If apps keep launching in the background and draining your Android phone or tablet’s battery and resources, learn how to prevent apps from auto-starting on Android. These methods include stopping processes via Developer Options, battery optimization features, and device-specific tools like Deep Sleep on Samsung or Autostart on MIUI.
Choose the method that best fits your device and follow the steps below to restrict background app activity. There are several methods to achieve this, each with its own set of steps that can be followed to effectively limit the background processes of unwanted apps.
One way to stop apps from auto-starting is by stopping background processes. To do this, open the Settings app from your app drawer, scroll down and tap About (near the bottom), and find the Build number (may be under Software information or More). Tap Build number seven times until you see “You are now a developer!” Then, tap Running services in Developer Options, select the app you want to stop, and tap Stop to prevent it from restarting automatically.
Another method involves limiting background processes. To achieve this, open the Settings app, scroll down and tap About, find the Build number, and tap it seven times to enable Developer Options. Then, tap Background process limit under the Apps section and select a limit option to restrict running processes.
Using battery optimization is another effective method. Open the Settings app, tap Apps, and then tap See all apps. Select the app to optimize, tap Battery, and then tap Optimized under Manage battery usage.
Turning on Adaptive Battery can also limit less-used apps in the background. To do this, open the Settings app, tap Battery, and then tap Adaptive preferences or Adaptive Battery. Toggle on Adaptive Battery to limit background activity for less frequently used apps.
For Samsung Galaxy users, activating Deep Sleep can be beneficial. Open the Settings app, tap Battery and device care, then tap Battery. Tap Background usage limits, and then tap the + next to Deep sleeping apps. Select the app to add and tap Add to prevent it from running in the background.
MIUI users can disable Autostart for specific apps. Open the Settings app, tap Manage apps, and then tap Permissions. Tap Autostart and toggle off Autostart for unwanted apps to prevent them from starting automatically.
For rooted devices, using Startup Manager is an option. Search for Startup Manager (Free) in the Google Play Store, install it, and open the app. Tap Allow for root access, and then tap the blue toggle next to unwanted apps to turn it gray and disable autostart.
After applying these changes, it is recommended to check your battery usage in Settings to monitor improvements and adjust limits as needed for optimal performance. Preventing apps from auto-starting significantly extends your device’s battery life by reducing unnecessary background activity.
This not only leads to a smoother-running phone with faster app launches and less lag during daily use but also enhances privacy, as fewer apps run silently in the background collecting data. Over time, these tweaks can make your Android device feel newer and more responsive without needing a factory reset or upgrade.
