# File sharing permissions

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

This article details Meshnet’s file sharing permission and outlines steps to adjust this setting for each individual device on your Meshnet.

## Permission basics <a href="#permission-overview" id="permission-overview"></a>

The file sharing permission allows you to send and receive files between your Meshnet peers via the NordVPN app. By default, file sharing is allowed for all devices in your Meshnet. For instructions on how to share files, see [Sharing files in Meshnet](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/sharing-files-in-meshnet).

### What happens when file sharing is enabled? <a href="#what-happens-when-file-sharing-is-enabled" id="what-happens-when-file-sharing-is-enabled"></a>

When you enable file sharing for a specific Meshnet peer, you can start receiving files from that device.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FbxtJAcDxTqFbB9yk2Xuh%2Fmeshnet-scheme-file-sharing.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=94140ee0-5e6b-4ebc-8b8a-37a34adc76d9" alt="Three computers sharing files with each other."><figcaption><p>Figure 1. File sharing via Meshnet</p></figcaption></figure>

As illustrated in the model above, with [file sharing](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/file-sharing/) enabled on both devices, the files can be sent and received bidirectionally. This allows you to exchange various file types securely.

### What happens when file sharing is disabled? <a href="#what-happens-when-file-sharing-is-disabled" id="what-happens-when-file-sharing-is-disabled"></a>

If you disable the file sharing permission for one of your Meshnet peers, you will not receive any files from that device. However, unless the peer disables file sharing for you, you can still send files to the peer’s device.

### Icon reference table

In the NordVPN app, permissions and their values are visualized using icons. This table explains the icons that represent different states of the file sharing permission and the effect it has on devices in your Meshnet.

<table><thead><tr><th width="100" align="center">Icon</th><th>State</th><th>Impact</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td align="center"><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fg8EX1UwdKMMADXZKeoPn%2Ffiles_on_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=45f8ec62-f1e4-4835-8c6b-23a592681863" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FfNBCBdTViKn4RRDKW29E%2Ffiles_on.png?alt=media&#x26;token=02cfbd44-fdfe-4c15-bb15-1c11ae8724c1" alt=""></picture></td><td>File sharing is enabled for your device and the linked device.</td><td><ul><li>Your device can send files to the peer device.</li><li>The peer device can send files to your device.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FZVQqmJPZzxPPrEK4xBtr%2Ffiles_in_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9a0ea81a-305f-47bf-bc21-91a2cc9a56c9" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F2j5J1I83sLTYPzqrAiBS%2Ffiles_in.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dd2070d4-b67e-47fc-8c21-ca546287a543" alt="File sharing permission icon with one arrow pointing inward"></picture></td><td>File sharing is enabled for your device.</td><td><ul><li>Your device cannot send files to the peer device.</li><li>The peer device can send files to your device.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><p></p><p><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FkvLECs1YkIk3CQClv2TM%2Ffiles_out_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6994ba8a-8b5f-43f7-8017-c0d8d0d19367" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FJu49xokk8iUU9M5BSqns%2Ffiles_out.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0580423a-c3d7-4f1a-aa27-d22d72314b93" alt="File sharing permission icon with one arrow pointing outward" data-size="original"></picture></p></td><td>File sharing is enabled for the linked device.</td><td><ul><li>Your device can send files to the peer device.</li><li>The peer device cannot send files to your device.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FrY7eXvwvWT1HPUHGrCaO%2Ffiles_off_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7c77f7b9-219f-4466-80af-bdfbf1873654" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F3EnOoUab7u6G0lzWRi9e%2Ffiles_off.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a54e5aca-5197-438f-859b-2eb474209901" alt="File sharing permission icon with an x symbol"></picture></td><td>File sharing is disabled.</td><td><ul><li>Your device cannot send files to the peer device.</li><li>The peer device cannot send files to your device.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Changing permissions <a href="#changing-permissions" id="changing-permissions"></a>

If you want to change the status of the file sharing permission, you can do so for each device individually. You can also check whether your peer has enabled or disabled the permission for your device.

To manage the file sharing permission, proceed with the following instructions:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Windows" %}

1. Open the NordVPN app. [Log in](https://my.nordaccount.com/) if necessary.
2. From the left-side menu, select **Devices in Meshnet** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FyNPGbeTmyQ5agRdyJD19%2Ficon_meshnet_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=478d08e6-81b2-4acc-af45-46579f95599e" alt="" data-size="line">.
3. Next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for, click the three-dot menu and select **Manage device**.

   <figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FEBlAeNIWAh0t3CnFstbH%2Fwin_manage_device_button_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e9500f3e-689d-4a09-8030-1604419c6fb6" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FZCu8JQ5JBRD5CCcUsz3t%2Fwin_manage_device_button.png?alt=media&#x26;token=53caf5e5-df83-44d1-b9d1-71b7655ea123" alt="Selecting &#x22;Manage device&#x22; from the three-dot menu."></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   &#x20;
4. Under **File sharing permissions**, turn on or off the **Receiving files from linked device** toggle.&#x20;

   <figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F3vlGduxQoAExB6I6rIsL%2Fwin_file_sharing_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=89e3a447-2f76-494a-8111-4f607d33392f" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FuwyObFvyWsZp6OT5drBJ%2Fwin_file_sharing.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fd2794d3-2db9-4a64-87b2-80331c8faf2f" alt="Turning on the &#x22;Receive files from the linked device&#x22; toggle."></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   &#x20;\
   You can also choose whether to automatically accept file transfers from this sender without receiving a transfer request. To do this, turn on or off the **Always accept transfers from this device** toggle.
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Android" %}

