--- title: Why are my sideline iPad downloads slow? description: Experiencing slow GameStrat iPad downloads? Fix buffering and lag by optimizing your sideline WiFi networks, checking antenna link quality, and enabling Guided Access. --- [Skip to content](https://support.gamestrat.com/why-are-sideline-ipad-downloads-slow-or-showing-black-screens#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Contact Us](https://support.gamestrat.com/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) - [Support Home](https://support.gamestrat.com/) - [Login](https://www.gamestrat.com/login) - [Return to gamestrat.com](https://www.gamestrat.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Support Home](https://support.gamestrat.com/) - [Login](https://www.gamestrat.com/login) - [Return to gamestrat.com](https://www.gamestrat.com/) - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact Us](https://support.gamestrat.com/kb-tickets/new) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Support Home](https://support.gamestrat.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Troubleshooting](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en) 3. [iPads & Connectivity](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#ipads-connectivity) October 8, 2026 # Why are my sideline iPad downloads slow? ## Slow play downloads or black plays on sideline iPads are usually caused by one of a few common issues — most of which can be resolved on the spot. --- #### **1. Check the iPad networks** 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[**app's top-left corner**](https://support.gamestrat.com/gamestrat-status-indicators-1?hsLang=en). #### **2. Check your hardware setup** **[Premium](https://support.gamestrat.com/premium-package-setup?hsLang=en) & [Stadium](https://support.gamestrat.com/stadium-premium-package-setup?hsLang=en) Packages** Mount the Sideline WiFi Antenna at least 6 feet high and point it toward your team’s sideline with a clear line of sight. Confirm the Sideline WiFi Antenna is receiving power by checking for a blue light on the front of the antenna. If there is no light, check for the light on the Sideline WiFi Antenna’s Power Box. Ensure that 7 lights are on the side of the GameStrat Station Antenna. If not all 7 lights are on, there is a connection issue with the GameStrat Bridge Antenna in the press box. On the operating laptop, select Settings in the top right of the GameStrat app. Scroll down and select *Show Devices* under *Device Visibility*. View your Bridge and Station link quality under *View All* next to *Networking Devices.* Any link quality below 70% requires readjusting the antenna. Refer to our [**Hardware Manual**](https://app.hubspot.com/api/filemanager/api/v2/files/192991657867/signed-url-redirect?portalId=2530444). [**Pro Packages**](https://support.gamestrat.com/pro-package-setup?hsLang=en) Mount the GameStrat WiFi Antenna outside any windows, with a clear line of sight to your sideline. Check for the blue power light on the front of the GameStrat WiFi Antenna. If there is no light, make sure the red Ethernet cord is securely connected to the antenna and the WiFi Antenna Power Box. #### **3. Ensure iPads are not being closed** Closing the iPads between series will reduce download speeds. Put the iPads in [Guided Access mode](https://support.gamestrat.com/dont-lock-your-ipads-0?hsLang=en) to prevent this. 1. Exit GameStrat and open Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → ON 2. Under Guided Access, tap Accessibility Shortcut and turn it ON. 3. Reopen GameStrat, triple-click the side or home button to enter Guided Access mode. Your iPad will stay awake until you triple-click the side or home button again. #### **4. Power cycle the Sideline WiFi Antenna** Unplug the Sideline WiFi Antenna for 15-20 seconds. Plug the antenna back into power, and wait for its indicator light to turn solid blue. The antenna will automatically enter a less crowded channel than before. --- If downloads are still slow after completing all of the above steps, please call us at **1-800-783-1968 x1** so we can assist you. - [Setup & Pre-Season](https://support.gamestrat.com/setup-pre-season?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Package Setup](https://support.gamestrat.com/setup-pre-season?hsLang=en#package-setup) - [Antenna & Signal](https://support.gamestrat.com/setup-pre-season?hsLang=en#antenna-signal) - [Pre-Season Checklist](https://support.gamestrat.com/setup-pre-season?hsLang=en#pre-season-checklist) - [Troubleshooting](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [iPads & Connectivity](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#ipads-connectivity) - [Networking Equipment](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#networking-equipment) - [Camera & Video Equipment](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#camera-video-equipment) - [Software Indicators](https://support.gamestrat.com/troubleshooting?hsLang=en#software-indicators) - [Supported & Recommended Hardware](https://support.gamestrat.com/supported-recommended-hardware?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Supported iPads](https://support.gamestrat.com/supported-recommended-hardware?hsLang=en#supported-ipads) - [Supported Laptops/Computers](https://support.gamestrat.com/supported-recommended-hardware?hsLang=en#supported-laptops-computers) - [Tutorials](https://support.gamestrat.com/tutorials?hsLang=en#main-content) - [iPad Software Tutorials](https://support.gamestrat.com/tutorials?hsLang=en#ipad-software-tutorials) - [Computer Software Tutorials](https://support.gamestrat.com/tutorials?hsLang=en#computer-software-tutorials) - [Account & Team Management](https://support.gamestrat.com/account-team-management?hsLang=en) - [FAQs](https://support.gamestrat.com/faqs?hsLang=en) - [Game Day Tips](https://support.gamestrat.com/game-day-tips?hsLang=en) [![GameStrat](https://support.gamestrat.com/hs-fs/hubfs/long_1%20HQ-1.png?width=250&height=93&name=long_1%20HQ-1.png "GameStrat")](https://www.gamestrat.com/) [mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com) Copyright © 2026, GameStrat