To see what apps are running in the background on Android, use the Recent Apps screen or the Quick Settings Task Manager. On a Samsung Galaxy, open Recent apps and tap the (number of apps) active in background label in the top left, then tap Stop to close them; Samsung documents background-app counts and controls on Galaxy phones and tablets, but the exact Recent apps behavior is shown only for Samsung devices. On Android 13 and later, swipe down twice from the top of the screen and tap the # active apps item at the bottom left to see and stop background apps; Google’s Android source documents a Task Manager in Quick Settings for Android 13 and later that shows apps running background foreground services and lets users stop them, and the feature is tied to apps running foreground services in the background. Google’s Android help thread also describes a Quick Settings route: swipe down twice from the top of the screen, then tap the # active apps item at the bottom left to see active background apps.
Check background app activity in settings
For a deeper, per-app check of background activity, go to Settings > Apps, choose the app, and tap App battery usage. From there, you can tap Force stop or switch off Allow background usage to prevent the app from running in the background. For a full system view of all running services, go to Settings > System > Developer options > Running services. This path works on both Samsung devices and other Android phones; Samsung also documents Settings > System > Developer options > Running services for viewing apps running in the background, and the Google help thread points to the same Developer options > Running services path on Android devices.
Stop apps from running in the background
You can stop background apps using several built-in methods. On the Recent Apps screen, swipe an app off the screen or tap the Stop button (on Samsung, tap the active apps label first). In App Info, tap Force stop to immediately halt the app. To prevent an app from running in the background at all, go to App battery usage and toggle off Allow background usage. These steps stop apps from draining battery or slowing down your phone without needing third-party tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see every background app on iPhone?
On iPhone, open the App Switcher to see all open apps: with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom, pause in the center, then lift your finger; with a Home button, double-click the Home button. However, Apple does not provide a list of all background processes. Suspended apps may still check for new content if Background App Refresh is on.
Can I prevent certain apps from running in the background?
Yes, on Android you can prevent an app from running in the background by going to Settings > Apps > [app] > App battery usage and toggling off Allow background usage. Note that disabling background activity for some apps (like messaging or email) may stop notifications or syncing.
Are all background apps bad for performance?
Not all background apps are harmful. Some apps, such as messaging or email apps, need to run in the background to provide real-time notifications and sync data. However, having too many unnecessary background apps running simultaneously can slow down your device and drain the battery.
How do I turn on battery saver to reduce background activity?
To turn on battery saver, go to Settings > Battery and enable Battery Saver mode. This automatically limits background activity for most apps to extend battery life, though it may affect notifications and performance.
What happens if I turn off optimized charging?
Turning off optimized charging means your device will charge to 100% without pausing, which may reduce long-term battery lifespan. It does not affect which apps run in the background or how you can see or stop them.
Can you stop background apps on Android?
Samsung documents Stop from Recent apps, Force stop in App info, and turning off Allow background usage.
