Background apps are programs that run on your device even when you’re not actively using them. While some background apps are useful—like email notifications or system updates—too many can slow down your device, drain battery, and consume data.
Knowing how to stop background apps is essential for optimizing performance, saving battery, and improving privacy.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to stop background apps on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, along with tips for managing them effectively.
What Are Background Apps?
Background apps are programs that continue to run even when they’re not open on your screen. They perform tasks like:
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Checking for updates
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Sending notifications
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Syncing data
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Running system services
Although some background apps are necessary, unnecessary apps running in the background can slow down your device and increase power usage.
Why Stop Background Apps?
Stopping background apps has several benefits:
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Improve Device Performance
Frees up RAM and CPU resources, making your device faster. -
Save Battery Life
Background apps consume power even when you’re not using them. -
Reduce Data Usage
Apps running in the background may use mobile data for updates and syncing. -
Improve Privacy
Some apps track usage and collect data in the background. -
Prevent Crashes and Freezes
Reducing background load can stabilize your system.
How to Stop Background Apps on Windows
Windows allows you to manage which apps can run in the background.
Method 1: Using Settings (Windows 10/11)
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Press Windows + I to open Settings
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Click Privacy → Background apps
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Close Settings
Tip: Turning off background apps may prevent some notifications from apps like Mail or Calendar.
Method 2: Using Task Manager
- Click the Processes tab
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Look for apps running under Background processes
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Right-click the app → Select End Task
Warning: Only end tasks you recognize; stopping system processes may cause errors.
Method 3: Disable Startup Apps
Some apps run in the background because they start with Windows.
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Open Task Manager
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Go to the Startup tab
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Right-click unnecessary apps → Select Disable
This prevents apps from launching automatically at startup.
How to Stop Background Apps on Mac
MacOS manages background apps differently. Most apps don’t run persistently, but some do.
Method 1: Using Activity Monitor
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Click the CPU tab to see running processes
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Select the app → Click Quit or Force Quit
Method 2: Disable Login Items
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Go to System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items
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Select apps you don’t need at startup
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Click the “-” button to remove them
Reducing login items helps Mac boot faster and run more smoothly.
How to Stop Background Apps on Android
Android devices allow you to manage background apps through settings or developer options.
Method 1: Using Settings
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Open Settings → Apps → See All Apps
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Select the app you want to stop
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Tap Force Stop or Disable
Tip: Use this for apps you don’t use frequently.
Method 2: Restrict Background Activity
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Go to Settings → Apps → Select App → Battery
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Enable Restrict background activity
This prevents the app from consuming battery or data when not in use.
Method 3: Use Battery Saver Mode
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Enable Battery Saver Mode in Settings → Battery
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This automatically restricts background apps and optimizes performance
How to Stop Background Apps on iPhone (iOS)
iOS manages background apps automatically, but you can control them.
Method 1: Background App Refresh
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Open Settings → General → Background App Refresh
Method 2: Force Close Apps
- Swipe away apps to close them
Tip: Regularly force-closing apps isn’t necessary on iPhone, but it can help if an app is misbehaving.
Method 3: Low Power Mode
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Open Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode
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This automatically limits background activities and saves battery
Tips for Managing Background Apps
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Only disable apps you don’t use frequently
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Regularly review apps running in the background
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Keep essential apps running (email, messaging, cloud sync)
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Use built-in battery or performance modes to automatically manage apps
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Avoid third-party app killers on modern devices—they may harm performance
Common Myths About Background Apps
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“Background apps drain all your battery” – Only heavy apps or many apps at once significantly affect battery.
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“Force-closing apps improves performance” – Modern OSes manage memory efficiently; unnecessary force-closing may reduce performance.
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“All background apps are bad.” – Many apps need to run in the background to provide notifications and updates.
Understanding these myths helps you manage apps smartly.
Conclusion
Stopping background apps is a simple yet effective way to improve device performance, save battery, reduce data usage, and protect privacy. By following the steps outlined for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone, you can manage which apps run in the background and optimize your device.
Regularly monitoring background processes, disabling unnecessary apps, and using built-in performance tools will keep your device running faster and more efficiently. Background app management is essential for maintaining a smooth and responsive device experience.
