Where Does the Meshtastic App Store Messages and Node Data?
The Meshtastic app keeps messages and node state in its app data on the phone, while the radio itself holds channels and keys.
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Meshtastic splits state across two devices. The radio holds channels, encryption keys, and node config in its flash. The phone app holds messages, map tiles, and the node list in its app data under the verified package.
That split surprises new owners. A phone wipe costs chat history, never the mesh. A radio reset costs mesh config, never the chat log on the phone. Back up both sides before firmware updates: export chats from the app and save the radio config through the web client.
Where Meshtastic stores this, by platform
/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.geeksville.mesh
Messages, node list, and map cache under the verified package com.geeksville.mesh. This folder is the chat history, so include it in device backups and leave the radio alone when only chats matter.
On My iPhone/Meshtastic
Same split as Android: chats in the app container, mesh config on the radio. Pair over Bluetooth after reinstalling, then rejoin channels from the radio config you saved.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move Meshtastic to a new phone?
Export or screenshot what matters from inside the app, since messages live in the phone database. Then pair the new phone with the radio over Bluetooth and reconfigure channels. The radio keeps its own config through the switch.
Does wiping the app factory reset my mesh node?
No. The radio stores channels, keys, and node config in its own flash. The phone stores messages and the node list. Wiping the app loses chat history but leaves the mesh itself running.
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