Skip to main content
Version: 2.8

Settings — Radio & User

Configure your node's user identity, region and LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. parameters, position and power behavior, network and Bluetooth connectivity, and security settings.

How these screens work​

Everything here is on the Settings screen. User, LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures., Channels and Security are listed there directly. Device, Position, Power, Network, Display and Bluetooth are one level down, under Settings → Device configuration. Network appears only on nodes with Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and Bluetooth only on nodes with Bluetooth.

Settings use standard preference controls — dropdowns, toggles, and sliders:

ControlScreenshot
DropdownA dropdown setting, expanded to show its list of options
ToggleA toggle setting in the on position
SliderA slider setting with its current numeric value shown

User Settings​

User Profile​

On Settings → User.

SettingDescription
Long NameYour display name (up to 39 characters)
Short Name4-character abbreviated name
Status MessageA short, public free-text status other nodes display alongside your node — up to 80 bytes, cleared with the ✕ in the field. The node broadcasts it to the mesh when you change it and again every 12 hours. Needs firmware 2.8 or newer, and is absent otherwise
UnmessageableMarks the node as one nobody should try to message — for an unmonitored or infrastructure node. Other clients hide it from the contact list. Needs supporting firmware
Licensed amateur node (Ham)Enable if you hold an amateur node license (permits higher power). Turning it on is staged behind a confirmation dialog. On your own node it then relabels Long Name as Call sign and adds a separate Long Name field; over remote admin the field stays Long Name

Applying changes​

The footer appears as soon as you change something. Discard throws the change away, and the other button writes it to the node: it reads Save & restart on the screens the firmware applies with a reboot — Position, Network, Bluetooth, Security, and most module screens — and Save everywhere else.

The status message is saved with the same Save, but it never reboots the node — and, like the rest of this screen, it can be edited on a remote node you administer. For your own node there is a shortcut while it is connected: touch & hold your node in the node list and choose Update status. Older firmware and a disconnected node have no shortcut — the field itself is still the way in.

Configuration​

Device Config​

On Settings → Device configuration → Device.

SettingDescriptionDefault
Device RoleNode behavior. The picker lists the firmware names (CLIENT, ROUTER, ROUTER_LATE, TAK, and so on), and the description of whichever role is selected appears under the field. Choosing ROUTER or ROUTER_LATE asks you to confirm you have read the device-role guidance firstCLIENT
Rebroadcast ModeHow the node retransmits messages. As with the role, the picker lists the firmware names and describes only the selected oneALL
Node Info Broadcast IntervalHow often the node re-announces itself. A dropdown of fixed intervals — Unset, then 3 to 72 hours — not a value you type in seconds3 hours
Double Tap as ButtonTreat a double tap as a button pressDisabled
Triple Click Ad Hoc PingSend an ad-hoc position ping on a triple clickEnabled
LEDLED (Light-Emitting Diode). An indicator light on a device. The External Notification module can drive one in response to mesh activity. HeartbeatBlink the status LEDLED (Light-Emitting Diode). An indicator light on a device. The External Notification module can drive one in response to mesh activity. periodicallyEnabled
Time ZonePOSIX time-zone string for the device clock, with buttons to copy your phone's zone or clear it—
Button / Buzzer GPIOGPIO (General Purpose Input/Output). An uncommitted digital signal pin on a device.Advanced: which pins the button and buzzer are wired to—

LoRa Config​

On Settings → LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures..

