Overview
BookingCentral allows operators to upload photos and videos during the Check-In and Check-Out process to document the condition of their rentals. If you experience errors while uploading media, the most common cause is an unstable internet connection.
Photo and video uploads require a continuous connection between your device and the BookingCentral servers. If the connection is interrupted during the upload process, you may receive a server error message and the upload may fail.
This article outlines common causes and recommended solutions.
Verify Your Internet Connection
If Using Wi-Fi
When connected to Wi-Fi, ensure the signal is strong throughout the entire area where photos and videos are being captured.
A common issue occurs when a device moves into an area with weak Wi-Fi coverage. When this happens, the phone may automatically switch from Wi-Fi to cellular service. Although this transition only takes a moment, it interrupts the upload process and can result in a server error.
Recommended Solution
If Wi-Fi coverage is inconsistent or spotty:
- Turn off Wi-Fi on the device.
- Use cellular data exclusively while taking and uploading photos or videos.
Using a single, stable connection is often more reliable than switching between Wi-Fi and cellular service.
If Using Cellular Data
If you are using a cellular connection, the issue may be caused by poor signal strength.
Photo and video uploads require more data than standard booking activities. If the cellular connection drops or becomes unstable during the upload, the device may lose communication with the server and generate an error.
Recommended Solution
If you are stationary and have access to a reliable Wi-Fi network (for example, at a marina, dock, office, or rental location):
- Connect to Wi-Fi before uploading photos and videos.
- Retry the upload once a stronger connection is available.
Additional Options When Connectivity Cannot Be Improved
If a stronger Wi-Fi or cellular connection is not available, consider one of the following alternatives.
Option 1: Use the BookingCentral Mobile App
The BookingCentral mobile app is designed to handle intermittent connectivity more effectively than a mobile web browser.
Benefits include:
- Automatic retry of failed uploads
- Ability to delay uploads until it's connected to Wi-Fi
- Improved reliability when working in areas with poor coverage
For operators who frequently perform check-ins and check-outs in remote locations, the mobile app is the recommended solution.
Option 2: Reduce Photo or Video Resolution
High-resolution photos and videos contain significantly more data and require longer upload times.
In areas with weak connectivity, larger files are more likely to fail before the upload is completed.
Consider:
- Using a lower camera resolution setting
- Recording shorter videos when appropriate
- Avoiding unnecessarily large media files
Smaller files upload more quickly and are less susceptible to connection interruptions, and will help save batter power.
For more details see Photo & Video Upload Limits and Recommended Settings.
Option 3: Save Media and Upload Later
If neither Wi-Fi nor cellular service is reliable, you can save photos and videos directly to your device and upload them later when a stronger connection is available.
This is often the best option when:
- Operating in remote areas
- Working on large bodies of water
- Experiencing intermittent cellular coverage
The BookingCentral mobile app can automate this process by storing media locally and uploading it once a suitable connection is detected. Note: the mobile app requires either cellular or Wi-Fi to operate.
Best Practices
To minimize photo and video upload issues:
- Use the strongest available internet connection.
- Avoid moving between Wi-Fi and cellular coverage during uploads.
- Use the BookingCentral mobile app when operating in areas with inconsistent connectivity.
- Reduce photo and video file sizes when possible.
- Save media locally and upload later if connectivity is unreliable.
Following these recommendations will help ensure photos and videos are successfully uploaded and available for future reference.
Related Articles
Taking Photos and Videos During Check In / Check Out
Mobile App for Rental Check-In & Check-Out