Remote QR pairing fails after removing previously paired iPhone

Problem

Remote pairing previously worked successfully between my iPhone and Windows computer.

After I manually removed the paired iPhone from Settings > Connections in the Windows app, I could no longer pair it again. Scanning a newly generated QR code causes the iPhone to load briefly and then display:

Pairing failed. There was a problem pairing. Please scan the code again.

The Windows paired-device list remains empty.

Steps to reproduce

1. Open the ChatGPT desktop app on Windows.
2. Go to Settings > Connections > Control this PC.
3. Enable “Allow connections” and “Keep this computer awake.”
4. Select “Add” to generate a new QR code.
5. Scan the QR code using the iPhone camera.
6. Open the link in the ChatGPT iPhone app.
7. Wait while pairing is attempted.
8. The iPhone displays “Pairing failed,” and no device is added on Windows.

Expected behavior

The iPhone should pair successfully with the Windows host. The computer should appear under Remote on the iPhone, and the iPhone should appear in the Windows paired-device list.

Troubleshooting completed

• Same personal ChatGPT Plus account and workspace on both devices
• Signed out and signed back in on both devices
• Deleted and reinstalled the iPhone app
• Reinstalled the Windows desktop app
• Used Windows Advanced Options > Reset to clear the desktop app data
• Confirmed that the Windows paired-device list is empty
• Generated and scanned multiple new QR codes
• No Windows proxy or VPN is enabled
• Tested another Wi-Fi/network with the same result

System information

• Windows 11, 64-bit
• Codex App version: 26.908.70816
• Subscription: ChatGPT Plus
• Mobile device: iPhone
• Both apps are updated to the latest available versions

Pairing worked before the iPhone was manually removed. This may be caused by a stale server-side device pairing or host registration associated with the account.

Feedback ID: no-active-thread-01a0a71d-0d6c-7e50-bd18-11b3c7ea5bbc

No source file or test is named. Reproduce the QR pairing flow in the Windows and iPhone apps using the listed account, reset, and network conditions, then trace where pairing is rejected after device removal. Done means the previously removed iPhone can pair again and both device lists show the connection.