Roku Mobile App

[StrawHatCrew]

My Roku Mobile App will only stay connected to my Roku until my phone locks. I constantly have to reconnect. Is there anyone else experiencing and is there a fix? My phone I am using it on is an android.

[justkimba]

I came across your post while searching the same issue. Still searching for a resolution.

[RokuTannerD]

Hi there, 

Thanks for the notes. Please include more details about your current setup, and configuration so we can help take a closer look. 

- What make/model of Android device are you using? 

- What version of Android OS is it running? 

- What specific version of the Roku mobile app do you have installed? 

- Have you double checked your Android device's settings to see if you have any data saving or power saving features enabled that may be constricting app data/usage whenever your screen is locked or the phone in inactive? (These types of features may impact the functionality of any app. )

With more information, we can try to help provide further assistance. 

Thanks,

Tanner

[atc98092]

I don't have an Android phone any longer, but I don't recall that problem with a Galaxy S8. And the iOS app is fine as well. Wondering if there's a setting in Android that only allows the app network access when opened. 

[Erparus]

I came across this post when having the same issue.
Up to date Google pixel 3 xl, spectrum wifi with great signal, Roku model number 8624X (Phillips Roku TV,) running 9.2.04129.

I have no battery settings that should infere. Ive been booted out of the remote screen in the app before, and when going back it suddenly shows me the connect button again and can't find the Roku. Or, if it displays the Roku in grey, I select it and it just times out while trying to 'wake up roku.' the ONLY work around I've found is to restart my wifi module and try again. It's getting worse by the day and I'm sick of having to jump through hoops to connect to it! Really really hoping for a solution !!!

[mikeism]

Roku Mobile App version 6.0.15.304189
Moto Z3 phone
Android version 9 build PDXS29.84-42-3

The Roku mobile app disconnects when my phone is inactive for more than a minute or so.  Then, when I open the app, the 'Connect' button is active and I have to go through the process of reconnecting the mobile app to my TCL series 6 TV.  The mobile app disconnect is not random; it happens every time the phone is idle for a short period of time.  PITA.

Question to Roku developers... is this behavior by design, or is this a problem that you are trying to resolve?  I hope you are trying to fix it.

[RokuTannerD]

@mikeism @Erparus 

Thanks for the notes here. I am not able to reproduce this issue when testing on my Android device (LG model), which leads me to think there may be other factors involved here related to power management settings or features on your specific devices. 

Have you double checked your Android phone's settings to see if you have any data saving or power saving features enabled that may be constricting app data/usage whenever your screen is locked, or when the phone in inactive? (These types of features may impact the functionality of any app. ) For instance, In Settings>General>Power on my phone, I have a 'Battery saver' section that allows me to configure different levels of battery saving functionality, including restricting the operation or data usage of apps running in the background, or when my phone screen is locked. 

I might recommend looking into those types of settings a bit more to see if you can resolve the issue. Please keep us posted! 

Thanks,

Tanner

[mikeism]

Thanks for the feedback Tanner...

A few more notes from further testing...

When I am NOT charging the Moto Z3:     The mobile app continues to disconnect.  It disconnects from the Roku server on the TCL TV and it disconnects from the Roku server on the Roku soundbar that I purchased yesterday.

When I am charging the Moto Z3 phone:   The Roku Mobile app never disconnects from the TV nor from the Roku soundbar. 

[RokuTannerD]

Thanks for following up.

There isn't a server connection made when you connect to your device using the Roku mobile app—the connection is a local connection directly to your mobile device via the wireless network that both devices are connected to. What this behavior indicates, is that your phone is somehow severing the active wireless connection when it is running on battery power.

I would recommend contacting your wireless carrier or phone manufacturer's support and inquiring further to see what settings you may be able to adjust to prevent this from happening. This typically relates to a power management setting that aims to preserve battery life on some mobile devices. 

Please keep us posted! 

Thanks,

Tanner

[mikeism]

Previously, I installed a different Roku remote app from the Android store and that app did not exhibit the disconnect like the Roku Mobile app.  The other app used wifi as well.  I'm going contact Roku tech support.  Will update here later if I find something useful.