# Pairing doesn't work

Most pairing problems come from the TV's internet connection or an old code. Check that the TV is online, then type the 8-digit code the TV shows right now, or scan its QR code again from the Guardian app.

Find the message you see, then follow what's under it. For the full setup, see [Set up TVCP](https://tvcp.app/help/set-up-tvcp/).

## Check these, in order

1. **The TV says "Cannot connect to the server. Please check your internet connection."** The TV isn't online. Fix the TV's Wi-Fi or cable, then press **Try Again** on the TV.
2. **The phone says "Please enter a valid 8-digit pairing code".** A digit is missing. Type all 8 digits exactly as the TV shows them.
3. **The phone says "Invalid Pairing Code".** The code doesn't match. The code on the TV changes by itself from time to time, so type the one the TV shows right now, or tap **Enter a Different Code** and scan the QR code instead.
4. **The phone says "Taking longer than usual…" or "Your TV didn't respond".** The TV couldn't be reached. Make sure it's on, with TVCP open and connected to the internet, then tap **Retry**.
5. **The phone says "Couldn't add this TV".** Your plan already has as many TVs as it includes. Tap **Upgrade plan**, or remove a TV you don't use any more and try again. See [Remove a TV](https://tvcp.app/help/remove-a-tv/).
6. **The phone says "Your new plan is still syncing".** Your purchase went through but hasn't reached us yet. Wait a moment, then try again. The TV's code stays valid for 10 minutes.

## Good to know

- Scanning is the fastest way when you can see the TV: tap **Scan QR Code** in the Guardian app and point your camera at the QR code on the TV.
- If you scan the TV's QR code with the phone's normal camera, it opens the Guardian app, or the app store if the Guardian app isn't installed.
- If the TV shows nothing but a spinning or blank screen, restart it completely: unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in and open TVCP.