Fix OBS connection problems

Each connection message, what it means, and what to do.

Updated October 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Short version

Run the browser on the OBS computer, use localhost and port 4455, let Chrome access your local network, and check OBS WebSocket is turned on with a matching password.

When a connection fails, Commercial Cue says why in Settings, the control room and the dock. Find your message below.

"Use localhost, not an IP address."

The message when an IP address is typed
The message when an IP address is typed

You typed an IP address such as 192.168.0.150. Commercial Cue is a secure site, so your browser only lets it reach OBS at localhost, the computer you're on.

  1. Change Host to localhost.
  2. Make sure this browser is running on the same computer as OBS. If OBS is on another computer, open Commercial Cue there, or use the OBS dock.

"This browser is blocking access to OBS."

Chrome has blocked commercialcue.com from reaching devices on your computer.

  1. Click the icon to the left of the address bar.
  2. Choose Site settings.
  3. Set Local network access to Allow.
  4. Reload the page and connect again.

"Allow access to this computer, and check OBS is on."

The message in the control room
The message in the control room

Chrome asks before a website can reach OBS on your computer.

  • If it asked to let commercialcue.com access devices on your local network, choose Allow and connect again.
  • If it didn't ask, check that OBS is open and its WebSocket server is on (Tools → WebSocket Server Settings → Enable WebSocket server).

"OBS isn't answering."

The browser can reach your computer, but OBS didn't reply. Check:

  • OBS is open.
  • Enable WebSocket server is ticked in Tools → WebSocket Server Settings.
  • The port in Commercial Cue matches OBS's Server Port (normally 4455).
  • The password matches OBS's Server Password, or both are blank.

Then press Connect to OBS again. Test connection in Settings → OBS checks the details without saving them.

"Connection closed by OBS"

OBS closed or restarted after you connected. Commercial Cue doesn't reconnect on its own.

  • Reconnect from Settings → OBS, or reload the control room or the dock.
  • Avoid restarting OBS during a show.

Still stuck?

  • You need OBS 28 or newer. Older versions don't have the built-in WebSocket server.
  • Check the sidebar's live status: it shows whether OBS is connected and where (for example localhost:4455).

Related guides

Set upConnect OBSTurn on OBS's WebSocket server and connect from the same computer.Set upAdd the Commercial Cue dock to OBSPut the break buttons inside OBS as a Custom Browser Dock.