How To Fix Apps Not Staying Open In The Background A Comprehensive Guide

by StackCamp Team 73 views

Are you experiencing the frustrating issue of apps not staying in the background on your device? This is a common problem that many users encounter, and it can significantly impact your multitasking capabilities and overall user experience. Imagine switching between apps, only to find that the previous app has been completely restarted, losing your progress and requiring you to reload everything. This article dives deep into the various reasons why this might be happening and provides comprehensive solutions to fix apps not staying in the background, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow on your device.

Understanding Why Apps Close in the Background

Before diving into the solutions, it's crucial to understand the underlying causes of this issue. Several factors can contribute to apps being closed prematurely in the background. Understanding these factors will help you troubleshoot the problem effectively and implement the appropriate solutions.

  • Limited RAM: One of the primary reasons apps close in the background is limited RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is the device's short-term memory, used to store data for currently running apps. When your device runs low on RAM, the operating system aggressively closes background apps to free up memory for the app you're currently using. This is a common occurrence on devices with less RAM or when running multiple memory-intensive apps simultaneously.
  • Battery Optimization: Modern operating systems employ battery optimization techniques to extend battery life. One of these techniques involves restricting background activity for apps that are deemed to be consuming excessive battery power. While this is beneficial for battery life, it can also lead to apps being closed in the background, especially if they have frequent background processes.
  • Aggressive Task Killers: Some third-party apps, often referred to as task killers or memory optimizers, are designed to forcefully close background apps to free up RAM. While these apps may seem helpful in theory, they can often be counterproductive, as they can interfere with the operating system's natural memory management and lead to apps being closed more frequently.
  • Operating System Settings: The operating system itself has settings that control how apps behave in the background. For example, Android has a feature called "Battery Optimization" that can restrict background activity for specific apps. Similarly, iOS has settings that limit background app refresh. If these settings are configured too aggressively, they can cause apps to close in the background.
  • App-Specific Issues: In some cases, the issue may be specific to a particular app. The app may have a bug or be poorly optimized, causing it to crash or be closed by the operating system. Additionally, some apps may be designed to not run in the background for security or privacy reasons.

Solutions to Keep Apps Running in the Background

Now that we have a good understanding of why apps might be closing in the background, let's explore some solutions to address this issue. These solutions range from simple tweaks to more advanced troubleshooting steps, so it's recommended to try them in order, starting with the easiest ones.

1. Free Up RAM

The first step in addressing apps closing in the background is to ensure that your device has enough available RAM. Insufficient RAM is a major culprit for this issue. Here's how you can free up RAM on your device:

  • Close Unused Apps: The most straightforward way to free up RAM is to close any apps that you are not currently using. Many users have a habit of leaving numerous apps running in the background, which can consume significant RAM. To close apps, use your device's app switcher (usually accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen or pressing a dedicated button) and swipe away the apps you want to close.
  • Restart Your Device: Restarting your device is a simple but effective way to clear the RAM. When you restart your device, all running apps and processes are terminated, freeing up memory. This can be particularly helpful if you haven't restarted your device in a while.
  • Uninstall Unused Apps: If you have apps installed on your device that you no longer use, uninstalling them can free up both RAM and storage space. Unused apps can still consume resources in the background, even if you're not actively using them. Go through your app list and uninstall any apps that you don't need.
  • Clear App Cache: App caches store temporary data that can speed up app performance. However, over time, the cache can become large and consume significant storage space, which can indirectly affect RAM performance. Clear the cache for apps that you use frequently by going to your device's settings, finding the app in the app list, and selecting "Clear Cache."

2. Disable Battery Optimization for Specific Apps

As mentioned earlier, battery optimization can sometimes interfere with apps running in the background. Most operating systems allow you to disable battery optimization for specific apps, allowing them to run more freely in the background. Here's how to do it on Android and iOS:

  • Android:

    1. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization.
    2. Tap the dropdown menu at the top and select All apps.
    3. Find the app you want to exclude from battery optimization and tap it.
    4. Select Don't optimize and tap Done.

  • iOS:

    1. Go to Settings > Battery.
    2. Tap Battery Health and make sure Optimized Battery Charging is enabled (this is generally recommended for battery health).
    3. Unfortunately, iOS doesn't allow you to completely disable battery optimization for specific apps. However, you can try to minimize background activity restrictions by ensuring that Background App Refresh is enabled for the app in Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

3. Avoid Using Task Killers

Task killer apps, while seemingly helpful, can often do more harm than good. They forcefully close background apps, which can interfere with the operating system's memory management and cause apps to close more frequently. Additionally, constantly killing and restarting apps can actually consume more battery power than allowing them to remain in the background.

If you're using a task killer app, it's recommended to uninstall it and let the operating system manage memory on its own. Modern operating systems are designed to efficiently manage memory, and task killers can often disrupt this process.

4. Check App-Specific Settings

Some apps have their own settings that control their background behavior. For example, some messaging apps have settings that allow you to control how frequently they check for new messages in the background. If an app is closing in the background, check its settings to see if there are any options that might be affecting its background activity.

5. Update Your Apps and Operating System

Outdated apps and operating systems can sometimes have bugs that cause apps to close in the background. Make sure that you have the latest versions of your apps installed from the app store, and that your operating system is up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address issues with background app behavior.

6. Reset App Preferences

In some cases, app preferences can become corrupted, leading to unexpected behavior. Resetting app preferences can sometimes resolve issues with apps closing in the background. However, note that resetting app preferences will also reset other settings, such as default apps and app permissions.

  • Android:
    1. Go to Settings > Apps > three dots menu > Reset app preferences.

7. Free Up Storage Space

While RAM is the primary memory used for running apps, insufficient storage space can also indirectly affect app performance and cause apps to close in the background. When your device is low on storage, it can slow down the operating system and make it more difficult for apps to run smoothly.

  • Delete Unnecessary Files: Go through your device's storage and delete any files that you no longer need, such as old photos, videos, and documents.
  • Move Files to Cloud Storage: Consider moving large files, such as photos and videos, to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. This can free up significant storage space on your device.

8. Check for Conflicting Apps

In rare cases, certain apps may conflict with each other, leading to unexpected behavior, such as apps closing in the background. If you've recently installed a new app and started experiencing this issue, try uninstalling the new app to see if it resolves the problem.

9. Perform a Factory Reset (as a Last Resort)

If you've tried all of the above solutions and are still experiencing issues with apps closing in the background, a factory reset may be necessary. A factory reset will erase all data on your device and restore it to its original factory settings. This should only be done as a last resort, as it will require you to set up your device from scratch and reinstall your apps.

Before performing a factory reset, make sure to back up your important data, such as photos, contacts, and documents, to a cloud service or external storage.

Conclusion

Having apps close unexpectedly in the background can be a frustrating experience, but by understanding the underlying causes and implementing the solutions outlined in this article, you can effectively fix apps not staying in the background on your device. From freeing up RAM and disabling battery optimization to avoiding task killers and checking app-specific settings, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smoother multitasking experience. Remember to try the solutions in order, starting with the simplest ones, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're still experiencing issues after trying all the troubleshooting steps.