Streaming on Your Phone: Data and Storage Tips

Rock Player on an Android phone or tablet is a pocket-sized companion to your living room. The phone layout puts everything within thumb's reach with bottom navigation, and features like the TV Guide, Continue watching and My List come with you.

Phones do have limits, though - mainly mobile data, storage and battery. These tips help you get the most from Rock Player without running into any of them.

Mobile data

Video is one of the heaviest uses of mobile data. A little awareness goes a long way.

Prefer Wi-Fi

Whenever you can, stream over Wi-Fi - at home, at work or anywhere you trust the network. It saves your mobile allowance for when you genuinely need it.

Know your allowance

Check how much data your mobile plan includes, and use your phone's built-in data usage screen to see how much Rock Player uses. On most Android phones you will find this under Settings > Network & internet > Data usage (names vary slightly by manufacturer).

Set a data warning

Android lets you set a warning or limit on mobile data. Setting a warning a little below your allowance gives you a gentle heads-up before you run out.

Watch the short things on the go

Away from Wi-Fi, a quick check of what is on is light on data, while long sessions are best saved for Wi-Fi. Use reminders and Recordings to keep longer programmes for later at home.

Storage

Phones fill up quickly with photos, videos and app data. Rock Player needs some free space to run well and to install automatic updates.

Keep some room free

Aim to keep a comfortable amount of free space on your phone. If storage is nearly full, apps - including Rock Player - may struggle to update.

Clear the installer

After installing Rock Player from /get, the downloaded installer file is no longer needed. Open your Files or Downloads app and delete it.

Tidy other apps

Check your phone's storage screen to see which apps use the most space. Removing apps you no longer use is the quickest win.

Battery

Video playback keeps the screen on and the processor busy.

• Charge during long sessions. If you are settling in for a while, plug in.
• Lower screen brightness. The screen is one of the biggest power users.
• Use auto or dark appearance. Rock Player's auto setting follows your phone's own light or dark mode, and dark interfaces are easier on the eyes at night.

A comfortable phone setup

• A stand or case with a kickstand makes longer viewing much more comfortable.
• Headphones keep sound clear and personal on the move.
• Rotate to landscape for full-screen playback.

Tablets

Everything above applies to tablets too. Tablets have larger screens and batteries, so they suit longer sessions - a great option for the kitchen, a bedroom or travel.

Making the most of the phone layout

• Continue watching - pick up on your phone where you left off.
• My List - save titles while you are out and watch them later.
• Search - your phone's keyboard makes finding things quick.
• TV Guide - plan the evening on the way home.

Phones and device plans

Your phone counts as a device like any other. As our FAQ explains:

One subscription is for one device at a time. You can log in on two devices, but you can watch on only one device at a time.

If you want to watch on your phone while someone else watches the TV at home, choose a plan with enough devices. See all options on our pricing section.

Troubleshooting on phones

• The stream pauses on mobile data. Mobile signal varies as you move. Try again in a stronger signal area or on Wi-Fi.
• The update will not install. Free up storage and make sure Allow from this source is turned on for Rock Player.
• The app feels slow. Close apps you are not using, or restart your phone.

Take it with you

Rock Player on Android phones and tablets is included with every plan. Download it from /get, choose your plan at /#pricing, and carry an app that streams solid like a rock.