iPhone streaming app stops when screen locks — all the fixes

[NancyBuffer]

Hi everyone! Starting this thread to discuss the topic and hear from others with similar experiences. Happy to answer questions and share more details if needed.

 

[HD_Harold]

Background App Refresh is the first setting to check.

 

[Moderator_Max]

Settings > General > Background App Refresh > toggle on for your app.

 

[Frank_Tech]

Where exactly is Background App Refresh on iOS 14?

 

[BufferBuster]

I had it enabled but the app still stopped. What else to check?

 

[SupportAlex]

Also check if the app has audio permissions. Apps with audio permissions stay alive longer.

 

[BobWifi]

Check Low Power Mode. iOS is very aggressive about killing apps in Low Power Mode.

 

[TomBuffer]

The audio permission trick is interesting. How does that work?

 

[CarlaStream]

When an app has active audio session permission, iOS treats it as foreground even when screen locked.

 

[LauraApps]

So the streaming app should have audio permissions enabled by default?

 

[DianaTV]

Yes, but some apps need you to play audio at least once before iOS grants the persistent audio session.

 

[AppWizard]

Playing a few seconds then locking the screen helped mine stay alive. Weird workaround but works.

 

[BufferBuster]

iOS 15 made this worse in my experience. More aggressive power management.

 

[AdminSarah]

iOS 16 added an option in Battery settings to be less aggressive. Check your iOS version.

 

[StreamKing]

This thread should be pinned. Comes up so often for iPhone users.