Common Technical Issues During RON Sessions (And How to Fix Them)

Remote online notarization offers incredible convenience—until technology decides not to cooperate. You're halfway through your RON session when suddenly your internet freezes, the platform won't recognize your ID, or your audio cuts out just as the notary is administering the oath. These technical hiccups can turn a quick 15-minute notarization into an hour of frustration.
The good news is that most RON technical problems are predictable and fixable. Professional notaries who conduct remote sessions daily have seen every possible glitch and know exactly how to troubleshoot them. Let's walk through the most common technical issues and their solutions.

Common RON Technical Problems and Quick Fixes
1. Slow or Unstable Internet Connection
This is the number one issue in RON sessions. Slow internet causes video freezing, audio dropouts, and complete disconnections. Before your appointment, test your internet speed—you need at least 3-5 Mbps download speed. Close all other programs, disconnect other devices from WiFi, and ask household members to pause streaming during your 20-30 minute session. For critical signings, connect your computer directly to your router with an ethernet cable instead of relying on WiFi.

2. Camera Won't Turn On or Video Freezes
If your camera isn't working, close other video programs like Zoom or Teams that might be using it. Check your browser's privacy settings to ensure it has camera permission. On poorly lit video, position yourself facing a window or lamp rather than having bright light behind you. Clean your camera lens—smudges cause surprisingly poor quality. If video keeps freezing despite good internet, restart your browser and try again.
3. Microphone Problems and Audio Issues
The notary must hear you clearly, especially when administering oaths. Check that your browser has microphone permission and no other programs are using it. If the notary hears an echo, use headphones to prevent feedback. Background noise from pets, kids, or TV interferes with communication—find a quiet location and close doors to minimize distractions.

4. ID Scanning Failures
RON platforms scan your driver's license or passport automatically, but sometimes it fails. Hold your ID flat and steady with the entire document visible. Avoid glare by adjusting the angle—light reflecting off laminated surfaces makes text unreadable. If your ID is worn or damaged, automated scanning may repeatedly fail and the notary will need to verify manually. Remember, expired IDs will be automatically rejected with no workaround.

5. Document Upload Problems
Large PDF files can fail to upload if they exceed the platform's size limit (usually 10-25 MB). Compress large PDFs using free online tools before your session. Make sure files are in PDF format, not Word documents. Verify your internet connection is stable during upload—interruptions cause failures. Always review uploaded documents to confirm all pages are present and in the correct order before signing anything.

6. Electronic Signature Difficulties
Creating signatures with a mouse or trackpad can be frustrating and result in shaky, illegible signatures. Practice beforehand using any drawing program. During the session, sign slowly and deliberately. Touchscreen devices usually produce more natural-looking signatures. If you're unhappy with how your signature looks, ask the notary if you can redo it—many platforms allow this.

7. Browser Compatibility Issues
Not all browsers work equally well with RON platforms. Use Chrome or Safari for best results and update to the latest version. Clear your browser cache and cookies if you experience loading problems. Disable ad blockers or browser extensions that might interfere. While platforms claim to work on smartphones, computers and tablets provide much better experiences with larger screens and higher quality cameras.

Prevention Is the Best Solution
The best way to handle RON technical issues is preventing them in the first place. Test your technology before the scheduled session using the platform's test feature. Charge devices fully, close unnecessary programs, use reliable internet, and choose a quiet, well-lit location. Have your valid ID ready and verify all documents are properly formatted. These simple preparations prevent most technical problems.

When to RescheduleSometimes technical issues can't be resolved quickly. If you've spent 15-20 minutes troubleshooting without success, it's better to reschedule rather than continue struggling. Professional RON notaries understand technology fails sometimes and typically won't charge for aborted sessions due to technical problems. Before rescheduling, identify and fix the root problem so it doesn't happen again.
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At Notary2Notary, our experienced RON notaries have helped thousands of clients navigate technical challenges during remote sessions. We provide pre-session technology checks, patient troubleshooting assistance, and clear guidance when issues arise. If technical problems prevent successful RON completion, we also offer traditional mobile notary services as a backup option.
Visit www.notary2notary.com to schedule remote online notarization with professional support every step of the way.