Are you tired of your Android device minimizing apps without your consent? Do you find it frustrating when you’re in the middle of something important, only to have the app suddenly shrink down to a tiny window or disappear altogether? You’re not alone. Many Android users have experienced this issue, and it can be especially annoying when you’re trying to multitask or work on a critical task.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Android’s app minimizing behavior and provide you with step-by-step solutions to take control of your device and stop apps from minimizing.
Understanding Android’s App Minimizing Behavior
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why Android minimizes apps in the first place. There are a few reasons for this behavior:
- Memory Management: Android has a limited amount of RAM, and when multiple apps are running simultaneously, the system may minimize or close apps to free up memory and prevent the device from slowing down.
- Power Management: Minimizing apps can help conserve battery life, as it reduces the amount of power required to run the app.
- Multitasking: Android’s multitasking feature allows you to have multiple apps open at the same time. However, when you switch between apps, the system may minimize the previous app to make room for the new one.
While these reasons make sense, it’s still frustrating when you’re not in control of which apps are minimized and when.
Disabling Android’s App Minimizing Feature
Fortunately, there are a few ways to disable Android’s app minimizing feature or take control of which apps are minimized. Here are a few methods:
Method 1: Disable Adaptive Battery
Adaptive Battery is a feature in Android that helps conserve battery life by limiting background app activity. However, it can also cause apps to minimize or close unexpectedly. To disable Adaptive Battery:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery
- Toggle off Adaptive Battery
Method 2: Disable Background App Refresh
Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content in the background, even when you’re not using them. However, this feature can also cause apps to minimize or close. To disable Background App Refresh:
- Go to Settings > Apps > App permissions > Background app refresh
- Toggle off Background app refresh for individual apps or Toggle off for all apps
Method 3: Use the “Don’t Keep Activities” Option
The “Don’t Keep Activities” option allows you to specify which apps should not be minimized or closed when you switch between apps. To enable this option:
- Go to Settings > Developer options > Don’t keep activities
- Toggle on Don’t keep activities
- Select the apps you want to exclude from minimizing
Using Third-Party Apps to Control App Minimizing
If the above methods don’t work for you, there are several third-party apps available that can help you control app minimizing. Here are a few options:
Greenify
Greenify is a popular app that allows you to hibernate apps, preventing them from running in the background and minimizing. To use Greenify:
- Download and install Greenify from the Google Play Store
- Launch Greenify and select the apps you want to hibernate
- Toggle on Hibernate for each app
Tasker
Tasker is a powerful automation app that allows you to create custom tasks and profiles. You can use Tasker to create a profile that prevents apps from minimizing. To use Tasker:
- Download and install Tasker from the Google Play Store
- Launch Tasker and create a new profile
- Select the apps you want to exclude from minimizing
- Create a task that prevents the apps from minimizing
Customizing Your Android Experience
In addition to disabling app minimizing, you can also customize your Android experience to better suit your needs. Here are a few tips:
Use a Custom Launcher
A custom launcher can give you more control over your home screen and app drawer. You can use a launcher like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher to customize your Android experience.
Use a Task Manager
A task manager can help you manage your apps and prevent them from minimizing. You can use a task manager like Advanced Task Manager or Task Manager to close apps and free up memory.
Use a Battery Saver
A battery saver can help you conserve battery life without minimizing apps. You can use a battery saver like Greenify or DU Battery Saver to extend your battery life.
Conclusion
Android’s app minimizing feature can be frustrating, but there are several ways to take control of your device and prevent apps from minimizing. By disabling Adaptive Battery, Background App Refresh, and using third-party apps like Greenify and Tasker, you can customize your Android experience and prevent apps from minimizing. Additionally, by using a custom launcher, task manager, and battery saver, you can further optimize your device and improve your overall Android experience.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your Android device and stop apps from minimizing. Whether you’re a power user or just looking for a way to improve your Android experience, this article has provided you with the knowledge and tools you need to customize your device and prevent app minimizing.
What is the issue with Android minimizing apps?
The issue with Android minimizing apps is that it can be frustrating and disrupt the user experience. When Android minimizes an app, it can cause the app to lose its current state, and the user may have to restart the task they were working on. This can be especially problematic for apps that require a lot of input or have complex workflows.
To make matters worse, Android’s app minimization behavior can be triggered by a variety of factors, including low memory, battery saver mode, or even accidental gestures. This can make it difficult for users to predict when an app will be minimized, and it can be challenging to find a solution to the problem.
Why does Android minimize apps?
Android minimizes apps to free up system resources and improve overall performance. When an app is minimized, Android can reclaim memory and CPU resources, which can help to improve the responsiveness of the system. Additionally, minimizing apps can help to conserve battery life, as it reduces the amount of power consumed by the app.
However, while minimizing apps may be beneficial for the system as a whole, it can be detrimental to the user experience. Many users rely on apps to perform critical tasks, and minimizing these apps can cause disruptions and frustration. Fortunately, there are ways to take control of Android’s app minimization behavior and prevent it from disrupting the user experience.
How do I stop Android from minimizing apps?
To stop Android from minimizing apps, you can try a few different approaches. One method is to disable the “Don’t keep activities” option in the Developer options menu. This option is designed to help developers test their apps, but it can also be used to prevent Android from minimizing apps.
Another approach is to use a third-party app that can help to prevent Android from minimizing apps. There are several apps available that can help to keep apps running in the background, even when the system is low on memory or battery life. These apps can be especially useful for users who rely on apps to perform critical tasks.
What are the risks of stopping Android from minimizing apps?
Stopping Android from minimizing apps can have some risks, particularly if you have a device with limited memory or battery life. If you prevent Android from minimizing apps, it can cause the system to consume more resources, which can lead to slower performance and reduced battery life.
Additionally, preventing Android from minimizing apps can also cause issues with app stability and reliability. If an app is not designed to run in the background for extended periods, it can cause crashes or other issues. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and risks of stopping Android from minimizing apps before making any changes.
Can I select which apps to prevent from minimizing?
Yes, you can select which apps to prevent from minimizing on Android. Some third-party apps allow you to specify which apps you want to keep running in the background, even when the system is low on memory or battery life. This can be useful if you only need to prevent a few critical apps from being minimized.
Additionally, some devices also offer a “protected apps” feature that allows you to specify which apps should be exempt from minimization. This feature can be found in the device’s settings menu, and it can be used to prevent critical apps from being minimized.
Will stopping Android from minimizing apps affect my device’s performance?
Stopping Android from minimizing apps can potentially affect your device’s performance, particularly if you have a device with limited memory or battery life. If you prevent Android from minimizing apps, it can cause the system to consume more resources, which can lead to slower performance and reduced battery life.
However, the impact on performance will depend on various factors, including the device’s specifications, the number of apps running in the background, and the system’s overall workload. If you have a device with ample memory and battery life, stopping Android from minimizing apps may not have a significant impact on performance.
Are there any alternative solutions to stopping Android from minimizing apps?
Yes, there are alternative solutions to stopping Android from minimizing apps. One approach is to use the “Split screen” or “Multi-window” mode, which allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously. This can be useful if you need to use multiple apps at the same time, and it can help to reduce the need to switch between apps.
Another approach is to use a task automation app, which can help to automate repetitive tasks and reduce the need to switch between apps. These apps can be especially useful if you need to perform complex tasks that involve multiple apps.