Getting Started

This page lists recommended software for the Meshtastic mesh network: official apps, monitoring tools, web clients and integrations. Software is grouped by platform to help you quickly find what fits your device and workflow.

🧭 Platforms & Apps

Mobile Apps

Android (official Meshtastic app)

• Platform: Android phones/tablets
• Description: Official client for messaging, map display, and node configuration via Bluetooth, USB or WiFi.
• Link: Installation instructions
• Tip: Available via Google Play, F-Droid or sideloading.

iOS / iPadOS (official Meshtastic app)

• Platform: Apple iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch
• Description: Official client for Apple devices — connect to nodes, chat, view maps, configure settings.
• Link: Installation instructions
• Tip: Requires current iOS version; check compatibility in App Store.

Web / Desktop Clients

Web Client (Meshtastic Web)

• Platform: Browser (desktop, laptop, tablet)
• Description: Browser-based user interface that connects to a node via USB/serial, Bluetooth or HTTP. Allows messaging and configuration without using a phone.
• Link: Web Client docs
• Tip: Use the hosted instance or self-host for local control.

Embedded / Device UI

Meshtastic UI (MUI)

• Platform: Dedicated device (Linux-based, touchscreen/display)
• Description: A standalone user interface running on a node or companion device. Ideal for setups where you don’t want to rely on a phone.
• Link: MUI docs
• Tip: Great for repeater hardware, kiosks or outdoor setups.

Command-Line & Scriptable Tools

Python CLI for Meshtastic

• Platform: Windows / macOS / Linux (command line)
• Description: Python package providing CLI and API for automation, telemetry ingestion, scripting node config.
• Link: Python CLI docs
• Tip: Install via pip3 install --upgrade "meshtastic[cli]". Great for headless servers or Raspberry Pi.

Community / Third-Party Tools & Integrations

Kiba Outdoors

• Platform: Android / iOS
• Description: Outdoor-focused mobile app integrating Meshtastic radios for messaging and location sharing in off-grid scenarios.
• Link: Kiba Outdoors

MeshView (by pablorevilla-meshtastic)

• Platform: Web / Server (Docker/browser)
• Description: Real-time monitoring and diagnostics tool for Meshtastic networks — node status, packet flows, topology.
• Link: GitHub – meshview

MeshSense (by Affirmatech)

• Platform: Desktop (Windows / Linux / macOS)
• Description: Monitoring, mapping and visualizing your Meshtastic network: node health, signal reports, traceroutes.
• Link: MeshSense

Contact (by pdxlocations)

• Platform: Terminal / CLI
• Description: Lightweight terminal-based client for Meshtastic: chat, config, backups via console UI.
• Link: GitHub – contact

MeshMonitor (by Yeraze)

• Platform: Web App (Server + browser)
• Description: Web-based monitor for Meshtastic nodes: maps, analytics, node info via HTTP/TCP.
• Link: GitHub – meshmonitor

Malla (by zenitraM)

• Platform: Web App (Server + browser)
• Description: Lightweight web analyzer: reads Meshtastic packets via MQTT/SQLite and provides dashboards for nodes, traceroutes, maps.
• Link: GitHub – malla

✅ Choosing the Right Software

• Mobile: If you’re handheld or portable, use the official Android or iOS app.
• Desktop / Browser: For laptop/desktop access, the Web Client offers a full experience.
• Embedded Device: Use MUI when you want a dedicated node with built-in UI.
• Automation / Server: For telemetry, scripts or server-side work, go with the Python CLI.
• Monitoring & Analytics: For larger node deployments or network health, use one of the community tools (MeshView, MeshSense, MeshMonitor, Malla).
• Outdoor or group ops: Check Kiba Outdoors for a mobile-centric outdoor-friendly app.

🔗 Additional Resources

• Official Software Index: Meshtastic Software
• Community-Curated List: Awesome Meshtastic

Last updated: October 2025