KDE Connect cannot see any devices on local network

rhimbo

I just bought 2 brand new Pixel 9a phones. Well, as far as I can tell they are brand new... original boxes that look factory sealed, etc....

I've successfully installed GrapheneOS on both phones. They are working fine as far as I can tell except for KDE Connect. It works fine on one of the two new Pixels. I can see my old Pixel 7a phone and my desktop which is running Fedora 44 Linux.

However, KDE Connect does not work at all on the second Pixel 9a. That phone sees no other devices despite me refreshing and trying to pair a new device (obviously it cannot as it sees no other devices).

The only difference between the two phones (as far as I know) is that the one on which KDE Connect is working has no SIM card in it.

I found this topic, but it didn't help.
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/18712-unable-to-get-my-phone-to-connect-to-kde-connect-or-local-send

The problem cannot be a VPN as my VPN is disconnected on both phones and on my desktop.

thure

rhimbo For me KDE Connect works on my 9a without problems. Are you in the same WiFi network and gave KDE connect the network permission? Sometimes it helps to end KDE connect and open it again or reconnect to the WiFi network.

Developer-Dude

rhimbo in the KDE connect app settings, enable Bluetooth (which says beta, but its fine). Never had any issues after enabling that

Johnnyloans

I cannot get to any internet
KDE Connect is not working

rhimbo The problem cannot be a VPN as my VPN is disconnected

Hello, check this

settings > network > vpn > gear icon > block all connections without vpn
Off

rhimbo

I woke up in the middle of the night fearful that I forgot to test something... and sure enough I had.
Just now I checked my network connection on the 9a on which KDE Connect is not working. This is the one with the SIM card.
Networking is not working: I cannot get to any internet site using Vanadium. So I'm going to investigate this. I am now thinking that the problem is one of these two:
1 My carrier must allow the new physical phone on the network
2 The phone is defective
3 I somehow messed up some Settings

#1 is included because I cannot get to any internet site on 5G either.

I'll follow up here....

b_billy

Johnnyloans I was having the same problem...this finally got it working for me as well.

One question though...does Zorin/KDE Connect support MMS messages? If not, then it would be completely useless for me.

rhimbo

Oh...! That was the problem. Working now. Well, I admit somewhat sheepishly that I am embarrassed.

I disconnect my VPN because my desktop and phone must be on the same network. I guess I just forgot that I had to make this configuration change. I've had my old Pixel 7a for a few years now...

Thank you all for your help....!

GrapheneOS

rhimbo You can run KDE Connect in a separate profile including a Private Space, work profile or secondary user to avoid disabling your VPN in your main profile. Recommend doing that instead if you're using a VPN for privacy reasons.

Developer-Dude

GrapheneOS I'm able to use KDE connect on my owner profile with a VPN. It connects to my computer fine (which is also using a VPN). Not sure how it works but it does.

b_billy

b_billy Nevermind...it doesn't, and it's just not working properly at all. I was only looking for a way to send/receive SMS/MMS from my Desktop. I guess I'll have to try to get MS Link to Windows working somehow.

Johnnyloans

b_billy

otterfoghornrainfall

I have google messages with RCS. On my computer, I can see all texts and images even RCS images.

If I send anything on my computer, it has to be SMS and MMS.

To get SMS to work, it might require a compatible texting app. I'm sure there are FLOSS options.

otterfoghornrainfall

b_billy Yea, KDE connect is pretty much useless for sending SMS from your desktop/laptop.

b_billy

otterfoghornrainfall Unfortunately, I found out the hard way. Lol

Are you aware of anything that would fit the bill?

b_billy

Johnnyloans I really want to avoid anything Google. My plan at the moment is to get use the Link to Windows and remote into my Windows PC to send/receive SMS.