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Display Problems

Comprehensive troubleshooting guide for FamilyCast display issues including registration, connectivity, hardware, and content display problems.

Registration Issues​

Display Won't Accept Registration Code​

Issue: Entering code on display.familycast.app shows error

Common Errors:

"Invalid Code":

  • Code may have typo
  • Codes are 6 characters, case-sensitive
  • Try copying and pasting code
  • No spaces before or after code

"Code Expired":

  • Codes expire after 24 hours
  • Generate new code in dashboard
  • Displays → Add Display → Generate New Code
  • Use new code immediately

"Code Already Used":

  • Each code can only register one display
  • Generate new code for additional displays
  • Don't reuse codes

Solutions:

  1. Go to dashboard: Displays → Add Display
  2. Generate fresh registration code
  3. Copy code exactly (use copy button)
  4. On display device, go to display.familycast.app
  5. Paste code
  6. Click Register

Still Failing:

  • Check internet connection on display device
  • Try different browser on display
  • Verify using display.familycast.app (not app.familycast.app)
  • Clear browser cache and try again

Wrong Display URL​

Issue: Can't find registration page

Correct URLs:

  • Registration: display.familycast.app
  • Dashboard: app.familycast.app (don't use this for displays)

Common Mistakes:

  • ❌ Using app.familycast.app on display
  • ❌ Using familycast.com
  • ❌ Using http:// instead of https://
  • ❌ Typos in URL

Correct Process:

  1. On display device, open web browser
  2. Type: display.familycast.app
  3. Press Enter
  4. Should see registration page with code entry box

Display Registers But Shows "Waiting for Configuration"​

Issue: Code accepted but display doesn't show content

Cause: Display registered but not assigned a layout

Fix:

  1. Go to dashboard: Displays
  2. Find newly registered display
  3. Click display name
  4. Assign Layout: Choose layout (e.g., "Family Hub")
  5. Click Save
  6. Wait 2-3 minutes
  7. Display should load content

If Still Waiting:

  • Refresh browser on display device
  • Check display is marked "Online" in dashboard
  • Verify layout assigned correctly
  • Try different layout

Connectivity Issues​

Display Shows "Offline" in Dashboard​

Issue: Dashboard shows display as offline (red dot)

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Internet Connection:

  • Display device connected to WiFi?
  • Test: Open google.com on display browser
  • If no internet, reconnect to WiFi

2. Check Browser Still Open:

  • Display must keep display.familycast.app open
  • Don't close browser or tab
  • If closed, reopen display.familycast.app

3. Device Went to Sleep:

  • Display device may have powered off screen
  • Wake device
  • Check power settings (set to never sleep)

4. Check Display Status:

  • In dashboard, check "Last Seen" timestamp
  • If over 10 minutes ago, display lost connection

Reconnect:

  1. On display device, refresh browser (F5 or Ctrl+R)
  2. Should reconnect within 30 seconds
  3. Dashboard shows green "Online" dot
  4. If not, may need to re-register display

Display Keeps Going Offline​

Issue: Display frequently disconnects (online/offline cycling)

Causes:

1. Weak WiFi Signal:

  • Display too far from router
  • Walls blocking signal
  • Other devices interfering

Test WiFi:

  • Check signal strength on display device
  • Should be 3+ bars
  • Run speed test (need 5+ Mbps)

Solutions:

  • Move display closer to WiFi router
  • Use WiFi extender/mesh system
  • Connect via Ethernet (if display device supports)
  • Upgrade WiFi router

2. Device Power Saving:

  • Device sleeps to save power
  • WiFi disconnects when sleeping

Fix:

  • Display device settings → Power
  • Set screen to never sleep
  • Set WiFi to always connected (never sleep)
  • Disable battery saver mode

3. Browser Tab Management:

  • Browser may close inactive tabs
  • Display tab closes when inactive

Fix:

  • Pin display.familycast.app tab (browser settings)
  • Set browser to not close inactive tabs
  • Use kiosk mode (Chrome)
  • Use fullscreen mode (F11)

4. Router Issues:

  • Router disconnects devices periodically
  • DHCP lease expiring
  • Router rebooting

Solutions:

  • Restart router
  • Set static IP for display device
  • Update router firmware
  • Contact ISP if frequent router issues

"Unable to Connect to Server" Error​

Issue: Display shows error message about server connection

Check:

1. Internet Connection:

  • Verify display device online
  • Open other websites to test
  • Check WiFi password correct

