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.

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.

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 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 is enabled to your device.

  • Your device cannot remotely access the peer device.

  • The peer device can remotely access your device.

Remote 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 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:

  1. Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.

  2. Next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for, click the three-dot menu and select Manage device.

  3. Under Remote access permissions, turn on or off the Remote access to your device toggle.

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