Why Your OBS WebSocket Is Not Connecting: Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re an avid user of OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) for streaming, you may have encountered the frustrating issue of OBS WebSocket not connecting. This issue can prevent you from using certain features of OBS, such as OBS Remote, OBS Websocket Remote, and OBS Studio Remote control. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your OBS WebSocket is not connecting and provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue.

What is OBS WebSocket?

OBS WebSocket is a plugin that enables communication between OBS and other programs, such as web browsers or mobile devices. It provides a way for you to remotely control OBS and access its features, such as starting and stopping streams, changing scenes, adjusting audio levels, and more. OBS WebSocket uses WebSockets, a protocol that allows for real-time communication between servers and clients over a single TCP connection.

Reasons Why OBS WebSocket Is Not Connecting

Firewall or Antivirus Blocking the Connection

One of the most common reasons why OBS WebSocket is not connecting is due to firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection. Firewalls are designed to protect your computer from unauthorized access and can sometimes interfere with legitimate connections. Likewise, antivirus software can flag certain connections as potential threats, even if they’re harmless.

To check if your firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection, you can temporarily disable them and see if OBS WebSocket connects. If it does, then you’ll need to add an exception or rule to allow OBS WebSocket to communicate through the firewall or antivirus software.

Incorrect WebSocket URL

Another reason why OBS WebSocket may not be connecting is due to an incorrect WebSocket URL. The WebSocket URL is the address that OBS WebSocket uses to connect to OBS. If the URL is incorrect or mistyped, OBS WebSocket won’t be able to establish a connection.

To check if the WebSocket URL is correct, go to OBS Settings > WebSocket Server Settings and verify that the URL matches the one you’re using in your program or mobile app. If the URL is incorrect, update it to the correct one and try connecting again.

Port Forwarding Issues

In some cases, OBS WebSocket may not be connecting due to port forwarding issues. Port forwarding is the process of forwarding incoming network traffic from one port to another. If the port that OBS WebSocket is using is not properly forwarded, it can prevent the connection from being established.

To check if port forwarding is the issue, you can try connecting to OBS WebSocket from another device on the same network. If it connects, then the issue is likely due to port forwarding. You’ll need to configure your router to forward the correct port to your computer’s IP address. The port that OBS WebSocket uses by default is 4444, but it can be changed in OBS Settings > WebSocket Server Settings.

Outdated OBS or WebSocket Plugin

If you’re using an outdated version of OBS or OBS WebSocket, it can cause connection issues. OBS and its plugins are constantly being updated to fix bugs and improve performance, so it’s important to keep them up to date.

To check if you’re using an outdated version of OBS or OBS WebSocket, go to Help > Check for Updates in OBS or check the OBS WebSocket Github page for the latest version. If an update is available, download and install it, then try connecting again.

Troubleshooting Tips for OBS WebSocket Connection Issues

Restart OBS and WebSocket Plugin

If you’re experiencing connection issues with OBS WebSocket, one of the first things you should try is restarting OBS and the WebSocket plugin. This can often resolve temporary connection issues and refresh the connection.

To restart OBS and the WebSocket plugin, close OBS and any programs or apps that are using it. Then, reopen OBS and go to OBS Settings > WebSocket Server Settings. Click the Restart Server button to restart the WebSocket plugin.

Check Network Settings

Another troubleshooting tip for OBS WebSocket connection issues is to check your network settings. Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet and that your router is properly configured. You can also try resetting your router and modem to refresh your network connection.

In addition, check that your network adapter is working properly and that there are no conflicts with other devices on your network. You can do this by going to Device Manager in Windows and checking for any yellow exclamation marks or error messages.

Use a Different WebSocket Client

If you’re still having trouble connecting to OBS WebSocket, you can try using a different WebSocket client. There are several WebSocket clients available, such as OBS Remote, OBS Websocket Remote, and OBS Studio Remote Control. Try using a different client to see if it connects successfully.

Disable IPv6

In some cases, disabling IPv6 on your computer can resolve connection issues with OBS WebSocket. IPv6 is a newer version of the internet protocol that’s designed to address the limitations of IPv4, but it can sometimes cause compatibility issues with certain programs and devices.

To disable IPv6 on your computer, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties. Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click OK to save the changes.

Check OBS WebSocket Logs

If you’re still unable to connect to OBS WebSocket, you can check the WebSocket logs for error messages or clues as to what’s causing the issue. To access the logs, go to OBS Settings > WebSocket Server Settings and click the Open Log File button. Look for any error messages or warnings that might indicate the problem.

FAQs

1. What is OBS WebSocket?

   OBS WebSocket is a plugin that enables communication between OBS and other programs, such as web browsers or mobile devices. It provides a way for you to remotely control OBS and access its features.

2. Why is OBS WebSocket not connecting?

   OBS WebSocket may not be connecting due to firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection, incorrect WebSocket URL, port forwarding issues, or outdated OBS or WebSocket plugin.

3. How do I fix OBS WebSocket connection issues?

   To fix OBS WebSocket connection issues, you can try restarting OBS and the WebSocket plugin, checking your network settings, using a different WebSocket client, disabling IPv6, or checking the WebSocket logs for error messages.

4. What port does OBS WebSocket use?

   OBS WebSocket uses port 4444 by default, but it can be changed in OBS Settings > WebSocket Server Settings.