Migrating from Meshtastic to MeshCore

MeshEnvy recommends MeshCore for devices on our statewide mesh. If you already run Meshtastic on supported hardware, you can move to MeshCore by reflashing—you keep the radio, swap the firmware and app ecosystem.

MeshCore and Meshtastic do not talk to each other over the air.

Both use LoRa, but the protocol stacks differ. Nodes on Meshtastic will not decrypt or relay MeshCore traffic, and vice versa. Migrating means your device joins the MeshCore side of the community mesh.

Before you flash

Confirm hardware support. Use the MeshCore site hardware list and documentation for your board. Not every Meshtastic device has a MeshCore build yet.
Treat Meshtastic settings as a fresh start. Channel keys, presets like LongFast, and QR exports live in Meshtastic’s ecosystem. MeshCore manages channels differently; plan to recreate groups and DM pairings inside the MeshCore app after flashing.
Coordinate with nearby operators. If your neighborhood still relies on Meshtastic-only paths, swapping one node can drop you off that mesh segment until MeshCore gateways or peers are within range—ask on Discord so you know who you will reach on MeshCore.

Migration steps

Install the MeshCore app on your phone or computer from meshcore.dev —download links cover mobile, desktop, and an offline-capable installer set.
Flash MeshCore firmware using the official MeshCore web flasher and guides linked from meshcore.dev. Follow the instructions for your specific board; put the device in bootloader mode exactly as documented.
Pair the app with your node. After the flash completes, reconnect over USB or BLE per the MeshCore quick start so the app owns the radio identity and messaging state.
Join public and community channels inside the MeshCore app, then ping the mesh (for example hello from your town) once you understand which regional channels Nevada operators are actively using—they are discussed regularly on Discord.
Optional: Meshtastic on a second radio. If you need continuity with Meshtastic-only nets, dedicate a separate device to Meshtastic. Mixing stacks on schedule by reflashing repeatedly is doable but brittle for ongoing operations.

Official references

Firmware, release notes, and up-to-date install paths change with each release. Prefer meshcore.dev for flashing and app installs, including the MeshCore Quick Start PDF linked from their downloads section.

MeshCore getting started Ask on Discord