Troubleshooting
The log
Section titled “The log”When something goes wrong, the log usually says why.
- On the Brick:
/.userdata/tg5040/logs/MeshClient.txton the SD card. - On the command line: the log goes to the terminal. Add
--log-level debugfor more.
The client’s own data, such as settings, the node list and messages, lives in
~/.meshclient/.
Connecting
Section titled “Connecting”The radio doesn’t appear in the device list. Check that the radio is on and close by, and that it isn’t connected to a phone. A Meshtastic radio talks to one client at a time over Bluetooth. On the Brick, check that Bluetooth is on in NextUI.
Pairing fails, or worked once and now doesn’t. The radio’s PIN probably changed, or the radio was reflashed, and the old pairing no longer matches. In the device list, press Y twice on the radio to forget it, then pair again.
On Windows, a radio with a PIN won’t pair. Windows can’t pair with a PIN-protected Meshtastic radio yet. Set the radio to No PIN, or connect over USB.
On a Mac, it stays on “Bluetooth is starting”. MeshClient hasn’t been given Bluetooth access. Allow it under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Bluetooth. If you run the client from a terminal, allow the terminal app.
A USB radio isn’t found. Try another cable. Many USB-C cables carry power only. If the radio runs MeshCore firmware built for Bluetooth, it says nothing over USB at all. See MeshCore radios.
The link drops whenever I download maps. That’s expected on the Brick: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth share an antenna. The radio reconnects when the download ends. Use USB to stay connected during a download.
The radio reboots after I save a setting. That’s normal. Most settings need a restart to take effect, and the client reconnects on its own.
Updates
Section titled “Updates”Check for updates says there’s nothing new, but there is.
A build you made yourself reports a -dev version and is never offered updates. Install a
release build from the download page.
On a Mac, the update fails. Move MeshClient into Applications first. Run from the disk image or from Downloads, macOS runs a read-only copy that can’t be replaced.
Still stuck?
Section titled “Still stuck?”Open an issue with what you tried, your device, and the end of the log.