Create a Radio Group
A Radio group works without any internet connection. Data is shared over the radio mesh network via LoRa.
Create the group​
From the home screen, tap +.
Select Create a group.
At the top of the creation screen, switch the type to Radio.
Enter a Name and pick an Icon and Color.
Tap Create.
That's it. A subcode is generated automatically, you can change it in Group Settings after creation if needed.
Invite teammates​
Radio groups have an invite code just like online groups, but the code works differently. A Radio invite code starts with FLT- and encodes all the group configuration (name, subcode, color, icon) directly inside it.
To share the code:
Open the Radio group's settings (tap Menu → Settings).
Copy the FLT- invite code, or tap QR Code to let teammates scan it directly.
Share it with your teammates, text, WhatsApp, word of mouth, anything.
When a teammate enters the code in Flaresat (+ → Join a group), the app decodes it and recreates the matching group on their device automatically. No manual config needed.
Subcode​
The subcode is a short identifier embedded in the invite code that filters your group's traffic. Every Flaresat radio group transmits on the same public channel slot by default, the subcode is what keeps your group's pins, routes, and messages separate from every other Flaresat group nearby:
- Your group won't be flooded by messages from other Flaresat groups in range
- It's a filter, not encryption. Anyone with a radio in range can still hear the raw traffic
Every group always has a subcode, one is generated automatically if you don't set one, since it's required to join and filter traffic.
Want real privacy? That's a device setting, not a group setting. Open Radio Settings on your paired radio and set a passphrase on one of its private channel slots, see Radio Settings →. It applies to everything that device transmits, across every Radio group you use it in.
Connect your radio device​
Before sending or receiving anything over the mesh, connect a Meshtastic or MeshCore device over Bluetooth. See Connecting Your Radio Device →
Group data stays on-device​
Unlike online groups, all Radio group data (pins, routes, messages) is stored locally on each device. If someone installs Flaresat fresh, they won't see historical items, only items transmitted over the mesh while they're connected.
To preserve Radio group data across device changes, use Cloud Backup →