Roku mobile app

[Fletcho2]

Using private listening on my android phone. I'd like to switch apps while listening to the TV, but the sound keeps dropping. Do I need to have the roku app on top when I'm listening? 

[RokuDanny-R · Accepted solution]

@Fletcho2

Thanks for the inquiry.

Yes, in order to use the Private Listening feature on the Roku mobile app, the app will need to be open and active.

For more help with the Private Listening feature, see these resources:

• How to use headphones with the Roku® mobile app for private listening
• How to use headphones with your Roku® voice remote for private listening
• How to resolve an issue with private listening

Thanks,
Danny

[garyoak]

Why did this change? As recently as 2 days ago I could listen via the Roku app & Bluetooth earphones connected to my phone and check my email at the same time; now the sound stops if my phone screen goes to sleep. This makes the private listening function almost entirely useless.

[RokuDanny-R]

@garyoak @Fletcho2 

Thanks for the posts.

Can you please provide more information about the issue you are experiencing? What Roku model devices are you using with the Roku remote app to use private listening with? In addition, what mobile device are you using the mobile app on?

With more detailed information, we will be able to assist you further.

Thanks,
Danny

[garyoak]

I'm using a 3600X on version 10.5.0 build 4208-24 with the Android app. Until recently I didn't have to actively be on the app for private listening to work. Now if I even put my phone screen to sleep, the sound stops (but doesn't pause streaming). This is a huge battery drain.

[TheRealMojoJojo]

Just a week ago I was able to use the private listening feature in the Roku app on my android phone and could open different apps and even turn the screen off on my mobile device to save battery life of my mobile all the while listening to my shows. Now I have to keep the app open and screen on to listen otherwise the sound drops. Seems like Roku is going backwards. Shame. Hey ROKU! Don't fix it if it aint broken!

Roku 4K Streaming Stick

Samsung Galaxy S9+

[Timaaaahhhh]

Huge miss that you have to have the Roku app running up front to keep audio going.

[Sideways_Steve]

Still no answer Danny? I've noticed this for a few months now on my app as well. Poor form by Roku, ruins the functionality. Is this a strategic adjustment? If so, say it and why the change was made. Renders the app useless at this point. 

Edit: with some additional research (thank you reddit) when the android 13 update occurred it changed the app notifications. In the app turn notifications on. You can still turn off the promotions. Once you've done this it allows the player to remain in your notification bar (running in the background), like your podcast player or music or what have you.  

[JD1965]

Why does Roku private listening while switching apps works on my iphone but not on my new pixel?

[JD1965]

My old iphone can switch apps while using Roku private listening but my new android phone cannot,