Knowledge Base > Troubleshooting Guides > Stream Connection Troubleshooting

If you experience dropped frames or intermittent disconnections while streaming, there is a network issue between your computer and the remote stream ingest server. Such issues can arise for a variety of reasons and these are typically out of OBS Studio's control.

This guide can help you diagnose and resolve some of these issues.

Dropped frames

Dropped frames means that your connection to remote server isn't stable or you can't keep up with your set bitrate. Because of this, the program was forced to drop some of the video frames in order to compensate. If you drop too many frames, you may be disconnected from the streaming server.

It is extremely unlikely for OBS Studio to cause dropped frames. For more details, check this technical explanation written by Lain.


Configuration Within OBS Studio

  1. Stream to a Different Server
  • Go to Settings → Stream and try streaming to a different Server
    • Note: if you are streaming to Twitch and are using Windows you can use TwitchTest to find the server with the best Quality score. You may want to also test with Enhanced Broadcasting disabled or with a Maximum Streaming Bandwidth set below the bandwidth you are seeing in your TwitchTest results
  1. Lower Your Video Bitrate
  • Go to Settings → Output and lower your Video Bitrate. The bitrate will depend on your stable upload speed and the bitrate limitations set by the streaming service. A good starting point is to set your bitrate to 75% of your total upload speed
  1. Stream to a Different Service
  • Go to Settings → Stream and try streaming to a different Service. For example, if you are streaming to Twitch, test your connection by streaming to YouTube
    • Note: while this won’t solve connection issues with a specific service, it helps identify if the problem is service-related
  1. Enable Network Optimizations
  • Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and tick the Enable network optimizations box. Some users have reported that this helps with their dropped frames or disconnection issues. It also adds further details to the log for troubleshooting purposes
    • Note: this setting is only available on Windows
  1. Ensure "Bind to IP" Is Set to Default
  • Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and ensure Bind to IP is set to Default
  1. Set IP Family to IPv4 Only
  • Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and set IP Family to IPv4 Only
    • Note: if this change makes no difference with your connection issues it is recommended to leave it on the default setting of IPv4 and IPv6
  1. Enable Dynamic Bitrate Adjustment
  • Go to Settings → Advanced → Network and tick the Dynamically change bitrate to manage congestion (Beta) box. This will lower the bitrate when your connection cannot keep up, rather than dropping frames
    • Note: this doesn't solve the root cause of dropped frames and should only be used if you cannot resolve the underlying connection issue. Lower bitrate will also result in reduced video quality

Software Outside Of OBS Studio

Possible cause Solutions

Security Software Interference

  • Security software (firewall/anti-virus) may interfere with the connection between OBS Studio and the streaming server

 

  • Disable your security software temporarily to confirm if it's the cause. If the issue stops, add an exception for OBS Studio and re-enable your security software

VPN Software Interference

  • VPN software may result in an unstable connection to the streaming server

 

  • Disable your VPN to see if it's the cause of the instability

Bundled Network Software

  • Some network software (e.g., Lenovo Vantage, Killer NIC) may deprioritize OBS Studio, preventing it from maintaining the necessary bitrate. These are only two examples, you must check for any software that is meant to "optimize" or "tweak" your network connection

 

  • Lenovo Vantage: disable the Network Boost option within the Lenovo Vantage software
  • Killer NIC: uninstall the Killer NIC Software Suite and run the installer again, this time choosing to only install the Hardware Drivers
  • Other software: Fully uninstall/disable this software and test your connection again

Outdated Network Drivers

  • Outdated network drivers may result in a poor connection

 

  • Download the latest drivers from your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website and install them

Potential Hardware Issues

Possible cause Solutions

Streaming over WiFi

  • WiFi may be unstable for streaming

 

  • It's recommended to use a wired connection when streaming

Modem/Router Connectivity Issues

  • Your modem/router may have general connectivity issues

 

  • Restart both your modem and router to resolve potential connectivity issues

Faulty Hardware

  • There may be a faulty piece of hardware somewhere along the path your connection takes. This would include your modem, router, network cables, network cards, or any other network devices you have such as switches or extenders

 

  • Replace each piece of hardware to confirm there are no issues
    • Note: it is strongly recommended that you speak to your ISP if you are unsure if your hardware may be faulty prior to replacing equipment yourself

Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If you've followed the troubleshooting steps in this guide and are still experiencing connection issues, contact your ISP (internet service provider). OBS Studio relies on your network, much of which is outside your direct control. ISPs often make changes on their end, or there may be unexpected congestion along your connection route.

When contacting your ISP, be detailed about your issue, as they will likely be the only ones able to resolve it.

External Resources