Localsend - on GOS it can't detect other devices in network

starbright

Having a system with Linux PC, 2 smartphones running RethinkDNS (0.5.5.t) - with "VPN always on" and "block connections w/o VPN".
Both Phones can see the Linux PC, but that phone with GOS can't be seen from neither the PC nor the other phone.

I read about it, that disable the "block connections w/o VPN" might help - no.
I enabled LocalSend, tried to workarond DNS/FW, universal workaround, trusted my Laptops IP.
Nothing helps.
nmap shows that Port as filtered.

Any chance except disabling whole Rethink?
The second "non GOS" Android phone with same setting can work.

nandohyphen1

I have this same issue. Never did get it resolved. :(

Xtreix

I've also been having an issue with Localsend for a while now; the desktop app communicates with the Android app, but not the other way around, no VPN enabled.

Datasapiens

opening a port is not enough. if you are using vpn - you need to enable local connections , split tunnel your localsend app, or ip.

starbright

Datasapiens
Can you explain this a bit more? I am not a network guru. What does it mean "enable locale connections". My phone can see devices in the local network, but not the other way around. Looks like a "protection" that is unwanted.
And what do you mean with "split tunnel your localsend app, or ip" ?
Please always mention where the action is needed - I guess it is on phone side.

Datasapiens

starbright all the actions I have mentioned after 'if you are using vpn' is about vpn client, both sides. Since I don't know what exactly you are using and never had this rethinkdns, you should find or search online how to set it to make local connections

brim-lucid

starbright Can you explain this a bit more? I am not a network guru. What does it mean "enable locale connections". My phone can see devices in the local network, but not the other way around. Looks like a "protection" that is unwanted.
And what do you mean with "split tunnel your localsend app, or ip" ?
Please always mention where the action is needed - I guess it is on phone side.

I can explain this. In the app, RethinkDNS (my version is the same as yours), on the home screen click on Apps -> search for LocalSend -> click LocalSend -> click Bypass DNS & Firewall. This will ensure that Rethink does not block the app from doing anything.

A little explainer:
RethinkDNS is a Domain Name System (DNS) filter that protects privacy and security by blocking DNS request to servers that are either harmful or spyware (I personally call any tracking on the web spyware). You can choose to block internet protocol (IP) addresses, stop apps from connecting to the internet, choose what DNS provider (I recommend using CloudFlare's Oblivious Domain Name System (ODNS) over HypterText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) ). Rethink address many of the issue with using a DNS Filter brought up by GOS in this article: https://grapheneos.org/faq#ad-blocking-apps. I highly recommed reading the RethinkDNS docs: https://docs.rethinkdns.com/

Sorry if my explanation is to simple I am not sure how much with computer networks you are familiar with so I did tried to explain things down to a basic level. If this dosen't help you maybe it will help someone else.

Elysium

Rethink has in network settings "do not route private IPs" exclude LAN, link local-routes from VPN tunnel - does it work when activating it?

ignoramous

rdns dev here

If LocalSend does implement UDP hole punching, you can try if turning ON Configure -> Network -> Endpoint-Independent Mapping works?

Elysium Rethink has in network settings "do not route private IPs"

This should work if Block connections without VPN ("VPN Lockdown mode") is turned off.

One could also Exclude an app from Configure -> Apps to have it work outside of Rethink's tunnel entirely (provided "Block connections without VPN" is turned off as before).

Eirikr70

For what it's worth, KDE Connect has such features as sharing files on the local network or navigating the file system, etc. It works for me between a GrapheneOS phone without RethinkDNS/VPN and a Fedora PC. I know it also works with Windows.

nandohyphen1

Eirikr70 yep KDE Connect is great for this! Unless you want to send files from phone to phone, which is what I want to do but doesnt work

EverettHitch

Sometimes it's better not using 💩 than experience problems with it. Not saying this app is bad, we all have different needs, whatever our twisted minds tell us.

nandohyphen1

For phone to phone I've usually been using a cable or Bluetooth lately

starbright

subdude
Were to set Wifi to Public or Private? The only option that might deal with it was Data Protection/enable Send device name - but that doesn't changed anything.

brim-lucid
When doing bypass there appears an pop up: "only possible with Rethinks DNS".
But that doesn't seems to change anything. My PC can't see the Pixel, only other way around works.

When I do in Rethink: Settings/Network/Private IPs not redirect (check), that it changes.
PC can see Pixel, but Pixel can't see PC !?!
As far as I can see this is independet on either enable or Bypass Localsend in Rethink/Apps.
Can someone confirm?

subdude

For me the problem ended up being that the wifi network I was on was set to Public. When I set it to private network, it resolved the firewall issue and Localsend connected the devices and the transfer worked.

Johnnyloans

starbright Were to set Wifi to Public or Private?

I think they mean on a windows pc they changed their network or wifi to be treated as private and not public.

Windows 11 Guide:
https://www.solveyourtech.com/how-to-change-network-from-public-to-private-on-windows-11-a-step-by-step-guide/

You might have to allow localsend thru the firewall on the PC:
https://pureinfotech.com/allow-apps-firewall-windows-11/

I'd recommend testing localsend with any VPNs off (pc and phone) then try to get it to work with a more complicated setup after.

Johnnyloans

starbright

I just installed localsend on GOS + Arch linux. It worked, no changes necessary.
Did you try every suggestion here for rethinkdns?
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/33211-localsend-on-gos-it-cant-detect-other-devices-in-network/10

This is a good approach for most issues: start simple then get more complex. Add 1 thing and find your issue.

Johnnyloans I'd recommend testing localsend with any VPNs off (pc and phone) then try to get it to work with a more complicated setup after.

If you have a key at the top right of your phone, a vpn is on.
Settings > network > vpn > block connections without vpn probably needs to be off.

goodluck :)

starbright

I am running a Linux Mint ... but problems exist with GOS device only. Other Android devices work well with Laptop.