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title = "Getting Started"
weight = 1
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When you first launch Meshy, you'll see the connection screen. You need a MeshCore companion device (e.g., a Heltec V3, T-Beam, WisBlock, or similar LoRa board running MeshCore firmware) to use the app.

## Connecting via Bluetooth

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer.
2. Under **Paired Companions**, any previously paired MeshCore devices are listed. Click **Connect** to reconnect.
3. To pair a new device, click **Pair with New Companion**. Meshy will scan for nearby devices advertising the Nordic UART Service (NUS), which is how MeshCore companions identify themselves over Bluetooth.
4. Select your device from the scan results. If the device requires a PIN, a dialog will appear. Enter the PIN shown on your device's screen. If you enter a wrong PIN, an error message is shown and the PIN dialog reappears automatically.
5. Once paired, Meshy connects automatically and begins syncing contacts, channels, and messages.

**Connection Retry:** If the connection fails, Meshy automatically retries up to 3 times with increasing delays between attempts.

## Connecting via USB

1. Connect your MeshCore device via USB cable.
2. Under **USB Serial**, detected serial devices (ttyACM/ttyUSB) are listed. Click **Connect**.
3. The connection uses 115200 baud by default.
4. If you see a permission error, Meshy will offer to install a udev rule. This requires administrator privileges and sets the correct permissions for the serial device. After installation, unplug and replug the device.

## Connecting via TCP

For network-connected companion devices or remote access:

1. Switch to the **TCP** tab in the connection screen.
2. Enter the IP address or hostname (e.g., `192.168.40.10`).
3. Enter the port (default is `5000`).
4. Click **Connect**.

TCP connections are saved in preferences and can be reconnected later. To change the address of a saved connection, right-click (or long-press) it and select **Change Address**. You can also remove saved connections from the same context menu.

## Auto-Reconnect

Meshy remembers the last connected device and transport method. On subsequent launches, it attempts to reconnect automatically. If the device is unavailable or the connection fails after retries, the connection screen is shown.
