Most applications, services, services and other processes in the Android OS run in the background, invisible to the user. With this organization, high functionality and multitasking are achieved. From this article you will learn what background mode is and how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to limit background work.
What is background mode and background data transfer
“Background mode” or also “working in the background” is a process in which programs, services, services and other tasks run in the background. Compared to the foreground, where the user sees the program window and makes changes in real time, tasks in the background are performed automatically and without user intervention. In this case, the background process is regulated by previously entered user settings or developer settings.
Thanks to the background mode, many processes are regulated automatically, which makes it easier to manage your mobile device and increases multitasking. After locking the screen, the device does not turn off completely, but continues to function and perform various tasks. Here is an example of the most popular background operations:
- Uploading files to the phone's memory or transferring information to the network.
- Installing and updating applications.
- Receive notifications from games and other programs.
- Playing music in a minimized player.
- Navigation or track recording with tracking of movement on the map.
- Counting steps taken by the user and other activities.
- data and creating a backup copy.
In addition to “background work”, Android OS has “background data transfer”. This function determines the operating mode of sending and receiving data in the background. If the function is active, then when the Internet is turned on, the application gains access to the network. If “background data transfer” is disabled, network access is provided only when the program is in the foreground.
An example would be a messenger or email service. Without access to background data transfer, the utility does not contact the server to check emails when the user minimizes the program. And as soon as you open the application, dozens of letters and messages arrive on the device. Therefore, it is not recommended to disable network access for applications where it is important to receive information in real time.
How background mode works
The running application runs in the foreground while it is displayed on the screen of a mobile device or is being used by the user: gallery, browser, music player, etc. If you leave the application using the “return to main screen” button, the program does not close, but is minimized to the background.
If there are active actions, such as playing music, the utility continues to work. Otherwise, the program is paused and stored in the RAM cache. If there is enough volume, the application called again from the “running programs” menu will continue to work from the last point it stopped.
The application is closed if the user has selected the appropriate function or the system needs to free up RAM for other tasks. In this case, the running services of a specific application remain in memory. The purpose of the service is determined by the application's functionality. For example, the JobScheduler service is used to schedule tasks, and the SyncAdapter is used to synchronize data. If necessary, the application automatically starts the necessary services.
The presence, number and type of services are determined by the application developer. With the right approach, it will be possible to automate various processes that do not require user intervention - creating a backup copy of data on a schedule or when the Internet is available, communicating with the server to check new letters, accessing sensors, etc.
Benefits of background mode
- Automation of processes that do not require user intervention.
- Increased functionality of a mobile device.
- Expanded multitasking - the ability to perform several operations simultaneously.
Disadvantages of background mode
How to limit background work
Limiting the background operation of applications or services reduces the functionality and multitasking of a mobile device. At the same time, deactivating unused utilities will increase autonomy.
Disable background data transfer
Limiting access to data of certain applications will save mobile traffic.
Instructions:
Open the system settings section.
Select "Data transfer".
Activate the function by changing the switch.
Set exceptions here. These applications will receive unlimited access to the Internet.
To enable it, just flip the switch.
Some programs need to be opened first, and then the “Background Mode” must be turned off.
Disable synchronization
If you have a Google account, user data is periodically transferred in the background to a remote server. Disabling synchronization will make it impossible to save some information to remote storage. At the same time, energy costs will be reduced, as well as traffic costs, provided that Google services are allowed to transfer data in the background.
Instructions:
Go to the system settings section.
Select the "Google" option.
Disable data that you don't want to sync in the background.
Freezing applications
Application hibernation will forcefully freeze active programs, which will have a positive effect on battery life.
Instructions:
Download and install the program.
When starting for the first time, select “operating mode”. The program is focused on working with . Without root, Greenify has fewer options. Also in the basic version there are restrictions on access to certain functions. For devices without root rights, the basic version of the program is sufficient.
