How to stop background running apps: Our smartphones are incredible tools, constantly connected and keeping us informed and entertained. But all that power comes at a cost: battery drain. One of the biggest culprits? Background apps. These are apps that continue to run even when you’re not actively using them, draining your battery and potentially using up precious data.
This article will guide you through the steps of stopping background-running apps on both Android and iPhone devices. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of doing so and offer some tips on how to find a balance between functionality and battery life.
Why stop background apps?
There are several reasons why you might want to stop apps from running in the background:
- Battery Life: Background apps can be a major drain on your battery. They constantly check for updates, sync data, and perform other tasks, even when you’re not using them. By stopping them, you can significantly extend your battery life.
- Data Usage: Some background apps can use up your mobile data plan, especially if they’re constantly downloading or uploading data. Stopping these apps can help you save money on your data bill.
- Performance: If your phone is sluggish, it could be because too many apps are running in the background. Stopping them can free up resources and make your phone run more smoothly.
- Privacy: Some background apps can access your location, contacts, and other personal data. By stopping them, you can help to protect your privacy. how to stop background running apps
Understanding Background App Behavior (Android vs. iPhone)
There are some key differences between how Android and iPhone handle background apps:
- Android: Android offers more granular control over background apps. You can choose to allow apps to refresh in the background, restrict background activity, or forcefully stop them completely.
- iPhone: The iPhone uses a more automated approach to background app refresh. You can turn background app refresh on or off for all apps or for individual apps.
Stopping Background Apps on Android
There are several ways to stop background apps on Android:
1. Force-stopping apps:
This is the most direct way to stop an app from running in the background. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications (depending on your Android version).
- Select the app you want to stop using.
- Tap on Force Stop.
2. Restricting Background Activity:
This allows the app to run in the background to a limited extent. It can still receive notifications, but it won’t be able to refresh data or perform other tasks. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps or Apps & Notifications.
- Select the app you want to restrict.
- Tap on Battery.
- Toggle the background restriction to on.
3. Using Developer Options (for Advanced Users):
Developer options offer a more advanced way to manage background apps. Here’s how to access it and stop background services:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on About phone.
- Scroll down and tap on Build number seven times. You’ll see a message saying, “Developer mode is enabled.”
- Go back to the main Settings menu.
- Tap on the System or Developer options.
- Select the running services.
- Tap on the app you want to stop and select Stop.
Important Note: Be cautious when using developer options. Some background services are essential for the proper functioning of your phone. Don’t stop a service unless you’re sure what it does.
Stopping Background Apps on the iPhone
On iPhone, you can manage background app refresh for all apps or for individual apps:
1. Turning Off Background App Refresh:
This prevents all apps from refreshing data in the background. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select Background App Refresh.
- Toggle Background App Refresh to Off.
2. Turning Off Background App Refresh for Individual Apps:
This allows you to choose which apps can refresh data in the background. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select Background App Refresh.
- Find the app you want to manage and toggle the switch next to it to Off.
Finding a Balance: When Background Apps Are Useful
While stopping background apps can save battery life, it’s important to remember that some background activity is beneficial. Here are some examples: how to stop background running apps