Are you tired of your Android device slowing down due to background apps consuming system resources? Closing background apps is an effective way to free up memory, extend battery life, and improve overall performance. In this article, we will explore the different methods to close background apps on Android, including the latest versions.
Understanding Background Apps on Android
Before we dive into the methods to close background apps, it’s essential to understand how they work on Android. Background apps are applications that continue to run in the background, even when you’re not actively using them. These apps can consume system resources, such as memory, CPU, and battery power, which can slow down your device.
Android has a feature called “App Standby” that helps to limit the impact of background apps on system resources. App Standby puts apps into a dormant state when they’re not in use, which helps to conserve battery life and reduce memory usage. However, some apps may still continue to run in the background, even when App Standby is enabled.
Why Close Background Apps?
Closing background apps can have several benefits, including:
- Improved performance: Closing background apps can help to free up system resources, which can improve the overall performance of your device.
- Extended battery life: Background apps can consume battery power, even when you’re not using them. Closing these apps can help to extend battery life.
- Reduced memory usage: Closing background apps can help to free up memory, which can improve the performance of other apps.
Method 1: Close Background Apps Using the Recent Apps Menu
One of the easiest ways to close background apps on Android is to use the Recent Apps menu. Here’s how:
- Long press the Recent Apps button: The Recent Apps button is usually located at the bottom of the screen, next to the Home button. Long press this button to open the Recent Apps menu.
- Swipe left or right to find the app: Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close.
- Swipe up to close the app: Swipe up on the app to close it.
This method is available on most Android devices, including those running Android 10 and later.
Method 2: Close Background Apps Using the Settings App
Another way to close background apps on Android is to use the Settings app. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app: Open the Settings app on your device.
- Go to the “Apps” or “Application Manager” section: The exact location of this section may vary depending on your device.
- Find the app you want to close: Find the app you want to close and select it.
- Tap the “Force Stop” button: Tap the “Force Stop” button to close the app.
This method is available on most Android devices, including those running Android 10 and later.
Method 3: Close Background Apps Using the Developer Options
If you’re a developer or advanced user, you can use the Developer Options to close background apps on Android. Here’s how:
- Enable Developer Options: Go to the Settings app and select “About phone.” Tap the “Build number” seven times to enable Developer Options.
- Go to the “Developer Options” section: Go to the Settings app and select “Developer Options.”
- Find the “Running services” section: Find the “Running services” section and select it.
- Find the app you want to close: Find the app you want to close and select it.
- Tap the “Stop” button: Tap the “Stop” button to close the app.
This method is available on most Android devices, including those running Android 10 and later.
Method 4: Close Background Apps Using a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available that can help you close background apps on Android. Some popular options include:
- Greenify: Greenify is a popular app that helps you hibernate apps and prevent them from running in the background.
- Tasker: Tasker is a powerful automation app that can help you close background apps and perform other tasks.
These apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and can be used to close background apps on Android.
Preventing Background Apps from Running
While closing background apps can help to free up system resources, it’s also essential to prevent them from running in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent background apps from running:
- Disable background data usage: Go to the Settings app and select “Data usage.” Find the app you want to disable and toggle off the “Background data” switch.
- Use the “Doze” feature: The “Doze” feature helps to limit the impact of background apps on system resources. Go to the Settings app and select “Battery.” Find the “Doze” feature and toggle it on.
- Use the “App Standby” feature: The “App Standby” feature helps to limit the impact of background apps on system resources. Go to the Settings app and select “Battery.” Find the “App Standby” feature and toggle it on.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent background apps from running and conserve system resources.
Conclusion
Closing background apps on Android can help to free up system resources, extend battery life, and improve overall performance. There are several methods to close background apps, including using the Recent Apps menu, the Settings app, the Developer Options, and third-party apps. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help to prevent background apps from running and conserve system resources.
What is the purpose of closing background apps on Android?
Closing background apps on Android is essential to free up memory, reduce battery consumption, and improve overall device performance. When you have multiple apps running in the background, they consume system resources, which can slow down your device and drain the battery faster. By closing these apps, you can allocate more resources to the apps you’re currently using, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Additionally, closing background apps can also help to prevent overheating, as some apps may continue to run processes in the background that can cause your device to heat up. By closing these apps, you can help to keep your device cool and prevent any potential damage to the hardware.
How do I close background apps on Android?
To close background apps on Android, you can use the Recent Apps menu or the Settings app. To use the Recent Apps menu, go to the home screen and tap the Recent Apps button (usually represented by a square or rectangle icon). This will show you a list of all the apps currently running in the background. Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close, and then swipe up or down to close it.
Alternatively, you can go to the Settings app, select the “Apps” or “Application Manager” option, and then select the app you want to close. Tap the “Force Stop” button to close the app. You can also use the “Close all” or “Clear all” button to close all background apps at once.
Will closing background apps affect my notifications?
Closing background apps on Android may affect your notifications, depending on the type of app and how it’s configured. Some apps, such as social media or messaging apps, may continue to receive notifications even when they’re closed. However, other apps, such as music or video streaming apps, may stop receiving notifications when they’re closed.
If you’re concerned about missing important notifications, you can configure your apps to continue running in the background or use a third-party app to manage your notifications. Additionally, you can also use the “Do not disturb” mode to silence notifications during certain times of the day or when you’re in a meeting.
Can I automate closing background apps on Android?
Yes, you can automate closing background apps on Android using various methods. One way is to use the “Doze” mode, which is a built-in feature that puts your device into a low-power state when it’s not in use. You can also use third-party apps, such as task killers or automation apps, to close background apps automatically.
Another way is to use the “Battery Saver” mode, which can limit background data usage and close apps that are consuming excessive power. You can also use the “Scheduled power on/off” feature to automatically turn off your device during certain times of the day.
Will closing background apps improve my battery life?
Closing background apps on Android can help improve your battery life, but the impact may vary depending on the type of apps you’re closing and how often you use them. Closing apps that consume excessive power, such as games or video streaming apps, can help extend your battery life.
However, closing apps that are designed to run in the background, such as music or podcast apps, may not have a significant impact on battery life. Additionally, some apps may continue to run in the background even after you’ve closed them, so it’s essential to monitor your battery usage and adjust your settings accordingly.
Can I close background apps on Android using a third-party app?
Yes, you can close background apps on Android using a third-party app. There are many task killer and automation apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you close background apps automatically. Some popular options include Greenify, Tasker, and Advanced Task Killer.
When using a third-party app, make sure to read the reviews and check the app’s permissions before installing. Some apps may require additional permissions to function, so be cautious when granting access to your device’s data.
Will closing background apps affect my app data?
Closing background apps on Android may affect your app data, depending on the type of app and how it’s configured. Some apps, such as games or productivity apps, may save their data locally on your device, so closing the app won’t affect your data.
However, other apps, such as social media or cloud-based apps, may sync their data with a remote server, so closing the app may not affect your data. Additionally, some apps may use a cache to store temporary data, which may be cleared when you close the app. If you’re concerned about losing app data, make sure to save your progress or sync your data before closing the app.