear within a few minutes as their advertisements arrive