Experiencing unexpected battery drain on your Android device can be a frustrating ordeal. The search for a charger shortly after a full overnight charge is a common nuisance. However, a simple yet often overlooked factor may be at play: background apps. These applications can significantly deplete your battery and resources, and understanding their impact is essential for a smoother experience.
To effectively manage background apps and alleviate battery issues, consider the following strategies:
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The most straightforward approach to regulate background apps is to activate Android’s Adaptive Battery feature. You can do this by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Adaptive Battery and toggling Use Adaptive Battery on.
Editor’s note: The steps outlined in this article were developed using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 14. Please note that the steps may vary based on your specific hardware and software.
Update your device!
Regular Android updates often encompass enhancements for battery performance, bug fixes, and overall efficiency improvements. Keeping your device updated ensures that it manages background apps more effectively. Therefore, it is advisable to consistently check for the latest Android version.
How to check for Android updates:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to System.
- Select Software updates.
- Tap on System update.
- This page will inform you of any available updates. You can also Check for update.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Similarly, keeping your applications updated can lead to significant improvements, so ensure you are running the latest versions of all your apps.
How to check for app updates:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Manage apps & device.
- Go to Updates available.
- Hit Update all (if available).
Take advantage of Adaptive Battery, if you can
Introduced in Android 10, the Adaptive Battery feature employs machine learning to determine which apps you are likely to use in the near future. It categorizes apps into five App Standby Buckets: “Active,” “Working set,” “Frequent,” “Rare,” and “Never.” Each category has specific limitations on resource usage, allowing your device to conserve battery life effectively.
How to turn on Adaptive Battery:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Battery.
- Tap on Battery Saver.
- Expand the Adaptive Battery section.
- Toggle Use Adaptive Battery on.
Check what’s draining your phone
Battery
Monitoring battery usage is crucial, and Android provides a comprehensive overview of which apps are consuming power. Depending on your device and software, apps may be categorized as system or non-system, making it easier to identify potential culprits.
How to check which apps are using the most battery on Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Battery.
- Select Battery usage.
RAM
Utilizing Developer options allows you to examine which apps are monopolizing your phone’s RAM. An app may not consume much battery, but if it occupies a significant portion of your limited memory, it can hinder overall performance.
How to check RAM usage:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on About phone.
- Scroll down to the Build number and tap it seven times to enable Developer options.
- Enter your PIN when prompted.
- Return to the main Settings menu.
- Go to System.
- Select Developer options.
- Tap on Running services.
Here, you can view active processes, your used and available RAM, and which apps are utilizing it. Focus on demanding apps that may not be essential for your daily use.
Stop the app, kill it, or uninstall your background apps
Once you have identified the apps causing issues, you have several options to manage them without necessarily uninstalling them.
Close a background app using Developer options:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on About phone.
- Scroll down to the Build number and tap it seven times to enable Developer options.
- Enter your PIN.
- Return to the main Settings menu.
- Go to System.
- Select Developer options.
- Tap on Running services.
- Select the app you wish to stop.
- Hit Stop.
- Confirm by selecting OK.
How to force stop or uninstall an app:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Apps.
- Go to See all apps.
- Find the app you want to force stop and tap on it.
- Select Force stop.
- Confirm by tapping OK.
- Alternatively, you can choose Uninstall to remove it entirely.
Limit problematic background apps
If you wish to retain an app that is resource-intensive, consider limiting its background activity instead. Google offers features to assist with this.
How to pause app activity if unused:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps.
- Select See all apps.
- Locate the app you wish to modify and select it.
- Scroll to the Unused app settings section and ensure Pause app activity if unused is enabled.
How to turn off background usage for an Android app:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps.
- Select See all apps.
- Find the app you want to adjust and select it.
- Tap App battery usage.
- Toggle off Allow background usage.
Some manufacturers, like Samsung and HUAWEI, provide built-in options for managing background apps. If such features are unavailable, third-party applications like Greenify can offer additional control over app behavior. However, introducing another app for monitoring may come with its own set of challenges.
FAQs
<button type="button" class="ell”><span class="eml”>Which background apps are known for being big battery hogs?
While there isn’t a definitive list, social media apps such as Facebook, Messenger, and Snapchat are often cited as common offenders. Additionally, streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify can also contribute to battery drain.
<button type="button" class="ell”><span class="eml”>Why do Android apps run in the background?
Background app functionality is integral to the Android ecosystem, facilitating multitasking by allowing apps to operate simultaneously. This enables users to engage with multiple applications without interruption.
<button type="button" class="ell”><span class="eml”>Are there any apps you should let run in the background, even if they drain the battery?
Ultimately, it depends on the importance of the app to your daily activities. For instance, if you rely on Facebook for work, restricting its background activity may not be practical. Additionally, halting system apps can adversely affect device performance.
<button type="button" class="ell”><span class="eml”>What can I do to extend battery life?
To prolong battery life, consider implementing the strategies discussed above, such as updating your device and apps, utilizing Adaptive Battery, and managing background app activity.
