Running apps in the background is a common practice on Android devices as it allows users to quickly switch between applications and receive notifications. However, having too many apps running in the background can drain your device’s battery and consume valuable system resources. That’s why it’s important to know how to stop apps from running on the background on your Android device.
In this blog post, we will explore different methods to effectively stop apps from running on the background on your Android device. We will provide step-by-step instructions for each method, as well as discuss their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you will be able to optimize your device’s performance by preventing unnecessary apps from running in the background.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Stop Apps Running on Background Android
There are several reasons why you need to stop apps from running on the background on your Android device. Here are a few:
1. Improved Performance: When you have multiple apps running in the background, they consume system resources like CPU and RAM. This can slow down your device and affect its overall performance. By stopping unnecessary apps, you can free up system resources and ensure smooth operation.
2. Battery Optimization: Running apps in the background can significantly drain your device’s battery. Certain apps, such as social media or messaging apps, constantly fetch new data and send notifications, which can quickly deplete your battery. By stopping unnecessary background apps, you can extend your battery life and increase the time between charges.
3. Data Usage Control: Some apps continue to use data in the background, even if you are not actively using them. This can result in unnecessary data consumption and may lead to higher cellular data charges. By stopping background apps, you can have better control over your data usage and avoid surprises on your monthly bill.
Now that we understand the importance of stopping apps from running in the background, let’s explore different methods to achieve this on your Android device.
Method 1: Using the Android Settings
One of the easiest ways to stop apps from running on the background is by using the built-in settings on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Applications" (depending on your device).
3. You will see a list of all the apps installed on your device. Tap on the app you want to stop from running in the background.
4. On the app’s details page, tap on "Battery" or "Battery usage."
5. Look for the "Background restriction" or "Background usage" option and toggle it to "Off" or disable it.
6. Repeat the above steps for other apps you want to stop from running in the background.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy to access and use. | 1. May not be available on all Android devices and versions. |
| 2. Provides granular control over background app usage. | 2. Requires manual configuration for each app. |
| 3. No additional apps or tools required. | 3. Limited options for managing system apps. |
Method 2: Via the Recent Apps Screen
Another method to stop apps from running on the background is by using the recent apps screen. This method is particularly useful when you want to quickly close multiple apps at once. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Navigate to the recent apps screen by pressing the square or recent apps button on your Android device.
2. Swipe left or right to browse through the list of recently opened apps.
3. To close an app, swipe it off the screen either upwards or sideways.
4. Repeat the above step for other apps you want to close.
5. Alternatively, you can tap on the "Clear all" button at the bottom of the screen to close all the apps at once.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Quick and easy way to close multiple apps. | 1. Closing apps from the recent apps screen does not prevent them from running in the background again. |
| 2. Requires no additional tools or settings. | 2. Limited control over individual app’s background behavior. |
| 3. Provides a visual overview of recently opened apps. | 3. May accidentally close apps that you want to keep running in the background. |
Method 3: Using Task Manager Apps
If you want more control and flexibility over managing background apps, you can use third-party task manager apps. These apps come with additional features and options to stop apps from running on the background. Here’s how you can use a task manager app:
1. Visit the Google Play Store and search for a task manager app of your choice.
2. Install the app on your Android device.
3. Launch the task manager app and grant the necessary permissions.
4. The app will display a list of running apps. Select the apps you want to stop from running in the background.
5. Tap on the "Stop" or "End" button to close the selected apps.
6. Some task manager apps also provide advanced features like auto-start manager, which allows you to control which apps start automatically when you boot your device.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers more features and flexibility compared to built-in settings. | 1. May require additional storage space to install the task manager app. |
| 2. Allows batch closing of apps. | 2. Some task manager apps may display ads or include in-app purchases. |
| 3. Provides additional tools like auto-start manager for better control over app behavior. | 3. Runs as a separate app in the background, which may consume system resources. |
Method 4: Using Developer Options
If you have enabled the developer options on your Android device, you can use a hidden feature called "Don’t keep activities" to stop apps from running in the background. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "About phone" or "About device."
3. Look for the "Build number" or "Build version" option and tap on it multiple times until you see a notification that says "You are now a developer!"
4. Go back to the main Settings screen and scroll down to find the "Developer options" or "Developer settings."
5. Tap on "Developer options" and scroll down to find the "Don’t keep activities" or "Limit background processes" option.
6. Enable the option and select the desired limit for the number of background processes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a system-wide restriction on background app activity. | 1. Requires enabling the developer options, which may not be available on all devices and versions. |
| 2. Helps in limiting the number of background processes, regardless of the app. | 2. May cause apps to reload frequently, resulting in slower app switching. |
| 3. Provides more aggressive control over background app behavior. | 3. Incompatible with certain apps that rely on background processes. |
What to Do If You Can’t Stop Apps Running on Background Android
In some cases, you may encounter difficulties in stopping apps from running on the background on your Android device. Here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Restart Your Device: Restarting your Android device can sometimes resolve temporary glitches and force close background apps.
2. Clear App Cache: Clearing the cache of the problematic app can help in resolving issues and prevent it from running in the background.
3. Uninstall or Disable Problematic Apps: If a specific app is causing issues and you can’t stop it from running on the background, consider uninstalling or disabling it to prevent further problems.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to further optimize your Android device’s performance:
1. Keep Your Device Updated: Regularly update your Android device to the latest software version. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.
2. Use Battery Optimization Features: Many Android devices have built-in battery optimization features. Enable these features to automatically manage and limit background app activity.
3. Limit App Notifications: Consider disabling notifications for apps that you don’t need updates from. This can help reduce background app activity and conserve battery life.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I access the developer options on my Android device?
A1: To access the developer options, go to the Settings app and look for "About phone" or "About device." Tap on it multiple times until you see a notification that says "You are now a developer!" Then, go back to the main Settings screen and scroll down to find "Developer options" or "Developer settings."
Q2: Will stopping apps from running in the background affect their functionality?
A2: Stopping apps from running in the background may affect their functionality to some extent. Certain apps rely on background processes to fetch data, send notifications, or update content. However, stopping unnecessary background apps should not have a significant impact on the overall functionality of your device.
Q3: Can I use task manager apps to stop system apps from running in the background?
A3: Task manager apps generally allow you to stop both user-installed apps and system apps from running in the background. However, be cautious when stopping system apps, as they may be integral to the proper functioning of your device.
Q4: Will stopping apps from running in the background save battery life?
A4: Yes, stopping apps from running in the background can save battery life. Apps running in the background consume system resources like CPU, RAM, and network connectivity, which in turn use battery power. By stopping unnecessary apps, you can reduce the overall power consumption of your device and extend its battery life.
Q5: Is it safe to enable the developer options on my Android device?
A5: Enabling the developer options on your Android device is generally safe. However, these options provide access to advanced features and settings that are intended for developers and advanced users. Making changes to these settings without proper knowledge or understanding may cause issues or instability on your device. It’s recommended to exercise caution and only modify settings that you are familiar with.
Final Thoughts
Stopping apps from running on the background on your Android device can significantly improve its performance, extend battery life, and give you better control over your data usage. Whether you choose to use the built-in settings, the recent apps screen, task manager apps, or the developer options, it’s important to strike a balance between stopping unnecessary background apps and preserving the functionality of essential apps. By following the methods and tips discussed in this article, you can optimize your Android device and enjoy a smoother and more efficient user experience.