No. Messaging and location sharing go through your compatible LoRa radios, with no internet. Internet is only used for a few optional things: offline map downloads, app updates, and buying or restoring Nelos Pro.

Do I need an account?

No. Nelos requires no account, phone number, or sign-up to use.

Can I track a child, pet, or vehicle?

Yes. You can add a compatible LoRa device as a tracker and give it a name - such as a child, dog, motorbike, or backpack. It will appear on your offline map so you can see its location.

What is the difference between a team member and a tracker?

A team member is a person running the Nelos app on their phone. A tracker is a LoRa device attached to a person, pet, or object that you want to locate - it does not run Nelos and cannot send messages.

Do trackers need internet?

No. Trackers communicate over the LoRa mesh just like everything else in Nelos - no internet or mobile signal required.

Do I need a separate MeshCore app installed?

No. Nelos can configure and communicate with supported devices directly over Bluetooth.

What happens if I choose the wrong country?

You can change it later in Device Settings.

Nelos, made simple

Get started with Nelos

Connect your phone to a compatible LoRa device and your group is ready to go. Don't have a device yet? Start with offline maps.

Choose a device

1Get a device

→

2Install Nelos

→

3Connect

→

4Ready

Don't have a radio yet?

Use it now, no device needed

Install Nelos and tap Use the map on the first screen. You get offline maps, movement history and personal waypoints right away, free and with no account. Turn on Keep GPS on in the background (Settings → Background activity) to record your route even with the screen locked. When you have a radio, connect it in the Device tab, then follow the steps below.

Use the map→Download offline maps→Keep GPS on in the background→Mark waypoints

Light on battery in the background: only a little over 1% battery per hour on both Android and iOS, in our real-world tests. See test conditions

Step 1

Choose a device

Start with a device that fits how you want to use Nelos. Every option below works with Nelos.

Works with Nelos Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E tracker

Seeed SenseCAP T1000-E

Best for tracking people, pets, and gear.

See T1000-E details →

Works with Nelos

Wio Tracker L1 Pro

A great all-round choice for everyday adventures.

See Wio Tracker L1 Pro details →

Works with Nelos RAK WisMesh Tag attached to a bag

RAK WisMesh Tag

A compact, weather-resistant tracker for people, pets, and gear.

See WisMesh Tag details →

New to this? See how off-grid communication works and what a LoRa mesh radio is.

Already have a LoRa device? See all compatible devices

Step 2

Install Nelos

Nelos works on iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. No account required.

Step 3

Turn on your device

Power on your LoRa device and keep it near your phone. That’s it for now.

Some devices ship with different firmware and need MeshCore installed before first use - see device setup if yours does.

Set up my device →

Step 4

Connect your radio

Open Nelos, tap Connect, and choose your device from the list - it connects automatically. If your phone asks for a Bluetooth PIN, check your device's screen; screenless devices usually use 123456.

Connect→Choose your device→Connected ✓

Nelos first screen with two options, Connect and Use the map — Tap Connect to pair a radio, or Use the map if you don't have one yet.

Step 5

Create your team

With your radio connected, open Team, tap +, then choose Create Team and give it a name. In this walkthrough, Jennifer creates Trail Team. Your new team appears in the list, ready for an invitation.

Screenshots show the English app interface. Select an image to view it at full size.

Create Team→Name your team→Ready to invite

Nelos Teams screen with a new Trail Team and one member — Jennifer’s new Trail Team, before Ralph joins.

Step 6

Invite a second person

Jennifer opens Trail Team and taps the share icon at the top right to display its invitation. On his own phone, Ralph opens Join Team and chooses Scan QR or Enter Code. Use the invitation from your own team. Ralph needs Nelos and his own compatible radio to exchange messages.

Join Team→Scan QR or Enter Code→Joined ✓

Trail Team invitation with QR code and manual invite code — The invitation screen. Share your own team’s QR code or offline invite code.

Trail Team member list showing Jennifer as You and Creator, and Ralph as the second member — Jennifer is marked “You”; Ralph is the second member of Trail Team.

Step 7

Download an offline map

While you still have internet, open Offline Maps and search for your country or region. Download the map for your destination and wait for it to finish before you leave. The world overview map is a starting point; download the regional detail you need for your trip.

Offline Maps→Find your country→Download

Nelos Offline Maps screen with search, download settings and available countries — Find and download the map for your destination while you have internet.

Step 8

Send a message, see each other

Open Team Chat from your team page and send a short test message. In the example, Jennifer sends “Hello Ralph!” and Ralph replies. Check the Delivered status, then ask your teammate to reply. To see each other on the map, enable Share Location on both phones and allow location access. Positions appear as updates arrive over the radio.

Read the example conversation

Jennifer: Hello Ralph!

Ralph: Hi Jennifer! I can see your message.

Jennifer: Great! Let’s meet at the trail entrance.

Ralph: On my way. See you there!

Send a message→Delivered→See them on the map

Illustrative Trail Team chat between Jennifer and Ralph, with Delivered statuses — Example conversation: Jennifer sends on the right; Ralph replies on the left.

Step 9

You’re ready.

From here, Nelos helps your group stay together beyond cell coverage.

ChatShare locationAdd trackersNeed HelpLocation historyWorldwide offline maps

Open Nelos →

For existing devices

Already have a device?

Nelos supports compatible MeshCore devices. Check the setup guide that matches your device.

MeshCoreCompatible devices and setup

Firmware and radio settings are only needed here, when your device needs them.