Remote access with Meshnet

Connect to remote devices with Meshnet for free.
Control access to your private network.
Grab files on the go and route traffic.

What is remote access?

NordVPN's Meshnet feature allows access to multiple devices via encrypted private tunnels._alt

Remote access is a method you can use to access devices and networks from anywhere. But it only works if you set it up in advance. Proper configuration without third-party tools is complicated and may end up weakening your security. That’s where Meshnet comes in.

Meshnet is your secure and private network that serves multiple purposes. For example, Meshnet lets you connect devices, reroute traffic, and use native remote access apps to log into your device or grab a file regardless of where you are. And all that – in just a click.

Accessing devices with Meshnet

Accessing a remote device opens up many opportunities. Here are just a few examples of remote device access possibilities.

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Read important documents securely

You’re on vacation abroad and need to read important documents on your home PC. Meshnet will let you securely access them.

Access devices with software you need

If you have particular software on a device you do not currently have at hand, use Meshnet to connect to that device from anywhere.

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Manage your IT projects

You often need seamless access to multiple devices to run a successful project. Connect them all with Meshnet and save time.

Help your parents with IT support

Are you the techie in the family? When your parents call you with IT problems, access their computer directly and solve their issue in seconds.

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Access remote devices privately

Meshnet is secure, versatile, and easy to master.

Easy to use

Connect with a click. Download Meshnet for free, open it, and enjoy.

Secure

Stay safe, send data securely. Only the devices you approve can access your private network.

Cross-platform

Connect across platforms. Create a network of up to 10 internal and 50 external devices.

How to use Meshnet

You’re just a click away. Turn on Meshnet and connect to your devices even when you’re halfway across the world.

Turn on Meshnet on your devices

Devices belonging to your account will show up automatically.

Invite other people

Add the emails of your friends and family (up to 50 external devices).

Enable remote access if you plan on using this device remotely

For example, Remote Desktop on Windows or Screen Sharing on macOS.

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Work, play, and share with ease

Accessing devices is just one of Meshnet’s benefits.

Gaming

Play with friends over LAN — even if they’re on the other side of the globe. Meshnet lets you create secure private networks for intense gaming sessions.

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Security

Connect your devices with a secure tunnel. No third parties, no snoopers — just your gadgets in a single secure network.

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File sharing

Eliminate all intermediaries — Meshnet lets you safely send files directly to other devices. It’s super fast, super private, and super convenient.

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Download Meshnet for your device

Meshnet is available on the following operating systems.

Windows

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macOS

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Linux

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Android

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iOS

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Frequently asked questions

What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software lets you connect to your networks and devices remotely. If you need to help your parents with a computer problem while you’re away on holiday or connect to your work computer from home, remote desktop software allows you to use the remote device as if you were sitting in front of it.

While some remote desktop apps come pre-installed, others are created by third-parties. Meshnet acts as an additional security layer by creating a private pathway that your remote desktop software can use to connect to the devices on your network.

Can I use a VPN for remote access?

No, you can’t. VPNs are not remote access apps. While some of the VPN features can help you build a secure bridge between two or more devices, you would still need a platform-appropriate remote access app to use the device from another location.

Does a VPN allow remote access?

Yes, VPNs allow you to access remote networks securely. However, remote devices are a different story. Most VPNs do not offer any functionality to help you remotely access your devices. But with NordVPN’s Meshnet, you can create a virtual network and connect internal and external devices. It’s like being on the same Wi-Fi. However, you will need a separate app to control your devices remotely.

How can I get remote access for free?

To control a device remotely, you’ll need a remote access app. While it should come preinstalled (like Remote Desktop on Windows 10 and 11), in some cases you may need to download a free remote access app (for example, Remmina for Linux or VNC for macOS.)

After you enable remote access on the target device, use NordVPN’s free Meshnet feature to create a private network. Not only does it not require a NordVPN subscription but it will also help you keep your devices safe and prevent common connectivity issues you’d experience if you weren’t using Meshnet.

Is it safe to allow remote access?

If you use the right tools, enabling remote access is totally safe. If not — a lot can go wrong. For example, you set up your internet router to allow remote access. But this way, you’re opening your network to the public. You would be able to access your devices remotely, except without proper configuration – so would anybody else on the internet.

Not to mention that scammers have been exploiting remote access for years. They can pose as customer support and IRS agents to trick you into allowing them access to your devices remotely. Once the scammers are in, they can steal passwords, banking information, or important files.

Meshnet does not open your network to the public. Instead, the app creates a private network over which you have complete control — like adding or removing devices and limiting user permissions.

What is secure remote access?

Remote access is a method allowing you to access your device from afar. But to avoid punching holes in your network security, you must make sure your remote access method is secure. The easiest way to do that is with Meshnet. With a click of a button, the app creates a private network only invited devices can access.

Is it safe to give someone remote access to your computer?

No, it is not safe to give remote access to your computer. Of course, exceptions exist. If a friend offers to help solve your computer problem by accessing it remotely, likely nothing bad will happen. But since scammers use the same excuse to get access to their victims’ devices, you should be very careful who you give access to.

NordVPN’s Meshnet creates a secure and private network helping you connect to your devices remotely. By controlling permissions, you ensure that people without your knowledge don’t access your private network.