Battery optimisation

Android aggressively manages battery by suspending or killing apps that it thinks aren't being used. This can stop Dinghy Coach from recording mid-session. Configuring battery optimisation correctly is the single most important setup step for reliable on-water recording.

The problem

Android's default battery optimisation settings are designed for apps that run briefly and don't need continuous background access. Dinghy Coach needs to run continuously for the entire session — recording GPS every second and maintaining the coach-sailor connection. Without the right settings, Android can pause or stop the app after a few minutes, especially if the screen turns off.

Fix — exempt Dinghy Coach from battery optimisation

When you first launch the app, it will prompt you to allow unrestricted background access. Tap Allow when prompted.

If you skipped this step or the prompt appeared and disappeared:

1. Open Android Settings → Apps → Dinghy Coach.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Select Unrestricted (the exact wording varies by manufacturer — see table below).

Manufacturer-specific steps

Some Android manufacturers have additional battery management layers on top of standard Android:

Samsung (One UI): Settings → Battery → Background usage limits → Never sleeping apps → Add Dinghy Coach

Xiaomi / MIUI: Settings → Apps → Dinghy Coach → Battery saver → No restrictions Also: Security app → Boost → check that Dinghy Coach isn't in the autostart block list

Huawei / EMUI: Settings → Battery → App launch → Dinghy Coach → Manage manually → Enable "Run in background"

OnePlus / OxygenOS: Settings → Battery → Battery optimisation → Dinghy Coach → Don't optimise

If your device isn't listed and you're having issues, search for "[your phone model] background app battery optimisation" for model-specific instructions.

Keeping the screen on

Some sailors prefer to keep the phone screen on during the session so the HUD is always visible. The Sailing HUD keeps the screen active automatically — you don't need to change any setting for this.

If the screen does turn off (e.g. you put the phone in a pocket), recording continues as long as battery optimisation is set to Unrestricted.

How to tell if battery optimisation is causing problems

Signs that the app was killed mid-session:

• The session stops recording much earlier than you expected
• The Sessions screen shows the session ending at an odd time (e.g. a few minutes after you launched)
• On the coaching screen, a sailor's dot turns red and they stop sending speed updates even though they're nearby

Checking before sailing

The Device Check screen (start screen → ⋮ → Device Check) shows whether battery optimisation is configured correctly for the current device. A green indicator on the "Battery" row means you're set.