📋 Prerequisites
- Generated Ed25519 key pair from the key generator
- MeshCore device (companion or repeater)
- MeshCore mobile app installed on your phone or MeshCore Web App
- USB-C cable for connecting to your device
- Computer with internet access (for flashing repeater devices)
🔧 Select Your Device Type
Choose your device type to see the appropriate instructions:
🔧 Companion Device Instructions
Follow these steps to apply your custom key to a companion device:
Connect to Your Device
Connect your phone to the MeshCore device using a USB-C cable or Bluetooth.
Open MeshCore App
Launch the MeshCore mobile app on your phone and connect to your device.
Access Settings
Tap the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner of the app.
Manage Identity Key
Scroll down and tap "Manage Identity Key" in the settings menu.
Enter Private Key
Copy your private key from the key generator and paste it into the text box. Make sure to copy the entire 128-character key.
Import the Key
Tap "Import Private Key" to apply the key to your device.
Save Changes
Tap the checkmark ✓ in the top-right corner to save your changes. This step is crucial - the key won't be applied until you save.
Verify the Change
Return to the main screen and verify that your new public key is displayed. The first two characters should match your desired prefix.
📡 Repeater Device Instructions
For the simplest process, follow these steps:
Connect Your Device
Connect your repeater device to your computer using a USB-C cable.
Access the Flasher
Open your web browser and go to https://flasher.meshcore.co.uk/
Select the type of device you are flashing from the list of available firmware options.
Select Companion Firmware
Choose "Companion" firmware from the firmware selection options. Do not select "Repeater" firmware.
Flash the Firmware
Follow the on-screen instructions to flash the companion firmware to your device. This process may take a few minutes.
Import Your Key
Now that your device has companion firmware, follow these steps to import your custom key:
5a. Connect to Your Device
Connect your phone to the MeshCore device using a USB-C cable or Bluetooth.
5b. Open MeshCore App
Launch the MeshCore mobile app on your phone. The app should automatically detect the connected device.
5c. Access Settings
Tap the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner of the app.
5d. Manage Identity Key
Scroll down and tap "Manage Identity Key" in the settings menu.
5e. Enter Private Key
Copy your private key from the key generator and paste it into the text box. Make sure to copy the entire 128-character key.
5f. Import the Key
Tap "Import Private Key" to apply the key to your device.
5g. Save Changes
Tap the checkmark ✓ in the top-right corner to save your changes. This step is crucial - the key won't be applied until you save.
5h. Verify the Change
Return to the main screen and verify that your new public key is displayed. The first two characters should match your desired prefix.
Re-flash to Repeater Firmware
After successfully importing your key, return to the flasher website and flash the "Repeater" firmware back to your device.
📄 JSON Import Method (Alternative)
If you downloaded the JSON file from the key generator, you can use this alternative method:
Access Import Config
In the MeshCore app settings, tap "Import Config" instead of "Manage Identity Key".
Select JSON File
Click Select File to open your OS's file picker. Choose your downloaded JSON file from the file picker. The file should be named something like meshcore_FA_1234567890.json.
Import Configuration
Tap "Import Config" to import the keys from your JSON file.
Import Success
You'll see a success notification confirming that the configuration has been imported.
Verify the Import
Return to the main screen and verify that your new public key is displayed. The first two characters should match your desired prefix.
🔍 Troubleshooting
Common Issues
- Key not appearing: Make sure you tapped the checkmark ✓ to save changes
- Wrong key format: Ensure you're copying the entire 128-character private key
- App not detecting device: Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable
- Firmware flash fails: Try a different USB cable or USB port
- Key import fails: Verify the key was generated correctly and try again
Verification Steps
- Check that the public key displayed matches your generated key
- Verify the first two characters match your desired prefix
- Test the connection to ensure the device is working properly
- Check the MeshCore network to see your device with the new identifier
📞 Need Help?
If you encounter issues not covered in this guide: