Xender is the most widely used app for instant file sharing without going through mobile data. It utilizes Wi-Fi Direct technology, where devices can exchange and receive files instantly without an internet connection. But at times, you might encounter problems where Xender won’t discover nearby devices. Relax, this is a normal issue, and it’s normally simple to resolve.
Here are some rapid and simple solutions for making Xender operational again.
Ensure That Wi-Fi Is Working Correctly
Most of the time, the reason that Xender is unable to discover another device is that the sender’s phone Wi-Fi isn’t functioning correctly.
Although Xender does not make use of your normal Wi-Fi connection or cell data, it must have Wi-Fi to scan and find other devices nearby. If the sender device has Wi-Fi problems, it won’t be able to see other phones in proximity.
You can do:
- Switch Wi-Fi on and off.
- Restart the device to reboot the link.
- Scan again in Xender.
Ensure that the device can spot other Wi-Fi networks. If this is not possible, then the issue probably lies with the Wi-Fi settings of the phone.
Verify the Hotspot Connection
Xender connects by way of creating a local hotspot that other devices are able to connect to. If the hotspot has not been configured properly, the two devices will not connect.
Steps to verify:
- Launch the Xender app on the receiver’s device.
- Ensure that the hotspot is enabled.
- On the sending device, join the receiver’s hotspot.
- Then, attempt to send files again.
The hotspot does not always activate on its own. If it does not, manually turn it on via the device’s settings and attempt to reconnect.
Shut Down Background Apps
Sometimes background apps interfere with Xender. They can hinder the signal or slow down the connection process. Background apps that access Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other comparable features can be troublesome.
What to do
- Close all apps that are currently running in the background.
- Specifically close apps such as VPNs, screen recording apps, and network apps.
- Restart Xender afterwards.
This little trick may free up some resources and enable Xender to connect more seamlessly.
Switch Device Roles
If the issue persists, there could be a problem with one device’s send or receive capability. One quick hack is to switch roles between the two phones.
How to switch roles:
- On the device that was trying to send, tap Receive instead.
- On the other device, tap Send.
- Try connecting again.
Sometimes, one device may perform better as a sender or receiver due to hardware or software conditions. Switching roles can fix the issue without changing any settings.
Bonus Tips
If you’ve tried all the steps above and Xender still won’t connect, try the following:
- Restart both devices. A simple reboot can fix temporary bugs.
- Update Xender. A very old app version might lead to connectivity issues.
- Clear Cache. Clear Xender app cache in your phone settings.
- Do not use public Wi-Fi while using Xender. Be patient and use personal networks.
Final Thoughts
Xender is an excellent app for quick and simple file sharing, but even the best app can play up at times. In most cases, the problem is minor and quick to resolve. If it’s a Wi-Fi glitch, a rogue background app, or a misconfigured hotspot, these tips will see you back in business.
Always make sure both devices are updated and connected properly. By checking these simple things, you’ll save time and avoid frustration during file transfers.