This device cannot share an exit yet
This device cannot share an exit yet: what the ForestVPN message cp.share_refused means, why it appears and what to do about it.
Updated October 11, 2026
The app says: "This device can't share an exit yet."
What it means
Sharing is not open to this device yet.
What to do
Share from one of your older devices. It can share any of your exits, this one included.
Why it happens
Anyone who learns your account number can add a device, and it joins your devices on its own. For its first week, while one of your older devices is in use, a new device can share only an exit it runs itself. That gives you time to see the 'joined your devices' notice and remove it before it can open your home connection to anyone else. A new account, or one whose other devices have not been used for 30 days, can share right away. Sharing can also be switched off for now.
Where you see it
The apps that have the private network show this message, on the Devices and Locations screens. The code is cp.share_refused.