Skip to content
English
Contact Us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Why are my press box iPads not connecting?

Before doing anything, ensure that a Live Game has been started on the operating laptop.

iPads not connecting to the operating laptop are most likely related to an incorrect network connection, the game not being started on the laptop, school administration restrictions, or local network settings. First, determine if one or multiple iPads are not connecting.

One iPad

  1. Check the iPad's WiFi network
    Open iPad Settings → WiFi, select the GameStrat Press Box network, and wait for a blue checkmark. Make sure Auto-Join is turned off for all other networks. Then reopen the GameStrat app. Confirm the network in the app's top-left corner.
  2. Check the App Permission
     Go to iPad Settings → Privacy & Security and confirm both Local Network and Location Services are enabled.
  3. Forget all Other Networks and Rejoin the GameStrat Network 
    In WiFi settings, forget all saved networks except GameStrat, then reconnect to the GameStrat network.
    1. Open iPad Settings → tap the (i) next to non-GameStrat Networks → tap Forget This Network
    2. Tap the (i) next to the GameStrat Press Box Network, and rejoin the network
  4. Restart the iPad app. 
    Close the app fully and reopen it.
  5. Restart the iPad. 
    Power off the iPad completely, then turn it on and reconnect it to GameStrat.
Multiple iPads

Multiple iPads not connecting usually comes down to a shared cause — most often, the iPads aren't on the GameStrat network, or the laptop isn't ready for them to connect.

  1. Check every iPad's WiFi network
    On each iPad, open iPad Settings → WiFi and confirm it's joined to the GameStrat Press Box network with a blue checkmark. If an iPad is on a different network (like a school network), select the GameStrat Press Box network and turn off Auto-Join for all other networks. Then reopen the GameStrat app and confirm the network in the top-left corner.
  2. Confirm that a Live Game has been started on the laptop
    iPads need a live game to connect to. If no game is running, they have no server to reach.
  3. Confirm hardware connections
    Verify that all Ethernet cables are securely plugged in and that the antenna indicator lights look correct, per the Hardware Light Indicator Article.
  4. Check the laptop's Network Indicators/Connection
    In the GameStrat laptop app, the top-left network indicator should show Ethernet, and IP should show Valid. If it doesn't, refer to the GameStrat Laptop Indicator Article.
  5. Check the Press Box WiFi Antenna
    The side of the Press Box WiFi Antenna should have a solid blue light. If it's white or flashing white, disconnect it from power, wait 15-20 seconds, and reconnect it to the router.
  6. Adjust laptop settings
    For Macs:  Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services and make sure it is turned on.
    For Windows: Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Select Ethernet and set the connection type to Private
  7. Perform an App Restart
    Select Settings in the top-right corner of the GameStrat laptop app, then click "Restart App" at the top of the screen. If iPads still don't connect, close the app entirely and re-enter the game.
  8. Restart the laptop
    Fully restart the laptop and relaunch GameStrat.

If the iPads are still not connecting after completing all of the above steps, please call us at 
1-800-783-1968 x1 so we can assist you.