Device Shows Disconnected

Red status light? Fix it in 2 minutes. Three common causes and a quick reconnection protocol.

Seeing a red 🔴 status? Most disconnections fix themselves in under 2 minutes. Here's how to identify the cause and get your line back online fast.

Before you start

Physical access to the Android or Mac device
Access to the WhatSnap Manager dashboard

3 Reasons for Disconnection

1. Loss of Internet

If your local WiFi drops or the phone switches to a 4G network with a restrictive firewall, the bridge will disconnect.

Fix: Reconnect to a stable WiFi network and restart the WhatSnap app.

2. Power and Sleep Modes

Physical devices are designed to save power by default.

Android: Ensure the WhatSnap Gateway app is set to Unrestricted in battery settings.
Mac: Ensure the Mac is set to Never Sleep while plugged in.

3. Session Expiration

iMessage and WhatsApp sessions occasionally expire for security reasons or after a major OS update.

Fix: Re-authenticate by scanning a fresh QR code from your dashboard.

Reconnection Protocol

Follow this anchor link to restore your bridge:

Verify Device Power

Physically check the phone or Mac. Ensure it is turned on and plugged into a reliable power source.

Restart Application

Close the WhatSnap Gateway app (Android) or the iMessage Bridge (Mac) and reopen it. Tap the ▶️ Play button.

Check Manager Status

Refresh your WhatSnap Manager dashboard. The 🔴 indicator should turn 🟡 (Connecting) and then 🟢 (Connected) within 30 seconds.

Perform a Test Send

Send a text to your test contact to confirm sync is restored.

Remote Access: If you manage many devices, we recommend using a remote access tool like TeamViewer or AnyDesk on your Mac mini so you can troubleshoot disconnections from anywhere in the world.

Preventing Future Disconnections

Dedicated Network: Put your WhatSnap hardware on its own WiFi SSID if possible.
Stay Awake: Use the "Stay Awake" feature in Android Developer Options.
UPS Backup: Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply to keep your Mac and router running during power flickers.

Common Questions

How long can a device be offline?

WhatSnap will queue your messages for 24 hours. If your device stays offline longer than that, the messages will be marked as "Permanently Failed".

Why does it disconnect at the same time every day?

This is likely a scheduled router reboot or a carrier IP lease renewal. Check your networking equipment for scheduled maintenance tasks.