Grant permission for Greenify to work if Android version is 5.1.1 or higher. To do this, click on the “grant permission” button.
In the new window, select the Greenify program.
Allow access, and then return to the program.
To complete the setup, click Finish.
To put the application to sleep, click on the button with the plus sign.
Greenify will analyze programs and show utilities that are running in the background.
If necessary, click on the “Show other applications” button to add other programs to the freeze list.
Conclusion
In the article, we examined in detail what background mode is in Android. Tasks that do not require the user’s attention are performed in the background, which makes management easier and expands the functionality and multitasking of the mobile device. At the same time, insufficient optimization of the background operation of individual programs worsens autonomy. And the only way to solve the problem is to disable or freeze the processes of such an application.
Everyone wants their mobile phone to work quickly and smoothly, and to last as long as possible on its charge. One of the options that will come to the rescue in this case is disabling background processes.
Why are background applications needed and what is their harm?
Background applications are a type of programs that launch certain processes without the user's knowledge and run in the background, which is why they got their name. It looks like the app is closed, but it still uses system resources, reduces the amount of RAM and battery life of the phone. These programs have certain reasons for this behavior, for example, obtaining geolocation information, synchronization, or other activity directly related to the functions of these applications.
Some background processes are actually necessary and make it much easier for the user to obtain information. Others, in turn, only slow down the operation of the gadget, reduce the battery charge, as well as the performance and autonomy of the phone.
How to find out running background processes
In order to determine which operations affect the operation of the device, you must:
- Activate developer mode. Go to the menu, namely “Settings”, then “About phone”. At the very bottom of the list that opens, click on the “Build number” item 7 times. After this action, you will receive a notification that you have become a developer.
- Go to the “For Developers” section that appears and select “Process Statistics”. The screen will display information about all currently running programs, as well as information about the amount of memory required for their operation.
- To see how much battery each installed app is using, go back to Settings and select Battery & Performance, then Battery Usage. In the window that opens, statistics for all programs will appear in descending order.
What applications can be stopped
Most mobile phone users have no need at all for the functionality of many programs that run in the background. The most common examples are games, photo and video editors, music players. This applies to other applications as well. Determining which hidden processes are allowed to be disabled is quite simple: if the user does not need it at the moment, then it can be safely stopped.
The Android system is designed in such a way that programs important for the operation of the phone will not allow the owner of the gadget to close their background processes. It is also not recommended to disable hidden operations of applications that are in constant use, for example instant messengers, since they will no longer send notifications that may be important to the user. Basic applications whose names begin with the word “Google”, for example, Google Search, Google Play Store, should not be stopped either.
How to disable applications
Android allows the owner of a smartphone to make significant changes to its operation, including disabling hidden processes of most programs. To do this you need:
- Open "Settings".
- Find the “For Developers” item, then click on the “Process Statistics” section.
- Select the applications you need, then click the Stop button.
- To force the program to close, it must be closed through the Application Manager.
You can also use special utilities designed to automate the gadget, for example:
- Greenify;
- ES Task Manager;
- Clean Master;
- Advanced Task Manager;
- ShutApp;
- Naptime.
As a result, the user will be able to free up memory space to perform more important tasks, improve the performance of their device, and significantly increase its battery life.
Alice's main task is to solve everyday issues: search for information on the Internet, find places, play music, get directions, show the weather forecast, read the news and much, much more. But besides this, Alice can entertain you with a conversation on any topic, tell a story or joke.
Start a conversation
To start a conversation with Alice:
If you have an Android device, you can use a special widget to quickly launch a dialogue with Alice.
Examples of queries and commands for Alice can be found in Yandex Browser Help for smartphones on Android or iOS.
End conversation
To end communication with Alice, click Close or slide down the dialog box.
Alice can't hear me
Alice doesn't answer
To answer questions, Alice needs stable Internet access. Check your connection, restart the Yandex application and ask again. If the problem persists, please write to us via the feedback form.
