How to Stop Apps From Running in the Background on Android
Managing background apps on Android is an effective way to save battery life and improve performance.
While Android is built to handle multiple apps efficiently, some apps can drain resources, even when you’re not using them.
- Learning how to control background processes helps keep your phone faster and longer-lasting.
- These instructions apply to Android 9 and higher, though exact wording may vary by device.
Stop Android Apps From Running in the Background
To prevent a specific app from running, you can force stop it through Settings.
This method works across all Android devices, but steps may vary slightly depending on the brand.
- Open Settings > Apps and select the app you want to stop.
- Tap Force stop > OK to close it immediately.
- Note that this fix is temporary—the app may restart after a reboot.
If the app isn’t essential, consider uninstalling it to prevent further background activity.
- Tap Uninstall on the same screen to remove the app entirely.
For a longer-lasting solution, go to App battery usage (on Google Pixel) or Battery (on Samsung Galaxy):
- On Pixel: Tap Allow background usage and toggle it off.
- On Galaxy: Tap Restricted to limit its background processes.
You can also stop apps from using background data:
- Go to Mobile data usage or Mobile data from the app’s settings.
- Disable background data to prevent syncing or refreshing while not in use.
How Background Apps Affect Your Android Battery
Most Android apps run quietly in the background without noticeable impact—but not all.
Poorly optimized apps or too many active processes can reduce battery life and slow performance.
- Use the recent apps button (square or three-line icon) to see what’s open.
- Some apps, like Chrome, may have multiple tabs or windows, each using extra memory.
Low-quality apps from the Play Store may also abuse resources.
- Regularly audit your installed apps to remove ones that cause performance or battery issues.
- Be cautious of apps that use more CPU, memory, or data than expected.
How to See Which Apps Are Running in the Background
To view currently running apps, you’ll need to access Developer options.
Enabling this mode gives you insight into RAM usage and background services.
- On a Pixel: Go to Settings > System > Developer options.
- On a Samsung: Go to Settings > Developer options.
From there, tap Running services to see apps currently active.
- It shows each app’s RAM usage and allows you to force stop them directly.
To find battery-draining apps:
- Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery usage.
- Review the list and look for apps using excess power without good reason.
Enable Battery Saver mode for automatic control of background tasks:
- On Pixel: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver, then toggle Use Battery Saver.
- On Samsung: Go to Settings > Device care > Battery, and enable Power saving.
How to Check RAM in Android
Checking memory use is a great way to spot background app issues.
In Running services, you’ll see how much RAM is being consumed in real time.
- Apps using excessive RAM while idle are candidates for force stopping or removal.
- Keeping your RAM usage low results in smoother multitasking and better battery life.
FAQ
How do you switch between apps on Android?
Swipe up from the bottom and hold briefly, then swipe left or right to scroll through open apps.
- Tap the app you want to return to.
How do I stop Android from optimizing apps?
Go to the app’s info screen and disable Manage app if unused or Remove permissions if app is unused.
- This prevents Android from limiting access after periods of inactivity.
