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Have you ever experienced the frustration of having your favorite app close unexpectedly when you switch to another app? By default, Android devices tend to close background apps to optimize performance and battery life. However, there may be certain apps that you want to keep running in the background, such as music or messaging apps. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to keep apps running in the background on Android.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device. You can usually find it in the app drawer or by swiping down on the notification panel and tapping the gear icon.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Apps & notifications," or a similar option depending on your device model.
Step 3: From the list of apps, select the app you want to keep running in the background.
Step 4: Tap on "Battery" or "Battery usage" if available.
Step 5: On the Battery screen, look for the "Background restriction" or "Battery optimization" option and tap on it.
Step 6: You will see a list of options related to background usage. Select "Don’t optimize" or "Allow background activity" to ensure that the app can continue running in the background.
Step 7: Repeat steps 3 to 6 for any other apps you want to keep running in the background.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to use certain apps without interruption, such as music or messaging apps. | 1. Keeping apps running in the background may result in increased battery consumption and potential performance issues. |
| 2. Ensures that notifications from specific apps are received in real-time. | 2. Keeping too many apps running in the background may slow down your device. |
| 3. Gives you more control over which apps can stay active in the background. | 3. Some badly designed apps may misbehave and consume excessive system resources when running in the background. |
By following these steps, you can prioritize certain apps and keep them running in the background on your Android device. It’s important to strike a balance between app functionality and device performance, so only allow necessary apps to continue running in the background.
Video Tutorial: Why are my apps closing automatically in background Android?
How do I lock apps in the background on my Samsung?
To lock apps in the background on a Samsung device, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung device. You can usually find it in the app drawer or by swiping down the notification panel and tapping the gear icon.
2. In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Applications," depending on your device’s software version.
3. You should see a list of all the apps installed on your Samsung device. Find the app that you want to lock in the background and tap on it.
4. Once you open the app’s settings, look for options related to app management or battery usage. These options might vary depending on your specific Samsung device model or software version.
5. Tap on "Battery" or "Battery usage" to access the battery settings for the selected app.
6. In the app’s battery settings, you should find an option to "Optimize battery usage" or a similar option to customize battery settings. Tap on it.
7. Your Samsung device will present a list of apps that are optimized for battery usage. By default, most apps are set to be optimized to extend battery life. Scroll down and find the app you want to lock in the background.
8. To lock the app in the background and prevent it from being optimized or put to sleep, toggle off the switch next to the app’s name.
9. Repeat steps 3 to 8 for any other apps you wish to lock in the background.
Note: The steps mentioned above are based on general settings found on Samsung devices running on Android. However, the exact steps might vary depending on your device model, Android version, and the user interface (such as Samsung Experience, One UI, or TouchWiz) running on your Samsung phone.
By following these steps, you can effectively lock specific apps in the background on your Samsung device, allowing them to keep running even when they are not actively in use. This can be useful for apps that require continuous background updates or provide important notifications.
How do I keep apps from closing?
To prevent apps from closing or being forcibly shut down on your device, there are several steps you can take:
1. Check for Software Updates: Make sure your device’s operating system (iOS) is up to date with the latest version. This is because software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address app crashes and stability issues.
2. Close Unused Apps: When you have multiple apps running simultaneously, it can put a strain on your device’s performance. Close any unnecessary apps running in the background, as this can free up resources and improve app stability.
3. Restart Your Device: Sometimes, closing all apps and restarting your device can resolve temporary glitches or issues that may be causing apps to close unexpectedly.
4. Clear App Cache: Some apps accumulate cache data over time, which can slow down the app’s performance and potentially lead to crashes. You can clear the cache for individual apps by going to Settings > [App Name] > Storage, and then selecting the option to clear cache.
5. Reinstall Problematic Apps: If a specific app keeps closing or crashing, you may want to consider uninstalling and reinstalling it. This can help replace any corrupted app files that could be causing the issue.
6. Check App Compatibility: Ensure that all the apps you are using are compatible with your device’s operating system and the latest version of iOS installed. Older apps may not be optimized for newer iOS versions and can experience compatibility issues.
7. Free Up Storage Space: Insufficient storage space can negatively impact app performance and stability. Delete unwanted apps, photos, or videos to create more space on your device. Additionally, you can use cloud storage services or transfer files to a computer to free up storage.
8. Reduce Background Activity: Limit the number of apps running in the background by disabling background app refresh or restricting unnecessary app background services. This can help conserve system resources and improve app stability.
9. Report App Issues: If you continue to experience problems with a particular app, consider submitting a bug report or reaching out to the app developer’s support team. This information can help them identify and address any underlying issues.
10. Factory Reset as a Last Resort: If all else fails and you have exhausted other troubleshooting steps, you may want to consider performing a factory reset on your device. However, remember that a factory reset will erase all data on your device, so make sure to backup your important files before proceeding.
