Issue abstract:
Can’t transfer a file when VPN enabled on the sending device. The operation times out.
Detailed description:
Quick Share between my devices works perfectly except when Norton VPN enabled on the sending device.
The devices can initiate the connection and communicate the failure to each other, but can;t complete the actual handshake needed to transfer a file.
I’ m able to use Quick Share with another VPN service (and don’t need to use Split Tunnel) so I think the issue is with Norton VPN.
I would create a Split Tunnel Connection but there’s no app called Quick Share in the Norton VPN list. ( I also tried with Play Services and My Files set for Split Tunnel.)
Same issue in Norton 360 and the standalone Norton VPN app. Also have tried toggling Ad Tracker Blocking, Kill Switch, and each of the protocols Wireguard, Mimic and Open VPN.
Also tried setting to my home country and alternate countries.
My devices are 2 Samsung Tablets running Android 14 and latest Norton versions.
Obvious Android Settings on both devices:
Bluetooth On (devices linked), Quick Share On, Location On
When Norton VPN is disabled, No problem using Quick Share between devices, even With Norton VPN enabled on the receiving device.
If sending device uses a different brand VPN and receiving device is using Norton VPN also works fine!
I only hit this snag with Norton VPN enabled on the SENDING device. In that case, Quick share won’t all on the receiving device even if it has no VPN enabled.
Product & version number:
Norton 360 VPN 4.6.0.231211284
OS details:
Android 14, Samsung UI 6.1
What is the error message you are seeing?
“Quick Share Preparing…” on receiving device, then times out.
" Couldn’t Receive file. The other device has been notified and can send again."
If you have any supporting screenshots, please add them:
My first observation is that you appear to have both the Norton 360 app and the standalone Norton Secure VPN app installed. There have been other issues where having both installed has caused strange behaviour on the device. If you do have both installed, try uninstalling the standalone VPN, restart your devices and test.
Second observation is that if you have a VPN active on both devices that may also be affecting the connection between the two. If you are doing the transfer between two of your own devices on your properly secured home network, you don’t really need a VPN. See this Norton blog article. Do I need a VPN at home? | NortonLifeLock
Hello Sir, thank you for the fast response!
So I went ahead and tried sending from a device that only has Norton VPN app and, not 360. Didn’t seem to make a difference but at least we can rule that out.
To determine if the conflict was related to Norton VPN configuration or something else, I tried using Quick Share with other VPN’s.
The only VPN that Quick Share worked was the only one I have access to that allows system apps to go through Split Tunneling. (Cloudware’s WARP)
I excluded all of my system apps and services
Norton’s app offers Split Tunneling, but I it doesn’t allow system apps to be exceptions from the VPN service.
Samsung uses a fork of Android’s connectivity services. It has additional system apps and services that add features to Android’s stock framework.
I suspect that could be the conflict.
The only way to know for sure woud be if Norton’s product could allow system and hidden apps to be displayed and selected in the Split Tunnel setting.
I wasn’t sure if you’re with Gen, but if so please suggest this enhancement.
Thank You for looking into this!!
From your testing, it would appear that even your other VPN did not allow sending unless you used split tunnel.
As a test, could you try sending a file from a device with Norton VPN running to a device with no VPN running. Just trying to see if it is a sending or a receiving issue.
I do not work for Norton/Gen. I’m just a user like you who volunteers my time to try to help others with my knowledge of the Norton products. Gurus here have limited accessibility to Norton staff to pass along issues. I’ll see if I can see if I can find out anything on why this feature gets blocked by the VPN.
You can always post product suggestions here. Product Suggestions - Norton Community