Troubleshooting Allo: Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Quick fixes for the most common Allo issues — Bluetooth pairing, undelivered messages, poor radio range, and dashboard login problems.
Most problems with Allo fall into one of four categories: the phone can't connect to the Allo device over Bluetooth, a message doesn't reach its destination, the radio range is shorter than expected, or you can't log in to the dashboard. Work through the quick checklist below first — it resolves the majority of issues in the field. If the problem persists, open the relevant guide in the section below.
Quick checklist
Before diving into a specific guide, run through these five checks. They cover the most frequent root causes and take less than a minute to complete.
Check that the Allo device is powered on
Press the top button on the device to wake the display. If nothing appears, connect the device to a USB-C power source and wait 30 seconds before trying again. A device with a flat battery will not appear in the app and cannot relay messages.
Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on your phone
Open your phone's Settings and verify that Bluetooth is turned on. On Android, also confirm that the Allo app has permission for Nearby devices (Android 12+) or Location (older Android versions) — Bluetooth scanning requires these permissions.
Turn off power-saving mode
Power-saving and battery-optimisation modes restrict background Bluetooth activity, which can cause the app to drop its connection or fail to find the device at all. Disable power-saving mode before you use Allo, especially during exercises or deployments.
Move closer to the device or repeater
The phone connects to the Allo device over Bluetooth, which has a practical range of roughly 10 metres in open air. If you're more than a few metres away, or if there are walls between you and the device, move closer. For radio range issues, move towards the nearest repeater or to a higher, more open location.
Wait a moment and retry
The radio mesh uses store-and-forward delivery with automatic retries. If a message shows as undelivered, wait 30–60 seconds and check again before assuming there is a fault. If the connection icon in the app shows a problem, close the app fully and reopen it to trigger a fresh Bluetooth scan.
If your device displays a PIN code on its first screen tab, it is ready to pair and not connected to another phone. If no PIN is shown, another phone may already be connected — restart the device by pressing the bottom button to disconnect it.
Specific troubleshooting guides
Bluetooth connection problems
The app keeps loading, the device doesn't appear in the list, or the connection drops unexpectedly.
Message not delivered
Understand delivery statuses and what to do when a message stays stuck on "sent" or "undelivered".
Poor range
Radio coverage is shorter than expected — causes, practical checks, and when to add a repeater.
Dashboard login problems
Can't log in to the web dashboard? Find your invite, reset your password, or contact your admin.
When to contact support
If you have worked through the relevant guide and the problem is still unresolved, contact your organisation administrator. For hardware faults — such as a device that won't power on, an antenna connector that is visibly damaged, or a device that becomes unusually hot — stop using it and report it to your admin immediately. Do not attempt to open or repair an Allo device yourself.