Remote access permissions

Learn the functionality of the remote access permission and how to manage it in the Meshnet permission menu.

Introduction

This article details Meshnet's remote access permission and steps to modify this setting for individual peer devices.

Permission basics

Once you enable Meshnet, your linked devices treat each other as members of a private network. The remote access permission determines if a Meshnet peer can access your device using the Meshnet IP or Nord name. By default, remote access is granted for all devices, but you can adjust it in the Meshnet permission menu.

What happens when remote access is enabled?

Your device accepts incoming connections from a Meshnet peer. The connections can be initiated from the same local network or from the outside.

Figure 1. Remote access enabled

As illustrated in the model above, data can be exchanged in both directions. This two-way communication between devices unlocks a variety of use cases, including but not limited to:

• Remote device access
• Media streaming
• Shared folders
• Game servers

What happens when remote access is disabled?

Your device does not accept connections from a Meshnet peer. If a connection is attempted (for example, using the ping command), it will fail because the recipient will not receive it.

Figure 2. Remote access disabled

Having the remote access permission disabled prevents the peer from accessing any shared folders or services on your device.

Icon reference table

In the NordVPN app, permissions and their values are visualized using icons. This table explains the icons that represent different states of the remote access permission and the effect it has on devices in your Meshnet.

Icon	State	Impact
	Remote access is enabled to your device and the linked device.	Your device can remotely access the peer device. The peer device can remotely access your device.
	Remote access is enabled to your device.	Your device cannot remotely access the peer device. The peer device can remotely access your device.
	Remote access is enabled for the linked device.	Your device can remotely access the peer device. The peer device cannot remotely access your device.
	Remote access is disabled.	Your device cannot remotely access the peer device. The peer device cannot remotely access your device.

Changing permissions

If you want to change the status of the remote access permission, you can do so for each device individually. You can also check whether your peer has enabled or disabled the permission for your device.

To manage the remote access permission, proceed with the following instructions:

Windows

1. Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
2. On the left-side menu, select the Devices in Meshnet tab.
3. Next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for, click the three-dot menu and select Manage device.

   

4. Under Remote access permissions, turn on or off the Remote access to your device toggle.

   

Android

1. Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap Profile and select Meshnet .
3. Select Manage devices.

4. Either tap your chosen device or tap the three-dot menu next to the device and select Manage device permissions.

5. Tap Remote access permissions to expand and turn on or off Remote access to your device.

   

iOS

1. Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap Profile > Meshnet .
3. Select Manage devices.

4. Tap the Permissions area under the device that you want to alter the permissions for.

   

5. Under Remote access permissions, turn on or off Remote access to your device.

   

macOS

1. Open the NordVPN app. Log in if necessary.
2. On the left-side menu, select the Meshnet menu.
3. Click the More button next to the device that you want to alter the permissions for.
4. Select the Don't allow remote access to your device or the Allow remote access to your device option.

   

Linux

1. Open the terminal.

2. Run the following command to list your Meshnet peers:

   nordvpn meshnet peer list

3. Note the Nord name of the peer you want to alter permissions for.

   

4. To either allow or disable the permission, use one of the following commands, replacing <device> with the peer’s Nord name, nickname, or Meshnet IP:

   nordvpn meshnet peer incoming allow <device>
   nordvpn meshnet peer incoming deny <device>

Tip

To find your peer's Nord name faster, start typing the name and press Tab. The system will auto-complete the name based on matching peers.

Android TV

1. On your Android TV device, open NordVPN. Log in if necessary.
2. Navigate to the Meshnet tab.
3. Under Linked devices, choose the device you want to alter the permissions for.

4. Set the Remote access to your device toggle to the on or off position.