How to Stop Apps From Running in the Background on Android (2024)

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This article explains how to stop apps from running in the background on Android 9 and higher.

Stop Android Apps From Running in the Background

Here's how to kill background apps on Android:

1. Go to Settings > Apps.

2. Select an app you want to stop, then tap Force Stop.

   

   The app will relaunch when you restart your phone. If you want to get rid of the app permanently, select Uninstall.

3. This step will clear battery or memory issues only until you restart your phone. Any apps that launch on startup will restart and could cause the same problems.

   It's always a good idea to audit your apps from time to time to see which you are no longer using. Deleting them can free up storage space on your phone, saving you from having to delete content like songs, podcasts, and photos.

How Background Apps Affect Your Android Battery

Your Android device can run multiple apps in the background for several reasons. Most of the time, it won't cause battery problems or constrain the phone's memory. One factor causing your Android device's battery to drain too quickly is when there are too many apps running. You can see the apps running in the background by tapping the square Overview navigation icon at the lower-right corner of your Android display.

Remember, multiple windows may open inside some apps, like multiple tabs inside the Google Chrome mobile browser. Each of these could potentially consume resources that use up the battery.

There are many poorly written apps on Google Play, and when you install those on your phone, they may consume more battery power, CPU, or memory than they're supposed to. Auditing your installed apps (mentioned above) is good phone hygiene.

How to See Which Apps Are Running in the Background

The best way to alleviate the burden on your Android's system resources and extend battery life is to make sure the only apps running in the background are the ones you want running.

There are a few ways to see what apps run in the background and consume your Android's resources.

1. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options.

   

   If you don't see Developer Options, scroll down and select About phone, then look for Build number and tap it seven times.

2. Tap Running Services. It shows the apps currently running on your Android, how much RAM they're consuming, and how long each has been running.

   

3. To see apps consuming battery power, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Usage.
   

   

   As you perform these next steps, look for and consider closing any apps that:

   • Consume excessive memory or battery power and are not optimized.
   • You forgot about or didn't expect to see running in the background.

4. To put your phone into battery-saving mode, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and turn on the Use Battery Saver toggle.

   

   On Samsung devices, go to Device Care > Battery > Power mode and select Medium power saving or Maximum power saving.