Devices can’t see or reach each other
A device shows Offline or never appears? Work through this checklist: app running, same network, firewall, Wi-Fi isolation, VPN.
When the PC says “The device is offline”, one of a few common causes is almost always responsible. Check them in this order.
Steps
Make sure both apps are running
On the phone look for the “Personal Bridge is running” notification. After a restart or after swiping the app away, open it once. On the PC the app should be in the tray.
Check the network
Both devices must be on the same network, not one on a guest network. Turn off any VPN for the test, because it moves the device onto another network.
Allow the app through the firewall
On Windows the network must be set to Private and the app allowed there. See Allow the app through the firewall.
Rule out Wi-Fi isolation
Public, office and guest Wi-Fi often block devices from seeing each other. See Fix Wi-Fi client isolation (guest and public Wi-Fi), or use the phone’s hotspot.
Restart the apps
Quit the PC app from the tray and start it again, and close and reopen the phone app.
Still offline?
- If the device was removed or blocked, it must be unblocked or paired again (Manage devices and permissions).
- If UDP is blocked on your network, the app falls back to TCP automatically; allow TCP port 47822 as well.
- Devices far apart connect through Connect over the internet, which needs internet access on both.