Offline File Access in the Seaty Mobile App
The Seaty mobile app provides comprehensive offline access to downloaded files, ensuring event organisers can rely on critical materials even when venue internet is unavailable or unreliable.
At its simplest, offline file access answers one question: Can I still view my event files when there's no internet?
Who uses this: Event organisers and staff who need reliable access to materials at venues with poor connectivity.
Key capabilities:
- Browse and view all downloaded files without internet
- Play audio and video files completely offline
- View file information and thumbnails for downloaded content
- Share files to other apps using your device's share features
- Create and manage position bookmarks in media files
How It Works
At a glance: Download files while connected, then access them anytime, even without internet.
1. Prepare files before your event
While you have internet access, download the files you need from your event's file location in the app. Each file you download is saved to your device.
2. Access files from Downloads
When offline, open the Downloads screen to see all your saved files. You can browse folders, open files, and play media exactly as you would online.
3. Connection returns seamlessly
When internet becomes available again, any paused downloads resume automatically. Your downloaded files remain unchanged until you choose to update them.
Think of it this way:
- Downloaded files are like physical copies on your device - always available
- Cloud files require internet to access - like streaming content
- Downloads screen shows what you have locally - your offline library
What Works Offline
Once files are downloaded, you have full functionality without internet:
- Browse Downloads: Navigate your entire folder structure
- View Files: Open images, documents, and videos
- Play Media: Audio and video playback works completely offline
- View File Information: File sizes, thumbnails, and details are all saved
- Share Files: Send files to other apps using your device's share menu
- Create Bookmarks: Save position markers in media files for quick access
The app handles connection loss gracefully - no error messages appear for features that work offline, and clear indicators show when online features are unavailable.
What Requires Internet
Some features need an active connection:
Browsing cloud files: The file location browser needs internet to show your folders and files. Use the Downloads screen instead when offline.
Downloading new files: You cannot start new downloads without a connection. If downloads are in progress when you lose connection, they pause and resume automatically when you reconnect.
Checking for updates: Downloaded files keep their original content. To see if files have been updated, browse the file location when you have internet.
Why can't I browse cloud files offline? The file list comes from your cloud storage and requires an internet connection to retrieve. Downloaded files are stored locally, which is why they remain accessible.
How Files Are Saved
When you download a file, the app saves:
- The complete file at full quality (no compression)
- A preview thumbnail for quick identification
- File details like name, size, and download date
- Any bookmarks you create for media files
Files remain on your device until you delete them. They survive app restarts and device reboots.
Where are files stored? Files are kept in secure app storage - protected from other apps and persistent across app updates.
Handling Connection Changes
When connection drops:
- Downloads screen continues working normally
- Active downloads pause automatically
- Clear messages appear if you try cloud features
- Everything resumes when connectivity returns
When connection returns:
- Paused downloads resume from where they stopped
- Cloud file browser becomes accessible again
- Your downloaded files remain unchanged
Why don't my files update automatically? Downloaded files are intentional copies you control. The app won't overwrite them without your action, so you always have the version you expected.
Best Practices
Before an event:
- Download all files you might need while connected
- Check the Downloads screen to confirm everything is saved
- Test media playback to ensure files work
- Create any position bookmarks you need
During an event:
- Use the Downloads screen, not the cloud browser
- All downloaded files work without internet
- File sharing works through your device's share menu
- Media bookmarks save automatically to your device
After an event:
- Delete files you no longer need to free storage
- Keep important materials for future reference
- Check cloud folders when online to see any updates
Common Questions
Accessing Files
Downloaded file won't open? Check that the file shows a downloaded indicator (not a cloud icon). If it does, try closing and reopening the app. If problems persist, delete and re-download the file.
Files disappeared after restarting the app? Downloaded files should persist. Check you have sufficient device storage. If files are missing, re-download them from the file location.
Connection Issues
App shows offline when I have internet? Check your device's network settings. Try closing and reopening the app. Test by opening the file location browser.
Downloads not resuming when back online? Navigate away from the Downloads screen and return. If still paused, cancel and restart the download.
Storage
How much space do downloaded files use? Files are stored at full quality, so they use the same space as the original. Large video files can use significant storage.
How do I free up space? Delete files you no longer need from the Downloads screen. Removing the app will delete all downloaded files.
Need help? Contact support@seaty.co.uk