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Closing apps running on the background of your Android device is an important step to optimizing its performance and conserving battery life. When apps run in the background, they consume valuable system resources and can slow down your device. In this blog post, we will explore the challenge of closing background apps on Android and provide you with several methods to effectively close them.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Closing Apps Running on Background
One of the challenges Android users face is the inability to easily close apps that are running on the background. Unlike iOS, which allows users to simply swipe up to close an app, Android devices have a different approach. Android operating system is designed to manage apps efficiently and automatically close inactive apps to free up system resources. However, there are times when certain apps may not be closed automatically, and users need to manually close them to ensure optimal performance.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the methods of closing apps on Android, there are a few things you should prepare for to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, make sure that you have a good understanding of the apps running on your device and their impact on its performance. This will help you determine which apps should be closed to improve performance. Additionally, it’s a good idea to make sure that your device is updated to the latest version of the Android operating system, as newer versions often come with improved app management features.
Method 1: How to Close Apps Running on Background via Recent Apps Menu
Closing apps running on the background using the Recent Apps menu is one of the simplest methods. Follow the steps below to close apps via the Recent Apps menu:
1. On your Android device, tap the Recent Apps button, usually located at the bottom navigation bar or accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
2. You will see a list of recently used apps. Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close.
3. Once you find the app, swipe it either left or right, or simply tap on the close button (usually an "X" icon) to close the app.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy way to close individual apps.
2. Does not require any additional apps or settings.
Cons:
1. May not close all background processes associated with the app.
Method 2: How to Close Apps Running on Background via App Settings
If you want to close multiple apps at once or ensure that all background processes associated with an app are closed, you can use the App Settings method. Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Applications" (the name may vary depending on the device).
3. You will see a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll and find the app you want to close.
4. Tap on the app to open its settings.
5. Depending on your device, you may see an option to force stop or close the app. Tap on it to close the app and terminate all associated background processes.
Pros:
1. Allows you to close multiple apps at once.
2. Ensures that all background processes associated with the app are terminated.
Cons:
1. Requires navigating through the settings menu, which can be time-consuming.
Method 3: How to Close Apps Running on Background via Task Manager Apps
If you prefer a more comprehensive approach to closing background apps, you can use third-party task manager apps. These apps provide additional features and options for managing apps running on your Android device. Here is how you can close apps using a task manager app:
1. Install a task manager app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include "Advanced Task Manager," "Greenify," or "RAM Cleanup."
2. Launch the task manager app and navigate to the list of running apps.
3. Select the apps you want to close and tap on the appropriate option to close them.
Pros:
1. Provides more control and customization options for closing apps.
2. Can provide additional features like battery optimization and performance enhancement.
Cons:
1. Requires installing and learning to use a third-party app.
Method 4: How to Close Apps Running on Background via Developer Options
Closing apps through Developer Options is an advanced method that requires enabling the Developer Options on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "About phone" or "About device."
3. Scroll down again and find the "Build number" or "Build version."
4. Tap on the "Build number" or "Build version" multiple times, usually 7 times, until a message appears stating that Developer Options have been enabled.
5. Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on "Developer options" (sometimes found at the bottom of the list).
6. Scroll down and find the "Running services" or "Active services" option. Tap on it.
7. You will see a list of currently running background services and processes. Tap on the app or service you want to close and select the option to stop or force stop it.
Pros:
1. Provides access to detailed information about running services and processes.
2. Can help identify and close specific background processes causing issues.
Cons:
1. Requires enabling Developer Options, which can be hidden and may have unintended consequences if not used carefully.
Why Can’t I Close Apps Running on Background?
There are several reasons why you may have difficulty closing apps running on the background on your Android device. Some common reasons include:
1. App is designed to run background processes: Some apps are designed to run specific tasks or processes in the background for proper functionality. Closing these background processes may affect the app’s functionality or cause it to stop working correctly.
2. System optimization: Android is designed to intelligently manage apps and system resources to provide a smooth user experience. The operating system may automatically close inactive apps to free up system resources. However, some apps may not be closed automatically, especially if they are actively being used or are considered essential by the system.
3. Third-party apps and services: Some apps or services installed on your device may have their own background processes that cannot be easily closed. This is often the case with system-level applications and services that require background processes to function properly.
Fixes:
1. Update apps: Make sure that all the apps on your device are updated to the latest version. Developers often release updates that address performance issues and improve app management.
2. Optimize app settings: Some apps have their own settings that allow you to control their background behavior. Explore the settings of individual apps to see if there are any options to limit background processes or activity.
3. Identify problematic apps: If you notice significant battery drain or performance issues, try to identify the apps that are causing the problem. Uninstalling or disabling these apps may help improve overall performance.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to optimize app management on your Android device:
1. Limit background app refresh: Go to the Settings app, select "Apps" or "Applications," and tap on the app you want to manage. Look for the option to limit background activity or refresh, and enable it for apps that you don’t need to constantly update in the background.
2. Use battery optimization features: Many Android devices have built-in battery optimization features that help manage background app processes. Go to the Settings app, select "Battery" or "Battery optimization," and enable the optimization for apps that you want to restrict in the background.
3. Restart your device regularly: Restarting your Android device on a regular basis can help clear system memory and close any lingering background processes. This can help improve overall performance.
5 FAQs about Closing Apps Running on Background
Q1: Can closing apps running on the background improve battery life?
A: Closing apps running on the background can help improve battery life, especially if certain apps are consuming excessive system resources. However, it’s important to note that Android is designed to efficiently manage apps, and closing background apps may have limited impact on overall battery life.
Q2: Will closing background apps affect app notifications?
A: Closing background apps should not affect app notifications. Apps that rely on push notifications will still be able to deliver notifications even if they are closed in the background. However, some apps may have specific requirements for background processes to deliver notifications effectively.
Q3: Do I need to close all apps running on the background?
A: It is not necessary to close all apps running on the background. Android is designed to intelligently manage apps and close inactive ones to optimize system performance. However, closing specific apps that are consuming excessive system resources or causing performance issues can be beneficial.
Q4: Can I use task manager apps to close background apps automatically?
A: Task manager apps can help you close background apps manually or provide options to automate the process. Some task manager apps offer features like automatic app closing based on certain conditions, such as when the screen is turned off or when the device is locked.
Q5: Will closing background apps affect the performance of my device?
A: Closing background apps can help improve the performance of your device, especially if certain apps are consuming excessive system resources. However, it’s important to strike a balance between closing unnecessary apps and allowing essential background processes to run smoothly.
In Conclusion
Closing apps running on the background of your Android device is an effective way to optimize its performance and conserve battery life. While Android’s app management system is designed to intelligently handle background processes, there are times when manual intervention is needed. By using methods like the Recent Apps menu, App Settings, task manager apps, or Developer Options, you can easily close apps running on the background. Remember to be mindful of the impact closing background apps may have on app functionality and system performance, and use these methods judiciously for a better Android experience.