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Why are my sideline iPads not connecting?

Before doing anything, ensure that a Live Game is 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. Make sure Auto-Join is turned off for all other networks. Then reopen the GameStrat app. Confirm the network in the top left corner of the app.
  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 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 indicates a more global issue. The above should be checked, but it’s more likely that the issue is related to something else.

  1. 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.
  2. 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, Premium, College)
  3. 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 Legend. (NEED LINK BUT CAN'T UNTIL PUBLISH)
  4. 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.

    College Premium 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 College Premium setup guide.
  5. Enable Location Services on the laptops. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services and make sure it is turned on.
  6. Perform an App Restart. Right-click the GameStrat app screen and select Restart. If iPads still don't connect, close the app entirely and re-enter the game.
  7. Restart the laptop. Fully restart the laptop and relaunch GameStrat.

If the iPad is 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.