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UK
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USA
What to do if…
you cannot join a remote court hearing because the link or instructions do not work
Short answer
Try one quick way to join, then contact the court or tribunal immediately using the details on your hearing notice so they know you are ready to attend but cannot get in.
Do not do these things
- Do not wait silently and hope the court will realise you are having technical problems.
- Do not keep troubleshooting for a long time without also contacting the court or tribunal.
- 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, PIN, or dial-in details with anyone who is not meant to attend.
- Do not start travelling to the court building unless the court or tribunal tells you to do that.
What to do now
-
Find your hearing notice and read it like a checklist.
Look for the court or tribunal name, case number, hearing time, platform, joining link, PIN or code, dial-in details, and the phone number or email address for the court office, tribunal office, listing office, or administration team. -
Try one quick technical fix, then stop troubleshooting if it does not work.
Spend no more than a few minutes trying a different browser such as Chrome or Edge, a different device, or mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. Copy the link, PIN, or code carefully from the notice or email, with no extra spaces. -
If it is a CVP hearing, call the CVP helpdesk if it will not delay telling the court.
HMCTS CVP helpdesk: 0330 808 9405, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. On Saturdays and bank holidays, contact the court instead. If technical support cannot fix the problem quickly, tell the court immediately. -
Contact the court or tribunal now and say you are ready to attend but cannot join.
Use the phone number on the hearing notice first. If you cannot get through, use GOV.UK Find a court or tribunal to find the main contact details, and send a short email to the address on the notice if you have one. -
Use a short message that contains the essentials only.
Include your full name, case number, hearing time, the platform or link problem, and a clear request: “I am ready to attend but cannot join the remote hearing. Please tell me what to do or call me.” -
If you have a solicitor, adviser, or representative, contact them at the same time.
Tell them exactly what is failing, such as “link says invalid,” “PIN not accepted,” “stuck in waiting room,” “no dial-in details,” or “camera and microphone will not connect.” Ask them to alert the court or tribunal that you are trying to attend. -
If you are on bail, licence, probation, or in custody, tell the supervising officer or staff immediately.
Ask them to help you contact the court or tribunal and to note that you tried to attend but the remote link or instructions failed. -
Make a simple record while you keep trying low-effort options.
Write down the time you tried to join, the error message or problem, and who you called or emailed. If it is quick and safe, take a screenshot of the error message. Keep your phone charged, volume on, and voicemail available in case the court calls.
What can wait
- You do not need to work out who is at fault right now.
- You do not need to write a long explanation.
- You do not need to decide whether to complain, ask for an adjournment, or take any formal step until the immediate access problem is stabilised.
- You do not need to gather more than basic notes or a quick screenshot unless the court or your representative asks for more.
Important reassurance
Remote-hearing access problems can happen. The most useful thing now is to make sure the court or tribunal knows, as soon as possible, that you are trying to attend and need instructions.
Scope note
This is first steps only. What happens next, including any application, adjournment, complaint, or case strategy, may need help from a solicitor, adviser, representative, or the court or tribunal office.
Important note
This is general information, not legal advice. If the hearing is about to start, has started, or the court may think you are absent, prioritise contacting the court or tribunal and following any instructions they give you.
Additional Resources
About this guide
This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.