Meshtastic Guide - Meshtastic Bluetooth Settings

The Bluetooth configuration system provides three primary options: Enabled, Pairing Mode, and Fixed PIN Value. These settings are managed through an administrative message that sends a Config.Bluetooth protobuf to the device.
Important Note: On ESP32 devices, Bluetooth will automatically be disabled whenever WiFi is enabled. The WiFi configuration always takes priority over Bluetooth.

Bluetooth Configuration Options

Enabled

This option allows you to turn Bluetooth on or off depending on your needs.

Pairing Mode

You can select from several pairing modes:
  • RANDOM_PIN – generates a random PIN each time the device starts.
  • FIXED_PIN – uses a specific PIN that you define separately.
  • NO_PIN – disables PIN authentication completely.

Default Pairing Mode

Screen Attached: If the device boots with a screen connected, the default mode is RANDOM_PIN. Removing the screen later will not change this unless you manually switch to FIXED_PIN or NO_PIN. It is recommended to adjust the pairing mode before disconnecting the screen.
No Screen Attached: If the device boots without a screen, the default mode is FIXED_PIN with the preset value listed below, unless you configure a custom PIN.

Fixed PIN

When using FIXED_PIN, the default PIN is 123456. This value is ignored in other modes. You can set your own six-digit integer through the Bluetooth settings. Tip: Always change the default PIN. Keeping the default value is a serious security risk.

Bluetooth Client Availability Status

Android

All Bluetooth settings are available on Android devices:
  1. Open the Meshtastic application.
  2. Navigate to: Three-dot menu (top right)Radio ConfigurationBluetooth.

Apple

On iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, go to SettingsDevice ConfigurationBluetooth.

CLI

All Bluetooth options can be configured using the Python Command Line Interface. Examples are shown below:
Setting Acceptable Values Default
bluetooth.enabled true, false TRUE
bluetooth.mode RANDOM_PIN, FIXED_PIN, NO_PIN RANDOM_PIN
bluetooth.fixed_pin integer (6 digits) 123456
  • Enable or disable the Bluetooth module
meshtastic --set bluetooth.enabled true
meshtastic --set bluetooth.enabled false
  • Set a fixed PIN
meshtastic --set bluetooth.mode FIXED_PIN
meshtastic --set bluetooth.fixed_pin 111111
Tip: The device reboots after each CLI command. To save time, chain multiple commands together:
meshtastic --set bluetooth.enabled true --set bluetooth.fixed_pin 111111

Web

All Bluetooth module settings are also available through the Web User Interface:
  1. Open the Meshtastic Web UI.
  2. Navigate to: Radio ConfigBluetooth.

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