Mobile Chat Disconnects
NatterFly chatrooms are live chatrooms. While you're in a room, your browser maintains a live connection to the NatterFly chat server so that messages, joins, leaves and other activity can appear immediately.
If you're using a phone or tablet, switching from NatterFly to another app, for example, to answer a text message or check another app - can sometimes cause your device to pause or suspend the web browser in the background.
If the browser's connection to NatterFly is interrupted for long enough, the chat server can no longer see you as connected and you may leave the room.
Does this mean NatterFly doesn't work on phones?
No. You can use NatterFly from a phone or tablet, and if you keep the chat open and active while you're chatting, your live connection should normally remain active.
The issue is more likely to occur when you switch away from the browser, lock your phone, allow the screen to sleep, or use other apps while you're in a chatroom. Exactly how background browser connections are handled can vary between devices, browsers and operating systems.
Why does the connection need to stay active?
NatterFly is designed around live conversation. When your name appears in a chatroom, other people can see that you're there and may be talking to you.
Unlike messaging apps where you can read and reply to messages much later, a live chatroom is intended for people who are present and chatting together at the same time.
That's why NatterFly doesn't deliberately keep somebody shown as being in a room for several minutes after their live connection has disappeared. Doing so could make other members think you're still there and talking when you've actually switched away.
How can I avoid being disconnected?
- Keep the NatterFly chatroom open while you're actively chatting.
- Avoid frequently switching between NatterFly and other apps during a conversation.
- Try not to lock your phone while you're in a chatroom.
- If your screen turns off very quickly, you may wish to increase your device's screen timeout while chatting.
- If you do lose your connection, simply return to NatterFly and enter the chatroom again.
What if I disconnect without switching apps?
If NatterFly is open on your screen and you're actively using the chatroom but you are still being disconnected regularly, that's different and may indicate a connection or technical problem.
If this keeps happening, please let us know through NatterFly's support system and include as much information as possible, such as the device and browser you're using.
For the best NatterFly experience
NatterFly works on phones and tablets, but for the best experience we recommend using a laptop or PC.
NatterFly is designed as an old-school, MSN-style live chat experience. In a busy chatroom, messages can appear quickly and conversations can move fast. A larger screen makes it much easier to follow the conversation, see who's in the room and join in without messages disappearing up the screen before you've had chance to read them.
A laptop or PC also allows you to keep the chatroom open and connected without mobile apps interrupting or suspending your browser connection.
Remember: NatterFly is live chat. If you're in the room, you're there to natter! :)