Stream keeps disconnecting
Your stream drops mid-broadcast. OBS may or may not show an error.
Dropped streams are frustrating for you and your viewers. The causes typically fall into three categories: your network, your ISP, or the streaming platform's servers.
Quick fixes to try first
Start with these adjustments before diving into diagnostics.
1. Lower your bitrate
If your connection can't sustain your current bitrate, OBS will drop frames or disconnect.
- Try 4500 kbps instead of 6000 kbps
- For unstable connections, try 3500 kbps
- Rule of thumb: set bitrate to 80% of your stable upload speed
2. Switch ingest servers
The server you're connected to might be overloaded or having issues.
- Twitch: Settings → Stream → Server. Try a different regional server
- YouTube: Usually auto-selects, but you can use a backup stream key
- Use a server geographically close to you, but not necessarily the closest
3. Use Ethernet instead of WiFi
WiFi is less stable than wired connections for streaming.
- Streaming requires consistent upload speed, which WiFi can't guarantee
- If Ethernet isn't possible, use 5GHz band (not 2.4GHz) and stay close to the router
- Powerline adapters are more stable than WiFi for streaming
Diagnosing network issues
Run a speed test during typical streaming hours
Networks can be slower during peak times. Test when you actually stream.
- Use speedtest.net or fast.com
- Focus on upload speed and consistency, not just peak speed
- Run multiple tests over 10-15 minutes to check for fluctuations
Check for packet loss
Packet loss causes stream stuttering and disconnects even with good speeds.
- Open Command Prompt and run:
ping -t google.com - Watch for "Request timed out" or high response times (>100ms)
- Tools like PingPlotter can visualize packet loss over time
Contact your ISP
If you consistently see packet loss or speed drops, the issue may be with your line.
- Ask them to check for line issues or congestion
- Request a technician visit if problems persist
- Consider upgrading to a business-class connection for more stable upload
OBS settings to adjust
Enable automatic reconnect
- Go to Settings → Advanced
- Under Network, enable "Automatically reconnect"
- Set retry delay to 10 seconds
- Set maximum retries to 20 or unlimited
Try a different encoder
Sometimes encoder issues cause apparent "network" problems.
- If using NVENC, try x264 (or vice versa)
- For x264, use the "veryfast" or "faster" preset to reduce CPU load
Lower output resolution
Reducing resolution decreases the data you need to upload.
- Try 720p60 instead of 1080p60
- Or try 1080p30 instead of 1080p60
Platform-specific checks
Twitch
- Check status.twitch.tv for ongoing issues
- Use Twitch Inspector to analyze your stream stability
- Try regenerating your stream key
YouTube
- Check Google Workspace Status for YouTube issues
- Ensure your stream key hasn't expired (scheduled streams expire)
- Try using RTMPS instead of RTMP for more stable connection