2. Firewall/Network Restrictions:

  • Corporate or school networks may block FamilyCast
  • Firewalls may block display.familycast.app
  • Parental controls may restrict

Test:

  • Try connecting to different network (phone hotspot)
  • If works on different network, issue is network restriction
  • Contact network administrator

3. Browser Issues:

  • Old browser version
  • Corrupted cache
  • Extension blocking connection

Solutions:

  • Update browser to latest version
  • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • Disable browser extensions
  • Try different browser (Chrome recommended)

4. Server Status:

  • Rarely, FamilyCast servers may have issues
  • Check status.familycast.app (if available)
  • Wait 15 minutes and try again

Display Content Issues​

Display Shows Wrong Layout​

Issue: Display shows different layout than expected

Check:

  1. Layout Assignment:

    • Dashboard: Displays → Select display
    • Verify correct layout assigned
    • Change if needed
    • Click Save

  2. Display Identity:

    • Multiple displays registered?
    • May be looking at wrong display in dashboard
    • Check display name
    • Each display has unique ID

  3. Family Member Assignment:

    • Display assigned to specific family member?
    • Shows that person's content (calendar, photos, etc.)
    • Change assignment if incorrect

Fix:

  1. Identify display: Note display device location/name
  2. Dashboard: Find matching display in list
  3. Assign correct layout
  4. Save changes
  5. Wait 2-3 minutes or refresh display browser

Content Not Updating​

Issue: Changes made in dashboard don't appear on display

Expected Update Time:

  • Automatic update: Every 5 minutes
  • After making changes, wait 5 minutes before expecting update

Force Update:

  1. On display device, refresh browser
    • Windows/Linux: F5 or Ctrl+R
    • Mac: Cmd+R
    • Touch devices: Pull down to refresh
  2. Content should update immediately

If Still Not Updating:

  1. Check Changes Saved:

    • In dashboard, verify changes actually saved
    • Look for "Saved" confirmation message
    • Re-apply changes if needed

  2. Check Display Online:

    • Display must be online (green dot in dashboard)
    • If offline, reconnect first

  3. Clear Cache:

    • Close display browser completely
    • Clear browser cache
    • Reopen display.familycast.app
    • May need to re-enter registration code

Display Shows Blank/White Screen​

Issue: Display is white, black, or shows no content

Troubleshooting:

1. Layout Issue:

  • Layout may have no components
  • Go to Displays → Select display → Layout
  • Verify layout has content (calendar, photos, etc.)
  • Try assigning different layout

2. Content Not Available:

  • Calendar not connected
  • Photo album empty or not synced
  • No messages to display

Fix:

  • Connect integrations (Google Calendar, Google Photos)
  • Ensure calendars have events
  • Ensure photo albums have photos
  • Test with pre-built "Family Hub" layout

3. Browser Loading Issue:

  • Page failed to load
  • JavaScript error

Fix:

  • Refresh browser on display
  • Check browser console for errors (F12)
  • Try different browser
  • Clear cache and reload

4. Display Device Issue:

  • Device froze or crashed
  • Out of memory

Fix:

  • Restart display device
  • Close other apps to free memory
  • Update display device OS

Photos Not Showing in Slideshow​

Issue: Photo area is blank or shows placeholder

Check:

  1. Google Photos Connected:

    • Dashboard: Integrations → Google Photos
    • Status should be "Connected" (green)
    • If disconnected, reconnect

  2. Album Selected:

    • Integrations → Google Photos
    • At least one album must be selected
    • Albums must have photos (not empty)

  3. Album Assigned to Display:

    • Displays → Select display → Layout Settings → Photos
    • Verify album assigned
    • Check correct album selected

  4. Sync Complete:

    • Initial sync takes 5-10 minutes for 50-100 photos
    • Check sync status: Integrations → Google Photos → Sync Status
    • Wait for "Sync Complete" message

Solutions:

  • Reconnect Google Photos
  • Select albums to sync
  • Assign album to display
  • Force sync: Sync Now button
  • Wait for sync to complete

Calendar Events Not Showing​

Issue: Calendar section is blank

Check:

  1. Calendar Connected:

    • Integrations → Calendars
    • Google Calendar or Cozi connected?
    • Status "Connected" (green)

  2. Events Exist:

    • Open Google Calendar or Cozi
    • Verify events exist for today/this week
    • Events may be outside display date range

