How to Stop Apps from Running on Background Android

Running apps in the background can significantly impact the performance and battery life of your Android device. These apps continue to consume system resources and data, even when you’re not actively using them. This can result in a slower device and reduced battery life. In this blog post, we will discuss why you need to stop apps from running in the background and explore several methods to achieve this.

Video Tutorial:

Why You Need to Stop Apps from Running in the Background

There are several reasons why you should consider stopping apps from running in the background on your Android device:

1. Improved Performance: Running multiple apps simultaneously can strain your device’s resources, leading to lag and sluggish performance. By stopping unnecessary background apps, you can free up system resources and ensure a smoother user experience.

2. Enhanced Battery Life: Background apps consume battery power, even when you’re not actively using them. This can result in faster battery drain and shorter battery life. By preventing apps from running in the background, you can extend your device’s battery life.

3. Reduced Data Usage: Background apps often sync and update data in the background, consuming your mobile data. This can lead to unexpected data charges and depletion of your data plan. By disabling apps from running in the background, you can minimize data usage and save on your monthly data limit.

4. Privacy and Security: Some apps may continue to collect and transmit data in the background, even when you’re not using them. By stopping the background operations of certain apps, you can ensure better privacy and security on your Android device.

Method 1: How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background via App Settings

To stop apps from running in the background using the app settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Applications" depending on your device.
3. This will open a list of all the installed apps on your device.
4. Select the app you want to stop from running in the background.
5. Tap on "Battery" or "Battery usage" depending on your device.
6. Look for the option "Background restriction" or "Background usage."
7. Toggle the switch to disable background activities for the selected app.

Pros:
1. Provides control over individual app’s background activities.
2. Can be easily accessed through the Settings app.
3. No additional software or apps required to stop background apps.

Cons:
1. Need to manually repeat the process for each app.
2. Limited customization options for background restrictions.

Method 2: How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background via Developer Options

If you have enabled Developer Options on your Android device, you can use this method to stop apps from running in the background:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Developer Options."
3. If Developer Options is not visible, go to "About phone" or "About device" and tap on the "Build number" seven times to activate it.
4. Inside Developer Options, scroll down and look for the "Background process limit" or "Limit background processes" option.
5. Tap on it and select the desired option:
a. Standard limit restricts the background processes to a minimum.
b. No background processes completely disables apps from running in the background.
6. Restart your device for the changes to take effect.

Pros:
1. Provides a system-wide control over background processes.
2. No need to manually stop individual apps from running in the background.

Cons:
1. Requires enabling Developer Options, which may vary depending on the device.
2. Disabling background processes for certain apps may affect their functionality.

Method 3: How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background via Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you manage and stop apps from running in the background. Here’s how to use one of these apps:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for "background apps manager" or a similar keyword.
3. Choose an app with positive reviews and high ratings.
4. Install the app on your device and launch it.
5. Follow the app’s instructions to grant necessary permissions.
6. Explore the app’s interface and look for options to stop background apps.
7. Select the apps you want to stop from running in the background and apply the changes.

Pros:
1. Offers more advanced features and customization options than native Android settings.
2. Can provide additional insights into app usage and performance.

Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing a third-party app.
2. Some apps may have annoying ads or in-app purchases.

Method 4: How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background via Battery Optimization

Android devices often include a battery optimization feature that can help you manage background apps and improve battery life. Here’s how you can utilize this feature:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Battery" or "Battery & performance."
3. Look for the "Battery optimization" or "Optimize battery usage" option and tap on it.
4. By default, apps that are optimized for battery usage will appear in the "Not optimized" list.
5. Tap on "All apps" or "Apps not optimized" to see the full list of installed apps.
6. Select the app you want to stop from running in the background.
7. Tap on "Don’t optimize" or "Optimize" depending on your device to prevent the app from running in the background.

Pros:
1. Built-in feature on Android devices.
2. Can optimize battery usage for multiple apps at once.

Cons:
1. Limited customization options for individual apps.
2. Some apps may not appear in the battery optimization settings.

What to Do If You Can’t Stop Apps from Running in the Background

If you find that you’re unable to stop apps from running in the background using the above methods, here are a few fixes you can try:

1. Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches and refresh the system, allowing you to regain control over background apps.

2. Update your device software: Outdated software may have compatibility issues or bugs that prevent you from stopping apps from running in the background. Check for system updates and install them if available.

3. Clear the app cache: App cache can accumulate over time and impact the performance of individual apps. Clearing the app cache can sometimes resolve issues related to background activities.

Bonus Tips

Here are three bonus tips to further optimize and manage background apps on your Android device:

1. Customize app notifications: By disabling unnecessary notifications, you can not only reduce distractions but also potentially prevent apps from running in the background when responding to these notifications.

2. Uninstall or disable unused apps: Removing or disabling apps that you no longer use can free up system resources and reduce the number of apps running in the background.

3. Use a task killer app: Task killer apps can help you identify and terminate background processes and apps that are consuming excessive resources. However, exercise caution while using these apps as they can sometimes hinder legitimate system processes.

5 FAQs

Q1: How do I enable Developer Options on my Android device?

A1: To enable Developer Options on your Android device, go to "Settings" > "About phone" or "About device" > Tap on "Build number" seven times. You will see a message indicating that Developer Options are now enabled.

Q2: Can stopping apps from running in the background affect their notifications?

A2: Disabling background activities for certain apps can impact their ability to deliver notifications in real-time. You may need to manually open the app to receive notifications or change the app’s specific settings to prioritize notifications.

Q3: Will stopping apps from running in the background delete my data?

A3: No, stopping apps from running in the background will not delete any data associated with those apps. It will only prevent them from consuming system resources and running in the background.

Q4: Are all apps safe to disable from running in the background?

A4: While most apps can be safely stopped from running in the background, some apps may require background activities to function correctly. Disabling background activities for critical system apps or apps that need to sync in the background may affect their functionality.

Q5: Can I stop system apps from running in the background?

A5: Android devices usually have system apps that are essential for the device’s functionality. These apps may not have an option to disable background activities. It is recommended to exercise caution when restricting background activities for system apps.

Final Thoughts

Stopping apps from running in the background on your Android device can significantly improve performance, extend battery life, and reduce data usage. By utilizing the methods discussed in this blog post, you can have better control over your device’s background app activities. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you. Remember to periodically review your background app settings to optimize your device’s performance and maximize its potential.