Alice does not voice her answers
Alice voices answers only if they are asked by voice. If you type the text manually, then you will also receive Alice's answer in writing.
Alice does not follow commands and imitates
Alice has two main operating modes:
functional - find information, open an application, read, build a route, etc.;
"neural network chatter"- maintain a conversation on a user-specified topic.
As a rule, Alice turns on the mode "neural network chatter" after the command "Let's chat". But there may be exceptions. If you encounter Alice chatting instead of following commands, say “Enough”, “Finish”, “Come back” or “Exit”.
Alice's skills
Skills expand Alice's capabilities, making her even more useful and interesting. Already now Alice can tell a fairy tale, play cities, suggest a recipe and much more. You can find out what your voice assistant can do in Alice's skills catalog.
But not all Alice's skills are created in Yandex. If you notice that the assistant's voice has changed, and your dialogue phrases are now displayed on a blue background instead of purple, then you have activated one of Alice's skills, which was created by third-party developers.
If you are interested in the opportunity to create your own skill, see the description of the Yandex.Dialogues technology.
Conversation history
The conversation with Alice is saved in the device’s memory. To remove it, in the upper right corner of the dialog box, click the three dots icon and select Clear the history.
Despite the fairly high characteristics of most modern Android devices, smartphone resources have certain limitations that lead to various kinds of performance problems. You can avoid such situations by disabling background applications that run in hidden mode on an ongoing basis. During this instruction, we will look at this procedure using the example of several options.
Of all the possible methods for disabling background applications, we will pay attention to only three methods, in most cases closely related to each other. At the same time, the task in question is easily accessible on a smartphone with any version of the OS and does not require the installation of additional software from the Play Market.
Method 1: Memory Used
The simplest method of stopping background processes is to use a special section in "Settings", designed to monitor the RAM of an Android device. This feature is available on smartphones with the fifth and higher versions of the operating system, equally allowing you to disable both standard and third-party applications.
In some cases, stopping background processes will require additional confirmation through a corresponding pop-up window. In addition, on different firmware versions, the statistics section may differ significantly in location and capabilities provided. One way or another, at this point the shutdown process can be considered complete and, if necessary, move on to the next options.
Method 2: Security Settings
This method is only partially related to the topic at hand, since it involves disabling applications that have access rights to manage the Android device. By deactivating in this way, the software will be isolated from affecting the functions of the smartphone, for example, when it is in screen lock mode.
As you can see, this option is not relevant in all cases, since few applications require this level of access to the phone. Moreover, sometimes such an approach is not only a way to disable background processes, but also allows you to unlock the function of stopping software for the previous and next method.
Method 3: Manage Applications
Unlike previous options, this method allows you to stop any background software, including those that consume a minimum amount of resources and have a slight impact on the performance of the smartphone. On different versions of the operating system, the capabilities of the section in question with parameters vary significantly.
Android 5.1 and higher
Android 4.4
Such stopping of processes is not always available, but in any case it is the most effective method. In addition, deactivation will require the exact name of the application, and its performance after deactivation may be at risk in many ways.
Method 4: Force Stop (root only)
Each method discussed above in one way or another allows you to deactivate background processes through system settings, however, in addition to this approach, you can always use third-party programs. One such tool is Greenify, which allows you to forcefully stop any running software, including system software. At the same time, for the program to work correctly, you will have to add root rights to your Android device.
- Install the application from the link below. On the page "Work mode" select an option "My device is rooted" and press "Further".
- Confirm adding root rights for Greenify. You can leave all subsequent parameters at your personal discretion.
- On the main page of the application, you can click on the button with three dots and perform several tasks, be it going to "Settings" or "Euthanasia" selected software. The section with parameters should be given special attention, since this is where the behavior of disabled applications is determined.
- Once you have sorted out the settings, on the Greenify main page, click on the icon «+» in the lower or upper corner of the screen. As a result, a window will open with a list of applications running in the background.
