Common Issues
general
My App Works on My Computer but Not When I Share the Link
Everything looks perfect when you test your app on your own computer. But when you send the link to a friend, customer, or investor, they see errors, a blank page, or something completely broken. It's embarrassing and confusing.
This happens because your computer has a special setup that makes the app work — things like saved passwords, local files, or settings that only exist on your machine. When someone else opens the link, none of that is available, so the app falls apart.
It might also be that your app is still running only on your computer (localhost) and isn't actually published to the internet yet, even though you have a link that looks like it should work.
Error Messages You Might See
This site can't be reached
404 Not Found
Application error - check logs
Blank white page
Failed to load resource
Common Causes
- App isn't actually deployed — You're running it on your computer (localhost) and sharing a link that only works on your machine
- Missing environment variables — Secret keys and passwords are saved on your computer but weren't added to the hosting platform
- Database not connected in production — Your app talks to a local database on your computer, not one on the internet
- Mixed HTTP and HTTPS — Your live site uses HTTPS but some resources are loaded over HTTP, which browsers block
- Browser cache showing old version — You see the working version from your cache, but others get the broken deployed version
How to Fix It
- Test in a private/incognito window — Open your link in an incognito browser tab to see what others actually see
- Check your hosting platform — Make sure your app is actually deployed and the hosting shows it as "live" or "active"
- Add your secret keys to the hosting — Any passwords or API keys on your computer need to be added to your hosting platform's environment variables section
- Check the deployment logs — Look at your hosting platform for error messages during the build or deploy process
- Test on your phone — Open the link on your phone (not connected to your home WiFi) to confirm it works outside your network
Real developers can help you.
AUXLE
I am a Full Stack Developer experienced in building Websites, Web apps and Cross Platform Mobile Apps for Startups and Companies.
Mehdi Ben Haddou
- Founder of Chessigma (1M+ users) & many small projects
- ex Founding Engineer @Uplane (YC F25)
- ex Software Engineer @Amazon and @Booking.com
PawelPloszaj
I'm fronted developer with 10+ years of experience with big projects. I have small backend background too
Bastien Labelle
Full stack dev w/ 20+ years of experience
Taufan
I’m a product-focused engineer and tech leader who builds scalable systems and turns ideas into production-ready platforms.
Over the past years, I’ve worked across startups and fast-moving teams, leading backend architecture, improving system reliability, and shipping products used by thousands of users. My strength is not just writing code — but connecting product vision, technical execution, and business impact.
Alvin Voo
I’ve watched the tech landscape evolve over the last decade—from the structured days of Java Server Pages to the current "wild west" of Agentic-driven development. While AI can "vibe" a frontend into existence, I specialize in the architecture that keeps it from collapsing.
My expertise lies in the critical backend infrastructure: the parts that must be fast, secure, and scalable. I thrive on high-pressure environments, such as when I had only three weeks to architect and launch an Ethereum redemption system with minimal prior crypto knowledge, turning it into a major revenue stream.
What I bring to your project:
Forensic Debugging: I don't just "patch" bugs; I use tools like Datadog and Explain Analyzers to map out bottlenecks and resolve root causes—like significantly reducing memory usage by optimizing complex DB joins.
Full-Stack Context: Deep experience in Node.js and React, ensuring backends play perfectly with mobile and web teams.
Sanity in the Age of AI: I bridge the gap between "best practices" and modern speed, ensuring your project isn't just built fast, but built to last.
Rudra Bhikadiya
I build and fix web apps across Next.js, Node.js, and DBs.
Comfortable jumping into messy code, broken APIs, and mysterious bugs.
If your project works in theory but not in reality, I help close that gap.
zipking
I am a technologist and product builder dedicated to creating high-impact solutions at the intersection of AI and specialized markets. Currently, I am focused on PropScan (EstateGuard), an AI-driven SaaS platform tailored for the Japanese real estate industry, and exploring the potential of Archify.
As an INFJ-T, I approach development with a "systems-thinking" mindset—balancing technical precision with a deep understanding of user needs. I particularly enjoy the challenge of architecting Vertical AI SaaS and optimizing Small Language Models (SLMs) to solve specific, real-world business problems. Whether I'm in a CTO-level leadership role or hands-on with the code, I thrive on building tools that turn complex data into actionable value.
Franck Plazanet
I am a Strategic Engineering Leader with over 8 years of experience building high-availability enterprise systems and scaling high-performing technical teams. My focus is on bridging the gap between complex technology and business growth.
Core Expertise:
🚀 Leadership: Managing and coaching teams of 15+ engineers, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
🏗️ Architecture: Enterprise Core Systems, Multi-system Integration (ERP/API/ETL), and Core Database Structure.
☁️ Cloud & Scale: AWS Expert; architected systems handling 10B+ monthly requests and managing 100k+ SKUs.
📈 Business Impact: Aligning tech strategy with P&L goals to drive $70k+ in monthly recurring revenue.
I thrive on "out-of-the-box" thinking to solve complex technical bottlenecks and am always looking for ways to use automation to improve business productivity.
Daniel Vázquez
Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience on Startups, Government, big tech industry & consulting.
Describe what's wrong in plain English. No technical knowledge needed.
Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
What does 'localhost' mean?
Localhost means the app is running only on your own computer. It's like a private preview. To let others see it, you need to deploy (publish) it to a hosting service like Vercel, Netlify, or Heroku.
Why does it work in my browser but not my friend's?
Your browser might be showing a cached (saved) version, or your computer has settings and passwords that the live version doesn't have. Always test in an incognito window to see the real version.