Background Operation

Android

Foreground Service

When you enter a hub, CrewTalk starts a foreground service that keeps the audio relay connection alive:

• Persistent notification: Shows "CrewTalk — Connected to [hub name]"
• Service type: FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE — enables PTT in the background
• Wake lock: PARTIAL_WAKE_LOCK prevents the CPU from sleeping and dropping the connection
• The service starts automatically when you enter a hub and stops when you leave

Battery Optimization

Android's battery optimization can kill background apps. CrewTalk requests exemption:

1. On first hub entry, a dialog asks to exempt CrewTalk from battery optimization
2. Tap Allow to ensure uninterrupted background operation
3. If you denied the prompt, enable it manually:

What the Notification Shows

The persistent notification displays:

• Title: "CrewTalk"
• Content: "Connected to [hub name]"
• Icon: CrewTalk mic icon
• The notification cannot be dismissed while connected — this is an Android requirement for foreground services

iOS

Background Audio

iOS uses background audio modes to keep the connection alive:

• The app registers for audio, voip, fetch, and remote-notification background modes
• The audio session keeps the app alive while there's an active audio connection
• iOS manages the background lifecycle — the app may be suspended after extended inactivity

iOS Limitations

iOS is more restrictive about background execution:

• The app may be suspended by iOS if it's been in the background too long without audio activity
• When suspended, the auto-reconnect triggers when you return to the app
• Background audio works best when there's regular PTT activity on the channel

Token Refresh

Firebase auth tokens expire after 1 hour. CrewTalk proactively refreshes tokens every 45 minutes to prevent authentication failures during long background sessions.

This means:

• You won't get disconnected due to expired tokens
• The refresh happens silently in the background
• Even during all-day shoots, your connection stays authenticated

Tips for Best Background Performance

1. Enable battery optimization exemption (Android) — This is the most important step
2. Keep the app connected — Don't manually disconnect unless you're done for the day
3. Monitor the notification (Android) — If it disappears, you've been disconnected
4. Return to the app periodically (iOS) — Ensures the connection is maintained
5. Use a power source — For long shoots, keep your device plugged in
6. Close unused apps — Reduce memory pressure that could cause the OS to kill CrewTalk