How To Close Background Running Apps On An Android Phone?

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Discover the simple steps to effectively close background running apps on your Android phone. By learning how to manage these apps, you can optimize your device’s performance and extend its battery life.

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User Query: I don't want any app to be open in the background. I am addressing my battery drain and performance issues since this is one of the issues that lead to such Android phone issues. How can I close the Android apps running in the background of my Android phone?

Yes, it’s true! Apps running in the background would lead to battery draining and other performance degradation issues on your Android phone. Once you launch an app in Android OS, it will continue to run in the background, even after you’ve left it and moved on to other tasks.  Not all, but most of the Android apps have such functionality to run in the background.

Once several apps are opened in a session, your phone battery keeps draining away, and even your phone slows down as numerous open apps are using your device’s memory. When it comes to the do’s and don’ts, multiple apps running in the background would belong to the latter.

Why Do Apps Run in the Background?

Apps run in the background to provide real-time notifications, updates, and faster loading times when you reopen them. For example, messaging apps need to stay active to deliver instant messages, and weather apps might update themselves to keep you informed.

Effects of Background Running Apps

While background running apps enhance user experience, they can also slow down your phone and consume extra battery power. This can lead to sluggish performance and reduced battery life over time.

Methods for Closing Background Apps on Android

Method 1: Navigate to the Recent Apps Menu

  • On most Android phones, you can access the Recent Apps menu by tapping the square or rectangle icon, usually located at the bottom-right or bottom-left corner of the screen.

Method 2: Swipe Away or Close Apps

  • Scroll through the list of recently used apps.
  • Swipe left or right to navigate between apps.
  • Swipe up or down to close the apps you want to shut down.

Method 3: Using the App Settings

  • Go to "Settings" and select "Apps" or "App & Notifications," depending on your phone model.
  • Tap on the app you want to close.
  • Click on "Force Stop" to halt its background processes.

Method 4: Using Developer Options

  • Go to "Settings" and select "About Phone."
  • Find the "Build Number" entry and tap it repeatedly until you see a message saying you are now a developer.
  • Go back to the main settings menu, and you will find "Developer Options."
  • Scroll down and enable "Don't keep activities." This will automatically clear activities as you navigate away from them.

Method 5: Third-Party Apps for Managing Background Apps

Several apps are designed to help you manage and optimize background apps. One such tool is Remo Optimizer.

The Remo Optimizer application includes over 15 features designed to effectively manage, optimize, recover, and enhance the performance of your Android smartphones and tablets. Among its offerings is the convenient "One Click Maintenance" feature, which swiftly cleans up unnecessary files, resolves browser-related problems, and enhances the overall speed of your Android device—all accomplished with a single click. The software boasts a user-friendly interface designed in a sleek metro style, prioritizing an exceptional user experience.

Optimizing Your Phone for Better Performance

Aside from closing background apps, you can adopt these practices to enhance your phone's performance:

  • Clearing Cache Regularly: Go to "Settings," select "Storage," then "Cached data." Clearing the cache can free up storage space and potentially improve app performance.
  • Updating Apps: Keeping your apps up to date ensures you have the latest bug fixes and optimizations, potentially reducing the need for background processes.
  • Restarting Your Phone: Regularly restarting your phone can help clear its memory and shut down any lingering background processes.

Conclusion

Managing background running apps on your Android phone is essential for maintaining optimal performance and battery life. Following the methods mentioned in this article, you can enjoy a smoother, more responsive, and longer-lasting smartphone experience.

About the Author: Molly Owen

Molly is the Lead Technical Specialist with distinguished knowledge and understanding of Mac computers and operating systems. Being a veteran photographer and video recovery specialist, Molly’s expertise in video formats and file repair has helped restore a lot of videos and cherished memories of users. As a technical specialist, she also believes in learning and…