This guide explains what happens when you minimize the Mevo app, whether it can run in the background, how it behaves during phone calls, and how far you can move from your camera while streaming. It also highlights key differences between iOS and Android devices.
Minimizing the Mevo App
Whether minimizing the app will interrupt your stream depends on your mobile device and the way your Mevo camera is connected. The table below outlines how each scenario behaves.
Is a mobile hotspot considered cellular?
If your mobile device is using its own 4G/LTE data connection, it is considered a cellular connection. However, if you’re connected to a mobile hotspot over Wi-Fi, it counts as a Wi-Fi connection even if that hotspot uses cellular data.
| App | Mevo Multicam | Mevo Multicam | Mevo Single Cam | Mevo Single Cam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Cellular | Wi-Fi / Ethernet | Cellular | Wi-Fi / Ethernet |
| iOS | No* | No* | No* | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
When using the Mevo Single Cam app, the camera handles the encoding. On iOS, using a cellular connection requires the app to stay open. On Android, streaming continues in the background.
When using the Mevo Multicam app, your mobile device performs the encoding. This means the app must remain open on iOS unless you are using Stage Manager on an iPad that supports it.
*Stage Manager: A multitasking feature available on iPads with M1 chips or newer running iPadOS 16 or later. It allows apps to remain active in the background.
Can I walk away from the camera?
Even if your stream continues while the app is minimized, you may lose connection if you move too far from the camera. The table below outlines walk-away limits by setup type.
| App | Mevo Multicam | Mevo Multicam | Mevo Single Cam | Mevo Single Cam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection Type | Cellular | Wi-Fi / Ethernet | Cellular | Wi-Fi / Ethernet |
| iOS | No | No | No | Yes |
| Android | No | No | No | Yes |
With Mevo Multicam, the mobile device must stay within range of the camera. That range is typically up to 100 feet under ideal conditions, but real-world performance may vary depending on walls, interference, and network quality.
Real-world distance may vary
The 100-foot guideline assumes clear line of sight and minimal interference. Your range may be shorter in indoor or congested environments.
Background Streaming Behavior
On iOS, streaming continues in the background only if the camera is connected via local Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If you're using the camera's hotspot, navigating away from the app will stop the stream. Android users can typically minimize the app without ending the stream.
If you plan to multitask during your stream, connect your camera to a local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network for the most stable experience.
Streaming While on a Phone Call
iOS
On iOS 10.3.2 and newer, you can take calls during a stream. However, if you're connected to the camera's hotspot using cellular data, the stream will end when you leave the app to answer the call. Once the call ends, you can return to the app and resume control.
If you're connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the stream continues during the call, though you will not be able to access the Mevo app until the call ends.
If your audio source is connected through your iOS device’s headphone jack or lightning port, the stream’s audio will be muted while