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

   &#x20;\
   **Example**

   <figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F3soP2Gbzm0kHyHVh2mCJ%2Flinux_invite_send.png?alt=media&#x26;token=675164ee-269a-4f83-8ae4-447ee6cc9d60" 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](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-meshnet-devices-on-windows#accept-an-invitation-on-windows)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Android](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/adding-external-meshnet-devices-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-on-macos)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Linux](#accept-an-invitation-on-linux)
   * [Accepting an invitation on Android TV](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/linking-external-meshnet-devices-on-android-tv#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="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FrCrERGKpzQ6YETwlXvKH%2Flinux_invite_revoke.png?alt=media&#x26;token=21c82a6d-e53d-4df8-b59d-98a8bf940b5c" 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](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/getting-started/use-meshnet-securely).
{% 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**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/remote-access-permissions): keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
   * [**Allow traffic routing**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/traffic-routing-permissions): this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.&#x20;
   * [**Allow local network access**](https://meshnet.nordvpn.com/features/explaining-permissions/local-network-permissions): this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.&#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.

   &#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>