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Remote access permissions

Learn the functionality of the remote access permission and how to manage it in the Meshnet permission menu.

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 is granted for all devices, but you can adjust it in the Meshnet permission menu.

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:

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.

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:
Windows
Android
iOS
macOS
Linux
Android TV
  1. 1.
    Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
  2. 2.
    On the left-side menu, select the Meshnet
     tab.
  3. 3.
    Click the device that you want to alter the permissions for.
  4. 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
  1. 1.
    Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
  2. 2.
    Tap Meshnet
     at the bottom of the screen.
  3. 3.
    Select Manage devices.
  4. 4.
    Either tap your chosen device or tap the three-dot menu next to the device and select Manage device permissions.
  5. 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.
    ​
  1. 1.
    Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
  2. 2.
    Tap Meshnet
     at the bottom of the screen.
  3. 3.
    Select Manage devices.
  4. 4.
    Tap the Permissions area under the device that you want to alter the permissions for.
    Selecting Permissions
  5. 5.
    Under Remote access permissions, turn on or off Remote access to your device.
    Turning on Remote access to your device
  1. 1.
    Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
  2. 2.
    On the left-side menu, select the Meshnet
     menu.
  3. 3.
    Click the More
     button next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for.
  4. 4.
    Select the Don't allow remote access to your device or the Allow remote access to your device option.
    Turning off Remote access to your device
  1. 1.
    Open the terminal.
  2. 2.
    Run the following command to list your Meshnet peers:
    nordvpn meshnet peer list
    ​
  3. 3.
    Note the Nord name of the peer you want to alter permissions for.
    An example of entering a device's Nord name
    ​
  4. 4.
    To either allow or disable the permission, use one of the following commands, replacing <NordName> with the peer’s Nord name or Meshnet IP:
    nordvpn meshnet peer incoming allow <NordName>
    nordvpn meshnet peer incoming deny <NordName>
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.
  1. 1.
    On your Android TV device, open NordVPN. Log in if necessary.
  2. 2.
    Navigate to the Meshnet section.
  3. 3.
    Select Devices and choose the appropriate device category.
  4. 4.
    Choose the device you want to alter the permissions for.
  5. 5.
    Select Incoming connections and choose Allow or Don’t allow.
    "Don't allow" selected in the Incoming connections permission controls.
​
Features - Previous
Explaining permissions
Next
File sharing permissions
Last modified 10d ago
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