SettingDescriptionDefault
RegionRegulatory region for frequency bands. You must set this before transmitting. On firmware 2.8 or newer, the first region set also creates the node's identity key and gives it a new node numberUnset (must configure)
PresetsSpeed/range tradeoffLongFast
Number of HopsMaximum retransmit hops3
Transmit Power (dBm)Transmission power; 0 = max allowed for region0 (region max)
Frequency OverrideOverrides the computed operating frequency outright (MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate.). It doesn't offset the calculated value — leave at 0 unless you know you need a specific frequency0 (use calculated)
Use PresetOn by default. Turn it off to set Spread Factor, Coding Rate and Bandwidth by hand instead of taking them from the modem presetModem PresetThe tradeoff between range and speed for LoRa transmissions. Each preset sets the bandwidth, spreading factor, and coding rate, and nodes need the same preset to hear each other.On
Coding Rate OverridePreset mode only, firmware 2.7.18 or newer: raises the preset's coding rate for more error correction while keeping its bandwidth and spread factor. Only rates above the preset's own are offered, and a preset already at 4/8 has none. Nodes on the same preset still hear each other, but every packet takes longer on air and uses more of the duty cycle. Switching to a preset that already meets the override resets it to the preset defaultPreset default
Spread FactorManual mode only: 5–12. Higher spreads further but slower. On SX127x (RF95) radios the firmware doesn't accept 5 or 6 and uses 11 insteadFrom preset
Coding RateManual mode only: 5–8. More redundancy costs airtimeFrom preset
BandwidthManual mode only: the channel bandwidth in kHz, typed in directly. On the 2.4 GHz region the app offers a list of the bandwidths your node supports instead, and a stored value that isn't on that list shows as Unsupported and blocks saving until you pick a supported oneFrom preset
Frequency SlotFrequency SlotThe numbered frequency within a region's band that a node transmits on. Nodes must use the same frequency slot to hear each other. When it's left at 0, most regions pick the slot from a hash of the primary channel's name.Which slot within the region's band to use. 0 derives it from the primary channelPrimary ChannelThe channel used for a node's default traffic and its name in the mesh. It's channel 0, and its name helps set the node's frequency slot. name0 (automatic)
Transmit EnabledTurning this off makes the node receive-onlyOn
Override Duty CycleIgnores the region's duty-cycle limit. Illegal in most regions; turn it on only where your license permitsOff
Ignore MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other.Drop packets that arrived from MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. rather than over the air. The firmware turns this on for you whenever you set a region that has a duty-cycle limit — the EU bands, Thailand, and Ukraine 433Off, until you set a duty-cycle-limited region
Ok to MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other.Allow your packets to be forwarded to MQTTMQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). A lightweight messaging protocol designed for small sensors and mobile devices, enabling efficient data transmission in the Meshtastic network for Internet connectivity and integration with IoT platforms. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MQTT. In Meshtastic, MQTT is used to connect a node to the internet, and can be used to connect multiple meshes to each other. by gatewaysOff
RXRX (Receive). The receiving of data over the radio link. Boosted GainExtra receive gain on SX126x radios; costs a little currentOff
PA fan disabledTurn off the power-amplifier fan on hardware that has oneOff

The preset list is also filtered to what your region legally permits, so a preset allowed in one region doesn't appear in another. Changing region can therefore leave your current preset illegal — the app repairs it for you, switching to the region's own default rather than leaving an unusable setting in place. The region list itself is filtered by what your firmware supports, so the newer regions appear only on 2.8 or later, alongside whichever region the node already has set.

Some regions are amateur-node allocations whose presets only licensed operators may use. On firmware 2.8 or newer the app knows which regions those are and grays the whole Presets list out until Licensed amateur node (Ham) is turned on for the node you are configuring; the text under the field says so while it is grayed out.

⚠️ Important: Operating without the correct region may violate local radio regulations. See the region configuration guide on meshtastic.org for details.

Modem presets​

The Lite, Narrow, Medium Turbo, and Tiny presets need firmware 2.8 or newer — the app hides them on older nodes.

💡 Tip: The SNRSNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio). A measure used in communications to quantify the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. In Meshtastic and other wireless systems, a higher SNR indicates a clearer signal that can enhance the reliability and quality of data transmission. Limit values are negative on purpose. LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. can decode signals below the noise floor, so a more-negative limit means the preset tolerates a weaker, noisier signal (more range). See How the Signal Meter Works for the full explanation.

PresetRangeSpeedSNRSNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio). A measure used in communications to quantify the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. In Meshtastic and other wireless systems, a higher SNR indicates a clearer signal that can enhance the reliability and quality of data transmission. LimitBest For
Short Turbo~1 km21.9 kbps−7.5 dBDense urban with line-of-sight; data-heavy applications
Short Fast~3 km10.9 kbps−7.5 dBUrban neighborhoods; buildings within a few blocks
Short Slow~5 km6.25 kbps−10 dBSuburban short-range; moderate building density
Medium Fast~5 km3.52 kbps−12.5 dBSuburban areas; moderate building density
Medium Slow~8 km1.95 kbps−15 dBSuburban/rural; moderate range with slower speed
Long Turbo~10 km1.34 kbps−17.5 dBSimilar range to Long Fast but with 500 kHz bandwidth; faster throughput
Long Fast~10 km1.1 kbps−17.5 dBGeneral use (default) — balanced range and speed
Long Moderate~20 km0.34 kbps−17.5 dBRural with some terrain; occasional use
Lite Fast~5 km1.76 kbps−12.5 dBEU 866 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. SRD band (125 kHz BW); comparable to Medium Fast
Lite Slow~10 km0.98 kbps−15 dBEU 866 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. SRD band (125 kHz BW); comparable to Long Fast
Narrow Fast~5 km2.28 kbps−7.5 dBEU 868 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. band (62.5 kHz BW); avoids interference with other devices
Narrow Slow~10 km1.30 kbps−10 dBEU 868 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. band (62.5 kHz BW); comparable to Long Fast
Medium Turbo~5 km7.0 kbps−12.5 dBLike Medium Fast but with 500 kHz bandwidth; not legal in every region. Needs firmware 2.8 or newer
Tiny Fast~10 km0.68 kbps−7.5 dBAmateur bands that cap occupied bandwidth; these presets use 15.6 kHz. Needs firmware 2.8 or newer, an SX126x or SX127x radio, and a TCXO of ±5 ppm or better
Tiny Slow~20 km0.33 kbps−10 dBSame band restrictions as Tiny Fast, longer range. Same firmware, node, and TCXO requirements
Long Slow~30 km0.18 kbps−20 dB⚠️ Deprecated — still selectable but may be removed in a future firmware release
Very Long Slow~40+ km0.09 kbps−20 dB⚠️ Deprecated — still selectable but may be removed in a future firmware release

ℹ️ Note: This table uses the common short names. The app's Presets dropdown lists the raw firmware names instead — SHORT_FAST, LONG_FAST, LITE_FAST, NARROW_FAST, and so on. Local Mesh Discovery shows the same presets as Long Fast and Short Turbo.

Choosing a modem preset​

The modem presetModem PresetThe tradeoff between range and speed for LoRa transmissions. Each preset sets the bandwidth, spreading factor, and coding rate, and nodes need the same preset to hear each other. controls the fundamental tradeoff between range and data rate:

  • Slower presets use more spreading, making signals decodable at weaker signal levels (lower SNRSNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio). A measure used in communications to quantify the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise. In Meshtastic and other wireless systems, a higher SNR indicates a clearer signal that can enhance the reliability and quality of data transmission. limit). This means longer range but fewer bytes per second.
  • Faster presets pack more data per transmission but require a stronger signal to decode.

Practical guidance:

  • Urban mesh (many nodes, short distances): Use Long Fast (default) or Short Fast. Higher speed means less airtime congestion when many nodes share the channel.
  • Rural/sparse mesh (few nodes, long distances): Use Long Moderate. Range matters more than speed when nodes are far apart.
  • EU 866/868 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. regulatory compliance: Use Lite Fast, Lite Slow, Narrow Fast, or Narrow Slow — these are optimized for the EU SRD/868 MHzMHz (Megahertz). A unit of frequency equal to one million hertz (cycles per second), used to specify the operating frequency of LoRa devices in the Meshtastic network, affecting range and data rate. bands with narrower bandwidths.
  • Fixed infrastructure links: Use Short Turbo or Long Turbo for dedicated point-to-point links with good antennas and line-of-sight.
  • Mixed environments: Stick with Long Fast — it's the community default and ensures compatibility with others in your area.

All nodes on the same channel must use the same modem presetModem PresetThe tradeoff between range and speed for LoRa transmissions. Each preset sets the bandwidth, spreading factor, and coding rate, and nodes need the same preset to hear each other.. Nodes with mismatched presets can't communicate even if they share the same frequency and encryption key.

The range estimates in the Modem Presets table assume flat terrain and modest antennas. Elevation advantage (hilltop, rooftop) dramatically increases effective range. A well-placed Router with Long Fast can often outperform a ground-level node with Long Slow.

Display Config​

On Settings → Device configuration → Display. These control the node's own screen, not the app's.

