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Connection and Join Issues

Solutions for problems with joining games and maintaining connections

Connection and Join Issues

Common Issues

  • Players unable to join with game codes
  • Disconnections during gameplay
  • Host unable to start the game
  • Slow or lagging connection
  • Players being removed from the game unexpectedly

Players Can't Join with Game Code

If players are having trouble joining your game with the provided code, try these solutions:

1For Hosts

Verify the game code:

  • → Double-check that you're sharing the correct code
  • → Ensure the code is still active (codes expire after 24 hours)
  • → Consider generating a new code if problems persist

Check game status:

  • → Confirm your game is in the "Waiting for Players" state
  • → If a game has already started, new players can't join until the next round

Verify player limit:

  • → Check if you've reached the maximum player count for your plan
  • → Remove inactive players if necessary to make room for new ones

2For Players

Check the game code format:

  • → Game codes are case-sensitive, always use uppercase letters
  • → The game code should be 4 characters (e.g., "AB12")
  • → Avoid typos and ensure there are no extra spaces

Try a different browser:

  • → We recommend Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
  • → Clear browser cache and cookies

Check internet connection:

  • → Ensure you have a stable internet connection
  • → Try switching from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa

Quick Tip:

If a single player is having issues joining, have them try accessing the game through a private/incognito browser window, which can help bypass cookie-related issues.

Disconnections During Gameplay

If players are being disconnected during a game session, try these solutions:

⚠️ Common Causes of Disconnections

Most disconnection issues stem from unstable WiFi, network congestion, browser compatibility issues, or device memory constraints. The solutions below address these root causes.

1For Hosts

Check your internet connection:

  • → Ensure you have a stable, high-speed connection
  • → Connect to a wired network if possible
  • → Close other bandwidth-intensive applications

Adjust game settings:

  • → Reduce the number of players if experiencing heavy lag
  • → Increase question time limits to accommodate potential lag

Restart the game session:

  • → In extreme cases, you may need to end the current session
  • → Generate a new game code and have players rejoin

2For Players

Improve internet connection:

  • → Move closer to the WiFi router
  • → Disconnect other devices from the network
  • → Avoid using VPNs which may cause additional latency

Update your browser:

  • → Ensure you're using the latest version of your browser
  • → Disable extensions that might interfere with the connection

Refresh the page:

  • → If disconnected, try refreshing the page immediately
  • → The system will attempt to reconnect you to your active game

Host Unable to Start the Game

If you're having trouble starting a game as a host, try these solutions:

Check minimum player requirements:

  • → Games require at least one player to join before starting
  • → Verify that players appear in your lobby

Verify question set:

  • → Ensure you have selected a question set
  • → Check that the selected question set contains questions

Browser issues:

  • → Clear cache and cookies
  • → Try using an incognito/private window
  • → Disable browser extensions

Account permissions:

  • → Verify you're logged in with a host account
  • → Check that your subscription is active

Technical Requirements

To ensure optimal performance, make sure your system meets these requirements:

Host Requirements

  • → Internet: Stable broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps upload/download)
  • → Browser: Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari
  • → Display: Minimum resolution of 1024x768
  • → System: 4GB RAM, modern processor (less than 5 years old)
  • → Peripherals: Consider using an external mouse for easier navigation

Player Requirements

  • → Internet: Stable connection (minimum 2 Mbps)
  • → Device: Any modern smartphone, tablet, or computer
  • → Browser: Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari

Slow or Lagging Gameplay

If your game is running slowly or showing significant lag, here are some solutions:

1For Hosts

Optimize your network:

  • → Connect your device directly to the router via Ethernet if possible
  • → Pause any downloads, uploads, or streaming on your network
  • → Ensure no one else on your network is using high-bandwidth applications

Reduce browser load:

  • → Close unnecessary tabs and applications
  • → Disable browser extensions temporarily
  • → Clear your browser cache and restart

Adjust game parameters:

  • → Increase time between questions to allow for syncing
  • → For larger groups, consider splitting into multiple smaller game sessions
  • → Disable real-time leaderboard updates if they're causing lag

2For Players

Simplify your setup:

  • → Close all unnecessary apps and browser tabs
  • → Turn off background processes and downloads
  • → If on mobile, ensure your device isn't in battery-saving mode

Connection improvements:

  • → Move closer to your WiFi router
  • → Switch to a less congested WiFi channel
  • → Try switching to mobile data if WiFi is unreliable

Advanced Troubleshooting

Network Diagnosis

  1. Test your connection speed: Visit speedtest.net to verify your connection meets the minimum requirements
  2. Check for packet loss: Excessive packet loss can cause disconnections even with good bandwidth
  3. Router restart: Power cycle your router if connection issues persist across multiple devices

Browser Fixes

  1. Update your browser: Outdated browsers can have WebSocket and connection stability issues
  2. Try alternative browsers: If Chrome isn't working well, try Firefox, Safari, or Edge
  3. WebSocket check: Ensure your network/firewall doesn't block WebSocket connections

💡 Pro Tip:

For public WiFi or restricted networks (like schools or offices), consider using a mobile hotspot as a backup. Many institutional networks have firewalls that can interfere with the WebSocket connections Baffl relies on.

Still Having Issues?

If you've tried all the solutions above and are still experiencing connection problems, please contact our support team. Be sure to include details such as:

  • Game code
  • Time when the issue occurred
  • Device models and operating systems
  • Browser version
  • Network type (WiFi, cellular, etc.)
  • Any error messages displayed
Contact Support →