First setup in the Meshtastic app
1. Connect
Section titled “1. Connect”- Phone: install the Meshtastic app, turn on Bluetooth, and pair with the radio from inside the app. Some radios show a pairing code on their screen.
- Computer: open the Meshtastic web client in Chrome or Edge and connect over USB or Bluetooth.
2. Set your region to US
Section titled “2. Set your region to US”You must set the region before the radio can talk on the mesh.
- Android: tap Set your region on the device card, or go to Settings → LoRa, choose
US, and send. - Apple: Settings → Radio Configuration → LoRa.
- Web: LoRa menu → Regional Settings → Region, then Save.
- Command line:
meshtastic --set lora.region US
3. Name your node
Section titled “3. Name your node”Set a long name (what people see) and a short name (a few characters shown on maps and small screens) in the user settings. If you leave them alone, the radio picks random names.
4. Match your local mesh
Section titled “4. Match your local mesh”Setting the region puts you on the default preset (LongFast), which may not be what your area uses. Look up your area’s settings. In Arizona, the Arizona Meshtastic Community uses MediumFast and shares its exact settings on Discord. Change the preset under LoRa settings. It takes effect immediately.
5. Choose a role
Section titled “5. Choose a role”Leave the role on CLIENT for a radio you carry around or keep at home, or use CLIENT_MUTE if it moves a lot or lives in a crowded mesh. Don’t pick ROUTER unless your local group asks you to.
6. Test
Section titled “6. Test”Send a direct message to someone you know is nearby. A direct message is only confirmed when the other radio answers, so it’s a better test than a channel message.
Next: Join your local mesh, Channels and encryption
Sources
Checked on October 18, 2026.