# Reconnecting channels

> Why a channel stops working, and how to sign it back in without losing anything.

A channel shows **Reconnect needed** when the network stops accepting Orbitwrite's access to it. Reconnecting is
signing in again; the channel keeps its posts, schedule and settings.

## Why it happens

- You changed the account's password, or signed out of all sessions on the network.
- Access for Orbitwrite was removed in the network's settings (its list of connected apps).
- The network's sign-in expired. Some expire after a set time whatever you do.
- You're no longer an admin of the LinkedIn page, Facebook Page or Discord server.
- Orbitwrite started using a feature that needs a permission the old sign-in didn't include, such as LinkedIn
  analytics or Bluesky direct messages.

You're told by email and in the app when it happens.

## Reconnect

1. Go to **Settings → Channels**, or click the warning wherever you see it.
2. Open the channel's **⋯** menu and choose **Reconnect**.
3. Sign in to the **same account** on the network and approve every permission it asks for.

Reconnecting a different account adds it as a new channel instead, so make sure you're signed in to the right one on
the network first. Private browsing helps when you manage several accounts on the same network.

## After reconnecting

Posts that failed while the channel was disconnected are back in drafts. Reschedule them. Posts scheduled for later
publish normally.