# Desktop App

The Meshtastic Desktop application shares its core codebase with Android via Kotlin Multiplatform. Most features work identically on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

## Установка

### Linux

- Download the `.deb` or `.AppImage` package from the releases page
- Or build from source using `./gradlew :desktopApp:run`

### macOS

- Download the `.dmg` package from releases
- Or build from source

### Windows

- Download the `.msi` installer from releases
- Or build from source

## Connecting Your Radio

### USB Serial (Primary)

The most reliable connection method on Desktop:

1. Connect your Meshtastic radio via USB cable.
2. The app should detect the serial port automatically.
3. If not detected, select the correct serial port from the Connect menu.

### TCP/IP

For network-connected radios:

1. Enter the radio's IP address and port (default: 4403).
2. Click **Connect**.

### Bluetooth (BLE)

Bluetooth Low Energy is supported on Desktop via the [Kable](https://github.com/JuulLabs/kable) library:

1. Ensure your system has a Bluetooth adapter.
2. The app scans for nearby Meshtastic radios automatically.
3. Select your device from the Connect screen.

## Feature Parity

 Feature                                      | Android | Desktop | Notes                                                                                     |
 -------------------------------------------- | ------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
 Messaging                                    | ✓       | ✓       | Full parity                                                                               |
 Node List                                    | ✓       | ✓       | Full parity                                                                               |
 Map                                          | ✓       | ◐       | Map tab exists on desktop, but the interactive map view is Android-only                   |
 Налады                                       | ✓       | ✓       | Full parity                                                                               |
 Bluetooth (BLE)           | ✓       | ✓       | Via Kable on desktop                                                                      |
 Firmware Update                              | ✓       | ✓       | In-app USB, BLE, and Wi-Fi (ESP32) update all work the same as Android |
 Notifications                                | ✓       | ✓       | Native OS notifications                                                                   |
 Widgets                                      | ✓       | ✗       | Android-only                                                                              |
 Android Auto                                 | ✓       | ✗       | Android-only — not available on Desktop or iOS                                            |
 AI Assistant (Chirpy)     | ✓\*     | ✗       | Google flavor Android only                                                                |
 App Functions (system AI) | ✓†      | ✗       | Google flavor Android only                                                                |

\*Chirpy AI requires Android 14+ on Google flavor builds with supported hardware.

†App Functions exposes app actions to the Android system AI on Google flavor builds. See [App Functions](app-functions).

## UI Differences

The Desktop app uses the same Compose Multiplatform UI with adaptations for larger screens and desktop interaction.

### Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcuts use **⌘** (Command) on macOS and **Ctrl** on Windows and Linux. (The Super / Windows key is not bound.)

 Shortcut     | Action                 |
 ------------ | ---------------------- |
 **⌘/Ctrl+Q** | Quit the application   |
 **⌘/Ctrl+,** | Open Settings          |
 **⌘/Ctrl+1** | Switch to Messages tab |
 **⌘/Ctrl+2** | Switch to Nodes tab    |
 **⌘/Ctrl+3** | Switch to Map tab      |
 **⌘/Ctrl+4** | Switch to Connect tab  |
 **⌘/Ctrl+/** | Open About             |

### Window & System Tray

- **Window resizing** — responsive layout adapts to window dimensions
- **System tray** — minimize to system tray for background mesh operation
- **Tray menu** — right-click the tray icon to show window or quit
- **Mouse interaction** — hover states and standard desktop navigation

### Notification Preferences

The Desktop app provides in-app toggles for controlling which notifications are shown — messages, new nodes, and low battery alerts. Access these from **Settings → Notifications** within the app.

## Built-in Documentation Browser

The Desktop app includes a built-in documentation browser for quick access to help content without leaving the application.

![Docs browser with table of contents](../../assets/screenshots/docs-browser_toc.png)

The browser supports full-text search across all documentation:

![Searching the docs browser](../../assets/screenshots/docs-browser_search.png)

Individual doc pages render with full formatting:

![A documentation page](../../assets/screenshots/docs-browser_page.png)

## Building from Source

```bash
git clone https://github.com/meshtastic/Meshtastic-Android.git
cd Meshtastic-Android
./gradlew :desktopApp:run
```

Requirements:

- JDK 21
- No Android SDK required for desktop-only builds

## Known Limitations

- The interactive map view is Android-only — the Map tab is present but does not render a map on desktop
- Some Android-specific features (widgets, specific notification channels) are unavailable
- Performance may vary on low-spec hardware running Compose Desktop
- BLE bonding is not yet supported on desktop (pairing works without bonding)

## Related Topics

- [Connections](connections) — connection methods overview
- [Firmware Updates](firmware) — USB, BLE, and Wi-Fi update all work the same as on Android

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