  3. Calendar Selected in Display:

    • Displays → Select display → Layout Settings → Calendar
    • Verify calendar enabled
    • Check correct calendar selected

  4. Sync Complete:

    • Calendars sync every 15 minutes (Cozi) or 1-2 minutes (Google)
    • Wait for sync
    • Force sync: Integrations → Calendar → Sync Now

Solutions:

  • Connect calendar integration
  • Create test events in calendar
  • Assign calendar to display
  • Wait for sync (up to 20 minutes)

Weather Widget Not Showing​

Issue: Weather section is blank or shows error

Check:

  1. Layout Includes Weather:

    • Displays → Select display → Layout
    • Verify layout has weather widget
    • Some layouts don't include weather

  2. Location Set:

    • Displays → Select display → Layout Settings → Weather
    • Location must be set (zip code or city)
    • Verify location correct

  3. Weather Service Status:

    • Rarely, weather data providers have outages
    • Wait 30 minutes and check again

Solutions:

  • Add weather widget to layout
  • Set location (zip code)
  • Try different location format (city name vs zip)
  • Refresh display

Hardware Issues​

Display Device Overheating​

Issue: Tablet or display device gets very hot

Causes:

  • Device running 24/7
  • Poor ventilation
  • Intensive content (videos, animations)
  • Device not designed for continuous use

Solutions:

  1. Improve Ventilation:

    • Don't cover vents
    • Use stand with airflow space
    • Position away from heat sources
    • Add small fan if needed

  2. Reduce Load:

    • Lower photo quality setting
    • Increase photo duration (fewer transitions)
    • Simpler layouts (fewer widgets)
    • Disable video clips in slideshows

  3. Scheduled Breaks:

    • Set display to turn off at night
    • Display schedule: On at 6 AM, Off at 10 PM
    • Gives device time to cool

  4. Better Hardware:

    • Consider purpose-built digital signage hardware
    • Tablets may not be ideal for 24/7 use
    • Desktop computers handle heat better

Display Screen Stays Dark​

Issue: Display device powered on but screen black

Check:

  1. Screen Saver:

    • Device screen saver may have activated
    • Touch screen or move mouse to wake

  2. Power Saving:

    • Screen turned off to save power
    • Press power button to wake
    • Adjust settings to keep screen always on

  3. Display Settings:

    • Brightness turned all the way down
    • Increase brightness
    • Check display settings

  4. Hardware Failure:

    • Screen may be broken
    • Connect to external monitor to test
    • Contact device manufacturer

Fix Screen Sleeping:

  • Device settings → Display → Screen timeout: Never
  • Device settings → Power → Sleep: Never
  • Disable screen saver

Touch Screen Not Responding​

Issue: Can't interact with display (for touch devices)

Causes:

  1. Kiosk/Fullscreen Mode:

    • Display may be in kiosk mode
    • Touch input disabled for security
    • Intentional for public displays

  2. Screen Protector Issue:

    • Cheap screen protector interfering
    • Dirt or moisture under protector

  3. Hardware Issue:

    • Digitizer malfunction
    • Screen needs replacement

Solutions:

  • Exit kiosk mode (keyboard shortcut, varies by device)
  • Remove screen protector
  • Clean screen thoroughly
  • Restart device
  • Connect mouse/keyboard for control

Note: For family displays, touch interaction usually not needed. Display should run fullscreen without requiring input.

Layout and Formatting Issues​

Content Doesn't Fit Screen​

Issue: Content cut off, too small, or wrong aspect ratio

Causes:

  1. Wrong Layout for Screen Size:

    • Portrait layout on landscape screen
    • Layout designed for different resolution

  2. Browser Zoom:

    • Browser zoomed in or out
    • Should be 100% zoom

  3. Display Resolution:

    • Layout optimized for 1920x1080
    • Very high or low resolution may have issues

Fix:

  1. Choose Appropriate Layout:

    • Displays → Select display → Layout
    • Portrait layouts for vertical displays
    • Landscape layouts for horizontal displays
    • Match layout to screen orientation

  2. Reset Browser Zoom:

    • Windows/Linux: Ctrl+0 (zero)
    • Mac: Cmd+0
    • Sets zoom to 100%

  3. Fullscreen Mode:

    • Press F11 for fullscreen
    • Hides browser toolbar
    • Maximizes content area

  4. Display Settings:

    • Check display device resolution
    • 1920x1080 (Full HD) recommended
    • Adjust display scaling if needed

