Meshtastic: off‑grid messaging that actually works
Use tiny, low‑power radios to send texts and GPS pings phone‑to‑phone, node‑to‑node — no cell, Wi‑Fi, or towers needed.
- Long‑range LoRa radios
- Encrypted channels w/ PSK
- Battery‑friendly (days to weeks)
- Free to use (regional rules apply)
How it works
Meshtastic devices form a mesh network using low‑bitrate, long‑range LoRa. Your phone connects to a nearby node via Bluetooth or USB. Messages hop across nodes until they reach the destination — even if you’re off‑grid.
Battery & power
- Use quality 18650 / LiPo cells
- Lower reporting intervals for longer life
- Solar for fixed/router nodes
- Disable extras you don’t need (GPS, screen)
Safety & legal basics
Meshtastic uses unlicensed ISM bands in many regions. You’re responsible for following your local radio rules: frequency band, power/ERP, antenna, and duty‑cycle limits. Don’t interfere, don’t be obnoxious, and don’t share sensitive private info on public channels.
Best practices
- Use a unique channel name & PSK
- Set the correct region/band
- Keep firmware current
- Be a good neighbor on the air
FAQ
Do I need the internet?
No. The mesh works off‑grid. You can optionally bridge via MQTT if you want wider reach.
How far does it go?
City: a few blocks to a couple miles. Suburbs: several miles. Mountains/desert: tens of miles with good elevation and antennas. Router nodes help a lot.
Is it secure?
Channels use a pre‑shared key (PSK). Keep your PSK private and rotate it if you’ve shared it too broadly.
What phone apps work?
Official Meshtastic Android/iOS apps pair over Bluetooth; you can also use the desktop/CLI over USB.