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In OBS Studio, open Settings → Advanced and turn on Automatically Reconnect (called “Automatic Reconnect” in OBS’s overview). This lets OBS retry a dropped streaming connection; it does not guarantee an uninterrupted broadcast or fix invalid YouTube credentials, a failed internet connection, or a frozen camera or media source.

Enable automatic reconnect in OBS

  1. Open OBS Studio and select Settings.
  2. Select Advanced.
  3. Find the automatic reconnect control and enable Automatically Reconnect. OBS’s overview describes the Advanced setting as “Configure Automatic Reconnect.” See the OBS Studio Overview Guide.
  4. Select Apply or OK if shown, then confirm the setting remains enabled when you reopen Advanced.

OBS versions may differ in their exact labels and any optional retry-delay or maximum-retry fields. OBS’s overview does not establish current defaults or a universally recommended delay or retry count, so use the controls shown in your installed version rather than relying on a preset value from another version.

What automatic reconnect can—and cannot—recover

The setting is for retrying the streaming connection between OBS and the platform. OBS says dropped frames and intermittent disconnections can result from network issues between your computer and the remote ingest server, often outside OBS’s control. Automatic retries may help when a connection briefly drops and then becomes available again, but they cannot create a working network path or correct a rejected stream key. YouTube likewise warns, “A disruption on your connectivity could mean a broken stream.” See OBS Stream Connection Troubleshooting.

Reconnect is not the same as restarting a source. If the stream remains connected but your camera is frozen, or a media source has stopped playing, this setting should not be treated as a fix for that source problem. The OBS overview documents the streaming reconnect setting, not recovery of individual inputs.

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Check YouTube’s stream selection, URL, and key

  1. Open YouTube Studio’s Live Control Room and select the intended stream.
  2. Check that OBS is configured with the stream URL and stream key for that stream. YouTube describes the key as the encoder’s password and address: it directs the feed and allows YouTube to accept it. Follow YouTube’s Manage live stream settings guidance.
  3. If the stream key was reset, copy the new key from YouTube Studio and update OBS. The previously entered key will no longer be the one to use.
  4. Keep the key private. Anyone who obtains it may be able to send a feed to the associated stream.

Test before the event and monitor the live health status

Before an important broadcast, test the encoder setup and check the YouTube Live Control Room preview. Once live, watch YouTube’s stream health and messages as well as OBS’s connection status. YouTube’s Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder guide covers encoder setup; its encoder settings recommendations explain stream configuration. Testing helps reveal problems before viewers depend on the broadcast, while monitoring can show whether recovery has actually occurred.

Troubleshoot repeated disconnects

  • OBS retries but YouTube does not receive a feed: Verify that the correct stream is selected and that OBS has the current stream URL and key. Replace the key in OBS if it was reset.
  • Disconnects continue after credentials are checked: Check whether other devices or applications are using upload capacity, and whether the computer’s connection is stable. Follow the steps in OBS’s connection troubleshooting guide.
  • Available upload bandwidth is too close to the stream bitrate: YouTube says the total streaming bitrate should fit within available upload bandwidth and recommends leaving 20% headroom. For example, if the stream’s total bitrate is 10 Mbps, aim for at least 12.5 Mbps available upload capacity (10 Mbps is 80% of 12.5 Mbps). This is a capacity guideline, not a guarantee against interruptions. See YouTube’s streaming tips.
  • YouTube preview works but an input is frozen or silent: Investigate that camera, media source, or audio source separately. A streaming-connection retry does not establish that OBS can repair a stopped input.
  • The stream does not recover: Check the YouTube health messages and OBS connection status, then address the identified credential, bandwidth, or connectivity issue. Do not assume OBS will keep retrying for a particular duration or number of attempts; the reviewed OBS overview does not specify those values.

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