# Linking external Meshnet 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](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-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 **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">.
2. Tap **Manage devices** and then select **Link external 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%2FibUyEdMD66gb2hNZqBza%2Fandroid_link_external_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f25f7f91-5fb3-4af6-a54b-c0c5b2f7bcb4" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FobVgwH3xSQ0cJjQas0P6%2Fandroid_link_external.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ad0ec487-759c-4ff4-bd0a-6397a0221239" alt="&#x22;Link external device&#x22; button highlighted." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Enter the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to your Meshnet.&#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%2FeILXMmcS11yEMaKgdaPl%2Fandroid_invite_email_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ff2dde95-23c3-49e7-aaa7-e5885b5c48b0" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FavX1nf5LX57nSaC5ZOEi%2Fandroid_invite_email.png?alt=media&#x26;token=73619028-26c9-418e-a44c-36637e7d54bd" alt="Email address entered in the designated field" width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

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4. Select permissions for the other user's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.\
   &#x20;
   * [**Allow remote access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
   * [**Allow receiving files**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.\
     &#x20;
5. Tap **Send invitation**.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FfoTPYivUQfXk9I0TZ5VC%2Fandroid_send_invite_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3864bb89-e48f-4983-a026-41cbf4ed3a9b" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FFtganYdkrC1dzFEyFdYf%2Fandroid_send_invite.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2e82212f-5f7c-41e1-8826-65677c554cb2" alt="&#x22;Send invitation&#x22; button highlighted." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
6. Wait for the recipient to accept the invitation. For details, consult the appropriate guides:
   * [Accepting an invitation on Windows](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-meshnet-devices-on-windows#accept-an-invitation-on-windows)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Android](#accept-an-invitation-on-android)
   * [Accepting an invitation on iPhone/iPad](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-ios#accept-an-invitation-on-iphone-ipad)
   * [Accepting an invitation on macOS](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-macos#accept-an-invitation)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Linux](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-linux#accept-an-invitation)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Android TV](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-external-meshnet-devices-on-android-tv#accept-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** <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, navigate to **Manage devices** > **Invitations**.
2. Under **Sent**, locate the invitation you want to withdraw and tap it.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FBYB3jFwpRoPlsxS9RZHG%2Fandroid_sent_invite_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d6cd7213-126a-4d15-be68-ff5b11fc6d75" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FQN9KZvDe8UrGx0mSVZGP%2Fandroid_sent_invite.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fbcff993-af9a-4e9b-ad74-9d079f5945c4" alt="Outgoing invitation highlighted." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
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.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Caution**

Ensure that the invitation you accept is from a user you know and trust. For more information, see [How to use Meshnet securely](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/use-meshnet-securely).
{% endhint %}

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

1. Open the **NordVPN** app and go to **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">.
2. Navigate to **Manage devices** and then select **Invitations**.
3. From the **Received** list, choose the desired invitation.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FqCui8YFVZUnUuFBq2HkV%2Fandroid_received_invite_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=97fb2b0b-9ffd-4a94-b641-1f459e0a0285" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F9phJaTVFxg8WRbrGE6vn%2Fandroid_received_invite.png?alt=media&#x26;token=614c2728-353d-440b-b30a-ab1deed0576e" alt="Received invitation highlighted." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
4. Select permissions for the inviter's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.\
   &#x20;
   * [**Allow receiving files**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
   * [**Allow remote access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.\
     &#x20;
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.

<div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FJkGNuc60nHHHzZU1efx7%2Fandroid_external_linked_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fb538890-3e22-4097-9a9b-37b82bb64fdf" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F5dqIQ9XQ3SvcxR9rM7Df%2Fandroid_external_linked.png?alt=media&#x26;token=81147696-771f-49af-afa9-e4cdfb2c1264" alt="Newly added device visible under &#x22;Linked devices&#x22;." width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

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

## 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.

&#x20;
