How to Check Background Apps Running on an Android Phone

It's crucial to stay aware of the applications running in the background on your Android phone. Checking these apps can help improve performance, extend battery life, and enhance overall user experience. Whether you're a tech-savvy user or simply want to streamline your device, here’s how to check and manage background apps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Identify Background Apps

To see what apps are running in the background, follow these simple steps:

Open Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade, then tap the gear icon to open the Settings app. Scroll down and select Apps. Look for an option labeled View Running App, Running Services, or a similar phrase. If this option is not visible, continue to the next step. If your phone supports Developer Options, enable them by going to About Phone and tapping on Build Number seven or ten times. Once you reach the developer level, return to Settings and find System > Developer Options, then turn on Running Services or Running App. Tap on Running Services or View Running App to view the list of applications currently running in the background.

Managing Background Apps for Better Performance

Managing background apps can significantly improve your Android phone's performance and battery life. Here are some additional tips:

Force Stop Apps: If needed, you can force stop apps from the same menu where you check their status. This can be done by long-pressing on the app and selecting Force Stop. Disable Background Data: Go to Settings > Apps > See All [250] Apps > select an app > Mobile Data and WiFi > toggle off Background Data. This prevents apps from consuming data in the background, but may affect app performance. Change Battery Performance Options: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Performance Options. You can change these to Restricted to conserve battery life, which may slightly impact app performance.

Developer Options and Advanced Management

For advanced users, Android provides Developer Options which offer deeper insight into app behavior and system settings. To access these options:

Go to About Phone and tap Build Number seven or ten times to unlock Developer Options. Return to Settings and look for System > Developer Options. Scroll down to Running Services and tap it to view a list of background apps.

While in Developer Options, you can make further adjustments such as:

Force Stop Apps: Stop apps that are consuming excessive resources by long-pressing on the app and selecting Force Stop. Disable Battery Optimizations: Go to Apps > See All [250] Apps > select an app > Battery > toggle off Optimize > Restricted. This can help reduce background data use but may impact app performance. Manage Background Data: Go to Settings > Apps > See All [250] Apps > select an app > Mobile Data and WiFi > toggle off Background Data.

Conclusion

The ability to manage background apps is essential for keeping your Android phone running smoothly and efficiently. By following the steps outlined above, you can take control of your device's performance and battery life. Remember to approach Developer Options with caution, as they provide advanced features that can significantly affect system performance if misused.