Table of Contents

TetherBox Went Offline

Follow these steps to bring your TetherBoxes back online or gather the information we need to help you.

Quick Links:

Tip: Check Status First - View your TetherBoxes status page (AdminTetherBoxes → click your unit) to see any issues detected before it went offline. See Connection Requirements for network details.

Warning: Common Causes - Power (unplugged, power supply failure, lightning damage), Internet (bad cable, no connection, blocked port 443, HomePlugs/WiFi bridges), or Hardware (drive failure, motherboard).

Step 1 of 3: Check the Internet

Test the connection: Use the same Internet connection as your TetherBoxes to verify it works. This must be done on-site.

Connect directly to router: Bypass any switches, HomePlugs, or WiFi bridges by connecting the TetherBoxes directly to your router.

Test the cable: Unplug the network cable from the TetherBoxes, connect it to a laptop, disable WiFi, and verify you can access https://app.timeline.is.

Network cable

Tip: Bad cables often fail when wiggled or when ports heat up. Try replacing the cable.

Step 2 of 3: Check the Power

Check LEDs: The power LED (top/front) should be steady on. Network LEDs (back) should show steady orange and blinking green.

Power LED

Warning: The green network LED stays on even when the unit is off. Always check the power LED. If the unit won't stay on, you likely need a new power supply.

Reboot the unit:

  1. Press the power button briefly (do not hold)
  2. Wait up to 1 minute for it to power off
  3. Press briefly again to power back on

Tip: If it doesn't power off after 1 minute, hold the button for 5 seconds to force off.

Step 3 of 3: Submit a Report

If the steps above didn't help, we need more information to diagnose the issue.

Connect a monitor: Plug a TV or monitor into the TetherBoxes's HDMI port.

Monitor connection

Warning: Required - Record a 2-minute video of the complete boot process from power-on. We cannot diagnose the issue without this video.

Submit your offline report through the TetherX Platform support system with the video attached.

Tip: Enterprise Networks - Also include network topology, switch details, VLANs/firewalls, and recent network changes.

Last updated: January 14, 2026