How to Fix Cast Stops When Screen Turns Off Issue

Casting your screen to a TV, smart display, or speaker offers a seamless way to enjoy media on a larger screen or with better sound. However, it can be frustrating when the cast stops just because your phone or device screen turns off. This is a common issue, but the good news is there are several solutions that can help. Here, we’ll explain why this issue happens and guide you through easy steps to fix it.

Why Does Casting Stop When the Screen Turns Off?

Most casting apps rely on an active screen to maintain the connection between your device and the display or speaker. When the screen turns off, the device may enter a low-power mode, causing it to pause or disconnect the cast. This is often due to:

1. Battery-Saving Features: Modern devices often have power-saving settings that limit background activity.
2. App-Specific Restrictions: Some apps pause when the screen is off to conserve data and battery.
3. Network Instability: An unstable Wi-Fi connection can disrupt the casting connection, especially when the device isn’t actively used.
4. Device-Specific Settings: Some devices have unique restrictions that affect casting.

How to Fix the Cast Stops When Screen Turns Off Issue

1. Adjust Power-Saving Settings

• On Android: Go to “Settings” > “Battery” > “Battery Saver” and toggle it off or add an exception for the casting app. Alternatively, go to “Apps” > [Your Casting App (DLNA, BubbleUPnP, Miracast, etc.)] > “Battery” > “Allow background activity.”
• On iPhone: Go to “Settings” > “Battery” > “Low Power Mode” and turn it off.

Adjusting these settings will ensure the app stays active in the background and continues casting.

2. Disable App-Specific Battery Optimization

Some apps have their own power management settings that may interrupt casting. To check this:

• On Android: Go to “Settings” > “Apps” > [Your Casting App] > “Battery Optimization” and turn off optimization.
• On iOS: Open the app’s settings within the app itself (if available) and look for any power or background activity settings.

3. Use a Dedicated Casting Device

Using dedicated devices like Chromecast, Fire TV, or Roku can help. These devices allow you to cast directly to them, and they don’t rely on the phone screen to stay active. Once the content is streaming, the cast remains active even when your phone’s screen is off.

4. Enable “Keep Screen On” Settings on Your Device

Some devices allow you to enable a “Keep Screen On” setting, which prevents the screen from automatically turning off while the app is active. You can find this option in the developer options on many Android devices.

5. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

A stable and strong Wi-Fi connection is essential for uninterrupted casting. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, try moving closer to the router, or consider using a Wi-Fi extender.

6. Update Your Device and App

Sometimes, compatibility issues can cause casting problems. Keeping your device’s operating system and casting apps updated can resolve issues caused by outdated software. Go to the app store on your device, check for updates, and install them if available.

Other Tips for a Better Casting Experience

• Restart Your Device and Router: Restarting both your device and the Wi-Fi router can solve temporary connection issues that may interrupt casting.
• Reduce Background Apps: Close unnecessary apps to reduce resource usage, which can help maintain a steady casting connection.
• Use Ethernet: If possible, use an Ethernet adapter for your casting device. This provides a stable connection that can handle streaming more reliably than Wi-Fi.

The “cast stops when screen turns off” issue is a common annoyance, but it’s one you can often solve with a few simple adjustments. By changing settings on your device, using dedicated casting hardware, or improving your Wi-Fi connection, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming and casting experiences. Whether you’re watching a movie or listening to music, these steps can help ensure that your cast stays connected, even when your screen turns off.

Frequently Asked Questions