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 14 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 required — Safari does not support WebSerial).
4 — Pair in the app
Tap + Add device in the app. Your board appears as Companion-XXXXX. Select it and accept the pairing popup. 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
Questions? Drop into our Telegram chat.