Let’s be honest—Wi-Fi is great until it isn’t. If you’ve ever watched a sales pitch stall because the internet died, you know the pain. Sometimes, you’re presenting in a basement, a client’s rural office, or a busy trade show floor where the signal gets eaten alive. This guide is for salespeople, reps, and anyone who uses Showell to present but can’t rely on a strong connection. Here’s the real-world way to make sure your Showell deck just works, no matter what the Wi-Fi gods decide.
Why Offline Mode Matters (And Where It Can Trip You Up)
Offline mode isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s your insurance policy. Showell’s offline mode lets you access your presentations, documents, and media even when the internet is down, slow, or locked behind a guest portal you can’t crack. But there are a few catches:
- You have to plan ahead. If you don’t download your files before you lose your connection, you’re out of luck.
- Not all features work offline (like live analytics or sharing links).
- Large files take up space on your device.
- Updates from your team won’t reach you until you reconnect.
But if you set things up right, Showell’s offline mode is pretty bulletproof for face-to-face meetings.
Step 1: Check Your Showell App & Account
First, make sure you’re using the latest version of the Showell app, whether on iPad, Android tablet, Windows, or whatever device you’re dragging to your sales meeting. Updates fix bugs and sometimes change how offline mode works. If you’re not sure, check your app store or the Showell website.
A few basics:
- You need an active Showell account. Offline mode won’t work if your license is expired or your login is blocked.
- You need storage space. If your device is nearly full, downloading files for offline use will fail or crawl.
- Offline mode works on Showell’s mobile and desktop apps—not in the browser.
Pro tip: Don’t try to wing it with the web version. You need the actual app installed for offline mode.
Step 2: Plan What You’ll Need Ahead of Time
Offline mode only works for files you’ve actually downloaded. If you forget to prep, you might show up with a skeleton deck or missing videos.
Here’s what to plan for:
- The exact presentations you’ll use
- Any supporting documents (PDFs, brochures, tech specs)
- Videos or interactive content (these eat storage, so double-check size)
- Anything you think a client might ask for
Don’t assume you’ll have time to download at the last minute—Wi-Fi can disappear fast in the field.
Step 3: Download Files for Offline Use
Here’s the heart of it. Showell lets you download files or entire folders for offline access. The process is straightforward, but there are a few quirks depending on your device.
For iPad & iPhone (iOS):
- Open the Showell app and log in.
- Navigate to the file or folder you want.
- Tap the three-dot menu (usually on the file or folder).
- Select “Make available offline” or the download icon.
- Check for the offline icon (usually a checkmark or cloud-with-arrow) to confirm it worked.
For Android Tablets:
- Same idea: Open Showell, log in, and find your files.
- Tap and hold on a file or folder.
- Hit the “Download” or “Available offline” option from the menu.
- Wait for the indicator to confirm.
For Windows & Mac (Desktop App):
- Launch the Showell app (not the web browser).
- Find what you need.
- Right-click (or use the menu) and choose “Available offline.”
- Watch for the confirmation icon or progress bar.
Tips: - If you’re prepping a big presentation, download over Wi-Fi—cellular data can be slow and expensive. - Download folders, not just individual files, if you want everything in a section. - Double-check that videos, high-res images, and interactive PDFs actually appear offline. These sometimes fail silently if your connection drops midway.
Step 4: Test Everything Without Internet
This is where most people get burned. Just because you hit “download” doesn’t mean your stuff is ready. Before you leave for your meeting:
- Put your device in airplane mode (or turn off Wi-Fi/cellular).
- Open Showell and try accessing your files.
- Open every presentation, PDF, and video you might use.
- If something’s missing, connect again and try another download.
Don’t skip this step. It’s the only way to be sure you won’t be that person staring at a blank screen in front of a client.
Step 5: Present Like Normal (But Know the Limits)
Once files are downloaded, Showell works offline just like it does online—at least for presenting. You can:
- Open, swipe through, and present documents and slides
- Play downloaded videos
- Access offline search (sometimes limited—depends on device)
What doesn’t work offline:
- Sending live share links
- Real-time analytics (you’ll get this info later when you reconnect)
- Syncing new updates from your team
- Pulling in files you forgot to download
If you need something you didn’t prep, you’re out of luck until you get back online.
Step 6: Reconnect and Sync Later
After your meeting, reconnect to Wi-Fi or cellular. Showell will sync:
- Any activity analytics (what was presented, how long, etc.)
- Notes or highlights you made
- Updates to shared files
If your team uploaded new versions or added files while you were offline, you’ll see those after you sync.
Troubleshooting: When Offline Mode Fails
Things don’t always go as planned. Here’s what to watch for:
- Files won’t download: Check storage space. Delete old files or apps if you’re low.
- App won’t open offline: Make sure you logged in while online recently. Some apps log you out after a while.
- Missing files: Sometimes, Showell’s sync gets stuck. Try logging out and back in while online, then redownload.
- Large videos won’t play: Some formats don’t work well offline. Test every video before you present.
Ignore: The “it’ll probably be fine” voice in your head. If you haven’t tested, assume it won’t work.
Pro Tips and Real-World Advice
- Keep a backup: If it’s a make-or-break meeting, export your main deck as a PDF and keep it in your device’s files or on a USB stick. Worst case, you can present from that.
- Charge your device: Offline mode chews through battery, especially with video. Plug in before you need to go live.
- Don’t hoard files: Download what you need, then remove old files after. Too much stuff slows down your device and makes it harder to find what matters.
- Practice offline navigation: Showell’s interface can be a little different depending on device. Know where your files live before you’re under pressure.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
Offline mode isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little prep. The best sales presentations are the ones where the tech disappears and you can focus on your message. Spend a few minutes before every meeting making sure you’ve got what you need—offline. Skip the fancy features until you know the basics work. Get your process down, and you’ll never sweat a dead hotspot again.