Let an app find printers, speakers and devices on your network

Why it happens

Your Mac asks before an app can look for devices on your home network, such as printers, smart speakers, cameras or network drives. If you clicked Don't Allow when the app asked, it can't see anything nearby. The app keeps working otherwise, so it's easy to miss why.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, and click Privacy & Security in the sidebar.

2. Click Local Network and turn on the switch next to the app.

   Privacy & Security›Local Network

3. Quit the app with Command-Q and open it again, so it picks up the change.

4. Try finding your device again in the app.

5. If the app isn't in the list, it hasn't asked yet. Open it and use the feature that looks for devices. When your Mac asks whether the app can find devices on your local network, click Allow.

Still not fixed?

1. Check your Mac and the device are on exactly the same network. Look at the network name in Wi-Fi settings and avoid guest networks, which often keep devices apart.

   Wi-Fi

2. Turn off any VPN while you try. Some VPNs block traffic to devices on your home network.

3. If the firewall is on, make sure the app is allowed and that Block all incoming connections is off.

   Network›Firewall›Options…

4. Restart the device, your router and your Mac.

5. If only this app has trouble, contact the app's maker. If no app can find devices that your iPhone sees on the same network, contact Apple Support.