Zello error message. "Can't establish a secure connection"

[RadioChief55]

I have been using the free version of Zello for 2 radios I monitor. They have been working great for years, yesterday I started getting this message "Can't establish a secure connection" The two zello PC's are in two different locations.

Thanks

 

[Deziel0495]

Effective 25 June 2025 Zello is deprecating older Zello app versions:

• Android app versions older than 6.0.2 (Note: newer versions no longer support Android OS versions earlier than 7)
• iOS app versions older than 6.1 (Note: newer versions no longer support iOS versions earlier than 14)
• Legacy PC app – all versions

These changes apply only to the free version, ZelloWork is not affected.

See here for more info and a workaround to keep older versions working: https://support.zello.com/hc/en-us/articles/36830119152397-2025-Service-Changes

 

[KC1ART]

I have been using the free version of Zello for 2 radios I monitor. They have been working great for years, yesterday I started getting this message "Can't establish a secure connection" The two zello PC's are in two different locations.

Thanks

I was able to go into the settings and uncheck TLS, and then it connected again.
Not sure how long that will work for.

 

[RadioChief55]

Thank you, I was afraid of that. I was on their website looking for a link to the newest free PC app but haven't had any luck finding one yet. But this work around did work, I hope they have a new free app coming out out.

 

[RadioChief55]

Now one of my feeds say "can't verify your account reconnecting in XX seconds" it never connects but the another account will work on the same PC.

 

[KC1ART]

Now one of my feeds say "can't verify your account reconnecting in XX seconds" it never connects but the another account will work on the same PC.

Same thing happened to me on another computer.
I restarted the computer (after unchecking TLS) and was able to log back in with no problem.

I doubt another free desktop app will ever be produced, since they're all-in on ZelloWork, which is only free for first responder agencies.

 

[RadioChief55]

One works the other still wont work saying "can't verify your account reconnecting in XX seconds" even after I restarted the PC a bunch of times. The other PC works with the restart.

 

[chaddiesel]

I've been experimenting with using Discord to transmit the scanner today and have had pretty good luck. You can create your own server for free (without setting up port forwarding or running the server directly on your PC) and then set the audio input to the line in/microphone with Vox so it only transmits when there is traffic. I just leave the Discord app running on the PC the scanner is connected to, and I can then use a web browser or the mobile app to connect to the Voice Chat and listen (using a second Discord account). One thing you lose is the ability to play back transmissions, but for the purpose of listening to my home scanner at work, it might work for me. I record the scanner 24/7 anyway. There are other free methods to do this like Mumble and TeamSpeak 3, but I'm a little worried about both of those going unsupported (TeamSpeak is up to version 6, and while 3 is free, newer versions cost. Mumble doesn't have an iOS app anymore it looks like.)

 

[Lexmm]

I’m hoping people will chime in with Zello alternatives. I have been running multiple Zello private feeds for years and one of them stopped working today. I’m expecting the others will stop working soon. Zello allowed multiple instances to run simultaneously using the legacy PC app which allowed me to run several feeds at once.

 

[KC1ART]

I've been experimenting with using Discord to transmit the scanner today and have had pretty good luck. You can create your own server for free (without setting up port forwarding or running the server directly on your PC) and then set the audio input to the line in/microphone with Vox so it only transmits when there is traffic. I just leave the Discord app running on the PC the scanner is connected to, and I can then use a web browser or the mobile app to connect to the Voice Chat and listen (using a second Discord account). One thing you lose is the ability to play back transmissions, but for the purpose of listening to my home scanner at work, it might work for me. I record the scanner 24/7 anyway. There are other free methods to do this like Mumble and TeamSpeak 3, but I'm a little worried about both of those going unsupported (TeamSpeak is up to version 6, and while 3 is free, newer versions cost. Mumble doesn't have an iOS app anymore it looks like.)

I'm always skittish about alternatives that rely on VOX.
It's a lot less reliable than something with a gateway and can actually control PTT on the radio.

 

[AB5ID]

I don't use Zello but maybe this fix will help?

 

[RadioChief55]

So after messing around for hours, I got all my Zello feed's up and running. After Deziel0495 gave me the info for the work around I still had the "can't verify your account reconnecting in XX seconds" Restarting my PC helped on some feeds as KC1ART said. I figured out that I had to uncheck the "Sign in when Zello start" in the interface tab and apply. I hope that helps.

 

[chaddiesel]

It's unclear what turning off "Enable TLS" does in Zello. Typically, with no TLS, you are sending the username and password in the clear an not encrypted. Zello states "though we apply additional encryption on the content sent", so the actual transmissions sound like some security is involved. Your username and password are probably in plain text that could be intercepted. You wouldn't want to do your online banking this way, but the risks in this particular use case might not be that big of a deal. Just wanted to mention this.

 

[txdaredvl]

Keep in mind this is just a temp fix. The app even with the TLS disabled to connect for now will end in August. Per their site it will be shut down from being able to be used. Would be nice if Zello kept a way to use a free account on the desktop version.

 

[Deziel0495]

Would be nice if Zello kept a way to use a free account on the desktop version.

Does the current desktop software not work with a free account? Zello | Download the free Zello Push-to-Talk app for your desktop

 

[jeepsandradios]

Supposedly after august no. Mine is still up and working right now with the changes above. Dont know if it will truly disapear but sounds like it. I'll most likely need to swiotch my stuff to zellow for work as we do utilize it.

 

[Deziel0495]

Turns out the current desktop version is only for ZelloWork users. After August 2025 free users will only have Android/iOS.

EDIT: Zello Bridge does work with the free version, but requires a token. I know nothing more than that. Trying to migrate from legacy to bridge is a PITA!

 

[txdaredvl]

Keep in mind this is just a temp fix. The app even with the TLS disabled to connect for now will end in August. Per their site it will be shut down from being able to be used. Would be nice if Zello kept a way to use a free account on the desktop version.

From their site it will end. I going to try to set up the bridge option later. If it fails I will use bluestack as my second option. As I stream my scanner I hope to keep it working.

 

[N1RCW]

Turns out the current desktop version is only for ZelloWork users. After August 2025 free users will only have Android/iOS.

EDIT: Zello Bridge does work with the free version, but requires a token. I know nothing more than that. Trying to migrate from legacy to bridge is a PITA!

View attachment 185894

I spent a little time looking over the New “Zello Work” dispatch hub replacement for the PC app that we have all enjoyed for so many years and I don’t think they are referring to the free version PC app I think they are referring to the “Work “ app.. Nothing lines up and there is no import export file directory listed for the free version app. So right now it’s days are numbered.. But we all knew that it was coming because software doesn’t stay free forever these days ..So far Linux os is still! I have one feed here in SC that I have a few listeners But there are some Major Public safety agencies that maintain there whole infrastructure on Zello . Such a shame but hopefully myself or maybe someone else will come up with a good alternative, Bye Zello

 

[MELERIX]

so basically, they want to kill all the POC radios that come with free Zello version?

I guess they changed the TLS/SSL certificate and that's why it does not connect, and they don't want to update the free version with the new TLS/SSL certificate.

so currently if only disabling TLS works as a workaround, it means that they probably have not forced yet the server connection to only use TLS/SSL, but in August probably they will do that.