Why won’t my mobile device connect to Readerware on my computer?

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Last Updated: August 31, 2019
Keywords: Readerware Mobile, iPhone, iPad, Android, smartphone, connect, cannot connect

Readerware Mobile can connect to Readerware running on your computer, there are two main reasons to do this:

  • You can sync your database from Readerware to your smartphone
  • You can use the camera in your smartphone as a barcode scanner and upload the scans directly in to Readerware auto-catalog

The process is simple, you run Readerware on your computer, and in Readerware Mobile you enter the name or the IP address of your computer and the port number. There might be times though when Readerware Mobile cannot connect to your computer, Here are the key points for a successful connection:

  • Your mobile device must be connected to your WiFi network, as you are using private addresses it will not work over the internet. Mobile devices can switch networks, so always check that WiFi is connected and that it is connected to the correct WiFi access point. Don't skip this step, it is very common for smartphones to switch networks or turn off WiFi without you realizing it
  • Do not connect to your WiFi network as a guest. Guest users have very limited access to the network and you will not be able to connect to Readerware from a guest account.
  • Readerware must be running on your computer. Most users will connect to Readerware running on your computer. Readerware Client/Server Edition also lets you connect to the Readerware Server to sync your database. in this case Readerware does not need to be running.
  • Network sync must be enabled in Readerware preferences, select the Preferences menu item, then Mobile. It is off by default, you will have to enable mobile sync when you first start to use Readerware Mobile.
  • Use the computer name and port provided in preferences. The name/IP address field is a list as it is possible for a machine to have multiple names and IP addresses. The one selected is normally the correct one, but try each entry in the list.
  • It is best to connect using the computer name as names don't change. If you are unable to connect using the computer name, try the IP address
  • Depending on your network configuration your IP address can change. So always check preferences as described above to make sure you are using the current IP address in Readerware Mobile.
  • Check the versions of Readerware you are running. Most mobile apps get updated automatically so the Readerware Mobile apps on your mobile device should be the latest. If you are running an older version of Readerware on your computer, you could have trouble connecting.
  • Some users report that resetting their router can solve connection problems, unplug it for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.

If you still cannot connect then it is normally firewall software running on your computer that is blocking the connection. You should ensure that any firewall software is set up to allow Readerware to accept incoming connections on the appropriate ports.

Readerware 4 (Books) uses port 9020 for mobile communications. Readerware 4 (Music) uses port 9030. Readerware 4 (Mobile) uses 9040. The same ports are used for transferring your database and uploading barcode scans.

The Readerware Server uses port 9002 for database transfers.

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