New episode notifications not working until opening the app

[timkgh]

Checklist

• I have used the search function for OPEN issues to see if someone else has already submitted the same bug report.
• I have also used the search function for CLOSED issues to see if the problem is already solved and just waiting to be released.
• I will describe the problem with as much detail as possible.
• If the bug only to occurs with a certain podcast, I will include the URL of that podcast.

App version

3.3.2

Where did you get the app from

Google Play

Android version

14

Device model

Pixel 6a bluejay

First occurred

No response

Steps to reproduce

I have AntennaPod configured to check for new episodes every 8 hours and to automatically download new episodes. I have yet to see a notification for new episodes. If I open the app then it checks for new episodes right away, downloads them and sends a notification, but it does not work if the app is not active.

Both "Keep updated" and "Episode notifications" toggles are enabled on a per subscription basis and all notifications for AntennaPod are allowed in Android.

Expected behaviour

Should check and notify for new episodes in the background. I expect to occasionally get a notification that new episodes are available without opening the app.

Current behaviour

I never see any new episode notifications until I open the app.

Logs

No response

[ByteHamster]

This sounds like something related to battery optimization. Do you use battery saver mode? Even if not, it might help to set AntennaPod to "not optimized" on the battery settings screen of your phone

[timkgh]

If it is a battery optimization issue, the app should be able to do something to work better, I don't have a problem with notifications from other apps. E.g. I started using AntennaPod because Google Podcast is gone and that worked fine before without any special battery settings.

[ByteHamster]

Simplified explanation: Google apps are automatically exempted from battery optimization.

So my question is still open: Do you use battery saver mode?

[timkgh]

Do you use battery saver mode?

I do not. Just whatever Android 14 on a Pixel phone does by default.

The toggle "Allow background usage" seems to be ON for AntennaPod, so I don't know why it doesn't work 🤷

[tarka]

Could this be related to Do Not Disturb? I have this issue (Pixel 6 Pro, latest Android, background usage enabled). I do occasionally see notifications when not open but most are not shown; IIRC the notifications I have seen came in during the day.. However I am in Australia and most of my feeds update overnight when I have DND on. I would expect to see these notifications in the morning once DND is off but do not.

@timkgh Would this apply in your case?

[timkgh]

It's possible. I have DND enabled at night, though when I wake up in the morning I do have notifications from a bunch of apps. I don't understand why AntennaPod is having such a hard time with notifications.