Link Troubleshooting
Follow the steps in this guide to solve these issues using Ableton Link:
Ableton Live doesn't detect Link-enabled devices
Link devices not detected on macOS
Apps keep disconnecting or losing sync
MIDI sync or ReWire don't work
Other issues with Link
Ableton Live doesn't detect Link-enabled devices
- Make sure Link is enabled in Live and Note.
- Check the network you're using to make sure it's stable and doesn't have too much traffic. If possible, reduce the number of devices or applications using the network at the same time.
- Update software including Ableton Live, Note, Link-compatible apps, and operating systems to avoid compatibility issues.
- Check firewall settings to make sure any active firewalls are not blocking Link. Specifically, make sure Port 20808 is not blocked.
- Disable VPN. Link doesn't work over a Virtual Private Network (VPN), so make sure to pause or end VPN connections when using Link.
- Check router settings. If using an older router, check that it supports Multicast.
- Don't use Bluetooth to try to establish a Link connection. Link does not work over Bluetooth.
Link devices not detected on macOS
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When launching Live 12 for the first time on macOS Sequoia, if prompted to allow Live to find devices on your local network, select Allow.
To manually configure this option, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Local Network. Make sure Ableton Live 12 Suite is enabled in the list.
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Allow network connections for Live. This setting can be changed in macOS System Settings → Network → Firewall → Options.
- Disable third-party apps that can block network connections, such as Little Snitch.
- Offline method (macOS Catalina or earlier): If the Link connection is not established after connecting an iOS device to your Mac, open iTunes and make sure that your iOS device is recognized in iTunes.
Apps keep disconnecting or losing sync
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Use a stable network connection, with a strong Wi-Fi signal and minimal packet loss. Consider switching to a wired Ethernet connection if available. Learn more about Using Link without an active internet connection.
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Limit the number of active devices trying to connect to Link simultaneously on the same network.
MIDI sync or ReWire don't work
Live does not respond to incoming MIDI Sync while Link is active. To sync via MIDI input, turn off Link. Learn more about Synchronizing Live via MIDI.
In Live 10 and earlier, Live can't be used as a ReWire device when Link is active. To use Live as a ReWire Device, first turn off Link, then re-start Live after the ReWire master program has been opened. As of Live 11, ReWire is not supported.
Other issues with Link
If you have an issue using Link in Ableton Live or Note that's not solved using the above steps, contact Ableton Support.
For problems using Link in other mobile or desktop apps, please contact the developer of the app directly for support.