> ## 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.

# Display Connection Problems

Backstage displays need a working local network connection to the computer running StageMic.

Internet access alone does not confirm that the devices can communicate.

## The display will not open

### Check StageMic

Confirm that:

* StageMic is open on the controlling computer.
* A valid session has started.
* Network setup shows the display server running.

If StageMic is waiting for licence activation or a required check-in, complete that before connecting displays.

### Check the link

Use a link shown in **Network setup → Backstage displays**.

Check that the address and port match the current settings. If the computer has changed networks or received a new IP address, an old bookmark may no longer work.

Do not use `0.0.0.0` as the browser destination. It is a listening setting, not the controlling computer’s address.

### Check the network

Confirm that the controlling computer and display device can communicate.

Guest Wi-Fi, client isolation and separate network segments can block connections. Two devices having internet access—or showing the same Wi-Fi name—does not guarantee communication between them.

Ask the venue’s network administrator if you are unsure.

### Check the firewall

Allow StageMic’s incoming connections if the controlling computer’s firewall asks.

The default display service uses TCP port `8910`. If you changed the port, use that configured value instead.

## Several display addresses are shown

A computer connected through Ethernet, Wi-Fi or other interfaces may have several addresses.

Use the one reachable from your display device.

Selecting a specific display interface in Network setup can make the intended connection clearer.

## It opens on the computer but not on another device

The **Open** button confirms that the computer can reach its own display service. It does not prove that another device can reach it across the network.

Check the selected interface, device network, firewall and any client-isolation restrictions.

## The Crew password is rejected

Check the password and letter case.

If necessary, use **Change crew password** on the controlling computer to set a replacement. Existing Crew logins will be signed out.

Passwords belong to the controlling computer. Loading a show file does not restore a Crew password from another computer.

## A Crew display asks for its password again

This can happen after:

* Changing the Crew password.
* Clearing browser cookies.
* Using private browsing.
* A remembered login expires.

Log in again using the current password.

## The display shows disconnected

Check that StageMic is still open and the controlling computer is awake.

Browsers can suspend background tabs, and display devices may stop receiving updates while locked or asleep. Bring the display to the foreground and check whether it reconnects.

StageMic sends connection heartbeats approximately every five seconds. The display treats a prolonged silence of roughly twelve seconds as a lost connection, although browser suspension can affect when that status appears.

Completion controls are disabled while disconnected.

## The scene or allocations look wrong

First check the connection banner. A disconnected display may still show its last received information.

Then confirm the selected scene on the controlling computer.

Current allocations shows the plot for that scene. It does not track the physical location of packs.

## Before relying on the connection

After resolving a problem:

1. Select a scene on the controlling computer.
2. Confirm that every display follows.
3. Test a completion update if you use completion tracking.
4. Restore the intended opening scene and reset test completions.

If the problem continues, see [Reporting a Bug](/reporting-a-bug).


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