ExoPlayer Seek Caching, Background Crashes, and Offline Download

[nomanshahingamer-web]

This issue respects the following points:

• This issue is not already reported on GitHub (I've searched it).
• I agree to follow Jellyfin's Code of Conduct.
• This report addresses only a single issue; If you encounter multiple issues, kindly create separate reports for each one.

Describe the bug

Device Info: Realme C21Y (Android)

I am encountering several issues specifically within the Android client using the ExoPlayer.

Issue 1: Lack of Seek-Back Caching
When seeking backward in a video that has already been buffered/watched, the app makes a new request to the server instead of utilizing a local temporary cache (similar to the YouTube mobile player). This causes unnecessary loading times and server strain on local networks.

Issue 2: Background Playback Failure
When playing a music video in the background or with the screen locked, playback consistently stops after 5–10 minutes. When attempting to resume via media controls, the app often restarts from the splash screen, losing the current playback session and position.

Issue 3: Local Network Download Bug
When the server is local and the client device has no external internet connection, the "Download" feature within the UI fails to initialize. However, the stream link works fine if copied manually into a browser.

Request: A more robust Download Manager UI with controls for pausing, resuming, and managing multiple concurrent local downloads.

Media info of the file

Which video player implementations does this bug apply to?

• Web player (default)
• Integrated player (ExoPlayer)
• External player (VLC, mpv, MX Player)

Client logs

FFmpeg logs

Application version

2.6.3

Where did you install the app from?

Google Play Store

Device information

Realme C21Y

Android version

11

Jellyfin server version

10.11.7

Other sources

No response

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