Text Too Small or Too Large​

Issue: Can't read text from normal viewing distance

Check:

  1. Display Size:

    • 10" tablet: 6-8 feet viewing distance
    • 24" monitor: 10-12 feet viewing distance
    • 40"+ TV: 15-20 feet viewing distance

  2. Layout Choice:

    • Some layouts have larger text
    • "Simple" layouts typically larger text
    • "Detailed" layouts smaller text

Solutions:

  • Choose layout with appropriate text size
  • Move display closer to viewing area
  • Use larger display device
  • Increase browser zoom (Ctrl/Cmd +)

Accessibility:

  • Request larger text layout from support
  • Adjust display device accessibility settings
  • Use voice features if available

Performance Issues​

Display Lagging or Stuttering​

Issue: Content jumps, freezes, or loads slowly

Causes:

  1. Underpowered Device:

    • Old tablet or computer
    • Insufficient RAM or CPU
    • Too much content to handle

  2. Network Issues:

    • Slow or unstable internet
    • WiFi interference
    • Bandwidth congestion

  3. Too Much Content:

    • Large photo albums (500+ photos)
    • High-resolution photos (4K)
    • Multiple videos

Solutions:

Optimize Content:

  • Smaller photo albums (50-100 photos)
  • Lower photo quality setting
  • Increase photo duration (fewer transitions)
  • Simpler layouts (fewer widgets)

Improve Device:

  • Close other apps running on device
  • Restart device
  • Update browser
  • Upgrade to newer hardware

Improve Network:

  • Move closer to WiFi router
  • Use Ethernet connection if possible
  • Reduce other network usage (pause downloads)
  • Upgrade internet speed

Browser Crashes or Freezes​

Issue: Display browser crashes or becomes unresponsive

Immediate Fix:

  • Force close browser
  • Reopen display.familycast.app
  • Display should reload automatically

Prevent Future Crashes:

  1. Update Browser:

    • Use latest version of Chrome, Safari, or Firefox
    • Chrome recommended for best stability

  2. Clear Cache:

    • Browser settings → Clear cache and cookies
    • Restart browser
    • Reload display

  3. Reduce Load:

    • Use smaller photo albums
    • Lower quality settings
    • Simpler layouts
    • Disable video clips

  4. More RAM:

    • Display device needs 2+ GB RAM
    • Close other apps
    • Restart device to free memory

  5. Better Hardware:

    • Older devices may struggle
    • Consider upgrading display device
    • Purpose-built signage hardware recommended

Best Practices for Reliable Displays​

Hardware Selection​

Good Display Devices:

  • ✅ Modern tablets (last 3-5 years)
  • ✅ Desktop computers (low-end OK)
  • ✅ Purpose-built digital signage players
  • ✅ Raspberry Pi 4 (advanced users)
  • ⬜ Smart TVs (some work, some don't)
  • ❌ Very old tablets (pre-2018)
  • ❌ Low-end budget tablets (less than $100)

Requirements:

  • 2+ GB RAM
  • Stable WiFi connection
  • Modern browser support
  • Ability to disable sleep mode

Display Positioning​

Optimal Placement:

  • Near WiFi router (strong signal)
  • Eye level for viewing
  • Not in direct sunlight (screen glare + heat)
  • Good ventilation (not enclosed)
  • Accessible for occasional interaction (if needed)

Power:

  • Always plugged in (not battery powered)
  • Surge protector recommended
  • Cable management for safety

Maintenance​

Weekly:

  • ✅ Check display still online
  • ✅ Clean screen (dust, fingerprints)
  • ✅ Verify content displaying correctly

Monthly:

  • ✅ Restart display device
  • ✅ Update browser
  • ✅ Clear browser cache
  • ✅ Check WiFi signal strength

Quarterly:

  • ✅ Update display device OS
  • ✅ Review layout and content
  • ✅ Refresh photo albums
  • ✅ Physical inspection (heat, wear)

Getting Help​

When to Contact Support​

Contact [email protected] for:

  • Display registration problems not solved here
  • Persistent connectivity issues
  • Content not displaying after troubleshooting
  • Suspected bugs or system issues
  • Hardware recommendation questions

Include in Email:

  • Display device type and model
  • Browser and version
  • Description of problem
  • Steps already tried
  • Screenshots if applicable
  • Registration code (if relevant)

Additional Resources​

Related Guides:

Feature Documentation:

Need More Help? Contact [email protected] with details about your display issue.