OSRS Mobile Disconnecting in Background: Causes and Fixes for 2025

Old School RuneScape (OSRS) Mobile has revolutionized how players enjoy this classic MMORPG, offering flexibility to grind, quest, or PvP on the go. However, a persistent issue that frustrates many players is OSRS Mobile disconnecting in the background. Whether you’re skilling or mid-boss fight, these unexpected logouts can disrupt your progress. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens, how to troubleshoot it, and actionable fixes to keep you connected in 2025. Let’s dive in and tackle this mobile gaming headache!

Disconnects in OSRS Mobile often stem from how the app interacts with your device’s operating system. When the app runs in the background—say, you switch to check a text or browse X—your phone may prioritize battery life or data usage over keeping the game active. Here’s a breakdown of the main culprits.

Device Power-Saving Features

Modern smartphones, whether Android or iOS, come with aggressive power-saving modes. These features can suspend apps like OSRS when they’re not in the foreground, causing a disconnect. For example, Android’s Doze mode or iOS’s Low Power Mode might throttle the app’s network activity to save juice.

Network Stability Issues

Unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data connections are another common trigger. If your signal drops momentarily while OSRS is in the background, the game server might not receive your “keep-alive” signal, resulting in a logout. This is especially noticeable in areas with spotty coverage.

App Timeout Settings

OSRS has built-in timeout mechanisms to free up server resources. If the app detects inactivity—real or perceived due to background status—it may log you out after a set period, typically around 5-10 minutes, depending on server load and your account activity.

How to Identify Your Disconnect Problem

Before jumping to fixes, pinpointing the root cause is key. Not all disconnects are the same, and misdiagnosing the issue could waste your time. Here’s how to narrow it down.

Check Your Connection Logs

Start by observing when disconnects happen. Does it occur only on mobile data, or also on Wi-Fi? Note if it’s consistent across locations or tied to specific activities (e.g., switching apps). This info helps determine if it’s a network or device issue.

Test Background Behavior

Run a quick test: leave OSRS open in the background for 5-10 minutes while connected to a stable network. If you’re logged out, it’s likely a device setting or app timeout problem rather than a connection drop.

Monitor Battery Optimization

Check your phone’s battery usage stats. If OSRS is listed as “optimized” or “restricted,” your device might be killing the app’s background processes, leading to those pesky disconnects.

Top Fixes for OSRS Mobile Disconnecting in Background

Now that you’ve got a handle on the “why,” let’s fix it. These solutions range from quick tweaks to more involved adjustments, all tailored for 2025’s mobile tech landscape.

Disable Battery Optimization for OSRS

Step-by-step fix:

• Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Old School RuneScape > Battery > Optimize Battery Usage. Set it to “Don’t Optimize.”
• iOS: Navigate to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode and turn it off, or allow OSRS full background refresh under General > Background App Refresh.

This ensures your phone doesn’t throttle OSRS when it’s not active, keeping the connection alive.

Lock the App in Memory

On Android, you can “lock” OSRS in your recent apps menu to prevent the system from closing it. Swipe to the app in your recents, tap the icon, and select “Lock.” This trick works on most devices running Android 11 or later, though exact steps vary by manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi).

Use a Stable Network

Switch to a reliable Wi-Fi network when possible. If you’re on mobile data, enable 4G/5G over 3G for better consistency. Avoid public Wi-Fi hotspots, which often have strict timeouts or weak signals that trigger disconnects.

Adjust In-Game Settings

Lowering graphics settings can reduce strain on your device, potentially stabilizing background performance. In OSRS Mobile, go to Settings > Display and toggle to low-detail mode. It’s not a direct fix, but it can help if your phone’s resources are stretched thin.

Preventing Disconnects During Key Moments

Losing connection mid-PvM or while trading in the Grand Exchange is a nightmare. These proactive steps can safeguard your sessions, especially during high-stakes gameplay.

Keep the Screen Active

Use a screen timeout extender app or manually set your display to stay on longer (Settings > Display > Screen Timeout). This keeps OSRS in the foreground longer, reducing background disconnect risks. Just watch your battery!

Prioritize OSRS in Multi-Tasking

Avoid running heavy apps (like video streaming) alongside OSRS. Close unnecessary background apps via your phone’s task manager to give OSRS more system resources and a stronger network grip.

Contact Jagex Support

If all else fails, it might be a server-side quirk. Reach out to Jagex via their support page or X (@JagexSupport). Provide details like your device model, OS version, and disconnect frequency—they might spot an app-specific bug.

Latest Updates and Community Insights for 2025

As of April 6, 2025, Jagex continues to tweak OSRS Mobile for better stability. Community feedback on platforms like X and Reddit offers real-time insights into this issue. Here’s what’s new and what players are saying.

Recent Patch Notes

Jagex’s latest updates (check oldschool.runescape.com) have addressed some mobile connectivity bugs. A March 2025 patch improved background handling for Android 14 devices, though iOS users report mixed results. Stay on the latest app version for these fixes.

Player Workarounds

X users suggest using a VPN to stabilize connections in regions with poor server routing. Others recommend enabling “Data Saver” mode in OSRS settings to reduce network demands, though this might slow load times. Experiment to see what works for your setup.

Device-Specific Trends

A quick scan of X posts reveals iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S24 users facing fewer disconnects after OS updates, hinting that newer hardware handles background apps better. Older devices (pre-2022) struggle more, so consider upgrading if this is a chronic issue.

Pro Tip: Test fixes one at a time to isolate what works best for your device and network.

OSRS Mobile disconnecting in the background doesn’t have to ruin your RuneScape experience. By tweaking your device settings, stabilizing your network, and staying updated with Jagex’s patches, you can minimize logouts and maximize playtime. Whether you’re a casual skiller or a hardcore raider, these tips should keep you in Gielinor longer. Got a fix that worked for you? Drop it below—let’s keep the community connected in 2025!