> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stagemic.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting a Display

Backstage displays run in a web browser. They do not need a separate app or StageMic licence.

The controlling computer must remain running with StageMic open while displays are in use.

## Connect to the network

Connect the controlling computer and display devices to a network that allows them to communicate.

Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a combination of both can be used. Devices do not need to use the same connection method.

Guest networks and networks with client isolation may prevent connections, even when devices appear to be on the same Wi-Fi.

## Open Network setup

In StageMic, open **Network setup**.

The **Backstage displays** section contains the display server settings and links for the available displays.

The default display server settings are:

| Setting | Default |
| :- | :- |
| Interface | All interfaces (`0.0.0.0`) |
| Port | `8910` |

`0.0.0.0` is a listening setting, rather than an address to enter on another device. Use one of the display links shown by StageMic.

If several network addresses are listed, choose the one reachable from your backstage devices.

## Open a display

Choose the display type you want to use, then either:

* Copy its link into the device’s browser.
* Select **QR code** and scan the code with the device.
* Select **Open** to preview it in the controlling computer’s default browser.

Crew displays require the Crew password. Complete-only displays open without a password.

See [Types of Display](/types-of-display).

## Set the Crew password

Before using Crew displays:

1. Select **Change crew password** beneath the Crew link.
2. Enter the password.
3. Select **Save**.
4. Enter that password on each Crew display when prompted.

Changing the password signs out existing Crew sessions. Complete-only displays are unaffected.

The password belongs to the controlling computer and is not included in `.mic` show files.

## Check the connection

Select a scene in StageMic.

Confirm that the display shows the correct scene, handovers and current allocations. If you use completion tracking, test that a completion appears on the computer and other connected displays.

The display’s connection banner indicates whether it is receiving updates from StageMic.

## Reusing links

Display links remain the same while the controlling computer’s address and configured display port remain unchanged.

You can bookmark them for later use. A changed IP address, network interface or port may require a new link.

Crew browsers can remember a successful login. Clearing cookies, using private browsing, an expired login or changing the Crew password can require another login.

## During a performance

Keep the display visible and the device awake.

Browsers may suspend background tabs, and devices may disconnect when locked or asleep. On returning, check the connection banner and current scene before relying on the display.

A disconnected display may still show information from its last successful update.

## If the display will not connect

Check that:

* StageMic is open and its display server is running.
* You are using a reachable address from Network setup.
* The devices can communicate across the network.
* The controlling computer’s firewall allows incoming connections.
* The link uses the configured display port.

Use a trusted backstage network. Do not expose the display server directly to the internet.

See [Display Connection Problems](/display-connection-problems).


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