Bluetooth not receiving file transfers

nicks27 · 2025-11-07 18:32:20

My Xfce laptop's Bluetooth is able to send a file to a paired trusted device (an Android mobile phone), but is not able to receive a file from that same device.

When attempting the transfer I have the "Bluetooth Devices" window open and in focus and the paired/trusted device is shown.
In the Bluetooth "Local Services"→"Transfer" settings I have ticked the "Accept files from trusted devices" checkbox and specified an incoming folder in my home directory.
When I try to share a file via Bluetooth on the phone it fails with the message "Connection unsuccessful" but both devices appear to remain paired.
The phone is able to successfully send a file to a third device without any problems.
I am running Xubuntu 25.10 64-bit, kernel 6.17.0-6, Xfce 4.20.
File transfers send+receive were working fine on this same laptop under the previously installed Xubuntu 22.04.

Please can you advise what Xfce / Bluetooth settings are needed to be able to receive files?
Thanks

Nick

eriefisher · 2025-11-07 20:32:41

I've had the same issue for some time now. Laptop to phone no problem. phone top laptop I get "Transfer forbidden by target device". It's not something I need often so I haven't pursued it. If I do nee to transfer files I just plug it in.

Jamie_Casper · 2026-02-01 06:32:54

I had a similar issue after the last update. If your session is acting up or not saving correctly, try clearing out your cache at ~/.cache/sessions/. It sounds simple, but Xfce sometimes trips over old session data after a version jump. Usually clears things right up!

eriefisher · 2026-02-01 11:36:49

There is a bug: https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugrepo … ug=1123793

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#1 2025-11-07 18:32:20

Bluetooth not receiving file transfers

#2 2025-11-07 20:32:41

Re: Bluetooth not receiving file transfers

#3 2026-02-01 06:32:54

Re: Bluetooth not receiving file transfers

#4 2026-02-01 11:36:49

Re: Bluetooth not receiving file transfers

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