# Linking external Meshnet devices on Linux

Linking a device of another Meshnet user allows for reciprocal access between your devices, which can be limited by setting specific [permissions](/features/explaining-permissions.md) if needed.

## Send an invitation from Linux

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

1. Open **Terminal**.
2. Enter the following command, where `<email>` is the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to have access to your Meshnet:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet invite send &#x3C;email>
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;\
   **Example**

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet invite send fernando.thewhale@email.com
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;
3. Grant or deny the permissions requested for the user’s device by pressing **Y** or **N**, respectively, one at a time. Repeat until you see a message confirming that you’ve successfully sent your invitation.\
   &#x20; \
   Consider the level of access you're comfortable providing:

   * [**Allow incoming traffic**](/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
   * [**Allow traffic routing**](/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.&#x20;
   * [**Allow local network access**](/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.&#x20;
   * [**Allow receiving files**](/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.

   &#x20;\
   **Example**

   <figure><img src="/files/KtOpq1bkZC9MmHIaM3sF" alt="Terminal output showing permission prompts and successfully sending an invite."><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   &#x20;
4. Wait for the recipient to accept the invitation. For details, consult the appropriate guides:
   * [Accepting an invitation on Windows](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-meshnet-devices-on-windows.md#accept-an-invitation-on-windows)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Android](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-android.md#accept-an-invitation-on-android)
   * [Accepting an invitation on iPhone/iPad](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-ios.md#accept-an-invitation-on-iphone-ipad)
   * [Accepting an invitation on macOS](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-macos.md#accept-an-invitation-on-macos)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Linux](#accept-an-invitation-on-linux)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Android TV](/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/linking-external-meshnet-devices-on-android-tv.md#accept-an-invitation-on-android-tv)
5. Once the device owner accepts the invitation, your devices will be linked. To view connected external devices, enter:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet peer list -filter external
   </code></pre>

### Optional: Withdraw an invitation

Invitations automatically expire after 72 hours if not canceled earlier.

To withdraw a pending invitation, enter this command followed by the email address of the person you've invited:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
nordvpn meshnet invite revoke <email>
```

{% endcode %}

**Example**

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/c1094Ad16tozw8Ec6ht7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## Accept an invitation on Linux

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](/getting-started/use-meshnet-securely.md).
{% endhint %}

To accept an invitation on a Linux device:

1. Open **Terminal**.
2. To see your pending invitations, enter the command:&#x20;

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet invite list
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;
3. Locate the email address of the person who invited you under **Received invites**.
4. To accept an invite, enter the following command, replacing `<email>`  with the inviter's email address:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet invite accept &#x3C;email>
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;\
   **Example**

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet invite accept secret.meerkat@meshnet.com
   </code></pre>

   &#x20;
5. Grant or deny the permissions requested for the inviter's device by pressing **Y** or **N**, respectively, one at a time. \
   &#x20;\
   Consider the level of access you're comfortable providing:

   * [**Allow incoming traffic**](/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
   * [**Allow traffic routing**](/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.&#x20;
   * [**Allow local network access**](/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions.md): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.&#x20;
   * [**Allow receiving files**](/features/explaining-permissions/file-sharing-permissions.md): keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.

   &#x20;
6. Repeat until you see a message confirming that you’ve successfully accepted their invitation. This will link your device with your peer's device.
7. To view external connected devices, enter:

   <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet peer list -filter external
   </code></pre>

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

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip**

To display supported commands for managing Meshnet peer devices, enter:

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```bash
nordvpn meshnet peer --help
```

{% endcode %}
{% endhint %}

## Checklist for device linking

If the device is not showing up in your **External peers** 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.
* [ ] Refresh your Meshnet by entering this command:

  <pre class="language-bash" data-overflow="wrap"><code class="lang-bash">nordvpn meshnet peer refresh
  </code></pre>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-devices-in-meshnet/adding-external-meshnet-devices-on-linux.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.