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Have you ever noticed that your Android smartphone takes forever to boot up? Or maybe you’ve noticed that certain apps automatically start running as soon as you turn on your device. These issues can be quite annoying, especially if you’re in a hurry or trying to conserve battery life. In this blog post, we will discuss how to stop apps from running on startup on Android, allowing you to have more control over your device’s performance and battery usage.
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What’s Needed
Before we delve into the different methods to stop apps from running on startup, there are a few things you’ll need:
1. An Android device (phone or tablet) with a recent version of Android OS.
2. Basic knowledge about navigating Android settings and options.
3. Patience and willingness to explore different methods to find the one that works best for you.
What Requires Your Focus?
It’s important to understand that not all apps can be stopped from running on startup. Some apps are essential for the functioning of your device and may need to run in the background. However, there are many non-essential apps that automatically start running on startup, consuming system resources and draining your device’s battery. These are the apps that we are targeting to stop from running on startup.
Now, let’s move on to the methods you can use to achieve this.
Method 1. Using Android Settings
To stop apps from running on startup using the Android system settings, follow these steps:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Apps & notifications" or "Application Manager", depending on your device.
3. Tap on "See all apps" or "All apps" to view the list of installed apps on your device.
4. Scroll through the list and find the app(s) you want to stop from running on startup.
5. Tap on the app to open its details page.
6. Look for an option called "Autostart" or "Startup" and toggle it off. This option may be located under different menus or tabs depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version.
7. Repeat these steps for any other apps you want to prevent from running on startup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to directly control app startup settings. | 1. The availability of the "Autostart" or "Startup" option may vary depending on the device and Android version. |
| 2. No need to install any additional apps or tools. | 2. Limited control over certain app-specific startup behaviors. |
| 3. Provides a straightforward way to manage app startup settings. | 3. Some apps may still find ways to bypass this method and start on startup. |
Method 2. Via Third-Party Apps
If your device’s settings don’t provide an option to disable app startup, you can use third-party apps to achieve the same result. One such app is "Startup Manager", which allows you to have more control over app startup settings. Here’s how to use it:
1. Install and launch the "Startup Manager" app from the Play Store.
2. Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access and modify app startup settings.
3. Once the app is open, you will see a list of apps that run on startup.
4. Tap on the app(s) you want to prevent from running on startup.
5. Toggle off the option to disable startup for the selected app(s).
6. Repeat these steps for other apps as needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Offers more control over app startup settings compared to device settings. | 1. Requires installation of a third-party app. |
| 2. Allows you to easily enable or disable app startup for multiple apps. | 2. Some features may be locked behind a premium version of the app. |
| 3. Provides additional information about app startup behavior. | 3. The effectiveness may vary depending on the device and app compatibility. |
Method 3. Using Developer Options
For advanced users, the Developer Options in your Android device’s settings provide more granular control over system features, including app startup behavior. Here’s how to access and use this method:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down to "About phone" or "About tablet" and tap on it.
3. Locate the "Build number" or "Build version" entry and tap on it repeatedly until you see a pop-up message saying you are now a developer (usually after tapping seven times).
4. Go back to the main settings menu and scroll down to find the newly unlocked "Developer options" or "Developer settings" menu.
5. Tap on "Developer options" to open the menu.
6. Scroll down and look for an option called "Running services at startup" or something similar.
7. Toggle off this option to prevent apps from running on startup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides more advanced control over app startup settings. | 1. Access to Developer Options may vary depending on the device and Android version. |
| 2. Allows for a more fine-grained approach to managing app startup. | 2. Changing options in Developer Options can potentially affect the normal functioning of your device if done incorrectly. |
| 3. Offers additional debugging and customization options. | 3. Not recommended for inexperienced users. |
Method 4. Using a Startup Manager App
Aside from the previously mentioned "Startup Manager" app, there are other apps available on the Play Store that specifically focus on managing app startup settings. One such app is "AutoStart – No root" which provides a comprehensive set of tools to optimize app startup behavior. Here’s how to use it:
1. Install and launch the "AutoStart – No root" app from the Play Store.
2. Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access and modify app startup settings.
3. Once the app is open, you will be presented with different categories of app startup settings.
4. Tap on the relevant category and find the app(s) you want to prevent from running on startup.
5. Toggle off the option to disable startup for the selected app(s).
6. Repeat these steps for other apps as needed.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Dedicated app with focused features for managing app startup settings. | 1. Requires installation of a third-party app. |
| 2. Comprehensive set of tools to optimize app startup behavior. | 2. Some features may be locked behind a premium version of the app. |
| 3. Provides detailed information about app startup behavior. | 3. The effectiveness may vary depending on the device and app compatibility. |
Why Can’t I Stop Apps from Running on Startup?
There could be several reasons why you may not be able to stop certain apps from running on startup. Here are a few common reasons and possible solutions:
1. Intrinsic System Apps: Some apps are integral to the functioning of your Android system and cannot be stopped from running on startup. These apps are necessary for your device’s proper operation and removing them may cause stability issues.
2. App-Specific Settings: Certain apps have specific settings that allow them to start on startup, regardless of your system-level settings. To prevent such apps from running on startup, you may need to explore their individual settings or consult the app’s documentation.
3. Manufacturer Modifications: Some device manufacturers customize the Android OS and may include their own mechanisms for managing app startup behavior. In such cases, the options available in the stock Android settings may be limited. You can check for any device-specific instructions or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
Implications and Recommendations
While stopping apps from running on startup can help improve device performance and battery life, it’s important to be mindful of the implications and consider the following recommendations:
1. Be Cautious: Disabling app startup may prevent certain apps from functioning as intended. Make sure to research the potential impact before stopping an app from running on startup.
2. Regularly Review and Update Settings: As you install new apps or update existing ones, their startup behavior may change. It’s a good practice to periodically review your app startup settings and make necessary adjustments.
3. Use Battery Optimization Features: Most Android devices have built-in battery optimization features that help manage app startup and overall battery usage. Familiarize yourself with these features and utilize them to maximize your device’s battery life.
4. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: Uninstalling apps that you no longer use or need can help reduce clutter and improve device performance. Consider periodically reviewing your installed apps and removing any that are no longer necessary.
5 FAQs about Stopping Apps from Running on Startup
Q1: Can I stop all apps from running on startup?
A: No, some apps are essential for the functioning of your Android system and cannot be stopped from running on startup. It’s important to carefully consider which apps you disable to ensure the proper operation of your device.
Q2: Will stopping apps from running on startup affect app notifications?
A: Disabling app startup does not affect app notifications. You will still receive notifications from the apps you use, but they won’t start running in the background as soon as you turn on your device.
Q3: How often should I review my app startup settings?
A: It’s a good practice to review your app startup settings periodically, especially after installing new apps or updating existing ones. This ensures that you have the most up-to-date control over which apps run on startup.
Q4: Will stopping apps from running on startup improve battery life?
A: Yes, preventing unnecessary apps from running on startup can help conserve battery life. Apps running in the background consume system resources and drain your device’s battery. By disabling startup for these apps, you can optimize your device’s power usage.
Q5: Can I re-enable app startup for certain apps if needed?
A: Yes, you can always re-enable app startup for individual apps if you find that they are required for specific functionality. Simply follow the respective method for each app and toggle on the startup option.
Final Words
Being able to stop apps from running on startup gives you greater control over your Android device’s performance and battery life. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can easily disable startup for non-essential apps and enjoy a more streamlined experience. Just remember to exercise caution and carefully consider the implications before making any changes to app startup settings.