Common Troubleshooting Methods

Sometimes, things don't go as planned due to the many variables in play in the internet connection and streaming world. Below we will cover some of the most common troubleshooting methods and techniques you can try when something isn't working.

First, let's cover some of our " golden rules" we always recommend following with StreamLocator:

1. Make sure the Wi-Fi name (the SSID) you configured for the StreamLocator Wi-Fi is not the same as your regular ISP Wi-Fi network name or any other existing Wi-Fi name in the area. Visit our guide to learn how to change your Wi-Fi name.
2. If you've previously connected your streaming device (Apple TV, Fire TV, Computer, Tablet, etc.) to both StreamLocator Wi-Fi networks (2.4G and 5G), please make sure to "forget" one and only connect to one of the networks. Some devices can sometimes jump around between connections and cause issues. 
   
   On any future device you connect to the StreamLocator Wi-Fi, simply make sure to connect it to only one of the networks. In most cases, you will prefer the 5G network (StreamLocator) over the 2.4G network (StreamLocator2)
3. If you're streaming using a computer or mobile browser - make sure disable Secure DNS/DNS over HTTPS. You can learn how to do so in our quick guide.

Clearing the cache on your streaming device:

The very first step to troubleshooting any streaming issue would be clear the cache on the device you're watching on - after clearing the cache, simply try the streaming service you were having trouble with once more. Below you'll find a few quick methods for different devices:

Streaming Boxes/Sticks and Smart TV's:

For most streaming devices like Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku and Smart TV's  all you need to do is simply physically unplug the device from power for 5 seconds, then plug it back in. That device will then restart with it's internal local cache cleared.

*Some Smart TV's based on the Android TV operating system will allow you to clear the cache of specific apps which we will cover below.

Mobile phones and tablets:

Apple devices - Apple devices will require a full restart of the device, just like with the devices above as Apple does not allow us to clear the cache of individual apps. 

Android devices (including Android TV) - While the exact path changes between devices, the way to clear the cache on Android devices is to follow this simple flow:

Open the Settings -> Select Apps -> Find the app you're having trouble with/you want to clear the cache of -> Select Storage/Cache/Data (this changes between devices) -> select Clear Cache. 

Desktop browsers:

The process changes between different operating systems and browsers so we usually recommend following the instructions over at clear-my-cache.com as they cover all of the available options.

Power cycling your StreamLocator:

Sometimes, all you need is to simply power cycle your StreamLocator. Power cycling is almost identical to rebooting, except it also includes unplugging the device from power to make sure it stops all electrical current coming into it.

The simplest way to do this is to unplug your StreamLocator's power connection (the black barrel connector) on the back, then wait about 5-10 seconds and plug it back in. After it's powered back on, re-connect to the StreamLocator network and try the streaming service you were having trouble with before.

Positioning the Antenna's correctly to improve Wi-Fi Range

Most people will always point the 4 antennas straight up in the air when they are setting up their routers. Did you know this may not be the best way to ensure that you are getting the best range out of your StreamLocator Wi-Fi signal?

Having 2 of the antennas vertical and 2 horizontal not only looks cool, but it also can significantly improve the range and performance of the Wi-Fi signal from your StreamLocator. See the image below