1. Open the NordVPN app. [Log in](https://my.nordaccount.com/) if necessary.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap **Products** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fpj0sQNufY9ZBXInxL7cS%2Ficon_products_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=40a7e012-a8ad-4ba2-9599-0bd15a3516e3" alt="" data-size="line"> > **Meshnet** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FyNPGbeTmyQ5agRdyJD19%2Ficon_meshnet_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=478d08e6-81b2-4acc-af45-46579f95599e" alt="" data-size="line">.
3. Select **Manage devices**.
4. Either tap your chosen device or tap the three-dot menu next to the device and select **Manage device permissions**.
5. Tap **File sharing permissions** to expand and turn on or off **Receiving files from the linked device**.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F2wF6f27m8Zlgl5hQFAsE%2Fandroid_files_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fee0e214-cab7-4ca7-b5a0-bf934ff2e410" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F7LlmbKhmZKtMurtfK5sa%2Fandroid_files.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b43d7100-3249-48d5-9a09-52183ae6faa7" alt="The &#x27;Receiving files from the linked device&#x27; toggle is enabled." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
6. To automatically accept file transfers from this sender without receiving a request, turn on the **Always accept transfers from this device** toggle.
   {% endtab %}

{% tab title="iOS" %}

1. Open the NordVPN app. [Log in](https://my.nordaccount.com/) if necessary.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap **Products** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fpj0sQNufY9ZBXInxL7cS%2Ficon_products_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=40a7e012-a8ad-4ba2-9599-0bd15a3516e3" alt="" data-size="line"> > **Meshnet** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FyNPGbeTmyQ5agRdyJD19%2Ficon_meshnet_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=478d08e6-81b2-4acc-af45-46579f95599e" alt="" data-size="line">.
3. Select **Manage devices**.
4. Tap the **Permissions** area under the device that you want to alter the permissions for.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F2tVGpy7qlfOZVdMA7kdV%2Fios_permissions_area_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=15696f05-9f96-4e7a-aeec-0c25ddbac482" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FLU5SbKEPRhHKJ9ZjI2AB%2Fios_permissions_area.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c4097ec7-9cab-48d7-a3b7-d1cc7c7d564a" alt="Selecting Permissions." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
5. Under **File sharing permissions**, turn on or off **Receiving files from linked device**.&#x20;

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F892RsZq7LRG6Ayax4czq%2Fios_permissions_files_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cfd3cc3e-e50a-4357-86ba-465de0e3de81" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fan8uLwo08QTHR9lG1cvd%2Fios_permissions_files.png?alt=media&#x26;token=27dff01a-ec8c-49de-ab2c-eecd4a4ff65c" alt="Turning on the Receiving files from linked device toggle" width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="macOS" %}

1. Open the NordVPN app. [Log in](https://my.nordaccount.com/) if necessary.
2. On the left-side menu, select the **Meshnet** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FyNPGbeTmyQ5agRdyJD19%2Ficon_meshnet_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=478d08e6-81b2-4acc-af45-46579f95599e" alt="" data-size="line"> menu.
3. Click the **More** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FFEbtqv2YQL7cmH2Rrv9b%2Ficon_meshnet_more_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=11f0a3bf-162c-49cd-88cb-76d5519a486a" alt="" data-size="line"> button next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for.
4. Select the **Don't allow receiving files** or the **Allow receiving files** option.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FrUnyjtH0x5Bf6Qx8E8zx%2Fmac_permission_files_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b6ae8eaa-c99d-4837-b6f4-b3005234b573" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F3KNqgU57vPwfSgzVOdKA%2Fmac_permission_files.png?alt=media&#x26;token=02afe9b0-643f-4a4e-806d-d82f3d2e5a19" alt="Revoking the &#x22;Receiving files&#x22; permission."></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Linux" %}

1. Open the terminal.
2. Run the following command to list your Meshnet peers:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet peer list
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;
3. Note the Nord name of the peer device you want to alter permissions for.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Flu7jFRKTlldabekqtXkg%2Flinux_peer_name_himalayas.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1cfabc26-9741-44b9-b170-50b24e9f0d8b" alt="Peer device&#x27;s Nord name highlighted in Terminal."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
4. To either allow or disable the permission, use one of the following commands, replacing `<device>` with the peer’s Nord name, nickname, or Meshnet IP:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet peer fileshare allow &#x3C;device>
   nordvpn meshnet peer fileshare deny &#x3C;device>
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;\
   You can also choose whether to automatically accept file transfers from this sender without receiving a transfer request. To do this, use the following commands, where `<device>` is the peer device's Nord name, nickname, or Meshnet IP:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet peer auto-accept enable &#x3C;device>
   nordvpn meshnet peer auto-accept disable &#x3C;device>
   </code></pre>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**

To find your peer's Nord name faster, start typing the name and press **Tab**. The system will auto-complete the name based on matching peers.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Android TV" %}

1. On your Android TV device, open **NordVPN**. Log in if necessary.
2. Navigate to **Meshnet** <img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FyNPGbeTmyQ5agRdyJD19%2Ficon_meshnet_blue.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=478d08e6-81b2-4acc-af45-46579f95599e" alt="" data-size="line"> > **Linked devices**.
3. Choose the device you want to alter the permissions for.
4. Set the **Receiving files from the linked device** toggle to the on or off position.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FWUXrK0QCkBTaf243ikZy%2Ftv_receive_files_toggle.png?alt=media&#x26;token=88eb3ea5-537b-477b-95ef-4385f42a8975" alt="&#x22;Receive files&#x22; toggle set to the on position." width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
