Are you tired of your Android device slowing down due to unnecessary apps running in the background? Do you want to improve your device’s performance and extend its battery life? One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by stopping apps from auto-starting on your Android device. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to take control of your apps and prevent them from running in the background without your permission.
Why Do Apps Auto-Start On Android?
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand why apps auto-start on Android in the first place. There are several reasons for this behavior:
Android’s Design
Android’s operating system is designed to allow apps to run in the background to provide a seamless user experience. This means that apps can continue to perform tasks even when they’re not visible on the screen. While this design goal is to improve the overall user experience, it can sometimes lead to apps consuming system resources and battery power unnecessarily.
App Developers’ Intentions
App developers often design their apps to auto-start on Android to perform specific tasks, such as:
- Syncing data in the background to ensure that users have the latest information.
- Providing push notifications to inform users of important events or updates.
- Performing maintenance tasks, such as updating the app or cleaning up temporary files.
While these intentions may be good, they can still lead to apps consuming system resources and battery power without the user’s knowledge or consent.
How To Stop Apps From Auto-Starting On Android
Now that we understand why apps auto-start on Android, let’s move on to the solutions. Here are the steps to stop apps from auto-starting on your Android device:
Method 1: Disable Auto-Start From Settings
This method is available on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and later versions. To disable auto-start for an app, follow these steps:
- Go to **Settings** > **Battery** > **Battery Usage**.
- Find the app you want to disable auto-start for and click on it.
- Look for the **Launch** option and toggle the switch to the **Off** position.
Method 2: Use The “Force Stop” Option
You can force an app to stop running in the background by using the “Force Stop” option. Here’s how:
- Go to **Settings** > **Apps** > **Downloaded Apps**.
- Find the app you want to force stop and click on it.
- Click on the **Force Stop** button.
Method 3: Use A Third-Party App
If the above methods don’t work for you, you can use a third-party app to stop apps from auto-starting on your Android device. One popular option is Greenify. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Greenify from the Google Play Store.
- Launch Greenify and grant it the necessary permissions.
- Select the apps you want to hibernate (stop auto-starting).
- Click on the **Hibernation** button to stop the selected apps from auto-starting.
Method 4: Use Android’s Built-in Feature (For Rooted Devices)
If your Android device is rooted, you can use Android’s built-in feature to stop apps from auto-starting. Here’s how:
- Go to **Settings** > **Developer Options** > **Running Services**.
- Find the app you want to stop from auto-starting and click on it.
- Click on the **Stop** button to stop the app from running in the background.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While stopping apps from auto-starting on Android can improve your device’s performance and battery life, you may encounter some issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common problems:
What If An App Can’t Be Stopped?
If you’re unable to stop an app from auto-starting using the above methods, it’s possible that the app has been granted administrator privileges or is a system app. In such cases, you may need to use a more advanced method, such as using a command-line tool like ADB, to stop the app.
What If I Need To Allow An App To Auto-Start?
In some cases, you may want to allow an app to auto-start, such as a music streaming app that needs to run in the background to provide continuous music playback. To do this, simply toggle the switch back to the On position using Method 1 or Method 2 above.
Best Practices To Prevent Apps From Auto-Starting
To prevent apps from auto-starting on your Android device, follow these best practices:
Only Install Trusted Apps
Only install apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store, to minimize the risk of malware and other security threats.
Review App Permissions
Review an app’s permissions before installing it to ensure that it doesn’t have excessive privileges that can lead to auto-starting.
Uninstall Unused Apps
Uninstall apps that you no longer use or need to prevent them from auto-starting in the background.
Regularly Update Your Android Operating System
Regularly update your Android operating system to ensure that you have the latest security patches and features that can help prevent apps from auto-starting.
