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Managing the PTT Framework's behavior on iOS

This article is written for: ❌ Zello Work ✅ Zello Friends & Family.

Apple's Push to Talk Framework gives Zello users fast, convenient access to Zello from the lock screen and while using other apps. Zello is building improvements to help users get the most out of it.

This article covers two new settings that give you more control over how the PTT Framework behaves on iOS:

  • Enable Background Messaging Without PTT Framework — receive messages in the background without Apple's PTT system UI.
  • Keep Zello active after force-closing — controls whether Zello stays connected after you force-quit the app.

Note: Both settings require Apple's Push to Talk Framework to be enabled. Neither changes the core behavior of the PTT Framework, so push notifications must stay on and you should still swipe up to dismiss the lock screen rather than tapping "Leave" in order to stay connected. For a full overview, see "Using Zello with Apple's Push to Talk Framework".


Keep Zello active after force-closing

When Apple's PTT Framework is active, force-quitting Zello does not close your session; the framework keeps running in the background so you continue receiving messages. As a result, the PTT interface stays visible on the Dynamic Island and lock screen even after the app has been closed.

For some users this is unexpected. Force-quitting an app usually closes it. This setting lets you choose whether force-quitting Zello keeps Zello running in the background.

Note: With Keep Zello active after force-closing turned off, Zello messages won't play live until you reopen the app. When the setting is off, you'll receive a notification each time you force-quit the app.

Enabling this setting

Keep Zello active after force-closing is off by default. To keep Zello running in the background after force-quitting the app, follow these steps:

  1. Open Zello and go to Settings → Background access.
  2. Toggle Keep Zello active after force-closing on.

To stop Zello from running in the background after force-quitting, toggle the setting off.

Note: This setting only appears when Apple's PTT Framework is active. If Enable Background Messaging Without PTT Framework is turned on, this setting is hidden.


Enable Background Messaging Without PTT Framework

Some users prefer to receive messages in the background without the PTT Framework. Enable Background Messaging Without PTT Framework gives you that option. When it's on, the Dynamic Island indicator, lock screen UI, and per-message notifications won't appear.

There are two trade-offs to be aware of before enabling it:

  • Higher battery usage. Without the PTT Framework, Zello uses a different background connection method that uses more power.
  • Degraded experience with PTT buttons. When sending a message from a locked device or while using another app, an active phone call UI will appear on screen for the duration of the message.

Enabling this setting

Enable Background Messaging Without PTT Framework is off by default. To enable it:

  1. Open Zello and go to Settings → Background access.
  2. Toggle Enable Background Messaging Without PTT Framework on.
  3. Tap Enable to confirm.

To re-enable the PTT Framework, toggle the setting off.