iVCam Connectivity Troubleshooting Guide

This article supplements the “App Cannot Detect PC?” and “PC Detected but App Fails to Connect?” sections in the iVCam FAQ.

App Cannot Detect PC?

When devices are on the same local network, they should theoretically detect each other. If the mobile app fails to detect the PC client, follow this diagnostic guide:

​Step 1: Verify Genuine “Same Network” Status

  1. Confirm IP Addresses
    • PC:
      • Windows: Press Win+R, enter cmd, run ipconfig, and check IPv4 Address (e.g., 192.168.1.10).
    • Mobile:
      • Android: Go to Settings > About phone > Status.
      • iOS: Tap the ⓘ icon next to connected Wi-Fi.
    • Key Check: First three IP segments must match (e.g., 192.168.1.x) with identical subnet masks (e.g., 255.255.255.0). Mismatched IPs (PC: 192.168.1.10, phone: 192.168.2.20) indicate separate subnets.
  2. Eliminate “Pseudo-Network” Interference
    • Guest Network: Devices connected to router guest modes are typically isolated.
    • VPN: Disable VPNs on both devices to test.
    • Multi-band Wi-Fi: Disable “Smart Connect” or “Band Isolation” in router settings if 2.4GHz/5GHz bands operate as separate networks.

​Step 2: Firewall and Antivirus Check

Firewalls may block UDP broadcasts or Bonjour (mDNS port 5353/UDP).

  • Temporary Firewall Disable:
    • Navigate to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn on/off
    • Disable firewall for both Private and Public networks.
  • Permanent Solution:

    Allow iVCam ports (5895/UDP) and Bonjour (5353/UDP):

    • Create inbound firewall rules for these ports.

​Step 3: Router Configuration

  1. Disable “Client Isolation”

    This feature (also called “AP Isolation”) blocks device communication. Access router admin (typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and disable under Wireless > Advanced.

  2. Unify Wired/Wireless Subnets

    If PC uses Ethernet while phone uses Wi-Fi, check if router assigns different subnets (e.g., 192.168.1.x vs. 192.168.2.x). Disable “LAN/WLAN Isolation” in DHCP settings.

​Step 4: Network Connectivity Test

  • Ping Verification:
    • On PC: Open Command Prompt → ping [phone-IP]
    • On phone: Use tools like Fing to ping PC’s IP.
    • If ping fails: Network layer issue – check routers/cables.
    • Ping success but UDP fails: Application/port configuration problem.

​Step 5: Bonjour/mDNS Service

Ensure Bonjour services are active:

  • Windows: Install Apple components (iTunes/Bonjour Print Services). Verify Bonjour Service is running via services.msc.
  • Router Compatibility: Update firmware or replace routers that don’t support mDNS forwarding.

​Other Potential Causes

  1. Multi-NIC Conflict

    Disable unused network adapters (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) if both are active.

  2. App Permissions

    Enable Local Network access for iVCam in phone settings (especially on iOS).

​Quick-Fix Checklist

  1. ✅ Matching first three IP segments
  2. ✅ Firewall/antivirus temporarily disabled
  3. ✅ Router “Client Isolation” disabled
  4. ✅ VPN/Guest networks disconnected
  5. ✅ Bonjour service running (PC)

Persistent issues may indicate router firmware problems – contact network administrator.

PC Detected but App Cannot Connect?

If devices detect each other but fail to establish connections, focus on network configurations or permissions:

​Step 1: Disable Firewall/Antivirus (Critical)

​PC Actions​

  • Temporary disable:
    Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Turn on/off → Disable for both network types.
  • Permanent solution:

    Add iVCam to firewall allowlist with Private network access.

​Mobile Actions​

  1. Android:
    • Disable “Data Saver” or “Security Scan” features.
    • Enable Background data and Unrestricted data usage for iVCam.
  2. iOS:
    • Enable Local Network under Settings > iVCam.

​Step 2: Router “Client Isolation”​

  1. Login to router admin (IP typically 192.168.1.1/192.168.0.1).
  2. Navigate to Wireless > Advanced > Disable Client Isolation (also called “AP Isolation”).
  3. Reboot router.

​Step 3: Disable Redundant Network Paths​

​PC​

  • Control Panel > Network Connections → Disable unused adapters.

​Mobile​

  • Turn off “Dual Wi-Fi Acceleration” or “Smart Network Switch” in Wi-Fi settings.

​Step 4: Disable Proxies/VPNs​

  1. PC:
    • Close VPNs/proxies (e.g., Clash, Shadowsocks).
    • Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy → Disable all.
  2. Mobile:
    • Under Wi-Fi settings, disable Proxy and Private DNS.

​Step 5: Disable Network Power Saving

  1. Go to Device Manager > Network adapters
  2. Right-click active adapter → Properties > Power Management
  3. Uncheck Allow computer to turn off this device
  4. Reboot PC.

​Step 6: Test with IPv6 Disabled (Troubleshooting)​

  1. Open Network Connections
  2. Right-click adapter → Properties
  3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
  4. Reboot and test.

​Step 7: Minimal Network Environment Test​

  1. Simplify connections:
    • Connect both devices to same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band.
    • Disable Bluetooth, hotspots, and data-saving modes.
  2. Network validation:
    • PC: Run nc -l -p 12345 in Command Prompt.
    • Phone: Use networking tools to send data to PC’s IP:12345.

​Connection Troubleshooting Checklist​

  1. ✅ Firewall/antivirus disabled on both devices
  2. ✅ Router “Client Isolation” deactivated
  3. ✅ Extra network adapters/VPNs disabled
  4. ✅ Local Network permissions enabled (iOS critical)
  5. ✅ Power saving modes disabled
  6. ✅ NetCat/test tools confirm connectivity

Persistent Issues? Consider:

  • Network Profile Misconfiguration:

    Windows might categorize LAN as “Public”. Fix: Settings > Network > Connection properties → Set to “Private”.

  • Outdated Drivers:

    Update network drivers via Device Manager.

  • Router Firmware Bugs:

    Update firmware or replace older routers.

If unresolved, consult network administrator for deeper diagnostics.