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Manage devices and permissions

Choose what each paired device may do, rename or block it, and remove a lost device so its connections close at once.

Available in preview 1 min read Updated Applies to
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Linux

Every paired device has its own permissions, checked by the device that receives. Everyday features are allowed by default; sensitive ones such as remote input, camera or file browsing are off until you allow them.

Steps

  1. Open the device

    In the desktop app select the device under My devices and scroll to Permissions. On Android open the PC and tap Permissions (“What … may do on this phone”).

  2. Allow or block each feature

    On the PC every item has Allow, Ask or Block. By default Receive files, Clipboard, Open links, Continue, My Drop and Print are allowed; Notifications, Remote input, Camera, File browsing, Certificate move, Photo backup, Find device, Folder sync, Search, Snippets and Screen lock are off.

  3. Rename, block or remove

    Rename changes the name only on this device. Block refuses the device without forgetting it. Remove device deletes the trust: live connections close immediately, and the device has to pair again.

If a device is lost or stolen

On any of your other devices, open the lost device and choose Remove device. It can no longer connect or receive anything. Also turn off walk-away lock if it used that phone.

Command line

pdb devices lists trusted devices, pdb grant changes permissions, pdb block blocks and pdb revoke <device> removes a device.