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WiFi LoRa 32 Expansion Kit Operation Guide

This guide explains the physical button functions, touchscreen gestures (Expansion Kit only), UI navigation, notification sound configuration, and how to switch between Classic UI and MUI.

tip

Starting from version 2.7.15 or newer, the firmware for the touchscreen version has been merged. Therefore, you can download them from the Releases section on Meshtastic’s GitHub.

Releases · meshtastic/firmware Note that the file name should be “firmware-heltec-v4-tft-X.X.X.XXXX”. “tft” stands for the touch screen.

If you are unsure how to install it, you can click this link and follow the guide provided to install the firmware.
listing directory /download/WiFi_LoRa_32_V4/firmware/Touch

note

This document applies to both the WiFi LoRa 32 Expansion Kit (touchscreen version) and (non-touch version).
Both devices use the Classic UI by default, but only the Expansion Kit supports touchscreen gestures.

Applicable Devices​

  • WiFi LoRa 32 Expansion Kit (Touchscreen) — Full button + touch support; recommended for MUI usage.
  • WiFi LoRa 32 V4 (Glass Panel, Non-Touch) — Button-only operation; can run Classic UI.

Startup Mode​

Press and hold the PWR button for approximately 3 seconds to power on the device.
Both versions start in the Classic UI by default.

Button & Touch Instructions​

The operation of the physical buttons is the same across all versions.

1. Physical Buttons​

  • USER Button

    • Single press: Next / Forward
    • Long press: Confirm / Enter

  • GPIO35 button

    • Single press: Back / Return
    • Long press: Exit

  • PWR Button: Power switch

  • RST Button: Reset

2. WiFi LoRa 32 Expansion Kit Touchscreen Operations​

  • Tap on the screen: Next / Forward (same as USER key)
  • Long press on the screen: Confirm / Enter

The glass-panel version does not support touch input and relies entirely on physical buttons.

Notification Sound Settings​

When the system is powered on for the first time, key press and touch prompt sounds may be enabled.
To adjust the buzzer behavior:

  1. Enter the System menu
  2. Long press to enter system settings
  3. Select Notifications
  4. Open Buzzer Mode and choose the preferred option
ModeClick SoundMessage Notification Sound
ALL EnableYesYes
DisableNoNo
DMS OnlyNoNo
NotificationsNoYes
System OnlyYesNo

Switch to MUI​

The MUI interface provides enhanced touchscreen capabilities, including full-screen touch and a virtual keyboard.

Switching Steps​

  1. Enter the System menu
  2. Long press to open system settings
  3. Select Reboot/Shutdown
  4. Tap Switch to MUI
  5. Confirm with Yes
  6. The device will reboot into MUI

Notes​

  • USER button wakes the screen when it turns off
  • MUI supports full touchscreen operation
  • A virtual keyboard appears when sending messages in a channel
  • MUI allows text input and browsing without relying on a phone

Return from MUI to Classic UI​

  1. In MUI, tap the Settings icon
  2. Open Reboot/Shutdown
  3. Press and hold the Bluetooth icon in the center
  4. Select OK
  5. The device will reboot back to Classic UI
tip

If you accidentally tap the Bluetooth icon, the device will enter Programming mode. If this happens, simply long-press the Bluetooth icon to return to the MUI interface. Once you're back in MUI, you can repeat the steps mentioned above.

note

Reference: Meshtastic official docs — https://meshtastic.org/docs/configuration/radio/