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Get Started with Lumina
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FAQs
Lumina Basics
What is Lumina?
Lumina is a mesh messaging device that lets you send texts, share your location, and stay connected with friends - all without cell service or Wi-Fi. It uses LoRa radio to communicate over long distances.
Do I need an account?
No! All mesh features work without an account - messaging, friend requests, SOS, and location sharing all work through your device. An account is optional and adds cloud features like push notifications, chat backup, and finding friends by tag.
How do I pair my device?
Turn on your Lumina device and make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Tap 'Pair Device' on the home screen, then select your device from the list. The app will connect automatically.
How far can messages reach?
Range depends on terrain and obstacles. In open areas, messages can travel several miles or kilometres. In dense forests or urban areas, range may be shorter. Messages can also hop through other Lumina devices in the mesh to extend range.
Connections & Messaging
How do I add a friend?
There are three ways to add a friend:
- QR Code (most reliable): Tap 'Add Friend' on the Friends tab, then tap the QR icon. Have your friend open their QR code from their Friends tab. Scan their code with your camera - the friend request is sent instantly.
- Nearby search (beta): Both you and your friend need to have the app open and connected to your devices, and be close to each other. Tap 'Add Friend' and nearby devices will appear. This feature is in beta, so QR code is more reliable.
- Search by name: If both you and your friend have Lumina accounts, you can search by their tag (e.g., Alex#1234). This requires an internet connection.
Why doesn't my friend appear in nearby search?
Nearby search is in beta. Make sure both of you have the app open and connected to your devices, and are physically close to each other. If it doesn't work, use the QR code method instead — It's the most reliable way to add friends.
What are cloud friends?
If both you and your friend have Lumina accounts (signed in with email), you can also add each other as cloud friends using your tag (e.g., Alex#1234). Cloud friends can receive push notifications when internet is available.
How do I send a message?
Open the Friends tab and tap a friend, then tap 'Message' to start a conversation. You can also continue existing conversations from the Chats tab. Messages are sent over the mesh network via your connected device.
Why isn't my message being delivered?
Make sure your device is connected (check the status indicator at the top). The recipient also needs to be within mesh range or reachable via other devices in the mesh. If they're out of range, the message will be delivered when they come back in range.
How do group chats work?
Group chats (called channels) let you message multiple friends at once over the mesh. Open Settings → Group Chats to create a new one or join an existing channel. Every member needs to be on the same channel on their device - share the channel name and key with the friends you want to include.
Why am I not getting notifications?
Push notifications require an account and an internet connection - they are a cloud convenience on top of the mesh. Make sure you are signed in, have notifications enabled for Lumina in your phone's settings, and that the sender also has internet. When you are offline, your device will still receive mesh messages - you will see them next time you open the app.
Location & SOS
How does location sharing work?
Location is shared on a request basis, not continuously broadcast. When a friend requests your location, your phone sends your GPS coordinates to your Lumina device, which sends them over the mesh to that friend. Location is only shared when requested.
Who can see my location?
Only friends you have granted location permission to can request and see your position.
You control this per friend in their profile, or turn off all location sharing in Settings > Location. If you haven't granted a friend permission, they cannot see where you are.
How does SOS work?
Hold the SOS button for 2 seconds to broadcast an emergency alert to your friends on the mesh.
Your location will be shared with everyone who receives the alert. You can add updates and cancel the alert from the SOS tab.
Who receives my SOS alert?
SOS alerts are sent to your friends. Friends with push notifications enabled will also get a notification if they have internet.
Devices & Troubleshooting
My device won't connect.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and your device is powered on. Try turning your device off and back on. If the issue persists, go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, forget the Lumina device, and pair again from the app.
How do I pair a different Lumina Tag?
Each account is locked to one primary Lumina at a time to keep your contacts and keys safe. To switch, factory reset your current device from Settings → Device Info → Factory Reset Device.
After the reset finishes, you'll be able to pair a new Lumina from the Devices screen.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life depends on usage. With normal messaging, your device should last 2-4 days.
Heavy use with frequent location sharing will drain the battery faster. You'll get a low battery alert when it's time to charge.
How do I update my device?
When an update is available, you'll see a notification in Settings. Tap it to start the over-the-air update. Keep your device close to your phone and don't turn either off during the update.
What if the update fails?
If the firmware update is interrupted, your device may get stuck with a solid green light. In the app, tap 'Try Again' or 'Recover' - the recovery will complete the update and the device will restart.
If the device shows no signs of life: unplug the device, hold down the power button, and while still holding it, connect the charger cable (the cable must have power). The device should restart as the charger connects. You can then retry the update from the app.
Asset Trackers
What is an asset tracker?
An asset tracker is a spare Lumina device configured to report its location back to your primary device over the mesh. You can attach it to a bike, bag, vehicle, or piece of gear to keep tabs on where it is — no phone or internet required.
How do I set one up?
Go to Settings → Asset Tracker → Add Tracker.
Power on the Lumina you want to use as a tracker and make sure it's near your phone. The app will find it, configure its radio settings to match your primary device, and register it as your tracker.
After setup, it will start beaconing its location to your primary device automatically.
How often does the tracker report its location?
The tracker sends a location beacon roughly every 2 minutes while it has a GPS fix. Range is the same as normal mesh messaging - several kilometres in the open, less in dense terrain. If the tracker is out of range, the last known position is still shown until it reconnects.
Privacy & Security
Are my messages encrypted?
Yes. All direct messages between friends are end-to-end encrypted on your Lumina device before they ever leave - neither EmberWorks, other mesh nodes, nor people sniffing the airwaves can read them. Group chats (channels) are encrypted with a shared channel key that only members have.
Can other people on the mesh see my messages?
Devices in the mesh may relay your encrypted messages to help them reach the recipient, but they cannot read the contents. Only the intended friend's device has the key to decrypt your message.
What data is stored in the cloud?
If you sign in with an account, your profile (name, emoji, tag) and encrypted chat backups are stored in the cloud so you can restore them on a new phone. Without an account, nothing leaves your phone or your device - everything stays local. You can delete all cloud data from Settings → Manage Account → Delete Account.
How do I delete my data in the app?
Go to Settings > Manage Account > Delete Account. This permanently removes your cloud data. Local data on your phone can be cleared by uninstalling the app. Device contacts are stored on the device itself.