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What to do if…
you are told you must attend a remote court hearing and the link or instructions do not work

Short answer

Act immediately: try one fast workaround, then contact the court straight away using the phone number on your hearing notice (or your solicitor/representative) so there is a clear record you tried to join.

Do not do these things

  • Do not assume “it’s fine” and wait silently — if you can’t join, you need the court to know before (or as) it starts.
  • Do not keep clicking/restarting for ages without also contacting the court — you can lose the chance to be heard.
  • Do not reply only to a “no-reply” email address and assume anyone will see it in time.
  • Do not share the hearing link, joining code, or dial-in details with anyone who isn’t meant to attend.
  • Do not set off to the court building without being told to — but if the court instructs you to attend in person (or to go to a specific location), follow that instruction.

What to do now

  1. Find your hearing notice and read it like a checklist.
    Look for: the court/tribunal name, case number, hearing time, platform, and a contact number/email (often the listing office/admin). If there’s a “join by phone” option, note the number and any PIN/code.

  2. Do one quick technical reset (2–3 minutes max).

    • Try a different browser (often Chrome/Edge) or a different device (phone instead of laptop).
    • Turn off VPN/work network restrictions if you can, and switch to mobile data if Wi-Fi is blocking it.
    • If the link asks for a code/PIN, copy it carefully from the notice/email (no extra spaces).

  3. If it’s a CVP hearing, use the official technical support number — but don’t let this delay contacting the court.
    HMCTS CVP helpdesk: 0330 808 9405 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
    On Saturdays and bank holidays, you’re generally expected to contact the court instead.
    If technical support can’t fix it quickly, move on to Step 4 immediately.

  4. Contact the court/tribunal immediately and tell them you are ready to attend but cannot join.
    Use the phone number on the notice first. If you can’t get through:

    • call the court’s main number (for example via GOV.UK “Find a court or tribunal”), and
    • send a short email to the admin/listing address including: your full name, case number, hearing time, and “I cannot join the remote hearing — please advise / please call me”.
      Keep it factual and brief.

  5. If you have a solicitor or representative, contact them in parallel.
    Tell them exactly what’s failing (e.g., “link says invalid”, “stuck in waiting room”, “no dial-in details”). They may have a direct court contact and can alert the court that you’re trying to join.

  6. If you’re on bail, licence, probation, or in custody, tell the supervising officer/staff immediately.
    Ask them to note (in writing if possible) that you attempted to attend and the remote link/instructions failed, and to help you reach the court/admin contact.

  7. Document what happened without derailing the fix.
    Write down the time you tried to join, what you saw (one sentence), and who you called/emailed. If safe and quick, take a screenshot of the error message.

  8. Stay available and keep trying “low effort” options while waiting for a response.
    Keep your phone charged, volume up, and voicemail working. If you receive a new link or a phone dial-in, join immediately.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out who is “at fault” (you, the platform, the court, your internet) right now.
  • You do not need to write a long explanation or gather evidence beyond basic notes/screenshots.
  • You do not need to decide whether to complain or take formal steps until the immediate hearing access issue is stabilised.

Important reassurance

Remote-hearing links and joining instructions fail more often than people expect. What matters most right now is that you create a clear, time-stamped record that you were trying to attend and you told the court as soon as possible.

Scope note

This is first steps only — it focuses on preventing a “did not attend” situation and getting you connected. Case strategy, adjournments, and rights depend on the court/tribunal type and your case.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you are at immediate risk of being treated as absent, prioritise contacting the court/tribunal and your representative, and follow any instructions you receive from the court.

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