# Meshtastic Android App Overview

The Meshtastic Android app is the primary interface for configuring and using Meshtastic devices. It is the most feature-complete of the Meshtastic client apps and receives updates most frequently.

## Installation and Requirements

- **Google Play Store** - Search "Meshtastic". Official app by Meshtastic LLC.
- **Minimum Android version** - Android 6.0 (API 23) for basic functionality; Android 8.0+ recommended for full Bluetooth 5 support
- **Bluetooth** - Required for local BLE connection to your node
- **Location permissions** - Required for mapping features; the app can use your phone's GPS to display your position on the mesh map

## Connecting to a Node

1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone
2. Power on your Meshtastic device
3. Open the app - it should automatically scan for nearby Meshtastic devices
4. Tap your device in the "Connect a Radio" list
5. For first connection: confirm the pairing PIN displayed on the device (if equipped with a screen), or accept the default PIN

Alternative connections (for ESP32 boards):

- **WiFi** - If your node is in WiFi client mode or AP mode, the app can connect via TCP at the node's IP address
- **USB Serial** - Some Android phones support OTG USB connection; the app supports serial connection if your phone has OTG capability

## Key App Screens

### Messages

Shows conversation threads. "Primary Channel" is the default public channel. Additional configured channels appear as separate tabs. Direct message threads appear separately. The app shows sent/received/acknowledged status for each message.

### Nodes

Lists all nodes visible to your network within the configured hop count. Shows: node name, short name, last heard timestamp, signal quality (SNR/RSSI), battery level, and distance/bearing from your location. Tap a node to see detailed info or initiate a direct message.

### Map

Displays node positions on a map. Your node appears as a solid icon; other nodes appear with their short names. Tap a node on the map to see its details. The map works offline if you've previously loaded the tiles for that area (tiles are cached on first use).

### Radio Config

Device configuration organized into sections: Device, Position, Power, Network, Display, LoRa, Bluetooth, and Security. Changes are pushed to the connected node immediately when saved.

## Useful App Features

- **Channel QR code sharing** - Share your channel configuration as a QR code that other users can scan to join
- **Export Config** - Save your node's full configuration to a file for backup or migration
- **Node DB** - View and manage the list of known nodes; remove stale entries with "Remove Node"
- **Waypoints** - Share location pins with the mesh; useful for marking hazards, meeting points, or SAR targets
- **Range Test** - Activate the [Range Test module](https://wiki.meshamerica.com/books/meshtastic/page/range-test-module) directly from the app