Backing Up Your Configuration
Before making changes to a working repeater —- or before a firmware update —- back up the configuration. This saves your channel keys, LoRa settings, and device role, allowing full recovery if something goes wrong.
Export configuration via CLI
pip install meshtastic # if not already installed
meshtastic --export-config > my_repeater_config.yaml
The exported YAML file contains:
- Node ID and long/short name
- LoRa settings (region, modem preset, rebroadcast mode, TX power)
- Channel names and pre-shared keys (PSKs)
- Device role
- Power and display settings
Restore configuration
meshtastic --import-config my_repeater_config.yaml
Store backups safely
The configuration file contains your channel PSKs. Store it in a secure location. Do not share it publicly or commit it to a public repository —- anyone with the PSK for a private channel can read its messages.
After a firmware update
Firmware updates sometimes reset device settings. Always verify device role, rebroadcast mode, and LoRa region after updating. If settings are lost, restore from your backup YAML file.