Troubleshooting Guide
Quick solutions to common issues and problems you might encounter while using PreachPilot.
Login and Account Issues
Cannot Log In
Forgot Password
- Click "Forgot Password" on login page
- Enter your email address
- Check email for reset instructions
- Follow link to create new password
- Log in with new credentials
Account Locked or Suspended
- Check email for account notifications
- Verify subscription payment status
- Contact support for account restoration
- Ensure compliance with terms of service
Email Not Recognized
- Verify correct email address spelling
- Check if you have multiple accounts
- Ensure account was successfully created
- Try password reset with different email variations
Two-Factor Authentication Issues
Cannot Access Authentication App
- Use backup codes provided during setup
- Contact support for 2FA reset
- Verify device time settings are correct
- Try regenerating codes if available
Sermon Creation Problems
AI Features Not Working
AI Generation Fails
- Verify you have PreachPilot or PreachPilot+ subscription
- Check subscription payment status
- Ensure all required fields are completed
- Try simplifying topic descriptions
- Contact support if issues persist
Poor AI Results
- Be more specific in topic descriptions
- Include additional context about your congregation
- Try different wording or approaches
- Use AI output as starting point for heavy customization
Editor Issues
Content Not Saving
- Check internet connection stability
- Refresh page and verify content appears
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try different browser or incognito mode
- Contact support if auto-save consistently fails
Blocks Not Reordering
- Ensure you're dragging from the handle icon (⋮⋮)
- Check that you're not in text editing mode
- Refresh page and try again
- Use keyboard shortcuts if drag-and-drop fails
Formatting Problems
- Use editor toolbar for consistent formatting
- Avoid copying formatted text from other applications
- Clear formatting and reapply using editor tools
- Check browser compatibility with rich text editor
Performance Issues
Slow Loading
Page Load Times
- Check internet connection speed
- Clear browser cache and temporary files
- Disable browser extensions temporarily
- Try different browser or device
- Check if issue occurs during peak usage times
Large Sermon Performance
- Break very long sermons into smaller sections
- Reduce number of blocks if excessive
- Avoid extremely large text blocks
- Consider archiving older unused content
Browser Compatibility
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
- Ensure browser is updated to latest version
JavaScript Issues
- Enable JavaScript in browser settings
- Disable ad blockers that might interfere
- Clear browser cache and refresh
- Try incognito/private browsing mode
Export and Sharing Problems
Export Failures
PDF Generation Issues
- Verify you have paid subscription
- Check browser popup blocker settings
- Ensure sufficient device storage space
- Try exporting smaller content sections
- Use different browser if problems persist
Word Document Problems
- Confirm subscription includes export features
- Check file download permissions
- Verify .docx file associations
- Try opening in different word processor
Sharing Link Issues
Links Not Working
- Verify link was copied completely
- Test link in incognito/private browsing
- Check that shared sermon has content
- Generate new share link if needed
- Ensure recipient has internet access
Pulpit Mode Sharing Problems
- Confirm sermon is complete and saved
- Test share link before distributing
- Check that content displays properly
- Verify theme settings work for recipients
Subscription and Billing Issues
Payment Problems
Credit Card Declined
- Verify card information accuracy
- Check card expiration date
- Ensure sufficient account balance
- Contact bank for international card issues
- Try different payment method
Subscription Not Upgrading
- Wait a few minutes for processing
- Refresh browser and check subscription status
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Contact support if upgrade doesn't process
Feature Access Issues
Premium Features Unavailable
- Verify current subscription status
- Check payment is current and processed
- Log out and back in to refresh permissions
- Contact support for access restoration
Technical Difficulties
Browser Issues
Cache and Cookie Problems
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Disable browser extensions
- Try incognito/private browsing mode
- Restart browser completely
- Try different browser for comparison
Session Timeout Issues
- Log out and back in to refresh session
- Check browser cookie settings
- Ensure cookies are enabled for PreachPilot
- Clear authentication data and re-login
Mobile Device Issues
Mobile Browser Problems
- Use desktop version for full functionality
- Ensure mobile browser supports JavaScript
- Check mobile data connection stability
- Try switching between WiFi and cellular data
App-Like Behavior
- Add PreachPilot to home screen for app-like experience
- Enable notifications if prompted
- Use landscape mode for better editing experience
Data and Content Issues
Missing Content
Sermons Not Appearing
- Check if content was accidentally archived
- Verify filter settings aren't hiding content
- Search for content using different keywords
- Check if content was deleted vs. archived
Series Organization Problems
- Verify sermons are properly assigned to series
- Check series order and numbering
- Ensure series isn't archived or hidden
- Refresh page to reload series data
Sync Issues
Changes Not Syncing
- Check internet connection stability
- Refresh browser to force sync
- Clear browser cache if needed
- Log out and back in if problems persist
Getting Additional Help
Self-Service Resources
Documentation
- Search help articles for specific issues
- Check FAQ section for common problems
- Review feature guides for detailed instructions
- Browse troubleshooting articles
Community Resources
- User forums and discussions
- Video tutorials and guides
- Best practices documentation
- Feature update announcements
Contacting Support
When to Contact Support
- Technical issues persist after troubleshooting
- Account access problems
- Billing and subscription questions
- Bug reports and feature requests
How to Contact Support
- Email support with detailed problem description
- Include browser and device information
- Provide screenshots of error messages
- Mention troubleshooting steps already tried
Support Response Times
- Standard support: 24-48 hours
- Priority support (PreachPilot+): 12-24 hours
- Urgent issues escalated as needed
- Check email for support responses
Preparing for Support Contact
Information to Include
- Detailed description of the problem
- Steps you were taking when issue occurred
- Error messages or screenshots
- Browser and operating system information
- Account email address
Troubleshooting Steps to Try First
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try different browser or device
- Check internet connection
- Verify subscription status
- Review relevant documentation
Preventing Common Issues
Best Practices
Regular Maintenance
- Clear browser cache periodically
- Keep browser updated to latest version
- Maintain stable internet connection
- Regularly backup important content
Content Management
- Save work frequently (auto-save handles this)
- Use descriptive titles and organization
- Archive completed content regularly
- Export important sermons as backup
Security Practices
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication if available
- Log out from shared or public computers
- Keep account information confidential
Avoiding Problems
Browser Optimization
- Keep browser updated
- Manage browser extensions carefully
- Maintain sufficient device storage
- Close unnecessary tabs and applications
Network Considerations
- Use reliable internet connection
- Avoid public WiFi for sensitive work
- Consider offline backup strategies
- Test connectivity before important deadlines
Emergency Procedures
Service Outages
Planned Maintenance
- Check announcements for scheduled downtime
- Plan sermon work around maintenance windows
- Export critical content before maintenance
- Use offline tools if necessary
Unexpected Outages
- Check status page for service updates
- Try accessing from different device or network
- Wait for service restoration
- Contact support if outage is prolonged
Data Recovery
Accidental Deletion
- Check archived content section
- Search for content using different terms
- Contact support for data recovery assistance
- Review export backups if available
Account Issues
- Document problem thoroughly
- Contact support immediately
- Provide as much detail as possible
- Maintain records of account information
Next Steps
- Review Best Practices and Workflow recommendations
- Explore Advanced Features documentation
- Check for Updates and New Features
- Provide feedback for service improvements