Node / meshtastic / Meshtastic-Android / files / docs / ar-rSA / user / desktop.md

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title: Desktop App

parent: User Guide

nav_order: 14

last_updated: 2026-05-20

description: Install and use the Meshtastic Desktop app on Linux, macOS, and Windows — connections, feature parity, and keyboard shortcuts.

aliases:

• desktop

• linux

• macos

• windows

• jvm

The Meshtastic Desktop application shares its core codebase with Android via Kotlin Multiplatform. Most features work identically on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

• Download the T383838.deb or T383838.AppImage package from the releases page

• Or build from source using T383838./gradlew :desktopApp:run

• Download the T383838.dmg package from releases

• Or build from source

• Download the T383838.msi installer from releases

• Or build from source

The most reliable connection method on Desktop:

1. Connect your Meshtastic radio via USB cable.

2. The app should detect the serial port automatically.

3. If not detected, select the correct serial port from the Connect menu.

For network-connected radios:

1. Enter the radio's IP address and port (default: 4403).

2. Click Connect.

Bluetooth Low Energy is supported on Desktop via the Kable library:

1. Ensure your system has a Bluetooth adapter.

2. The app scans for nearby Meshtastic radios automatically.

3. Select your device from the Connect screen.

\*Chirpy AI requires Android 14+ on Google flavor builds with supported hardware.

The Desktop app uses the same Compose Multiplatform UI with adaptations for larger screens and desktop interaction.

• Window resizing — responsive layout adapts to window dimensions

• System tray — minimize to system tray for background mesh operation

• Tray menu — right-click the tray icon to show window or quit

• Mouse interaction — hover states and standard desktop navigation

The Desktop app provides in-app toggles for controlling which notifications are shown — messages, new nodes, and low battery alerts. Access these from Settings → Notifications within the app.

The Desktop app includes a built-in documentation browser for quick access to help content without leaving the application.

!Docs browser with table of contents

The browser supports full-text search across all documentation:

!Searching the docs browser

Individual doc pages render with full formatting:

!A documentation page

T282828

Tffa657cd Meshtastic-Android

git submodule update --init

./gradlew :desktopApp:run

Requirements:

• JDK 21

• No Android SDK required for desktop-only builds

• No OTA firmware updates (use web flasher)

• Some Android-specific features (widgets, specific notification channels) are unavailable

• Performance may vary on low-spec hardware running Compose Desktop

• BLE bonding is not yet supported on desktop (pairing works without bonding)

• Connections — connection methods overview

• Firmware Updates — use the Web Flasher for desktop firmware updates