WiFi sync isn't working
WiFi sync between VoicePad devices uses mDNS auto-discovery on your local network. When it fails, it's almost always one of three things.
**Check #1 — Same WiFi network**
Both devices must be on the **exact same network**. Common mistakes:
- One device on WiFi, the other on mobile data (cellular)
- Guest network on one device, main network on the other
- 2.4GHz band on one, 5GHz band on the other (some routers separate these into different networks)
- One device on a VPN, the other not
Fix: turn off mobile data on phone, disconnect VPN, manually verify both devices show the same WiFi name.
**Check #2 — Windows Firewall**
If you're syncing to/from Windows, the Windows Firewall might be blocking port **7777** (VoicePad's sync port).
1. Open Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced Settings
2. Inbound Rules → New Rule
3. Port → TCP → Specific local ports: **7777**
4. Allow the connection → Apply to all profiles
5. Name: "VoicePad Sync"
Or simpler: when Windows prompts "Allow VoicePad to communicate on these networks?" — say YES to both Private and Public.
**Check #3 — Sync toggle ON, both apps running**
- On Windows: Settings → Mobile Sync → WiFi Sync ON
- On Android/iOS: Settings → Sync → WiFi Sync ON
- Both apps need to be **open and in foreground** for the first sync (mDNS discovery)
- After first successful sync, mobile can run in background
**If you've checked all three and it still doesn't work:**
1. Restart both apps (fully close, reopen)
2. Wait 30 seconds for mDNS discovery
3. On Android: pull-to-refresh the history sidebar
4. Check Settings → Mobile Sync on Windows — does it show any discovered devices?
**Last resort — manual import:**
If WiFi sync genuinely won't work, use the manual import method:
1. On Windows: Settings → Export History → save as .json
2. Transfer file to phone (email it to yourself, USB)
3. On Android: Settings → Sync → Import from File
For USB sync (one-way Android → Windows, no WiFi needed), see [Help Center → USB Sync](https://voicepad.tech/help/#usb-sync).