Same Wi‑Fi, but transfers are slow or go through the server
On the same Wi‑Fi, OmniBeam should connect the two devices directly and the route under the progress bar should say “same network”. If it says “internet”, “via router” or “Sending via server”, one of these is usually the reason.
1. Run the connection check
Tap the network ID next to your device name at the bottom of OmniBeam. The check shows whether this device shares its local address, whether a VPN is in the way and what route your last transfers took, with tips for what it finds.
2. Allow local connections (⚡)
Browsers hide a device's local network address from websites. The other device then has to find it with a local name lookup (mDNS), which many networks block, and the transfer takes the long way through the router. Tap ⚡ Faster Wi‑Fi transfers and allow the microphone once on one or both devices: nothing is recorded, but the browser then shares the local address and the devices can connect directly.
3. Turn off VPNs and private relays
- Turn off VPN apps, including antivirus “secure connection” features, on both devices while you send.
- On iPhone, turn off iCloud Private Relay, and in Settings → Wi‑Fi → your network, turn off “Limit IP Address Tracking”.
4. Windows: use a Private network
On a “Public” network, Windows blocks the local lookups that devices use to find each other. Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi‑Fi (or Ethernet) → your network, and choose Private network. Your firewall must also allow your browser on private networks.
5. Check the router
- Guest networks and “AP isolation” or “client isolation” stop devices on the same Wi‑Fi from reaching each other. Use the main network, or turn isolation off in the router settings.
- Some routers have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks that are isolated; connect both devices to the same one.
Still not direct?
Transfers still work: OmniBeam sends through its server, encrypted end to end, just more slowly. You can also pair the devices with a code; that doesn't make the route faster, but they always find each other.