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Using Your Generated Key

Step-by-step guide to apply generated keys to your MeshCore device

📋 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

🔧 Select Your Setup

Choose your setup to see the appropriate instructions:

🔧 Companion Device Instructions

Follow these steps to apply your custom key to a companion device:

1

Connect to Your Device

Connect your phone to the MeshCore device using a USB-C cable or Bluetooth.

2

Open MeshCore App

Launch the MeshCore mobile app on your phone and connect to your device.

MeshCore app home screen showing connected device
3

Access Settings

Tap the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner of the app.

MeshCore app with settings gear icon highlighted
4

Manage Identity Key

Scroll down and tap "Manage Identity Key" in the settings menu.

Settings menu with Manage Identity Key option highlighted
5

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.

Private key input field with sample key pasted
Important: Only paste the private key, not the public key. The private key is 128 characters long.
6

Import the Key

Tap "Import Private Key" to apply the key to your device.

Import Private Key button highlighted
7

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.

Checkmark save button highlighted in top-right corner
8

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.

Main screen showing new public key with prefix highlighted

💻 Repeater + Computer Instructions

If you can connect your repeater directly to a computer, this is the fastest method:

1

Connect via USB Serial

Connect your repeater device to your computer via USB serial connection.

2

Access the Console

Open the MeshCore Web Console or use any terminal application to connect to your device.

💡 Tip: The web console at flasher.meshcore.co.uk provides an easy interface with repeater configuration command reference for configuring your device.
3

Set the Private Key

Run the following command in the console:

set prv.key <your_private_key>

Replace <your_private_key> with your 128-character private key from the key generator.

Important: Make sure to use the complete 128-character private key. The command will change the device's private key immediately.
4

Verify the Change

You can verify the key change by checking the device's public key display in settings.

💡 Why use the Serial Console?
  • No need to flash companion firmware
  • Change the key on the spot without switching firmware
  • Quick if you’re comfortable using a console
  • Works with MeshCore web console or any terminal app

📡 Repeater + Companion Instructions

You can change the private key on a repeater remotely over LoRa using the MeshCore app and the set prv.key command. Follow these steps:

1

Select Repeater from Contact List

Open the MeshCore app and select the repeater from your Contact List.

2

Enter Password and Log into Repeater

Enter the repeater password and log in to access the repeater.

3

Open Command Line

Click on the Command Line option at the bottom of the repeater info screen.

4

Set the Private Key

Enter the following command and press Enter:

set prv.key <hex>

Replace <hex> with your 128-character private key from the key generator.

Important: Use your complete 128-character private key (hex). The new private key will take effect after you reboot the repeater.
5

Reboot the Repeater

Reboot the repeater after running set prv.key <hex> for the new private key to take effect.

📄 JSON Import Method (Alternative)

If you downloaded the JSON file from the key generator, you can use this alternative method:

1

Access Import Config

In the MeshCore app settings, tap "Import Config" instead of "Manage Identity Key".

Settings menu with Import Config option highlighted
2

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.

File picker showing JSON file selection
3

Import Configuration

Tap "Import Config" to import the keys from your JSON file.

Import Config button highlighted
4

Import Success

You'll see a success notification confirming that the configuration has been imported.

Import success notification
5

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.

Main screen showing new public key with prefix highlighted

🔍 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

  1. Check that the public key displayed matches your generated key
  2. Verify the first two characters match your desired prefix
  3. Test the connection to ensure the device is working properly
  4. Check the MeshCore network to see your device with the new identifier
Pro Tip: Keep a backup of your private key in a secure location. You'll need it if you ever need to restore your device configuration.

📞 Need Help?

If you encounter issues not covered in this guide:

📦 View on GitHub