Setting the Device Role

Configuring a device as a Meshtastic repeater involves two key settings: the device role and the rebroadcast mode. Both can be set using the Meshtastic mobile app or the Python CLI.

Using the mobile app (Android/iOS)

1. Connect to your device in the Meshtastic app
2. Navigate to Device Settings (or Radio Configuration depending on app version)
3. Find Device Role and select Repeater (or Router if you want visibility)
4. Save settings —- the device will reboot to apply changes

Using the Python CLI

Install the CLI if you have not already:

pip install meshtastic

Connect the device via USB, then set the role:

meshtastic --set role REPEATER_ROLE

Verify the change:

meshtastic --info

After setting the role

Once set to REPEATER, the device will no longer appear in other nodes' node lists (this is by design). It will silently and efficiently relay packets without broadcasting its own data. To confirm it is operating, check the serial output or observe that messages are being relayed through it.

Flashing Meshtastic firmware

If your device does not have Meshtastic installed, use the Meshtastic Web Flasher to install firmware directly from Chrome or Edge —- no software installation required. Connect via USB, select your device type, and click Flash.

Setting the region

Before the radio will transmit, you must set the correct region:

meshtastic --set lora.region US

Or in the app: Config → LoRa → Region → US. Using the wrong region transmits on incorrect frequencies and may be illegal.