By following these steps, you can mitigate app closing issues on your device and enhance your overall user experience.
How do I keep an app running in the background?
To keep an app running in the background on your smartphone, you need to ensure that specific conditions are met depending on the operating system you are using. Here’s a step-by-step guide for some popular platforms:
For iOS (iOS 16):
1. Enable Background App Refresh: Go to "Settings" and scroll down to find "General." Within "General," locate "Background App Refresh" and toggle it on. This allows apps to refresh their content even when running in the background.
2. Use Background Execution: iOS provides specific background execution modes for certain app activities. Examples include playing audio, location updates, and downloading content. Familiarize yourself with these modes and choose the appropriate one for your app’s purpose.
3. Optimize Background Activity: Apple encourages developers to optimize background activity to conserve device resources and enhance battery life. Consider implementing techniques such as throttling network usage, reducing unnecessary background activity, and utilizing push notifications effectively.
For Android (latest version):
1. Manage Battery Optimization: Android devices often have aggressive battery optimization settings that limit app background activity. To exempt an app from these restrictions, users can go to "Settings," find "Battery," and search for "Battery Optimization." From there, locate your app and select "Don’t optimize" to keep it running in the background.
2. Use Services and Broadcast Receivers: Android provides various components, such as Services and Broadcast Receivers, that allow apps to perform activities in the background, like playing music or fetching data. Familiarize yourself with these components and utilize them appropriately within your app.
3. Consider Foreground Services: For tasks that require constant background operation, such as music playback or navigation, consider running a foreground service. This type of service displays a persistent notification, reassuring the user that your app is active while allowing it to operate in the background.
It’s crucial to strike a balance between app functionality and user privacy/battery concerns. Therefore, it’s essential to use background capabilities judiciously and ensure that your app adheres to relevant guidelines and best practices for a seamless user experience.
Can an Android app run in the background?
Yes, an Android app can run in the background. Here are a few reasons why an app might need to run in the background and the steps involved in achieving it:
1. Background services: Android apps can use background services to perform tasks that don’t require a user interface. For example, a music streaming app might continue playing music even when the user switches to another app. To implement this, developers need to create a service component and start it using the appropriate methods in the app’s code.
2. Broadcast receivers: Apps can register broadcast receivers to receive and respond to system-wide and app-specific events. This allows apps to perform actions or provide notifications even when they are not in the foreground. Developers can define a broadcast receiver component and specify the events they want to handle.
3. JobScheduler and WorkManager: Android provides JobScheduler and WorkManager APIs for scheduling background tasks efficiently. Apps can use these APIs to perform tasks at specific intervals or when certain conditions are met. This is useful for tasks like syncing data, sending push notifications, or performing periodic maintenance. Developers need to define and schedule jobs using these APIs.
4. Background permissions and restrictions: Starting from Android Oreo, the operating system has introduced limitations on background execution to improve battery life and app performance. Background apps are subject to restrictions, such as limited access to hardware resources and network connections. Developers need to comply with these restrictions and use foreground services or other mechanisms when necessary.
In conclusion, Android apps can run in the background through various methods like background services, broadcast receivers, job scheduling, and permissions. These mechanisms allow apps to continue performing tasks and providing relevant information to users even when they are not actively using the app.
How do I lock an app to stay open on Android?
To lock an app to stay open on Android, you can follow these steps:
1. Enable Developer Options: Go to your device’s Settings, scroll down to "About phone," and tap on it. Look for the "Build number" and tap on it repeatedly until you see a message saying "You are now a developer."
2. Access Developer Options: Go back to the main Settings page and scroll to the bottom, where you should find the newly enabled Developer Options. Tap on it to open.
3. Find and Enable "Stay Awake" or "Keep screen on while charging" option: Depending on your device or Android version, this option may appear differently. Look for a setting that allows the screen to stay on while charging or an option called "Stay Awake." Enable this feature.
4. Download a Third-Party App: If your device doesn’t have a built-in feature to lock an app open, you can download a third-party app from the Google Play Store that offers this functionality. Launch the Play Store, search for "app lock" or "screen pinning," and choose a reputable app that suits your needs. Install and open the app.
5. Enable App Lock or Screen Pinning: Within the app, you should find options to lock specific apps open or enable screen pinning. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your desired settings.
6. Select the App to Lock: Choose the app you want to lock open from the list provided in the app lock or screen pinning settings.
7. Lock the App: Once you’ve chosen the app, lock it by selecting the appropriate lock or pin button within the app.
These steps should help you lock an app to stay open on your Android device. Whether you utilize the built-in developer options or opt for a third-party app, you can easily keep your desired app open for an extended period.