In this digital age, sharing files between devices has become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether it’s transferring photos, documents, or videos, we rely on file-sharing apps like Xender for their speed and convenience. However, sometimes you might encounter an issue where you’re unable to transfer files through Xender while using a VPN. This problem can be frustrating, especially if you rely on a VPN for privacy and security. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you fix this issue and get back to seamless file sharing with Xender.
Understanding the Issue
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand why Xender encounters difficulties when used with a VPN. Xender relies on a local Wi-Fi network to establish a connection between devices for file transfer. When you enable a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your device, it encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, often in a different location. While this is great for privacy and security, it can create a conflict when Xender attempts to create a local connection between devices. The VPN’s interference prevents Xender from recognizing devices on the same local network, causing the transfer to fail.
Why does VPN cause problems?
When you run a VPN on your devices, it can result in the failure to activate the hotspot on receiving, which means that both devices aren’t connected to the same network. This results in the devices being unable to share files between them using Xender.
VPNs can also cause connection problems between receiving and sending devices, leading to a failure to send and receive files through Xender.
How to Fix This?
Before you use Xender and make any transfer, ensure that all VPN apps are closed so that Xender can perform the transfer between files seamlessly.
If you are connected to a VPN, it’s better to turn it off before transferring files to avoid any issues during the transfer process.
Solution 1: Disconnect the VPN Temporarily
The simplest solution is to disconnect your VPN temporarily when using Xender. Since Xender requires a local Wi-Fi connection to function correctly, disconnecting your VPN will allow it to establish a connection between devices seamlessly. Here’s how to do it:
- Open your VPN app.
- Disconnect or disable the VPN.
- Use Xender to transfer your files.
- Once the transfer is complete, you can re-enable your VPN for continued online privacy and security.
While this solution may seem straightforward, it’s effective and ensures that your files transfer without any issues. It’s a small inconvenience for the sake of smooth file sharing.
Solution 2: Use a Different Wi-Fi Network
If you don’t want to compromise your VPN for any reason, another option is to use a different Wi-Fi network specifically for Xender transfers. Many routers allow you to set up a guest network or a separate network, which you can use exclusively for transferring files through Xender. By connecting your devices to this network, you can ensure that they are on the same local network and transfer files without disabling your VPN.
Solution 3: Opt for a Split-Tunnel VPN
Some VPN providers offer a feature called split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which apps or services will use the VPN connection and which will use the regular internet connection. By configuring your VPN to exclude Xender from using the VPN, you can ensure that Xender operates on the local network while the rest of your internet traffic remains secure through the VPN. Please check your VPN provider’s settings or documentation to see if they offer split tunneling.
Solution 4: Use an Alternative File Transfer Method
If none of the above solutions work for you, consider using an alternative file transfer method when your VPN is active. You can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to upload your files securely and then share the download links with your intended recipient. This way, you can maintain the security of your VPN while still sharing files conveniently.
Xender is a fantastic file-sharing app that streamlines the process of transferring files between devices. However, the conflict with VPNs can be an inconvenience. By choosing one of the solutions mentioned above, you can easily resolve the issue and continue using Xender for fast and efficient file transfers. Whether you opt to temporarily disconnect your VPN, set up a separate Wi-Fi network for Xender, use split-tunneling if available, or turn to alternative file transfer methods, you’ll find a solution that works best for your needs. It’s important to strike a balance between file sharing and online security to make the most of these valuable tools in the digital age.