This guide explains how to get MeshCore running on iOS. iOS is more restrictive about BLE permissions than Android — the steps below account for that.
1 — Install the app
Download the MeshCore Companion App from the Apple App Store. The app is free and requires iOS 13 or later.
2 — Grant Bluetooth permission
On first launch iOS asks for Bluetooth permission. Allow it, otherwise the app cannot see your board. If you accidentally denied it: enable it under Settings → MeshCore → Bluetooth.
3 — Power on the LoRa board
Turn on your board. See the hardware overview for recommended hardware. If MeshCore firmware is not yet flashed, use the official flasher (Chrome, Edge or Firefox 151+ — Safari does not support WebSerial).
4 — Pair in the app
Tap + Add device in the app. Your board appears as MeshCore-XXXXXXXX. Select it, accept the pairing popup and enter the PIN (shown on the display, otherwise usually 123456). Note: iOS stores the pairing per app, not system-wide.
5 — Enable background mode
iOS suspends apps in the background by default. To keep MeshCore alive, enable Settings → Background mode inside the app. Be aware: Apple throttles BLE in background — messages may be delayed by a few minutes.
Known iOS quirks
- BLE in background can be paused by iOS — keep the app in foreground for critical links
- Apple Watch is not supported yet
- iPads without cellular have no GPS — set location manually
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