Screenflex for Android

A step-by-step technical guide for installing, configuring, and optimizing the Screenflex app on Android devices.

1. System Requirements

To ensure smooth playback and stable operation, verify the device meets the following requirements:

Minimum OS
  • Android 7.0 (Nougat) or higher

    (Recommended: Android 10+ for best performance)

Hardware
  • CPU: Quad-core or higher
  • RAM: 2GB+ (Recommended: 4GB+)
  • Storage: 200MB free for installation
  • Stable WiFi/Ethernet connection
Recommended Devices
  • Android media boxes
  • Android tablets
  • Android-based smart displays & signboards
  • Android TVs with Google Play
2. Installing the Screenflex App
Step 1 — Install the app

On your Android device:

  1. Launch the Google Play Store app.

    Make sure you are logged into a Google account.

  2. Search for “Screenflex Player”
  3. Tap Install

    If your device does not have Google Play Services, use the Android APK version instead.

Step 2 — Launch the app

After installation:

  • Tap Open

    Or

  • Find Screenflex on your Home Screen or App Drawer.
3. Grant Required Permissions

When you launch the app for the first time, the player will request several permissions.

  • Storage Access: To cache media, download assets, and play offline content.
  • Network Access: Allows content updates, reporting status, syncing schedules.

Tap Allow on all required permissions to guarantee stable operation.

4. Linking Your Device to Screenflex
Step 1 — Generate the Code
  1. Log in to your Screenflex Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Screens → Add Screen.
  3. Fill in the form.
  4. A 6-digit pairing code will be generated automatically.
Step 2 — Enter the Code on the Android Device
  1. Open the Screenflex app on your Android device.
  2. Enter the 6-digit code provided by the dashboard.

    (Or enter the Screen Slug)

  3. After a few seconds, the device will:
    • Link to your account
    • Sync the assigned playlists
    • Begin showing content automatically

This linking method ensures that only authorized users can register new screens.

5. Enable App Pinning (Recommended)

App Pinning ensures no one can exit the Screenflex app accidentally. This is crucial for public-facing screens.

Android offers built-in App Pinning that locks the device to a single app.

How to Enable App Pinning (on most Android devices)
Step 1 — Enable App Pinning in System Settings

On the Android device:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Go to Security and privacy
  3. Tap More privacy settings
  4. Tap Allow apps to be pinned
  5. Turn on App Pinning
  6. Enable Lock phone after unpinning (very important for signage)
Step 2 — Pin the Screenflex App
  1. Open Screenflex app
  2. Press the Recent button. Or if you are using gestures, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold
  3. Locate the Screenflex window
  4. Tap the app icon at the top
  5. Choose Pin this app

Your device is now locked to Screenflex.

Step 3 — How to Exit App Pinning

To exit (only if needed):

  • On most devices:

    Hold both Back + Recent Apps buttons together

  • If using gesture navigation:

    Swipe up and hold,then enter the device PIN/passcode.

This prevents staff, customers, or users from leaving the app.

6. Enabling Developer Mode & Stay Awake (Recommended)

Developer Mode allows you to access the Stay Awake option, which prevents the device from turning off the screen while charging — essential for stable digital signage operation.

Step 1 — Enable Developer Mode on Android

On the Android device:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap About phone (or About tablet / About device, depending on the model)
  3. Scroll until you find Build number
  4. Tap Build number 7 times
  5. Enter your device PIN or password when asked
  6. You will see a confirmation message: “You are now a developer!”

Developer Options are now unlocked.

Step 2 — Enable “Stay Awake” (Prevents the screen from turning off)
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap System (or Additional settings, depending on device)
  3. Tap Developer options
  4. Scroll down until you find: Stay awake — Screen will never sleep while charging
  5. Toggle Stay awake ON
Additional Recommendations

For the best 24/7 signage performance:

  • Set the maximum available screen timeout option (or “Never” on devices that support it).
  • Disable Battery Saver / Power Saving Mode
  • Disable Adaptive brightness if the screen dims unexpectedly
  • Keep the device plugged in at all times for stable operation
7. Network Recommendations

To ensure uninterrupted content updates:

  • Use Ethernet for maximum stability
  • If WiFi is used, connect to a dedicated 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network
  • Provide at least 5 Mbps bandwidth per device
  • Disable captive portals (common in hotels/public WiFi)
8. Updating the App

Screenflex Player updates automatically through the Play Store by default.

To force update:

  1. Open Google Play Store
  2. Search “Screenflex”
  3. Tap Update if available

We recommend keeping the app always updated for:

  • New features
  • Security patches
  • Playback improvements
9. Troubleshooting
Screenflex doesn’t link
  • Make sure the pairing code exists
  • Verify the device has internet
  • Check for typos in the 6-digit code or slug
Playback freezes or stutters
  • Restart the device
  • Ensure at least 5 Mbps bandwidth
  • Check if large 4K videos exceed the device's hardware capacity
App closes unexpectedly
  • Disable battery optimizations
  • Lock the app using App Pinning
  • Restart the device
  • Ensure the device is plugged in
  • Check for any recent updates
Empty Screen
  • Ensure a playlist is assigned
  • Try clearing local cache and reopening the app
10. Limitations

There are currently some limitations. Check them out here.

Interested?

Screenflex works on any screen, TV, or device no special hardware required and no credit card needed