mirror of
https://github.com/meshtastic/Meshtastic-Android.git
synced 2026-07-03 14:06:34 +02:00
James Rich
149 lines
5.5 KiB
Markdown
149 lines
5.5 KiB
Markdown
---
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title: Desktop App
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parent: User Guide
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nav_order: 14
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last_updated: 2026-06-11
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description: Install and use the Meshtastic Desktop app on Linux, macOS, and Windows — connections, feature parity, and keyboard shortcuts.
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aliases:
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- desktop
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- linux
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- macos
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- windows
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- jvm
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---
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# Desktop App
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The Meshtastic Desktop application shares its core codebase with Android via Kotlin Multiplatform. Most features work identically on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
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## Installation
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### Linux
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- Download the `.deb` or `.AppImage` package from the releases page
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- Or build from source using `./gradlew :desktopApp:run`
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### macOS
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- Download the `.dmg` package from releases
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- Or build from source
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### Windows
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- Download the `.msi` installer from releases
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- Or build from source
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## Connecting Your Radio
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### USB Serial (Primary)
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The most reliable connection method on Desktop:
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1. Connect your Meshtastic radio via USB cable.
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2. The app should detect the serial port automatically.
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3. If not detected, select the correct serial port from the Connect menu.
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### TCP/IP
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For network-connected radios:
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1. Enter the radio's IP address and port (default: 4403).
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2. Click **Connect**.
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### Bluetooth (BLE)
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Bluetooth Low Energy is supported on Desktop via the [Kable](https://github.com/JuulLabs/kable) library:
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1. Ensure your system has a Bluetooth adapter.
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2. The app scans for nearby Meshtastic radios automatically.
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3. Select your device from the Connect screen.
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## Feature Parity
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| Feature | Android | Desktop | Notes |
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| -------------------------------------------- | ------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
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| Messaging | ✓ | ✓ | Full parity |
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| Node List | ✓ | ✓ | Full parity |
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| Map | ✓ | ✓ | Full parity |
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| Settings | ✓ | ✓ | Full parity |
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| Bluetooth (BLE) | ✓ | ✓ | Via Kable on desktop |
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| Firmware Update OTA | ✓ | ✗ | Use web flasher |
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| Notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Native OS notifications |
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| Widgets | ✓ | ✗ | Android-only |
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| Android Auto | ✓ | ✗ | Android-only — not available on Desktop or iOS |
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| AI Assistant (Chirpy) | ✓\* | ✗ | Google flavor Android only |
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| App Functions (system AI) | ✓† | ✗ | Google flavor Android only |
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\*Chirpy AI requires Android 14+ on Google flavor builds with supported hardware.
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†App Functions exposes app actions to the Android system AI on Google flavor builds. See [App Functions](app-functions).
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## UI Differences
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The Desktop app uses the same Compose Multiplatform UI with adaptations for larger screens and desktop interaction.
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### Keyboard Shortcuts
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| Shortcut | Action |
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| ------------------- | ---------------------- |
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| **⌘Q** / **Ctrl+Q** | Quit the application |
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| **⌘,** / **Ctrl+,** | Open Settings |
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| **⌘1** / **Ctrl+1** | Switch to Messages tab |
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| **⌘2** / **Ctrl+2** | Switch to Nodes tab |
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| **⌘3** / **Ctrl+3** | Switch to Map tab |
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| **⌘4** / **Ctrl+4** | Switch to Connect tab |
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### Window & System Tray
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- **Window resizing** — responsive layout adapts to window dimensions
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- **System tray** — minimize to system tray for background mesh operation
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- **Tray menu** — right-click the tray icon to show window or quit
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- **Mouse interaction** — hover states and standard desktop navigation
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### Notification Preferences
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The Desktop app provides in-app toggles for controlling which notifications are shown — messages, new nodes, and low battery alerts. Access these from **Settings → Notifications** within the app.
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## Built-in Documentation Browser
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The Desktop app includes a built-in documentation browser for quick access to help content without leaving the application.
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The browser supports full-text search across all documentation:
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Individual doc pages render with full formatting:
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## Building from Source
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```bash
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git clone https://github.com/meshtastic/Meshtastic-Android.git
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cd Meshtastic-Android
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git submodule update --init
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./gradlew :desktopApp:run
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```
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Requirements:
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- JDK 21
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- No Android SDK required for desktop-only builds
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## Known Limitations
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- No OTA firmware updates (use web flasher)
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- Some Android-specific features (widgets, specific notification channels) are unavailable
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- Performance may vary on low-spec hardware running Compose Desktop
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- BLE bonding is not yet supported on desktop (pairing works without bonding)
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## Related Topics
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- [Connections](connections) — connection methods overview
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- [Firmware Updates](firmware) — use the [Web Flasher](https://flasher.meshtastic.org) for desktop firmware updates
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---
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