Are you tired of feeling like your LG phone is slowing down due to apps running in the background, consuming valuable resources and battery life? You’re not alone. Many Android users struggle with this issue, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to regain control over your device. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why apps run in the background, the impact on your phone’s performance, and most importantly, provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to stop apps from running in the background on your LG phone.
Why Do Apps Run in the Background?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why apps run in the background in the first place. There are several reasons why this happens:
Convenience and Multitasking
Many apps are designed to provide a seamless user experience by running in the background, allowing you to quickly switch between tasks or receive notifications. For example, music streaming apps like Spotify or Google Play Music continue to play music in the background while you’re using other apps.
Push Notifications and Updates
Some apps use push notifications to keep you informed about important events, such as social media updates, emails, or news alerts. To receive these notifications, the app needs to run in the background, periodically checking for new updates.
Location Services and GPS
Apps that rely on location services, such as Google Maps or ride-hailing services like Uber, need to run in the background to provide accurate location data and navigation.
The Impact of Background Apps on Your Phone’s Performance
While background apps can be convenient, they can also have a significant impact on your phone’s performance and battery life. Here are some of the reasons why:
Battery Drain
Running multiple apps in the background can consume a significant amount of battery power, leading to faster battery drain and reduced battery life.
Memory and Resource Consumption
Background apps occupy system resources, such as RAM and CPU, which can slow down your phone’s performance, making it sluggish and unresponsive.
Data Consumption
Background apps can consume data in the background, leading to increased data usage and potentially higher bills.
How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background on Your LG Phone
Now that we’ve covered the reasons why apps run in the background and their impact on your phone’s performance, let’s explore the steps to take control and stop apps from running in the background on your LG phone.
Method 1: Close Apps Manually
The simplest way to stop apps from running in the background is to close them manually. Here’s how:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to the Recent Apps screen by long-pressing the Recent Apps button or by tapping the Recents key (usually located on the left side of the navigation bar). |
| 2 | Find the app you want to close and swipe it to the right to remove it from the Recent Apps list. |
Method 2: Use the Settings App
LG phones offer a built-in feature to manage apps running in the background. Here’s how to use it:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to the Settings app. |
| 2 | Scroll down and select “Apps.” |
| 3 | Find the app you want to stop from running in the background and select it. |
| 4 | Tap “Force Stop” to immediately stop the app from running. |
Method 3: Use the Task Manager
The Task Manager is a built-in feature on LG phones that allows you to view and manage running apps. Here’s how to use it:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Long-press the Home button to open the Task Manager. |
| 2 | Find the app you want to stop from running in the background and select it. |
| 3 | Tap “End” to stop the app from running. |
Method 4: Use a Third-Party App
If you want more advanced features to manage apps running in the background, consider using a third-party app. Some popular options include:
- Greenify: A popular app that helps you identify and hibernate background apps to conserve battery life and improve performance.
- Advanced Task Killer: A powerful app that allows you to stop apps running in the background, including system apps.
Additional Tips to Improve Performance and Battery Life
Stopping apps from running in the background is just one step towards improving your phone’s performance and battery life. Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your LG phone:
Limit Background Data Usage
Go to Settings > Data usage > Mobile data usage and toggle off “Background data” for apps that don’t need it.
Disable Location Services for Unnecessary Apps
Go to Settings > Location > App permissions and toggle off location services for apps that don’t require it.
Update Your Operating System
Regularly update your operating system to ensure you have the latest security patches and performance improvements.
Perform Regular Cache and Data Cleanup
Use the Storage section in the Settings app to regularly clean up cache and data for apps you no longer use.
Consider Performing a Factory Reset
If your phone is severely slow or experiencing frequent crashes, consider performing a factory reset to start from scratch.
Conclusion
Stopping apps from running in the background on your LG phone is a crucial step towards improving performance, battery life, and overall user experience. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can take control of your phone’s resources and optimize its performance. Remember to regularly clean up unnecessary apps, update your operating system, and perform cache and data cleanup to keep your phone running smoothly.
Why do apps run in the background on my LG phone?
Apps run in the background on your LG phone to perform various tasks such as updating their content, checking for new notifications, or providing location-based services. This allows them to continue functioning even when you’re not actively using them. However, this can also lead to battery drain, slow performance, and increased data usage.
By default, most LG phones allow apps to run in the background to provide a seamless user experience. But, if you’re concerned about the impact on your phone’s performance or want to conserve battery life, you can take control and stop apps from running in the background.
How do I know which apps are running in the background on my LG phone?
You can check which apps are running in the background on your LG phone by going to the “Settings” app, then “Battery & Power Saving” or “Device Maintenance”, and finally “Battery Usage”. This will show you a list of apps that have been using battery power, including those running in the background. You can also use third-party apps like Greenify or Doze to identify and control background apps.
Alternatively, you can use the “Recent Apps” button to see which apps are currently running on your phone. This button is usually located on the navigation bar or can be accessed by long-pressing the “Home” button. Swipe through the list to see which apps are active, and swipe them away to close them.
How do I stop apps from running in the background on my LG phone?
To stop apps from running in the background on your LG phone, go to the “Settings” app, then “Battery & Power Saving” or “Device Maintenance”, and finally “App Power Monitor” or “Background Usage Limits”. From here, you can select individual apps and toggle off the “Allow Background Activity” or “Allow Background Data Usage” switch.
Additionally, you can use the “Auto-start Manager” feature to control which apps can run in the background when your phone is restarted. Go to “Settings”, then “Advanced”, and finally “Auto-start Manager”. From here, you can toggle off the switch next to each app to prevent it from running in the background.
Will stopping apps from running in the background affect their functionality?
Stopping apps from running in the background may affect their functionality, depending on the app’s purpose. For example, if you stop a music streaming app from running in the background, it may not be able to continue playing music when you’re not actively using it. Similarly, if you stop a social media app from running in the background, it may not be able to push notifications to your phone.
However, most apps will continue to function normally when you open them, even if they’re not running in the background. You can always allow apps to run in the background again if you need their background features. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of stopping apps from running in the background against their impact on functionality.
Can I stop system apps from running in the background on my LG phone?
System apps, also known as pre-installed apps, are more challenging to control than third-party apps. While you can’t uninstall system apps, you can disable them or restrict their ability to run in the background. To do this, go to the “Settings” app, then “Advanced”, and finally “Apps” or “Application Manager”. From here, select the system app you want to control, then toggle off the “Allow Background Activity” or “Allow Background Data Usage” switch.
Keep in mind that disabling or restricting system apps may affect your phone’s overall performance or functionality. Be cautious when making changes to system apps, as they are often essential to your phone’s operation.
Will stopping apps from running in the background improve my LG phone’s battery life?
Yes, stopping apps from running in the background can improve your LG phone’s battery life. Background apps consume system resources, including battery power, even when you’re not actively using them. By stopping them, you can reduce the power consumption and prolong your phone’s battery life.
The impact on battery life will vary depending on the apps you stop and their individual power consumption. However, stopping apps that are notorious for high battery usage, such as social media or video streaming apps, can lead to significant improvements.
Are there any third-party apps that can help me stop apps from running in the background on my LG phone?
Yes, there are several third-party apps available that can help you stop apps from running in the background on your LG phone. Some popular options include Greenify, Doze, and Hibernate. These apps can automatically identify and stop apps that are running in the background, helping to conserve battery life and improve performance.
Remember to always review an app’s permissions and features before installing it, and be cautious of any app that requests excessive permissions or access to sensitive data.