Bug 512738

Summary:	KDE connect 1.34.4 for android does not connect to Steam Deck without MDNS device discovery
Product:	[Applications] kdeconnect	Reporter:	maxstrax
Component:	android-application	Assignee:	Albert Vaca Cintora <albertvaka>
Status:	REPORTED ---
Severity:	normal	CC:	andrew.g.r.holmes, ilikefoss
Priority:	NOR
Version First Reported In:	24.12.0
Target Milestone:	---
Platform:	SteamOS
OS:	Linux
Latest Commit:		Version Fixed/Implemented In:
Sentry Crash Report:

Description maxstrax 2025-11-29 01:06:03 UTC

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SUMMARY
on KDE connect 1.34.4 for Android, trying to connect to Steam Deck (SteamOS 3.7.17 Builld 20251027.1), running KDECOnnect (kdeconnect.app 24.12.0), the Android application cannot pair unless I enable MDNS device discovery that is noting that I need to file a bug, or using the Beta bluetooth connection. I am filing the bug due to the app asking me to in the settings. Also bluetooth pairing is not always working, as I need to first pair with MDNS and then enable Bluetooth to make it connect

STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Install KDE connect 1.34.4 for Android
2. Open Steam Deck
3. Conenct to the same network for both devices
4. Optional - enable Bluetooth
5. Nothing appears in the Android app
6. GO to kdeCOnnect app settings in android and enable MDNS
7. Refresh the Android app (drag down)
8. Steam deck appears
9. Connect to Steam Deck
10. Disable MDNS
11. Enable Bluetooth
12. refresh Android app (drag top down)
13. Steam deck appears

OBSERVED RESULT
Please check steps above

EXPECTED RESULT
We should not have to change any settings and discover the steam deck by default

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
(available in the Info Center app, or by running `kinfo` in a terminal window)
Linux/KDE Plasma: SteamOS 3.7.17 Builld 20251027.1
KDE Plasma Version: 6.2.5
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.9.0
Qt Version: 6.8.1

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please check Summary and Steps

Comment 1 John 2025-11-29 13:18:16 UTC

I don't have a Steam Deck to try, but last time I tried, without MDNS (about 2 weeks ago), I had a similar problem to you.
Besides trying with a laptop running latest KDE software, instead of a Steam Deck, the other differences were:
Using KDE Connect 1.34.3 (one minor release behind you) from F-droid.
and using the AFWall+ application firewall, from F-droid too.
I got no response yet on my bug report, if the problem is the firewall or something else:
https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=512315