Join Network

The Join Network screen adds this device to an existing Nettica network. Once joined, WireGuard keys are generated for the device and a new VPN configuration entry appears on the main screen. The VPN is created in the disabled state — enable it when you are ready by toggling it on from the main screen.

Open Join Network in the Nettica app →

You can join a network from several places:

• The join network button on the Networks screen (adds the current device)
• The join network icon button on a row in the Devices screen (adds any device — admin only)
• Tapping a network header in the Networks list directly

DNS Name

The DNS Name field identifies this device within the network. It is pre-filled with the device's registered name (from Settings) when the screen opens. As soon as you select a network, the field updates automatically to devicename.networkname — for example laptop.home.example.com.

You can edit the DNS name manually before joining. The name must follow standard DNS hostname rules:

• Letters (a–z, A–Z), digits (0–9), and hyphens only within each label
• No leading or trailing hyphens in any label
• Labels separated by dots, each label up to 63 characters
• Full name up to 253 characters

The field validates in real time — a red error message appears beneath it if the value is not a valid DNS hostname.

Selecting a Network

Tap the Network dropdown to see all networks. Networks the device has already joined are excluded from the list, so you only see networks you can still join.

Each entry in the list shows the network's name in bold and its description in italics below it. Tap an entry to select it; the DNS Name field updates automatically.

Joining

Tap Join to create the VPN configuration. The app:

1. Validates the DNS name and network selection.
2. If joining another device as an admin, generates a WireGuard key pair for that device on the server.
3. Creates a new VPN record on the Nettica server linking the device and network.
4. Shows a confirmation snackbar with the device name and the network it joined.
5. Closes the screen and returns you to the previous view.

After joining, the new VPN appears in the main screen's list and in the Networks and Devices screens. Enable the VPN from the main screen toggle or from the VPN Settings screen.

Tap Cancel to go back without making any changes.

Troubleshooting

• Network list is empty — your account may have no networks, or this device is already in every available network. Create a network from the Networks screen.
• DNS name validation fails — check that the name contains only letters, digits, and hyphens, uses dots to separate labels, and has no leading or trailing hyphens in any label.