Troubleshooting connections

Last updated: 20 September 2026

"Your connection is not private" / security warning on the phone

Expected. The LAN server uses a self‑signed certificate.

Android / Chrome: Advanced → Proceed to … (unsafe).
iPhone, iPad / Safari: Show Details → visit this website. Safari has no "Advanced" button.

HTTPS is required because browsers only expose GPS and the compass in a secure context.

The device doesn't show under "On the LAN"

Same Wi‑Fi / subnet as the server, and past the certificate warning.
On the LAN after ping is not recording. Type the 6-digit walk code, Save, then Start. The strip says RECORDING when points land.
Several NICs: HollowMap prefers 192.168.x.x for the QR. If it still picks a Tailscale / WSL address, set HOST_IP in config.env — it has no Settings field. See Settings & controllers.
Using the Android app? It needs the PC address as well as the walk code.

The tablet says "UniFi not seen" / "UniFi · not in client list"

UniFi can still list the tablet (name, AP, dBm) while this line shows. It means HollowMap could not match this HTTP client to a UniFi sta row — usually the walk code is missing (status call 401), or the tablet IP is not in the latest poll yet. Save the walk code. Controller down is a different error on the desktop (controller: …).

"Locked out — too many wrong walk codes"

Ten different wrong codes from one device inside 10 minutes locks that device out of the server for 15 minutes. Retyping the same wrong code does not count. Wait it out and copy the code from the desktop instead of typing it.

"Another tablet is already recording"

One device records at a time. The second one is refused until the first stops, or has been idle for two minutes. Nothing is lost: the refused device keeps its points and sends them once the lock frees.

"reopen the link from the desktop app to refresh the access key"

The key the phone saved no longer matches the server — usually a reinstall or a new ACCESS_KEY. Scan the QR again, or open the connect URL from the PC.

GPS won't start / "allow Location"

Grant the site Location permission in the browser.
GPS needs HTTPS — open the https:// address, not http://.

Speed test numbers look low

The speed test measures the Wi‑Fi link to the server, not your internet. Run the server on a wired machine so it isn't the bottleneck — see Getting started.

The map or a report says "showing the most recent N"

Both draw at most 50,000 points. Narrow the date range, or use the CSV link in that notice to export the whole selection.

The map has no aerial imagery

Map tiles come from the internet. With the PC offline, samples, pins and paths still draw on a blank background.

Still stuck? In the app, use Help → Contact support, or open a ticket here.