# Remote access permissions ## Introduction This article details Meshnet's remote access permission and steps to modify this setting for individual peer devices. ## Permission basics Once you enable Meshnet, your linked devices treat each other as members of a private network. The remote access permission determines if a Meshnet peer can access your device using the Meshnet IP or Nord name. By default, [remote access](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/remote-access/) is granted for all devices, but you can adjust it in[ the Meshnet permission menu](#changing-permissions). ### What happens when remote access is enabled? Your device accepts incoming connections from a Meshnet peer. The connections can be initiated from the same local network or from the outside.
Remote access enabled

Figure 1. Remote access enabled

As illustrated in the model above, data can be exchanged in both directions. This two-way communication between devices unlocks a variety of use cases, including but not limited to: * [Remote device access](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-access) * [Media streaming](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access#personal-media-streaming) * [Shared folders](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/remote-files-media-access/set-up-folder-sharing) * [Game servers](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/how-to/gaming) ### What happens when remote access is disabled? Your device does not accept connections from a Meshnet peer. If a connection is attempted (for example, using the `ping` command), it will fail because the recipient will not receive it.
Remote access disabled

Figure 2. Remote access disabled

Having the remote access permission disabled prevents the peer from accessing any shared folders or services on your 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 remote access permission and the effect it has on devices in your Meshnet.
IconStateImpact
Remote access permission icon with two arrows.Remote access is enabled to your device and the linked device.
  • Your device can remotely access the peer device.
  • The peer device can remotely access your device.
Remote access permission icon with one arrow pointing inwardRemote access is enabled to your device.
  • Your device cannot remotely access the peer device.
  • The peer device can remotely access your device.
Remote access permission icon with one arrow pointing outwardRemote access is enabled for the linked device.
  • Your device can remotely access the peer device.
  • The peer device cannot remotely access your device.
Remote access permission icon with an x symbolRemote access is disabled.
  • Your device cannot remotely access the peer device.
  • The peer device cannot remotely access your device.
## Changing permissions If you want to change the status of the remote access 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 remote access permission, proceed with the following instructions: {% tabs %} {% tab title="Windows" %} 1. Open the NordVPN app. [Log in](https://my.nordaccount.com/) if necessary. 2. On the left-side menu, select the **Devices in Meshnet** tab. 3. Next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for, click the three-dot menu and select **Manage device**.
Selecting "Manage device" from the three-dot menu.
4. Under **Remote access permissions**, turn on or off the **Remote access to your device** toggle.
Turning on Remote access to your device permission 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** > **Meshnet** . 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 **Remote access permissions** to expand and turn on or off **Remote access to your device**.
The 'Remote access to your device' toggle is enabled.
{% 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** > **Meshnet** . 3. Select **Manage devices**. 4. Tap the **Permissions** area under the device that you want to alter the permissions for.
Selecting Permissions.
5. Under **Remote access permissions**, turn on or off **Remote access to your device**.
The "Remote access to your device" toggle highlighted.
{% 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** menu. 3. Click the **More** button next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for. 4. Select the **Don't allow remote access to your device** or the **Allow remote access to your device** option.
Revoking the "Remote access to your device" permission.
{% endtab %} {% tab title="Linux" %} 1. Open the terminal. 2. Run the following command to list your Meshnet peers: 
nordvpn meshnet peer list
3. Note the Nord name of the peer you want to alter permissions for.
Peer device's Nord name highlighted in Terminal.
4. To either allow or disable the permission, use one of the following commands, replacing `` with the peer’s Nord name, nickname, or Meshnet IP: 
nordvpn meshnet peer incoming allow <device>
   nordvpn meshnet peer incoming deny <device>
{% 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** > **Linked devices**. 3. Choose the device you want to alter the permissions for. 4. Select **Remote access permissions**. 5. Set the **Remote access to your device** toggle to the on or off position.
"Remote access to your device" toggle set to the on position.
{% endtab %} {% endtabs %}