Not all apps on your Android device need to run in the background. If you’re facing lag or excessive battery drain, take charge of your Android Phone resources by stopping background apps. Here’s how to do it:
Navigating Running Apps on Android
Unlocking your Android device’s potential starts with exploring the Developer Options menu, which offers valuable insights and features. One key feature, ‘Running services,’ shows background apps and their RAM usage. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app, scroll down, and tap ‘About phone.’
- Go to ‘Software information’ and tap the ‘Build number’ seven times to enable Developer options.
- Enter your PIN, and once you see the ‘You’re now a developer’ message, return to the main Settings menu to access ‘Developer options.’
- Find and tap ‘Running services’ to view a detailed list of apps and memory usage.
- Visit the Android battery usage menu to gain a deeper understanding of battery consumption.
- Identifying high-drain apps allows you to make informed choices about restricting them.
Optimising Background App Activity
There are several ways to stop apps from running in the background, whether you prefer immediate action or automated solutions:
Force Stop Apps
To stop a specific app from running until you open it again, force-stop it:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Find the app using scroll or search.
- Tap ‘Force stop’ and confirm with ‘OK.’
- Note that some apps may restart on their own.
Restrict Battery Usage
To prevent unnecessary background activity, restrict battery usage:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Find the app.
- Tap ‘Battery’ under ‘Usage’ and select ‘Restricted.’
- Be cautious, as this may impact notifications.
Enable Adaptive Battery
Adaptive Battery, powered by Google’s DeepMind AI, limits background activity for less frequently used apps:
- Go to Settings > Battery.
- Tap ‘Background usage limits’ and select ‘Adaptive battery’ from the menu.
- Turn on the ‘Adaptive battery’ toggle.
- For more control, consider third-party apps like Greenify, but check for updates, as some may be outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I stop apps from running in the background?
Background apps can drain your battery, slow down your device, and consume data. Stopping unnecessary background apps helps improve performance and battery life.
How do I know which apps are running in the background?
You can check running apps through the Developer Options menu under ‘Running services’ or by using battery usage stats in the Settings app to identify apps that consume significant resources.
Can stopping background apps affect app performance?
Yes, stopping background apps may affect app performance, especially for apps that rely on background processes like messaging apps, social media, or email. Notifications may be delayed or missed.
How do I force-stop an app on my Android phone?
Go to Settings > Apps, select the app you want to stop, tap Force Stop, and confirm. This will prevent the app from opening until you reopen it.
What is an Adaptive Battery, and how does it help?
Adaptive Battery is a feature that limits background activity for apps you use less frequently. To enable it, go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery and turn it on.
Can I stop all apps from running in the background at once?
No, you can’t stop all background apps simultaneously. Still, you can manage individual apps through the Settings or Developer Options menus or use features like Adaptive Battery to automate background restrictions.
Will stopping background apps save battery life?
Yes, stopping unnecessary background apps can help extend your battery life by reducing energy consumption.
What are the risks of stopping background apps?
Stopping certain apps from running in the background might lead to missed notifications, delayed updates, or interrupted services, particularly for apps that require constant syncing, like email and messaging apps.
Can I use third-party apps to manage background apps?
Yes, there are third-party apps like Greenify that help manage background apps. However, ensure the app is updated and compatible with your Android version.
How do I restrict battery usage for apps?
Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Battery, and choose Restricted. This will limit the app’s background activity to save battery.
Conclusion
Managing background apps on your Android phone is essential for optimizing performance and battery life. By understanding which apps consume resources and using tools like force stop, battery restrictions, and Adaptive Battery, you can take control of your device’s efficiency.
While some apps may require background processes, carefully selecting which ones to restrict will help maintain a balance between performance and functionality. Regularly monitoring and managing background apps will ensure your Android device runs smoothly and lasts longer throughout the day.