Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Having trouble getting your fixtures to respond or outputting DMX, Art-Net, or sACN? Don't worry — let's get you back up and running.
Quick Checklist
Work through these steps in order for the fastest fix:
1. Check Link Status
In Blackout, tap the Link Status dropdown in the top right corner.
- ✅ Green = good to go
- ❌ Red = not connected (Blackout isn't seeing your hardware)
2. Confirm Account Status
Tap the Blackout logo (top right corner) to double-check:
- You're signed into a valid account
- You have an active subscription
3. Update Your Software
- Make sure your iPad is on iOS 26.x or later
- Update to the latest version of Blackout in the App Store
Recommended iOS Version
We recommend updating to iOS 26 or later, as we can only support the latest version of iOS for best compatibility and performance.
4. Check Your Network
Ensure you're connected to a stable wired or Wi-Fi network that your lighting gear is on. This is usually not a network that has internet access, such as the building or venue's WiFi.
5. Verify IP Address
Ensure the IP address of your iPad aligns with the range of your network, gateway, or node.
📺 Quick walkthrough video here
6. Match Your Protocols
Confirm you're using the correct output protocol (Art-Net or sACN).
COMMON ISSUE
If your gateway is configured for sACN but you're sending Art-Net (or vice versa), this mismatch will prevent successful communication.
Art-Net Specific Issues
Art-Net Offset
Art-Net numbering starts from 0. Ensure that the offset in Blackout matches your Art-Net node's settings.
| Art-Net Numbering | Actual Universe |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 3 |
Example: If your Art-Net node is set to Universe 1, the offset in Blackout should also be set to 1.
Limited Broadcast Nodes
Some nodes only listen for Art-Net broadcast (255.255.255.255). That'll work fine in a closed network with limited universes, but note it diverges from the standard Art-Net specification.
More info on Art-Net broadcasting
iOS Permission Issues
Local Network Permission
When you first installed Blackout, iOS should've asked if it can connect to devices on your local network. If you hit "Don't Allow" — nothing will output.
To fix:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Blackout Lighting Console (or Blackout Next)
- Turn ON Local Network
INFO
If you aren't seeing your WiFi network name in the top right Link Status button, this is because you haven't given Blackout Location permissions via iOS. Turn on Location in the same Settings menu.
iOS 26+ Wired Accessories
iOS 26 changed a default setting which may cause issues with connected hardware.
To fix:
- Open the Settings app on your iPad
- Navigate to Privacy & Security
- Scroll down and tap Wired Accessories
- Change the setting to Always Allow
This adjustment ensures your iPad can communicate properly with connected accessories like your Cerise, external controllers, and lighting network.
Still Having Issues?
If you've worked through all these steps and still can't get output:
- Check the Blackout Help Center for additional troubleshooting articles
- Contact support via Patch (our AI-Chatbot in the bottom right corner of the website) or through the in-app support system
- Join the Blackout community for peer assistance