AnyDesk Not Connecting? Causes, Fixes, and a Better Alternative

Part 1. Why Is My AnyDesk Not Connecting?

Before diving into fixes, it's helpful to understand the root causes of AnyDesk connection issues. Knowing the "why" can help you target the right solution and avoid unnecessary steps. Here are the most common reasons:

• AnyDesk Server Issues: The problem might be on AnyDesk's end if their servers are down.
• Incorrect Device ID: The remote device ID you're entering could be incorrect or outdated.
• Network Connection Problems: Either the local or remote device might have a weak or unstable internet connection.
• VPN Interference: If you're using a VPN, it might be blocking the connection.
• Firewall Blocking: Firewalls may be preventing AnyDesk from connecting.
• Outdated AnyDesk Version: An older version of AnyDesk might be causing compatibility issues.
• Devices or Software Not Restarted: Sometimes, not restarting the devices or the AnyDesk app can cause connection issues.
• License Problems: If you're using a paid version, your license might have expired or become invalid.

Part 2. How to Fix AnyDesk Not Connecting

Now that you know the common causes, let's walk through the step-by-step fixes. We recommend starting with the simplest solutions (like checking the server status or device ID) before moving to more complex ones (like updating or reinstalling the software).

2.1 Check AnyDesk Server Status

The first thing you should do when AnyDesk won't connect is rule out server-side issues. If AnyDesk's servers are down, there's nothing you can do on your end to fix it. Here's how to check:

Step 1. Go to https://status.anydesk.com to get real-time updates on server availability.

Step 2. Follow AnyDesk on Twitter (X) or Facebook for any announcements about outages or ongoing maintenance.

Step 3. If the status page is showing everything is normal, check platforms like Reddit or DownDetector to see if other users are experiencing the same problem. However, these are unofficial sources, so always prioritize the official channels first.

If the servers are down, you'll need to wait for AnyDesk to resolve the issue. If everything looks fine, proceed to the next fix.

2.2 Verify the Remote Device ID

A common connection issue is entering an incorrect AnyDesk ID. If the AnyDesk ID of the remote device is entered incorrectly, the connection won't be established. First, ask the remote user to open AnyDesk and retrieve their unique 9-digit ID displayed on the device. Make sure the ID you enter exactly matches the one provided, paying close attention to characters that may look similar, such as 0 and O, or 1 and l.

If the remote device has been restarted or AnyDesk has been reinstalled, the ID may have changed, so always double-check that you have the latest ID before attempting to connect. If you're using the "Bookmark" feature in AnyDesk, make sure to delete the old ID and enter the most up-to-date one.

2.3 Check Internet Connection

Both your local device and the remote device need a stable internet connection to use AnyDesk. Here's how to test and fix connection issues:

Step 1. Test your local internet

Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and visit a website like Google.com. If the site doesn't load, your internet is the problem.

Step 2. Fix local internet issues

• Restart your router: Unplug the router from the power source, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the network and fixes temporary glitches.
• Switch to a wired connection: If you're on Wi-Fi, connect your device to the router with an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
• Check for Wi-Fi interference: Move closer to the router, or avoid using devices that cause interference (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).

Step 3. Confirm the remote device's internet

Ask the remote user to test their internet by visiting a website. If their connection is unstable, have them follow the same steps (restart router, switch to wired, etc.).

2.4 Disable VPN

VPNs can interfere with AnyDesk's connection by rerouting traffic or blocking the necessary ports. If you're using a VPN, try disabling it temporarily to see if that fixes the issue:

Step 1. Locate your VPN client (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Windows Built-in VPN) on your device.

Step 2. Click "Disconnect" or "Turn Off" to disable the VPN.

Step 3. Once the VPN is disabled, try connecting to AnyDesk again.

If the connection is successful after disabling the VPN, you can choose not to use the VPN to connect to AnyDesk, or enable the Split Tunneling feature in the VPN settings. This will allow AnyDesk's traffic to bypass the VPN and function properly. Most high-end VPNs, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, offer this feature, which can be found and enabled in the VPN client settings.

2.5 Allow AnyDesk via Firewall

Firewalls are one of the most common culprits behind AnyDesk connection issues. You'll need to ensure that AnyDesk is allowed through both your Windows Firewall and any third-party antivirus firewalls. Here's how to allow AnyDesk through Windows Firewall:

Step 1. Press the "Windows" key + "R", type "control firewall.cpl", and press "Enter" to open Windows firewall.

