In this guide, learn how to manage and maintain your Playground operating devices for optimal performance for your childcare needs. Childcare providers heavily rely on devices for their daily operations. When these devices malfunction, it can cause a lot of frustration and disruptions. Often, the problem is with the devices themselves, not with the providers. This guide will help you understand common device problems and how to fix them quickly, so you can keep your childcare business running smoothly.
Common Device Problems and Causes
Devices slow down or freeze frequently
Cause: Devices are left powered on continuously, leading to overheating and software lag.
Impact: Slow response times during check-ins and increased device wear.
Battery drains quickly or devices shut off unexpectedly
Cause: Overcharging devices by leaving them plugged in 24/7.
Impact: Reduced battery performance and costly early replacements.
Lag in app / decline in website performance / increase in loading times
Cause: Staff members not logging out of the Playground app or web portal. Playground updates the platform and mobile app every evening, so users are expected to log out.
Impact: Outdated features and cache buildup slow down functionality.
Common In-Product Errors
Occasionally, you may see an error message while using the platform. These typically happen due to incomplete information, configuration issues, or brief system interruptions, and can usually be resolved quickly. Here are some errors that you may run into:
Not Authorized
If you receive a “Not Authorized” error and expect to have permission to complete the action, follow the troubleshooting steps below.
Log out of your account, then log back in and refresh your browser.
This step often resolves the issue because it refreshes your session and clears temporary browser data that may be causing the error. Logging out and back in reestablishes a clean connection to the platform, while refreshing your browser ensures you’re loading the most up-to-date version of the page.
Ensure you only have one instance of Playground open at a time.
If you have multiple Playground tabs open, you may see a “Not Authorized” error if you’re logged into different accounts in each tab. To resolve this, close any other Playground tabs and ensure you’re logged into only one account at a time.
Close your browser and reopen it.
Closing your browser or tab can fully reset the application and help clear any temporary errors you may be experiencing.
Firebase: Error
Firebase errors tend to be caused due to network interruptions or firewalls being put in place. You will usually run into this error upon signing into your account. To solve, try following the troubleshooting steps below:
Switch WiFi networks
If possible, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network. Switching networks can help determine whether the issue is related to your current network’s settings, security restrictions, or connectivity stability.
Try logging in on your mobile device while disconnected from Wi-Fi.
Turn off Wi-Fi on your mobile device and attempt to log in using cellular data.
If you’re able to sign in successfully, the issue is likely related to your Wi-Fi network, such as a firewall or network restriction blocking the connection.
🚨 If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, please contact Support and provide details about the error you’re experiencing.
Quick Troubleshooting Solutions:
Power down devices regularly
What to Do: Power down your device now. Keep it turned off for 2 minutes and turn it back on. Moving forward, schedule a weekly shutdown during off-peak hours. For example, power off devices completely over the weekend.
Why It Helps: Clears memory, prevents overheating, and allows the system to refresh for optimal performance.
Establish charging habits
What to Do: If your device is fully charged, unplug it. Its best practice is to occasionally let the battery drain before recharging.
Why It Helps: Extends battery lifespan and ensures consistent performance during high-demand times.
Regularly Log Out of Playground
What to Do: Log out of the Playground platform. As often as they can, ensure staff log out of the Playground app and website. It’s also a good idea to perform a hard refresh on your web browser, press Control + Shift + R on Windows or Command + Shift + R on a Mac.
Why It Helps: Prevents outdated data from accumulating in the cache, ensures faster load times, and avoids compatibility issues with new updates. Because Playground is constantly evolving with new features and enhancements tailored to your needs, logging out regularly ensures you’re always benefiting from the latest tools and improvements.