How to Stop Apps Running in Background on Your Android Phone: A Complete Guide

Do you feel like your Android phone is running slower than usual? Are your apps consuming too much battery life, or perhaps you notice your device overheating? The culprit could be apps running in the background, draining your resources and affecting performance.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to stop apps running in the background on your Android phone. By the end of this article, you’ll not only have a faster, more responsive device, but also a better understanding of how to optimize your phone for maximum efficiency.

Why Should You Stop Apps from Running in the Background?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s take a quick look at why you should consider stopping apps from running in the background on your Android device:

1. Save Battery Life: Background apps use up your phone’s processing power, which can lead to faster battery drain.
2. Improve Phone Performance: Closing apps running in the background can free up valuable system resources, making your device run faster.
3. Prevent Overheating: When too many apps are running in the background, they can cause your phone to overheat. Closing unnecessary apps can help prevent this.
4. Reduce Data Usage: Some apps continue to use data in the background, which could lead to unexpected data charges, especially if you’re on a limited data plan.

How to Stop Apps Running in the Background on Android (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Close Apps Manually from the Recent Apps Menu

The quickest way to stop apps from running in the background is to close them manually from the recent apps screen. Here’s how:

1. Open Recent Apps: Tap the square or multitasking button on your Android device (it’s typically located at the bottom of the screen).
2. Swipe Left or Right: Browse through the open apps and swipe left or right on each app to close it.
3. Clear All: If you want to close all background apps at once, look for the “Clear All” button at the top or bottom of the screen (this depends on your Android version).

While this method closes apps from the recent apps screen, it doesn’t fully stop them from running in the background.

Step 2: Manage Background Apps Through Settings

For a more comprehensive approach, Android offers built-in settings to manage background apps:

1. Open Settings: Go to your phone’s home screen and tap on “Settings.”
2. Go to Apps: Scroll down and tap on “Apps” (or “Apps & Notifications” depending on your Android version).
3. View Running Apps: Tap on “See all apps” to view the complete list of installed apps.
4. Choose an App: Tap on any app that you suspect is running in the background.
5. Force Stop: Tap on “Force Stop” to immediately close the app and stop it from running in the background.

Note: Force stopping apps that you use frequently may cause them to restart the next time you open them, so use this method for apps that you rarely use.

Step 3: Limit Background Processes for Specific Apps

If you don’t want to completely force stop an app, but want to limit its background activity, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and go to “Apps.”
2. Select an App: Tap on the app you want to modify.
3. Battery: Tap on “Battery” (this may appear as “Battery Usage” or something similar).
4. Background Activity: In the battery settings, you may see an option that allows you to restrict the app’s background activity. This ensures that the app won’t consume resources when not in use.

Step 4: Use Developer Options to Limit Background Processes

For advanced users, you can tweak Android’s developer settings to limit the number of processes running in the background.

1. Enable Developer Options: To access developer options, go to “Settings” > “About Phone” > tap “Build number” seven times to enable developer mode.
2. Open Developer Options: Go back to “Settings” and find “Developer options” near the bottom.
3. Limit Background Processes: In the Developer options menu, find the “Limit background processes” setting. You can choose to limit the number of background processes, or even restrict them entirely.

Warning: Be cautious when adjusting developer options. Some settings could cause apps to function improperly.

Step 5: Use Battery Optimization Features

Android comes with built-in battery optimization features that automatically restrict apps from running in the background when not in use. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Open Settings and tap on “Battery.”
2. Battery Saver: If you’re looking to limit background activity for all apps, enable the “Battery Saver” feature. This mode automatically restricts non-essential apps from running in the background.
3. Optimize Apps: In the Battery section, tap on “Battery optimization” to see which apps are optimized for background activity. Tap on “All apps” and manually select apps you want to optimize for better background management.

Step 6: Use Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Control

If you want a more granular control over background apps, you can install third-party apps designed to monitor and manage app behavior. Some popular choices include:

• Greenify: This app allows you to hibernate apps, preventing them from running in the background without your permission.
• Brevent: Brevent offers similar functionality to Greenify but includes more advanced features for rooted devices.

How to Identify Which Apps Are Using the Most Battery

In some cases, the apps running in the background are draining your phone’s battery without you even realizing it. Here’s how to identify the battery-hogging apps:

1. Open Settings and tap on “Battery.”
2. Battery Usage: Under the battery section, you’ll see a breakdown of which apps have used the most battery.
3. Close Problematic Apps: If you notice that certain apps are consuming an unusually high amount of battery, it’s a good idea to close them manually or limit their background activity.

Preventing Apps from Running in the Background in the Future

Now that you know how to stop apps from running in the background, let’s discuss how to prevent it from happening in the future:

1. Regularly Clear Recent Apps: Make a habit of clearing your recent apps menu to stop apps from running unnecessarily.
2. Limit Background Data: In “Settings” > “Data Usage,” you can restrict which apps are allowed to use data in the background.
3. Update Your Apps: Outdated apps may consume more resources than necessary. Regularly updating apps can improve their efficiency and reduce background activity.
4. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: If you find that certain apps are constantly running in the background and you never use them, uninstall them to free up resources.

May you also like it:

4 Useful Ways I Use Gemini AI in Google Slides

Google Photos: Everything You Need to Know

How to Remove App Labels on iPhone: A Simple Guide [2024]

FAQs

1. Will stopping apps from running in the background improve my phone’s performance?

Yes! Closing unnecessary apps frees up system resources, which can result in a noticeable improvement in speed and overall performance.

2. Does force stopping apps affect their functionality?

Force stopping an app may prevent it from working correctly until you manually open it again. Use this method for apps you don’t need running constantly.

3. How can I tell if an app is consuming too much battery?

Go to “Settings” > “Battery” to see which apps are consuming the most battery. This will help you identify any resource-heavy apps.

4. Can background apps drain my data?

Yes. Some apps continue to use mobile data in the background, leading to potential data overages. Limiting background data usage can help.

5. Is it safe to use third-party apps to manage background apps?

Third-party apps like Greenify are generally safe, but be cautious when using them and ensure you download them from trusted sources like the Google Play Store.

Conclusion

Stopping apps from running in the background is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your Android phone’s performance and save battery life. Whether you choose to manually close apps, limit background activity, or use third-party tools, there are several methods available to keep your phone running smoothly. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure your Android device stays responsive, efficient, and optimized for daily use.