Step 2. On the left sidebar, click "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall".

Step 3. Click "Change settings" (you may need administrator privileges).

Step 4. If it's listed, check both "Private" and "Public" boxes. If it's not listed, click "Allow another app..". and browse to the AnyDesk installation folder (usually C:\Program Files\AnyDesk\AnyDesk.exe) to add it.

Step 5. Click "OK" to apply the changes.

If you use a third-party antivirus firewall (e.g., Avast, McAfee, Bitdefender), look for an "Exceptions" or "Trusted Apps" section and add AnyDesk. If adding it to the exceptions doesn't work, you can temporarily disable the firewall to test (but remember to re-enable it afterward).

Also, ensure the remote device has performed the same steps on their firewall.

2.6 Restart AnyDesk

If AnyDesk is not connecting, it could be due to a temporary issue with the software. In this case, try closing and restarting AnyDesk. First, right-click on the AnyDesk icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), and select "Quit" to exit the app. Wait for 10 to 15 seconds to ensure AnyDesk has fully closed. Then, reopen AnyDesk and attempt to connect again. If the issue persists after restarting AnyDesk, try restarting your computer to clear the system memory and cache, which may help resolve any underlying system problems.

2.7 Update or Reinstall AnyDesk

Outdated or corrupted installations of AnyDesk are a common cause of connection issues. Here's how to update or reinstall the app:

Progress 1. Update AnyDesk

Step 1. Open AnyDesk and click on the "Settings" icon (gear icon) in the top-right corner.

Step 2. Select "About AnyDesk" from the left sidebar.

Step 3. Click "Check for Updates". If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Step 4. Restart AnyDesk after the update and try connecting again.

Progress 2. Reinstall AnyDesk (if updating doesn't work)

Step 1. Uninstall AnyDesk from your system:

• Windows: Press "Windows" key + "I" to open Settings, go to "Apps" > "Apps & Features", search for AnyDesk, click it, and select "Uninstal"l.
• Mac: Drag the AnyDesk app from the Applications folder to the Trash.

Step 2. Delete residual files (Windows only): Open "Run" (Windows key + R) and type %ProgramFiles%\AnyDesk, then delete the folder. Repeat for %ProgramData%\AnyDesk and %AppData%\AnyDesk.

Step 3. Restart your device to clear any remaining temporary files.

Step 4. Download the latest version from the official AnyDesk website and install it. Then, try connecting again.

Part 3. A Better Choice When AnyDesk Is Not Connecting

If you've tried all the fixes above and AnyDesk still won't connect, it may be time to switch to a more reliable alternative. Phone Mirror is a powerful remote access and screen mirroring tool that offers stable connections, easy setup, and compatibility with both Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It's an excellent choice for those who need seamless remote control without the frequent connection issues of AnyDesk.

Why choose Phone Mirror?

• Mirror your iPhone, iPad, or Android device to your computer and control it using your keyboard and mouse.
• Capture high-quality 1080p screen recordings and high-resolution screenshots, perfect for content creators and gamers.
• Stream your phone's content to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Zoom, ideal for gamers and professionals.
• Map keys for mobile gaming functions like moving, jumping, and shooting.
• Easily transfer files between your Android device and computer, including photos, videos, and documents.
• Connect via USB or Wi-Fi to stream both video and audio from your phone to your computer.

Here, we will show you how to access your Android phone via computer with Phone Mirror:

01Start by downloading and installing Phone Mirror on your computer.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

02Once installed, open the application and select "Android" from the main interface.

03Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your Android device to your computer. You can choose between a USB cable or Wi-Fi, based on your preference.

04Once connected, your Android device's screen will be displayed on your computer. To enable full control, click on the "Mouse" icon in the sidebar. This will allow you to control your Android phone using your computer's keyboard and mouse.

Last Part

When AnyDesk is not connecting, it is usually caused by server issues, incorrect device IDs, VPNs, firewalls, or unstable internet connections. By following the fixes above, you can solve most connection problems quickly.

However, if AnyDesk continues to fail, switching to a more stable and modern solution like Phone Mirror is the easiest way to keep your screen sharing and remote control running smoothly without constant interruptions.

Related Articles:

AnyDesk Review - Features, How to Use and Alternative to AnyDesk

5 Ways to Cast Android to Windows 10 [Step-by-Step Guide]

Best Screen Mirroring App for Android to PC

3 Ways to Mirror iPhone to Mac Directly [Latest Guide]