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Screen Sync For Android OS Devices

How to synchronise screen content for android devices

Android Screen Sync Setup Guide

 

1. Install the Latest Remote Device Management (RDM) application

Android RDM APK: https://cdn.nowsignage.com/android-rdm/1.0.11.apk

After installation, open the RDM application on one device and enable the Local WebSocket Server. The device with the enabled WebSocket server becomes the master device in the sync setup and will send sync commands to all other devices in the group.

⚠️  The HTTP server does not need to be enabled for standard configurations.

Once enabled, the application will display the server’s IP address.

This information must be noted, as it is required when configuring the sync group in the NowSignage CMS.

 

2. Install the Latest NowSignage Android APK.

Android: https://cdn.nowsignage.com/android/5.3.20.apk

KB Article: https://knowledgebase.nowsignage.com/installing-the-latest-nowsignage-android-apk

Once installed, enter the necessary PINs on each device.

 

3. Configure the Sync Group in NowSignage

  1. Log in to the NowSignage account.
  2. Navigate to Apps on the left-hand menu.
  3. Select the Screen Sync app.
  4. Click + Add Sync Group in the top-right corner and assign a name to the group.
  5. Add the required screens to the group by selecting them from the 'Available Screens' area.
Re-sync Interval:
This option is not required for Android devices running the latest app build referenced in this guide.

In the Screen Sync app configuration, a field labelled WebSocket Server Address will appear. After adding screens to the group, populate this field with the IP address of the master device (the device with the enabled local WebSocket server), followed by :8081.

Example: xxx.xxx.x.xx:8081

This entry is essential, as port 8081 is used by the WebSocket server.

Once complete, click Update to save the configuration.

4. Reboot Devices

After the setup is finalised in NowSignage, reboot all devices to initiate the sync process.

Monitoring the Sync Status

After rebooting, return to the Screen Sync app area in the NowSignage account. Refresh the page to view updated statuses:

  • The Master screen will be clearly indicated.
  • Each screen's connection status to the local server is shown beneath its entry.
  • Green date/time: ✅ Device is successfully connected to the local server.
  • Red date/time: ❌ Device is not connected and should be rebooted.

 

FAQ & Troubleshooting 

FAQ

Q. Do all screens in a Sync Group need to have identical content?

NO. However, Screen Sync only works when every screen in the Sync Group has an identical playlist duration.

This includes:

  • The exact same number of assets

  • The same individual asset durations

  • The same overall playlist duration

If any screen has different content timing, the devices will fall out of sync.

 

If you only want certain screens to sync with each other, you must:

  1. Create a separate Sync Group containing only those screens

  2. Assign an identical playlist to those screens

 

Q. Do I need to choose a specific screen as the “Master” device?

In most cases, any screen can act as the master, and playback will still sync correctly.

However, for best performance and stability, we recommend selecting a screen that has:

  • The most reliable network connection

  • Hard-wired Ethernet (LAN) where possible, rather than Wi-Fi

  • A device that is generally considered the most stable or centrally placed in the deployment

While Screen Sync is designed to handle network variations, choosing a strong, stable master device helps maintain consistent synchronisation across the group.

 

Troubleshooting

My screens are not staying in sync

Check the following:

  • All screens in the group have the same playlist structure

  • Asset durations match exactly

  • Total playlist duration is identical across all devices

  • No screen has additional or missing assets

  • The designated master screen has a strong and stable network connection

  • Screens are placed in the correct Sync Group

  • Verify that the date and time settings on your hardware are consistent across all media players and System on Chip (SoC) screens.

 

 

Some screens sync, but others do not

This typically means the non-syncing screens have:

  • Different playlist timings

  • A different number of assets

  • A network issue causing sync drift

  • Been added to the wrong Sync Group

If only specific screens should sync together, create a new, separate Sync Group for those devices.

 

Important considerations when using Screen Sync:

 
1. It is highly recommended to conduct thorough testing on your screens prior to launching any live campaigns. While the NowSignage application includes a screen sync feature, the effectiveness and precision of the synchronisation may vary based on the specific hardware in use.
 
2. Once the screens are added to a 'sync group' within the NowSignage platform, a reboot of the screens is necessary. Upon restarting, the NowSignage app will automatically synchronise the displays, ensuring they operate in unison. This reboot process is required only once when new screens are added to a sync group.
 
3. The dimensions of your content play a critical role in achieving accurate screen synchronisation. If your content does not adhere to the recommended specifications, it may disrupt synchronisation across your screens. Please see our guide here for more information: Content Recommendations Guidance