SettingDescription
Screen on forHow long the display stays lit before sleeping
Carousel intervalHow often the node cycles between screens on its own
Display modeScreen layout/density used by the firmware
Display unitsMetric or Imperial on the node's screen
Use 12h clock formatShow the node's clock as 12-hour rather than 24-hour
Bold HeadingDraw the screen's heading text in bold
Flip screenRotate the display 180° for an inverted mounting
OLEDOLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). A display type used on many Meshtastic devices. The OLED Type setting selects which panel driver the firmware uses. typeSix values, shown as the raw constants: OLED_AUTO, OLED_SSD1306, OLED_SH1106, OLED_SH1107, OLED_SH1107_128_128, OLED_SH1107_ROTATED
Wake on tap or motionLight the screen when the node is tapped or moved
Compass orientationRotation offset for the compass rose. Eight values, shown as the raw constants DEGREES_0 through DEGREES_270 plus an _INVERTED variant of each
Always point northLocks the compass rose north-up instead of rotating it with your heading. Independent of Compass orientation — neither replaces the other

Position Config​

On Settings → Device configuration → Position.

SettingDescription
GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh. Mode (Physical Hardware)Three-state: GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh. enabled, disabled, or not present. Not a simple on/off
GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh. Polling IntervalHow often the node asks its GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh. for a fix
Broadcast IntervalHow often the position is shared with the mesh
Smart PositionBroadcast based on movement rather than purely on the clock
Smart IntervalWith Smart Position on, the shortest gap between broadcasts
Smart DistanceWith Smart Position on, how far you must move before broadcasting
Fixed PositionUse a manually entered latitude, longitude and altitude instead of the GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh.
Position FlagsA group of toggles choosing which fields ride along with a position — altitude, its reference and precision, satellites in view, timestamp, and so on
GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh. EN / Receive / Transmit GPIOGPIO (General Purpose Input/Output). An uncommitted digital signal pin on a device.Advanced: the pins the GPSGPS (Global Positioning System). A satellite positioning system. A node with a GPS module determines its own location and can report that position to the mesh. module is wired to

Power Config​

On Settings → Device configuration → Power.

SettingDescription
Enable power saving modeLet the node sleep aggressively between activity
Shutdown on power lossLoS (Line of Sight). A pathway through only air between two points.Power the device down after external power disappears
Super deep sleep durationHow long the deepest sleep state lasts
Minimum wake timeThe shortest time the node stays awake once woken
Wait for Bluetooth durationHow long to wait for a phone to connect before sleeping
ADCADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter). A circuit that turns a varying voltage into a digital value. Devices use one to read sensors and to measure battery voltage. multiplier overrideTurn on a manual correction for battery-voltage readings
ADCADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter). A circuit that turns a varying voltage into a digital value. Devices use one to read sensors and to measure battery voltage. multiplier override ratioThe correction factor itself, used only when the override is on
Battery INA_2XX I2CI2CA two-wire bus used to attach peripherals such as sensors and displays to a device. addressAddress of an external INA-series power sensor, if fitted

Network Config​

On Settings → Device configuration → Network, on nodes with Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

⚠️ Warning: Turning on Wi-Fi enabled or Ethernet enabled ends the Bluetooth connection between your phone and the node. Reconnect over the network afterwards from the Connections screen, or turn Wi-Fi off again from the node's own screen or over USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial.. Saving this screen also always reboots the node.

SettingDescription
Wi-Fi enabledEnable the Wi-Fi node (ESP32ESP32A chipset of microcontroller made/designed by Espressif, used by a number of devices. Higher power usage than nRF52, but often cheaper and supports Wi-Fi if desired. nodes)
SSIDNetwork name to connect to. Appears only once Wi-Fi enabled is on, along with Password. Scan Wi-Fi QRQRA scannable square code. In Meshtastic it encodes the Channel URL, which carries the channel and LoRa settings needed to join a mesh. code fills both from a standard Wi-Fi QRQRA scannable square code. In Meshtastic it encodes the Channel URL, which carries the channel and LoRa settings needed to join a mesh. code; on Android, holding the phone against a Wi-Fi NFCNFC (Near Field Communication). A very short-range wireless protocol. Some clients expose NFC-related settings. tag while this screen is open fills them the same way, and the app offers to open system settings if NFCNFC (Near Field Communication). A very short-range wireless protocol. Some clients expose NFC-related settings. is turned off
PasswordNetwork password
Ethernet enabledUse a wired connection on hardware that has one
IPv4 modeDHCP, or a static address configured with the four fields that follow
Wi-Fi IP / Subnet / Gateway / DNSThe static address, only used when IPv4 mode is static
UDP broadcastingShare mesh traffic with other nodes over the local network
NTP serverTime synchronization server
rsyslog serverRemote logging server

Network Config with a static IPv4 address entered

Bluetooth Config​

On Settings → Device configuration → Bluetooth, on nodes with Bluetooth.

