Linking external Meshnet devices on Windows

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 Windows

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

1. Go to Devices in Meshnet and click Link devices.

   

2. In the menu that opens, click 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 receiving files: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.

   • Allow traffic routing: this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.

   • Allow local network access: this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.

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

5. Select 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 in the External devices list.

Optional: Withdraw an invitation

Invitations automatically expire after 72 hours if not canceled earlier.

To withdraw a pending invitation:

1. On the Devices in Meshnet tab, navigate to Link Devices > Sent Invitations.

2. Next to the invitation you want to withdraw, select Cancel.

   

3. Confirm that you want to negate the invite by clicking Cancel invitation.

Accept an invitation on Windows

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

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

1. Open the NordVPN app and go to Devices in Meshnet .

2. Navigate to Link devices > Received invitations.

3. Next to the invitation you want to accept, select Respond.

   

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 traffic routing: this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.

   • Allow local network access: this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.

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

5. Select Accept and link device.

   

After accepting the invitation, the peer device will appear under the External devices category.

Checklist for device linking

If the device is not showing up in your External 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.