---
title: Why are my sideline iPads not connecting?
description: Troubleshooting GameStrat sideline iPad connection issues? Learn how to fix single or multiple iPad connectivity problems by checking WiFi networks, app permissions, laptop game status, and hardware setups.
---
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October 8, 2026
# Why are my sideline iPads not connecting?
## Before doing anything, ensure that a Live Game has been started on the operating laptop.
---
Sideline 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 all iPads are not connecting.
#### **One iPad**
1. **Check the iPad's WiFi network.**
Open **iPad Settings → WiFi**, select the GameStrat Sideline network, and wait for a blue checkmark. Turn off Auto-Join for all other networks. Then reopen the GameStrat app. Confirm the network in the **app's top-left corner**.
2. **Check the app permissions.**
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 Sideline 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 Sideline network with a blue checkmark. If an iPad is on a different network (like a school network), select the GameStrat Sideline 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 the indicator lights on the antennas look correct, per your package's manual ([Pro](https://app.hubspot.com/api/filemanager/api/v2/files/192991657866/signed-url-redirect?portalId=2530444) | [Premium](https://app.hubspot.com/api/filemanager/api/v2/files/192991657867/signed-url-redirect?portalId=2530444) | [Stadium](https://app.hubspot.com/api/filemanager/api/v2/files/192991752752/signed-url-redirect?portalId=2530444)| [Hardware Light Indicators](https://support.gamestrat.com/gamestrat-status-indicators?hsLang=en))
4. **Check the laptop's Network Indicators/Connection.**
In the GameStrat laptop app, the network indicator in the top left should show **Ethernet**, and the IP should show **Valid**. If it doesn't, refer to the [GameStrat Laptop Indicator Article](https://support.gamestrat.com/gamestrat-status-indicators-0?hsLang=en).
5. **Check the Sideline WiFi Antenna.**
The front of the Sideline 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.
1. *Stadium only:* Also, verify the Sideline GameStrat Station shows 6 blue lights. If it shows 2 lights, it is not connected to the Sideline GameStrat Bridge Antenna. Refer to the [Stadium](https://app.hubspot.com/api/filemanager/api/v2/files/192991752752/signed-url-redirect?portalId=2530444) setup guide.
6. **Enable Location Services on the laptops.**
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services and make sure it is turned on.
7. **Perform an App Restart.**
Right-click the GameStrat app screen and select Restart. If the iPads still won't connect, close the app completely 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 directly.
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