Linking external Meshnet devices on Windows
Learn how to expand your Meshnet by linking other users' devices on Windows.
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Learn how to expand your Meshnet by linking other users' devices on Windows.
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Linking a device of another Meshnet user allows for reciprocal access between your devices, which can be limited by setting specific if needed.
To add an external device to your Meshnet, invite its owner using their NordVPN account email:
Go to Devices in Meshnet and click Link devices.
In the menu that opens, click Link external device.
Enter the email address of the NordVPN user you're inviting to your Meshnet.
Select permissions for the other user's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.
: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
: this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.
: this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.
: keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
Select Send invitation.
Wait for the recipient to accept the invitation. For details, consult the appropriate guides:
Once the invitation is accepted, your peer's device will appear in the External devices list.
Invitations automatically expire after 72 hours if not canceled earlier.
To withdraw a pending invitation:
Next to the invitation you want to withdraw, select Cancel.
Confirm that you want to negate the invite by clicking Cancel invitation.
To complete the device linking process, the recipient needs to accept the invitation in their NordVPN app.
Caution
If you're on Windows, follow these steps to accept the invite:
Navigate to Link devices > Received invitations.
Next to the invitation you want to accept, select Respond.
Select permissions for the inviter's device to set the access level you're comfortable with.
Select Accept and link device.
After accepting the invitation, the peer device will appear under the External devices category.
If the device is not showing up in your External devices list, refer to the following checklist to address common issues:
On the Devices in Meshnet tab, navigate to Link Devices > Sent Invitations.
Ensure that the invitation you accept is from a user you know and trust. For more information, see .
Open the NordVPN app and go to Devices in Meshnet .
: keep this permission selected to allow file sending from the invitee.
: this permission lets the external device route its internet traffic through your device, using it as a VPN server.
: this permission lets the external device access other devices on your local network, such as printers or smart home devices.
: keep this permission selected to stay accessible via Meshnet.
