I'm working on an Android app where I need to launch an activity from a foreground service when a certain condition is met. However, due to Android 10+ (API 29) background activity launch restrictions, I'm facing issues starting the activity while the app is in the background.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

✅ Foreground Service: Running a foreground service with a visible notification.

✅ PendingIntent from Notification: Works when the user clicks the notification, but I need it to open automatically when the condition is met.

✅ AlarmManager: Works for scheduled launches, but not suitable for my use case.

My questions: Is there any workaround, hack, or loophole that allows starting an activity from a foreground service in the background? Are there any specific conditions where Android allows background activity launches? Would using deep links, accessibility services, or assistant app privileges help in this case?

⚠ Constraints:

I cannot use SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW or Device Admin permissions.

I do not have Accessibility Service permission.

I cannot use SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM.

I'm working on an Android app where I need to launch an activity from a foreground service when a certain condition is met. However, due to Android 10+ (API 29) background activity launch restrictions, I'm facing issues starting the activity while the app is in the background.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

✅ Foreground Service: Running a foreground service with a visible notification.

✅ PendingIntent from Notification: Works when the user clicks the notification, but I need it to open automatically when the condition is met.

✅ AlarmManager: Works for scheduled launches, but not suitable for my use case.

My questions: Is there any workaround, hack, or loophole that allows starting an activity from a foreground service in the background? Are there any specific conditions where Android allows background activity launches? Would using deep links, accessibility services, or assistant app privileges help in this case?

⚠ Constraints:

I cannot use SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW or Device Admin permissions.

I do not have Accessibility Service permission.

I cannot use SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM.

• android
• android-studio
• android-jetpack-compose
• compose-multiplatform

Share Improve this question Follow edited Mar 6 at 6:01 Selena asked Mar 6 at 6:00 SelenaSelena 1122 bronze badges

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1 Answer 1

Sorted by: Reset to default 0

Android has strict limitations on background activity launches to prevent intrusive behaviors but this might be what you are looking for:

val intent = Intent(this, YourActivity::class.java).apply {
    flags = Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK or Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_CLEAR_TOP
}

val pendingIntent = PendingIntent.getActivity(
    this, 0, intent,
    PendingIntent.FLAG_IMMUTABLE or PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT
)

val notification = NotificationCompat.Builder(this, "your_channel_id")
    .setContentTitle("Your Title")
    .setContentText("Your message")
    .setSmallIcon(R.drawable.ic_notification)
    .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_HIGH)
    .setCategory(NotificationCompat.CATEGORY_CALL) // Important for some cases
    .setFullScreenIntent(pendingIntent, true) // <--- Key part!
    .build()

startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification)

this probably works in many cases, especially if your app is for calls or alarms.