- Select one or more options for the software that you want to force stop. Once you've completed your selection, tap the check mark icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
- To automatically stop all selected programs, use the icon in the lower right corner on the main page. After this, the applications will go to "Sleep mode", being in the block "Put to Sleep".
Note: Although most, but not all programs can be stopped in this way, as can be seen from the screenshot.
- The instructions can be completed here, but it is especially important to note the automatic analysis. This allows you not only to stop unnecessary software, but also to significantly save resources on your Android device.
We hope that after familiarizing yourself with each of the proposed methods, you were able to stop background processes.
In this article I continue the theme of optimizing your computer; today we will stop some programs running in the background to speed up and operate your PC.
In the last lesson we disabled programs from startup(if you haven’t read this lesson, then I advise you to start with it, the link is at the end of this article), thereby increasing performance, and now we will disable Windows services running in the background.
Any of these services can be either system or third-party, but they all eat up a small part of the system’s resources; if you consider that there are several dozen of them, the load increases noticeably.
Of course, in most cases, system programs running in the background are needed for normal computer operation, but there are some that are not needed at all and are unlikely to be needed by anyone.
When disabling yourself, you need to be extremely careful; when disabling any process, you need to know what it is responsible for so as not to harm the OS. Below I will give a small list of what can be excluded and what can be switched to manual mode.
What programs can I disable?
To do this you need to log in Service Management by right-clicking on the My Computer shortcut, which is located on yours, or selecting Computer. In the menu that appears, select Control
then click on Services and applications and the last point Services. Here you can see all the necessary and unnecessary programs running in the background; in total, I have more than 150 of them!
First of all, I advise you to look through the entire list and find some familiar programs that you may have installed and simply disable them.
For example: torrent clients µTorrent or BitComet you can safely disable them, unless of course you distribute some files day and night. Program Skype(Skype) if you call once a month, then why will it waste resources every day?
Also with other programs, if there is no need for its work every minute, feel free to stop it. Do not confuse it in any way, disabling a program does not mean it will not work in the future! When you need it, just run it with , as you usually do.
Background mode is a standby mode, that is, the program is always running, although it is not used.
And finally, the list I promised Windows Services which can be disabled for sure or switched to manual mode.
Parental Control– turn off
KtmRm for distributed transaction coordinator– manually
Adaptive adjustment— disabling brightness is necessary only for PC owners. with built-in light sensor to automatically adjust monitor brightness
WWAN auto setup– disable if you do not have CDMA or GSM modules
Windows Firewall– disable it if your antivirus has this service
Computer browser– translate manually when not using the local network
Support IP Service– turn off
Secondary login– disable or manually
Automatic remote access connection manager– disable or manually
Print Manager– turn it off if we don’t use the printer
Windows Defender– disable it, a completely unnecessary service
Distributed Transaction Coordinator– turn off
NetBIOS Support Module– disable, but on the condition that there is no local network (connection of 2 computers or more)
Setting up a Remote Desktop Server– turn off
Bluetooth support– turn it off, I don’t think this is relevant now.
Windows Image Upload (WIA) service– if you use a scanner, you don’t touch anything
Windows Remote Control Service– turn off
Remote Desktop Service– turn off
Smartcard– turn off
Tablet PC input service– turn off
Remote registry- everything is generally bad here; there is an opinion that this is a kind of open door for a virus that can change the system registry. Definitely disable
Fax– we turn it off, it’s completely a thing of the past.
To disable a service, double-click on it with the left mouse button, a window will open where we change the value Startup type from Automatic to Disabled then Stop//Apply//OK. This is how we deal with every service we dislike.
This is the list of services that I was able to find out about; I will be glad if anyone can add to it in the comments to this article.
This concludes this article, but the topic of optimization is to be continued, subscribe to updates so as not to miss it and other subsequent articles.
Valery Semenov, website