Assign a reference to the variable (choose one)#

• Serialize a reference, and ensure it is assigned in the component's inspector.
• Manually assign the reference in a method like Awake or Start using GetComponent or similar.
• Initialise the variable with AddComponent or CreateInstance.

1. Assign all references (if you serialized a reference)#

Check that all references have been assigned in the inspector.

Check for duplicate objects#

Search the Scene (t:ExampleComponent for example) when the error occurs, ensuring there aren't duplicate components causing the issue. Logs can also be made to ping objects they reference using the context parameter, this helps find the exact object.

2. Do not override the reference#

• Remove any assignments that could be overriding your reference. A common mistake is missing GetComponent setting a serialized value to null in Awake or Start.
• Ensure nothing is destroying the Object, or setting it to null before you attempt to use it.

3. Check assignments use correct assumptions#

Some examples:

• GetComponent<Example>() will return null if an Example component isn't attached to the same GameObject. A common example of this being wrong is Text when using subtypes of TMP_Text.
• Camera.main will return null if there isn't a camera tagged as MainCamera.

4. Don't try to use the object before it's assigned#

Assignment must occur before access. Often you would use Awake to get, and Start to use.

5. Do not use a modern null-checking operator#

Check that you are not using modern null-checking operator (?., ??, ??=). See Unity null to learn about the specifics surrounding null and UnityEngine.Object types.