> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dfine.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Streaming Classic: the encoder does not connect

> Fixes for an RTMPS encoder that cannot connect to Streaming Classic, a paused or blocked stream, and the wrong H.264 profile.

Streaming from dfine.io Studio? See [Streaming from dfine.io Studio](/en/troubleshooting/studio). This page is for any other RTMPS encoder.

## The encoder cannot connect

Check these first. Most problems are a wrong value in the encoder.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is the ingest URL right?" icon="link">
    Copy it again from the slot's **Ingest** tab. It must start with `rtmps://`, because every stream is encrypted. Plain RTMP does not work.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is it the stream key, not the access key?" icon="key">
    The stream key publishes the signal. The access key is for viewers who log in to watch.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="'Streaming accesses are incorrect.'" icon="plug-zap">
    The credentials are wrong, the share is turned off, or the project is archived. Copy URL and key again from the app and make sure the project is active.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="'Ingest Server not allowed.'" icon="server-off">
    The encoder reached a server your account may not use, for example a TISAX or on-premises server that is not assigned to you. Use the default ingest URL from the app, or ask your administrator to assign the server.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="'This stream is already being published.'" icon="copy">
    Another encoder is already live on this slot. Stop it, wait a moment and start again. An administrator can reset a stuck slot.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The network uses fixed IP addresses" icon="network">
    With a fixed IP setup, the encoder's IP and gateway must be in the same range as your workstation.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## The stream was paused or blocked

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Bitrate too high" icon="gauge">
    You see **"Your stream went over your plan's bitrate, so we paused it. Lower your encoder's bitrate, then unlock and restart it in your dashboard."** and a red **Blocked** badge. Lower the bitrate below the **Max bitrate** in the **Ingest** tab, click **Unblock** in the dashboard and restart the encoder.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Run-time limit reached" icon="timer-off">
    **"Your stream reached its run-time limit, so we paused it..."** stops a forgotten stream. Click **Unblock** in the dashboard and restart the encoder.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Too many live streams at once" icon="layers">
    **"You have reached the limit ... your account will need to be upgraded"** means your plan runs no more streams at the same time. End one, or upgrade.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Viewers get no picture

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Wrong H.264 profile" icon="settings-2">
    Viewers see **"Please set your encoder to the Main or Constrained Baseline H.264 profile, then restart the stream."** Set the profile to Main and restart. All values: [Encoder values](/en/streaming-classic/set/encoder-settings).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The stream stutters" icon="activity">
    Check the encoder for CBR and a keyframe every second, see [Encoder values](/en/streaming-classic/set/encoder-settings).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Card title="Still stuck?" icon="life-buoy" href="mailto:support@dfine.io">
  Write to [support@dfine.io](mailto:support@dfine.io) and we will help you out.
</Card>


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.