Keep Android Displays Running Like New

OVERVIEW

APPLICABLE MODELS

• Android-based ViewSonic ViewBoard interactive displays
• Android-based ViewSonic CDE commercial displays
• Android-based ViewSonic signage displays

SYMPTOMS

• Apps take longer than normal to open.
• Touch response is slow or delayed.
• Wireless casting requires multiple connection attempts.
• The display becomes less responsive after running for several weeks or months.
• The display operates warmer than expected.
• Available internal storage is low.
• Performance temporarily improves after restarting the display.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

• System memory contains processes that did not completely close.
• Background tasks continue running while the display is idle.
• Network and session data has accumulated from Wi-Fi connections, casting sessions, and application logins.
• Temporary application caches have grown too large.
• Extra background activity is placing additional demand on the processor.
• Internal storage has less than 20 percent free space.
• The display, firmware, or installed applications require an update.
• Saved application data or leftover update files remain in internal storage.

RESOLUTION

TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

1. Restart the display.
   Perform a complete restart rather than placing the display in standby. A restart clears active memory, closes stuck background tasks, resets network connections, and clears temporary memory caches.
2. Test the display after the restart.
   Open the affected application, check touch responsiveness, and attempt the wireless casting connection again.
3. Clear the affected application’s cache.
   Clear cached data manually through the display’s application settings. On compatible CDE commercial displays, vSweeper can be used to clear application caches automatically.
4. Check the display’s available storage.
   Maintain more than 20 percent free internal storage. Review storage quarterly or whenever applications continue to respond slowly after a restart.
5. Remove unnecessary stored data.
   Delete unneeded cached files, application data, or leftover update files according to the display’s available storage-management options.
6. Check for firmware updates.
   Install applicable firmware updates when released. Updates may be delivered over the air or deployed through ViewSonic Manager.
7. Update installed applications.
   Install available application updates to address known problems and improve compatibility.
8. Configure scheduled restarts.
   Schedule classroom and meeting-room displays to restart weekly as a starting point. Turning off a display may place it in standby and may not perform a complete restart.
9. Configure unattended signage to restart nightly.
   Run the scheduled restart during off-hours to avoid interrupting displayed content. Configure the signage application to launch automatically when the display starts.
10. Use ViewSonic Manager for remote maintenance when available.
    Administrators can remotely restart displays, clear application caches, check storage, deploy updates, or apply maintenance schedules to individual displays or groups.
11. Perform a factory reset only as a final step.
    Use a factory reset when troubleshooting a persistent fault, reassigning the display, or preparing it for an RMA. A factory reset removes installed applications, settings, accounts, and other information saved on the display. 

Warning: Back up required information and record necessary configuration settings before performing a factory reset.

EXPECTED RESULT

• Applications open normally.
• Touch response returns to normal.
• Wireless casting connects reliably.
• Unnecessary background processes are cleared.
• The display has more than 20 percent free internal storage.
• Scheduled maintenance helps prevent performance degradation from returning.

WHEN TO CONTACT SUPPORT

• Performance remains slow after restarting the display and clearing application caches.
• Touch remains unresponsive or delayed after a complete restart.
• Wireless casting continues to fail after the display and network connection have been restarted.
• The display cannot maintain more than 20 percent free storage after unnecessary data is removed.
• A firmware or application update cannot be completed.
• The display repeatedly freezes, restarts unexpectedly, or displays an error.
• A factory reset fails or the original issue remains after the reset.
• Physical damage, abnormal heat, unusual noise, or another possible hardware issue is present.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Recommended maintenance schedule

Known behavior

• A restart clears active memory but does not remove application data, cached files stored internally, or leftover update files.
• Turning off a display may place it in standby instead of performing a complete restart.
• Scheduled signage restarts should occur during off-hours.
• The signage application should be configured to start automatically so content returns after the restart.
• Actual performance may vary based on system configuration, network conditions, usage environment, and other factors. 

ViewSonic Manager