Linking external Meshnet devices on Android

Learn how to expand your Meshnet by linking other users' devices on Android.

Linking a device of another Meshnet user allows for reciprocal access between your devices, which can be limited by setting specific permissions if needed.

Send an invitation from Android

To add an external device to your Meshnet, invite its owner using their NordVPN account email:

1. In your NordVPN app, navigate to Meshnet .

2. Tap Manage devices and then select Link external device.

   

3. Enter the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to your Meshnet.

   

4. Select permissions for the other user's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.

   • Allow remote access: keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.

   • Allow receiving files: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.

5. Tap Send invitation.

   

6. Wait for the recipient to accept the invitation. For details, consult the appropriate guides:

   • Accepting an invitation on Windows

   • Accepting an invitation on Android

   • Accepting an invitation on iPhone/iPad

   • Accepting an invitation on macOS

   • Accepting an invitation on Linux

   • Accepting an invitation on Android TV

Once the invitation is accepted, your peer's device will appear under the Linked devices tab of the Manage devices menu.

Optional: Withdraw an invitation

Invitations automatically expire after 72 hours if not canceled earlier.

To withdraw a pending invitation:

1. On the Meshnet tab, navigate to Manage devices > Invitations.
2. Under Sent, locate the invitation you want to withdraw and tap it.

   

3. Select Cancel invitation to confirm.

Accept an invitation on Android

To complete the device linking process, the recipient needs to accept the invitation in their NordVPN app.

Caution

Ensure that the invitation you accept is from a user you know and trust. For more information, see How to use Meshnet securely.

If you're on Android, follow these steps to accept the invite:

1. Open the NordVPN app and go to Meshnet .
2. Navigate to Manage devices and then select Invitations.

3. From the Received list, choose the desired invitation.

   

4. Select permissions for the inviter's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.

   • Allow receiving files: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.

   • Allow remote access: keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.

5. Tap Accept invitation.

After accepting the invitation, your peer's device will appear under the Linked devices tab of the Manage devices menu. Tap External to locate it quickly.

Note

If you have Meshnet on multiple devices, you'll need to individually accept the invitation on each device to link them all.

Checklist for device linking

If the device is not showing up in your Linked devices list, refer to the following checklist to address common issues:

• Verify the email address you entered when sending the invitation.

• Confirm that the recipient has accepted the invitation.