# Device discovery failed

Use this page when Nearby Sync cannot find another device.

Not sure this is the right page? Use the minimal test in the [Troubleshooting overview](/advanced/troubleshooting/overview) to find the layer first.

## Fast checklist

1. Open Octoclip on both devices.
2. Put both devices on the same trusted network or supported local path.
3. Disable guest Wi-Fi, AP isolation, VPN, proxy, or firewall rules temporarily for testing.
4. Confirm local network permission where the OS asks for it.
5. Confirm both devices use Nearby Sync, not one Nearby and one Cloud-only setup.
6. Test with a short text clip.

## Network causes

Nearby discovery can fail when the network blocks local device-to-device traffic. Enterprise networks, hotel Wi-Fi, guest Wi-Fi, and VPNs commonly block this.

> [!INFO] You don't need to install Bonjour on current builds
> Since v1.9.5 (2026-02-11), Windows and macOS discover nearby devices through a built-in native service. Installing Bonjour/mDNS is only relevant for older versions or environments that specifically rely on it—it is not a required step on current builds.

## Platform causes

- Windows: firewall, network profile, store sandbox behavior (Bonjour/mDNS only on older versions).
- macOS: local network permission, firewall, Focus or sleep behavior.
- Android: local network/Wi-Fi permissions, vendor background restrictions.
- iOS/iPadOS: local network permission and foreground/background limits.

## Workaround

If local discovery is blocked and you cannot change the network, use Cloud Sync through WebDAV / S3 on activated paid devices.

## Still not solved

Please include:

- Platform and OS version of both devices
- App version
- Network environment (same Wi-Fi / guest network / VPN / proxy / corporate or hotel network)
- Whether local network permission was granted
- Whether both ends use Nearby Sync
- Reproduction steps (shortest path)

## Next steps

:::cards{cols=2}
:::card{title="Nearby Sync" icon="lucide.radio-tower" href="/features/nearby-sync"}
Review Nearby Sync prerequisites and when it applies.

:::
:::card{title="Sync failed" icon="lucide.refresh-cw" href="/advanced/troubleshooting/sync-failed"}
When devices can discover each other but content still won't sync.

:::
:::card{title="Sync overview" icon="lucide.git-compare" href="/features/sync-overview"}
When local discovery is network-blocked, consider Cloud Sync.

:::
:::card{title="Permission issues" icon="lucide.shield-alert" href="/advanced/troubleshooting/permission-issues"}
Work through it when local network permission may be denied.
:::
:::