Remote Control Your Meshtastic Node Using Your Phone Through Mesh [UPDATED]

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In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up and controlling your Meshtastic node remotely using your phone through the Mesh network. This guide is based on the new firmware update, which includes a more secure method for remote administration. It’s ideal for network admins and enthusiasts looking to manage their Meshtastic devices without relying on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections once the initial setup is complete.

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It's advisable to test settings on a dedicated device before deployment to prevent potential network issues.

Choose Your Setup Method Based on Firmware Version

  • Firmware 2.5+: Use the secure Public Key method by storing the admin node’s public key on the target device.
  • Firmware 2.4.x or older: Use the Admin Channel method. Enable "Legacy Admin Channel" in Security Config if using 2.5+ with older nodes.

Public Key Method for Firmware 2.5 and Later

For users on firmware 2.5 or newer, remote administration uses Public Key Cryptography (PKC) for added security.

Step 1: Initial Configuration for Firmware 2.5 and Later

For the latest firmware, remote administration relies on Public Key Cryptography (PKC) rather than a shared admin channel. Here’s how to set it up:

On the Admin Device:

  1. Connect to the Meshtastic node you will use as the admin node.
  2. Go to Settings > App Settings and enable Administration.
  3. Next, go to Settings > Security, where you’ll find the public key for this device. Copy and save it.

On the Remote Node:

  1. Connect to the node you want to control.
  2. Go to Settings > Security, and in one of the Admin Key fields, paste the public key of the admin device. Each remote node can store up to three unique Admin Keys, allowing multiple nodes to manage it if needed.
  3. Under Settings > App Settings, enable Administration.

Synchronize and Restart:

  1. Allow a moment for settings to synchronize.
  2. Restart the Meshtastic app to ensure configurations take effect.

Step 2: Remote Control Using the Meshtastic App

Once the configuration is in place, open the Meshtastic app and connect to the local node you will use to control the remote node.

  1. In the Meshtastic app, go to Settings.
  2. Select Configure Node and choose the remote device you set up in the previous steps. The app should display it as "Remote: DEVICE NAME."

Adjusting Remote Node Settings:

  • Now, you’ll see a list of supported radio and module settings for the remote device. You can configure these just as you would if the device were in hand.
  • When finished, remember to return to Configure Node and reselect your own device.

Legacy Method for Firmware 2.4.x and Earlier

For users on older firmware, remote administration is still possible via a shared Admin Channel, though it’s now a legacy method and requires enabling the "Legacy Admin Channel" in the app’s Security Config. To enable this legacy method:

  1. Go to Settings > Security in the app.
  2. Enable Legacy Admin Channel to allow remote control using the shared admin channel
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This method is still available in firmware 2.5 and later but must be enabled with the "Legacy Admin Channel" setting. However, this method can only manage nodes running firmware 2.4.x or older; it won’t work on 2.5+ nodes.

Step 1: Initial Configuration via Bluetooth

  1. Navigate to the settings menu on your Meshtastic app.
  2. Select "Channels" and add a secondary channel. Name this channel "admin" (without quotes). It's crucial to use this exact name.
  3. Generate a key for this channel, copy it, and save it securely.
  4. Connect to the other Meshtastic node and repeat the process of setting up a new channel named "admin." Use the same key generated earlier.

Step 2: Using the Legacy Admin Channel:

    • Open the Meshtastic app, connect to the local node, and navigate to Settings > Configure Node.
    • The remote device should be accessible as before, with the "Request Admin" prefix.

Adjusting Remote Node Settings:

  • Now, you’ll see a list of supported radio and module settings for the remote device. You can configure these just as you would if the device were in hand.
  • When finished, remember to return to Configure Node and reselect your own device.
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This method is useful if managing older devices, but it is no longer the recommended approach for firmware 2.5 and later.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage your Meshtastic nodes over the mesh network without needing direct physical access, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connections. Enjoy the convenience of managing your network with enhanced security and flexibility.