Wireless networking is a modern miracle that normally "just works". It enables us to use devices without being tethered. Mobile computing and modern audio equipment give us the flexibility to move around the stage and set up for a gig in minutes. However, these invisible connections can become troublesome when things don't work as planned. Wires can get tangled, damaged, and disconnected and in a sense, the same can happen with our wireless devices. This article goes through a few troubleshooting tips that may help.
Reset Network Settings
Updating iOS/iPadOS has occasionally resulted in poor connectivity with Bluetooth devices and networking. Try going into the Settings app on the home screen (where you configure WiFi connections) and go to General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Now this will forget any stored network passwords as well as require you to pair Bluetooth devices, but it has been known to correct connectivity issues with Bluetooth and WiFI.
Reset and Pair Devices
Some Bluetooth peripherals can experience issues if you've changed modes or connected them to multiple devices. We recommend resetting the device to factory defaults, choosing the proper mode for use with iOS/iPadOS, and then pairing the product again. This can resolve hardware related issues that may happen between the operating system and the peripheral's firmware.
RF Interference
A silent killer of connectivity is RF interference. This can be caused by competing WiFi networks using overlapping frequency bands and channels. It can also be caused by the presence of multiple cell phones or other devices in close proximity to the stage. To complicate matters, some audio and stage equipment has been known to clutter up wireless channels that can affect both WiFi and Bluetooth frequencies. For instance, wireless mics operating in the 2.4 GHz range may use multiple frequencies for redundant connections, scan the network for open frequency ranges when things get "clutters" and may disrupt other wireless signals in the process. Other products have been observed to quickly crash wireless networks all together for the sake of robust audio connections.
For best results without hiring a network engineer, try switching your WiFi networks to one that supports the 5GHz band. This should steer you out of most RF interference issues with audio equipment or other competing signals. You will also want to make sure that you limit the number of WiFi networks available nearby and to ensure that the network you use is occupying a free channel in the wireless environment. Keep in mind that many consumer electronics use the 2.4 GHz band, including microwave ovens.
Reinstall OnSong
While rare, there are some users that experience issues with the OnSong app after updated iOS/iPadOS from the App Store. This appears to be due to the update process and we recommend reinstalling OnSong if there are unexplained issues with the app.