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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 top left corner of the app.

2. Check your hardware setup

Premium and College Packages

The Sideline WiFi Antenna should be mounted a minimum of 6 feet high and directed toward your team’s sideline with a clear line of sight.

Ensure that the Sideline WiFi Antenna is receiving power by confirming 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 there are not 7 lights, 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 antenna readjustment. Refer to our Hardware Manual.

Pro Packages

The Press Box WiFi Antenna must be within 15 feet of your iPads and mounted in the same room.

Check for the blue power light on the front of the GameStrat WiFi Antenna. If there is no light, ensure the red Ethernet cord is secure in the antenna and the WiFi Antenna Power Box.

The GameStrat WiFi Antenna must be mounted outside of any windows with a clear line of sight to your sideline.

3. Ensure iPads are not being closed

Closing the iPads between series will reduce download speeds. Put the iPads in Guided Access mode to prevent this.

  1. Exit GameStrat and open Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → ON
  2. Under Guided Access, tap Accessibility Shortcut and turn 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.