Streaming · software
OBS Studio troubleshooting
The OBS Studio problems live-event techs bring to Ask Roadie most (also called OBS). Pick your symptom, or describe your own in plain words, and get the likeliest fix first, with the manual page when there is one.
Common OBS Studio errors & problems
What techs run into most, and what's usually behind it. The step-by-step fix for your exact software is in Ask Roadie.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
"Failed to connect to server" when starting stream (RTMP)
Likely cause: RTMP handshake fails if the key/URL is wrong, the port is blocked, or TLS certs are stale; correcting the key and clearing the network path restores the connection, and SRT/WHIP sidestep RTMP throttling.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Audio out of sync with video (in stream or recording)
Likely cause: A fixed lip-sync gap is corrected with a static offset; progressive drift is caused by the device and OBS running at different sample rates, so aligning both to 48 kHz stops the accumulation.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
How do I enable the OBS WebSocket API (for Companion/Stream Deck/automation)?
Likely cause: obs-websocket 5.x is bundled since OBS 28 and listens on 4455 with a revamped protocol; enabling the server and matching a 5.x client is all that's needed for external control.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
How do I stream with WebRTC / WHIP (low-latency)?
Likely cause: WHIP is OBS's native WebRTC ingest; it gives sub-second latency vs RTMP, and simulcast sends multiple encoded layers on one track so the server adapts to each viewer's bandwidth.
- Step-by-step fixGet the fix →
Recording file is corrupted / unplayable after a crash or power loss
Likely cause: MP4/MOV finalize the moov atom (index) at stop; MKV is a streaming container that remains readable after an abrupt end, so remuxing after the fact gives a safe MP4 without risking the master file.
Not on the list? Describe it your way, or paste the error code off the display. Ask Roadie works the problem with you until it's fixed or you have a clear next move.
How Ask Roadie helps with the OBS Studio
- 1. Pick the OBS Studio. It's already in the list.
- 2. Describe what you're seeing. In your own words, or the error code off the screen.
- 3. Get the likeliest fix first. Steps in order, the manual page when there is one, and a note when other techs have confirmed it.
- 4. Still broken? Tap 👎 and it keeps going from where you left off.