Start Service at boot without activity

Question

I want create an application which contains only a service (no activity). This service must start on boot. My problem is that it seems the boot receiver don't seems call if there aren't activity. I have test with the following example. I have the different files :

MyReceiver.java :

package com.test.teststartserviceatboot;

import android.content.BroadcastReceiver;
import android.content.Context;
import android.content.Intent;
import android.util.Log;
import android.widget.Toast;

public class MyReceiver extends BroadcastReceiver {
    @Override
    public void onReceive( Context ctx, Intent i ) {

        Log.v( "MyReceiver", "onReceive : ");
        Intent intent = new Intent( ctx, MonService.class );
        ctx.startService(intent);
    }
}

MyService.java :

package com.test.teststartserviceatboot;

import android.app.Service;

public class MyService extends Service {
    @Override
    public int onStartCommand(Intent intent, int flags, int startId) {
        Log.v( "MyService","onStartCommand" );
        return super.onStartCommand(intent, flags, startId);
    }
    @Override
    public IBinder onBind( Intent arg0 ) {
        Log.v( "MyService","onBind" );
        return null;
    }
}

MainActivity.java:

package com.test.teststartserviceatboot;

import android.app.Activity;
import android.os.Bundle;

public class MainActivity extends Activity {

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);
    }
}

I only modify the AndroidManifest on my several test.

• Test 1 (with Activity)

  <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="17" 
          android:targetSdkVersion="17"/>
  
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED" />
  
  <application
      android:allowBackup="true"
      android:icon="@drawable/ic_launcher"
      android:label="@string/app_name" >
  
      <activity
          android:name=".MainActivity"
          android:label="@string/title_activity_main" >
          <intent-filter>
              <action android:name="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
  
              <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
          </intent-filter>
      </activity>
      <service
          android:name=".MyService"
          android:exported="false"
          android:label="MyService" >
      </service>
  
      <receiver android:name=".MyReceiver" >
          <intent-filter>
              <action android:name="android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED" />
          </intent-filter>
      </receiver>
  </application>
  

-> after reboot, the service is running.I see log :

AtivityManager Start proc com.test.teststartserviceatboot for broadcast com.test.teststartserviceatboot/.MyReceiver: pid=1808 uid=10156 gids={50156}

MyReceiver onReceive
MyService onStartCommand

• Test 2 (without Activity)

  <uses-sdk android:minSdkVersion="17" 
          android:targetSdkVersion="17"/>
  
  <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED" />
  
  <application
      android:allowBackup="true"
      android:icon="@drawable/ic_launcher"
      android:label="@string/app_name" >
      <service
          android:name=".MyService"
          android:exported="false"
          android:label="MyService" >
      </service>
  
      <receiver android:name=".MyReceiver" >
          <intent-filter>
              <action android:name="android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED" />
          </intent-filter>
      </receiver>
  </application>
  

  ->The service don't running

  • Test 3

I use the same appllication on test 1 (with activity). This time I kill the app before to restart the tablet (Parameter->Apps->TestServiceAtBoot->force stop). -> After reboot, service don't running

---

Is it necessary to have an activity for brodcast receiver works ? And why ?

Thank your for your lightening.

Answer 1

From Android 3.1, BroadcastReceiver will not work until the user has manually launched an activity, This is for provide security . once the user runs the app for the first time then your BroadcastReceiver will run always except it does not Force Stop it. Once activity launch at first time your broadcast receiver will run even after reboot your deice.

Therefore in your application you must have one Activity to run BroadcastReceiver.