Conclusion
Stopping apps from auto-starting on Android can significantly improve your device’s performance and battery life. By using the methods outlined in this guide, you can take control of your apps and prevent them from running in the background without your permission. Remember to follow best practices, such as only installing trusted apps, reviewing app permissions, uninstalling unused apps, and regularly updating your Android operating system, to prevent apps from auto-starting and ensure a seamless user experience.
What Is Autorun And Why Do Apps Autorun On Android?
Autorun is a feature that allows apps to start automatically in the background when you turn on your device or restart it. Many apps autorun on Android because they need to perform certain functions in the background, such as updating their data, checking for notifications, or providing continuous services. Autorun also allows apps to quickly launch when you need them, making it convenient for users.
However, autorun can also lead to battery drain, slow down your device, and pose security risks if malicious apps are allowed to autorun. That’s why it’s essential to take control of autorun settings on your Android device and disable autorun for apps that don’t need it.
How Do I Know Which Apps Are Autorunning On My Android Device?
You can check which apps are autorunning on your Android device by going to the “Settings” app, then selecting “Apps” or “Application Manager,” and finally choosing the “Running” tab. This will show you a list of all the apps that are currently running in the background, including those that autorun. You can also use third-party apps like Greenify or Autorun Manager to identify and manage autorunning apps.
Alternatively, you can also check the “Startup” or “Autorun” option in the “Settings” app, usually found under the “Advanced” or “Developer options” section. This will show you a list of all the apps that are set to autorun on your device.
How Do I Stop Apps From Autorunning On Android?
To stop an app from autorunning on Android, you can go to the “Settings” app, select “Apps” or “Application Manager,” choose the app you want to stop, and then toggle off the “Autorun” or “Run at startup” option. This will prevent the app from autorunning in the background when you turn on your device or restart it.
Alternatively, you can use third-party apps like Greenify or Autorun Manager to disable autorun for specific apps. These apps provide an easy-to-use interface to manage autorunning apps and help you take back control of your device.
Can I Disable Autorun For All Apps At Once?
Unfortunately, Android does not provide a built-in option to disable autorun for all apps at once. However, you can use third-party apps like Greenify or Autorun Manager to disable autorun for multiple apps at once. These apps provide a batch disable feature that allows you to select multiple apps and disable autorun for them all at once.
Keep in mind that disabling autorun for all apps may affect their functionality, and some apps may not work as intended. It’s essential to only disable autorun for apps that don’t need it to autorun, and to be cautious when using third-party apps to manage autorun settings.
Will Disabling Autorun Affect The Performance Of My Device?
Disabling autorun for unnecessary apps can significantly improve the performance of your device. Autorun can consume system resources, drain battery life, and slow down your device. By disabling autorun for apps that don’t need it, you can free up resources, extend battery life, and improve the overall performance of your device.
However, disabling autorun for apps that need it to function properly can affect their performance. For example, disabling autorun for a messaging app may prevent it from receiving notifications or updating in real-time. It’s essential to only disable autorun for apps that don’t need it and to test the app’s performance after making changes to autorun settings.
Are There Any Security Risks Associated With Autorun?
Yes, autorun can pose security risks if malicious apps are allowed to autorun on your device. Malicious apps can autorun in the background, steal your personal data, or inject malware into your device. By disabling autorun for unnecessary apps, you can reduce the risk of security breaches and protect your personal data.
It’s essential to be cautious when installing apps and to only install apps from trusted sources. You should also regularly review autorun settings and disable autorun for apps that don’t need it to minimize security risks.
Can I Re-enable Autorun For An App If I Accidentally Disabled It?
Yes, you can re-enable autorun for an app if you accidentally disabled it. To re-enable autorun, go to the “Settings” app, select “Apps” or “Application Manager,” choose the app, and then toggle on the “Autorun” or “Run at startup” option. This will allow the app to autorun in the background again.
Alternatively, you can use third-party apps like Greenify or Autorun Manager to re-enable autorun for an app. These apps provide an easy-to-use interface to manage autorunning apps and allow you to quickly re-enable autorun for an app if needed.