SettingDescription
Bluetooth enabledEnable/disable BLEBLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). The default wireless connection between a node and a phone client. radio
Pairing modeFixed PIN, Random PIN, or No PIN
Fixed PINPIN code for pairing. Must be exactly six digits — the field rejects anything else

Security Config​

On Settings → Security. The screen is grouped into cards: Packet authenticity, Direct MessageDirect MessageA message sent to one node rather than broadcast to a channel. It's encrypted with a key that only the sender and the recipient can compute, so other nodes can relay it but can't read it. Key (your node's key pair), Admin Keys, Logs, and Administration.

SettingDescription
Public KeyYour node's public key (read-only)
Admin KeyKeys permitted to administer this node remotely — up to three
Private KeyYour node's private key (handle securely). Shown redacted when you are viewing another node over remote admin — the firmware doesn't send it
Regenerate Private KeyIssues a new keypair for this node, behind a confirmation. Every peer that knew your old key must learn the new one
Admin Channel Enabled⚠️ Removed — now configured automatically when an admin key is set
Serial consoleSerial console over the Stream API
Debug log API enabledOutput live debug logging over serial, and view and export position-redacted node logs over Bluetooth
Managed ModeLocks the whole Configuration list, not just channels — every setting on the node becomes read-only and only an admin can change anything. Only selectable once an Admin Key is set
Backup KeysSave an encrypted backup of the node's keys on this phone (only for your own node)
Restore KeysWrite the backed-up keys back to the node (available once a backup exists)
Delete Key BackupRemove the stored key backup from this phone
Protection levelHow unsigned or relayed packets are treated: Strict — Require authentication, Balanced — Prefer authenticated, or Compatible — Accept unsigned (requires supporting firmware; Strict asks for confirmation)

Lockdown Mode​

Lockdown encrypts the device's storage and requires a passphrase for each connection. It needs supporting firmware; the row doesn't appear otherwise.

Enabling it asks you to set and confirm a passphrase, and to acknowledge that it locks the debug (SWDSWD (Serial Wire Debug). A two-pin debug and programming interface, used on STM32 devices to enter bootloader mode and flash firmware.) port on hardware where the lockout takes effect. That part isn't reversible from the app. Turning lockdown off later decrypts your storage and reboots the device, but the port stays locked. Reopening it takes a full chip erase with a debug probe, which destroys everything on the device.

Alongside the passphrase you set the limits that end a session automatically:

FieldWhat it does
Boots remainingHow many device boots the unlocked state survives
Hours until expiryWall-clock lifetime of the unlocked state
Session cap (minutes)A per-boot uptime cap on the unlocked state. 0, the default, means no cap

Once active, the row reads Active — storage encrypted, this connection authenticated when unlocked, or Active — enter your passphrase to unlock this connection when not. Lock Now ends the current session immediately. Repeated wrong passphrases are rate-limited with a back-off before you can try again.

⚠️ Warning: There is no passphrase recovery. Losing it means erasing the device to get it back, which destroys its keys, channels and settings.

  • Settings — Modules & Admin — optional feature modules and device administration
  • Signal Meter — how modem presetsModem PresetThe tradeoff between range and speed for LoRa transmissions. Each preset sets the bandwidth, spreading factor, and coding rate, and nodes need the same preset to hear each other. affect signal quality thresholds
  • LoRa configuration — detailed LoRaLoRaA low-power, long-range wireless communication technology used by Meshtastic devices to enable communication over distances of several kilometers without the need for cellular, Wi-Fi, or other traditional network infrastructures. settings reference on meshtastic.org
  • Initial configuration — region setup guide on meshtastic.org