Creating Private Channels

Creating Private Channels

To communicate privately with a group, create a channel with a unique PSK known only to group members. Anyone without the PSK cannot decrypt messages on that channel.

Via the App

1. Open the Meshtastic app and go to Radio Config → Channels
2. Select an unused channel slot (index 1–7; leave index 0 as the public primary unless you have a specific reason to change it)
3. Set a channel name (e.g., TeamAlpha)
4. Tap Generate to create a random PSK, or enter a known PSK manually
5. Save the channel
6. Share the channel URL or QR code with group members out-of-band (signal, in person, etc.)

Via the CLI

Add a new channel at index 1:

meshtastic --ch-add TeamAlpha

Set the channel’s PSK (replace with your actual key):

meshtastic --ch-index 1 --ch-set psk base64:YOUR_BASE64_KEY_HERE

Export the channel URL for sharing:

meshtastic --export-config

The config export includes channel URLs that can be shared with other users.

Security Considerations

• PSK distribution security: The security of a private channel is entirely dependent on how the PSK is distributed. Share it via an end-to-end encrypted channel (Signal, in person) — not via SMS or unencrypted email.
• The default LongFast channel is not private. All Meshtastic users can read it. Never send sensitive information on LongFast.
• Channel names are not secret. Only the PSK encrypts message content. The channel name may be visible to other nodes in some circumstances.
• Changing the PSK: If a group member’s device is lost or compromised, generate a new PSK and redistribute it to all remaining members. The compromised device will no longer be able to decrypt messages after the PSK change.

Position and Telemetry Privacy

By default, position and telemetry are broadcast on channel 0 (the public primary channel). If you want location data to remain within your private group:

1. Move the primary channel to your private channel (swap index 0)
2. Or disable position broadcasting entirely: Radio Config → Position → Position Broadcast Interval → 0