When something goes wrong mid-game, you don’t have time for complicated settings. Use the quick checks below in order—most issues are fixed in under a minute.
Good to know: Most “stream problems” come down to (1) connection, (2) permissions (camera/mic), or (3) where the stream is being shared (privacy/link).
First: the 20-second reset
If you can, pause the stream during a break in play so you’re not fighting the clock.
Make sure your phone isn’t in Low Power Mode and has enough battery. Low Power Mode can limit performance and audio/brightness.
Turn Airplane Mode on for 3 seconds, then off. This forces a quick network reconnect.
Fully close the app (swipe away), reopen it, and try again.
Problem: stream won’t start
Symptoms: you tap Go Live but it spins, fails, or immediately ends.
Open a webpage or send a message to confirm your phone is actually online (not just showing bars).
If you’re on venue Wi‑Fi, try turning Wi‑Fi off and using cellular data (or the other way around) just to test which one works right now.
On your phone, make sure the app is allowed to use Camera and Microphone. If either is blocked, the stream may fail to start.
If you choose a destination (platform/channel), confirm you’re signed in and the destination is selected. If you recently changed a password, you may need to sign in again.
Turn off any optional extras temporarily (extra graphics/overlays or external devices) and try to start a basic stream first. Once live, add features back.
Fast workaround: If “Go Live” fails twice, restart your phone. It sounds old-school, but it clears stuck camera/audio and network states—especially on busy game days.
If you see an error message
Close any other app that might be using the camera/mic (FaceTime, Camera, Instagram, Zoom). Then reopen the streaming app and try again.
Toggle Airplane Mode, then switch between Wi‑Fi and cellular to force a new route to the internet. Venue networks can look connected but block streaming.
This is often a connection “handshake” failure. Switch networks and try again. If you use a destination login, sign out/in to refresh your connection to the platform.
Problem: video is choppy or keeps freezing
Symptoms: your view looks fine, but viewers report stutters, low frame rate, buffering, or frequent quality drops.
Stand still for 20–30 seconds while the stream settles. Moving around can make your phone bounce between towers/Wi‑Fi access points.
Avoid rapid panning/zooming for a moment and close other apps (especially social apps and anything uploading photos/videos).
If your app has a Quality or Video setting, switch from High to Auto or Standard. A stable stream at slightly lower quality is better than constant buffering.
If you’re on public/venue Wi‑Fi, try cellular data. Public Wi‑Fi often works for browsing but struggles with live video.
If you’re using a second device (phone/laptop) to control the stream, choppiness is usually about the camera phone’s connection and performance, not the controller device.
Problem: audio is too low
Symptoms: viewers say they can’t hear the game, whistles, or your commentary—even though the video looks fine.
Remove or adjust anything that may cover the mic: thick case edge, pop socket placement, your hand, or a clamp/mount pressing against the bottom/side mic.
If you connected Bluetooth earbuds or a wireless mic earlier, your phone may still be using it (even if it’s in a bag). Disconnect Bluetooth and test again.
Look for an Audio or Mic level setting in the app and raise it slightly. Make small changes and listen to a quick test recording if the app offers one.
Audio drops fast with distance. If you’re far up in the stands, try moving a little closer or away from wind.
Be careful with “max” mic gain: it can make audio sound distorted (crackly) during loud moments like whistles and cheering. Increase gradually.
Problem: viewers can’t see the stream
Symptoms: you’re live, but people say the link doesn’t work, it says “not available,” or they only see a blank/ended stream.
Look for an on-screen LIVE indicator and a running timer. If you don’t see it, the stream may not have started successfully.
If your stream is set to Private or Unlisted, only people with the correct link (or the right account) can view it. Switch to Public if you want anyone to find it.
Copy/share the stream link again from inside the app and send it in a fresh text message. People often tap an older link from last week’s game.
Have them try cellular instead of Wi‑Fi, or a different browser. This quickly tells you whether the issue is your stream or their network/device.
Best practice: Share the link after you see the LIVE timer. Sharing too early can send people to a “waiting” or “not available” page depending on the viewing platform.
Still stuck? Use this quick decision guide
Switch networks → confirm camera/mic permissions → restart phone → try a basic stream (no extras) → start again.
Hold steady 20–30 seconds → close background apps → lower quality to Auto/Standard → switch networks.
Uncover mic openings → disconnect Bluetooth → adjust mic level slightly → move away from wind/closer to action.
Confirm LIVE timer → check privacy (Public/Unlisted/Private) → reshare the new link → have one viewer test on cellular.
Related guides
Avoid lag and dropouts with simple connection choices and game-day adjustments.
Make sure you’re truly live, handle breaks, and end cleanly.
Fix pairing/sync problems when using two phones or a phone + laptop.
If your scoreboard isn’t showing or updating correctly, start here.