> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Force reconnection with child sites

> Use the Force Reconnect tool in MainWP to regenerate OpenSSL keys and reestablish secure connections with all child sites when experiencing connection issues.

The Force Reconnect tool regenerates the OpenSSL encryption keys used for Dashboard-to-child communication and forces all child sites to re-authenticate. Use this when you experience persistent connection issues that other troubleshooting steps haven't resolved.

## What You'll Learn

* When to use Force Reconnect
* How to trigger the reconnection process
* What happens during reconnection

## Prerequisites

* MainWP Dashboard installed and activated
* Child sites previously connected to your Dashboard
* Admin access to your Dashboard

***

## When to Use Force Reconnect

Use this tool when:

* Multiple child sites suddenly show connection errors
* You've migrated your Dashboard to a new server or domain
* SSL/TLS configuration has changed on your Dashboard
* Connection issues persist after resolving firewall or server problems
* OpenSSL keys may have become corrupted or out of sync

<Warning>
  Force Reconnect affects all child sites. The Dashboard will temporarily lose connection with sites while regenerating keys. Sites will reconnect automatically during the next sync.
</Warning>

***

## Force Reconnection

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to MainWP Tools">
    Go to **MainWP > Settings > MainWP Tools**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find Force Reconnect">
    Locate the **Force your MainWP Dashboard to establish a new connection** option.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the button">
    Click the **Force Reconnect** button.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for completion">
    The Dashboard regenerates OpenSSL keys and marks all child sites for reconnection. This process runs automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify connections">
    Go to **MainWP > Sites > Manage Sites** and verify that sites are reconnecting. You can manually sync individual sites to speed up the process.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## What Happens During Reconnection

1. **Key regeneration** - The Dashboard creates new OpenSSL public/private key pairs
2. **Site marking** - All child sites are flagged for reconnection
3. **Automatic sync** - During the next sync cycle, each child site receives the new public key
4. **Re-authentication** - Child sites verify the new keys and reestablish secure communication

The process is automatic once triggered. Sites reconnect during their normal sync schedule or when you manually sync them.

***

## Self-Check Checklist

* [ ] Force Reconnect button clicked
* [ ] Dashboard shows sites are reconnecting
* [ ] Previously problematic sites now connect successfully
* [ ] Sync operations complete without errors

***

## Related Resources

* [Troubleshoot Connection Problems](/troubleshooting/potential-issues) - Diagnose connection issues
* [Connection Test Status Codes](/troubleshooting/connection-test-results-status-codes) - Interpret error codes
* [OpenSSL Keys Encryption](/advanced/openssl-keys-encryption) - How MainWP encryption works