It’s quite simple. You start playing a song on Spotify and lock your phone; two minutes later – silence. Spotify has shut down on its own. You receive a WhatsApp message, but the notification appears 45 minutes later – by which time the sender has already complained, “You never reply.” You’re navigating with Google Maps, slip your phone into your pocket, and take it out five minutes later – Maps has closed, the location is lost, and you’ve missed your turn. An Uber driver is on the way; the app is running in the background, but your phone decides Uber is “unnecessary” – and kills the process. The driver cancels, and the ride is gone.
Do these scenarios sound familiar? In India, this issue of apps closing automatically has reached epidemic proportions – especially on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, and Samsung phones. These brands employ aggressive battery optimization that forcibly shuts down background apps. In the name of saving battery, these companies are essentially breaking your phone’s core functionality.
And the most frustrating part? This is a “feature,” not a “bug.” In other words, companies are doing this intentionally. But the good news is that this can be fixed on almost any phone. You just need to know the right settings – which are typically buried 15–20 menus deep. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact, step-by-step settings for each brand.
It is important to understand why background apps get killed.
Android was originally designed to allow apps to run in the background – receiving notifications, tracking location, playing music, and syncing data. This is a core feature of the operating system. So, why are phone manufacturers breaking this feature?
Reason 1: Battery Life – Marketing Pressure
The Indian market is extremely competitive. Offering “2-day battery life” is a key marketing point for phones priced around ₹12,000. Companies realized that aggressively killing background apps improves battery backup figures – making the spec sheet look impressive and boosting sales. Consumers only discover the issue of delayed notifications later, by which time the phone has already been purchased.
Reason 2: Limited RAM Management
Budget phones (with 4–6 GB of RAM) have to handle numerous apps with limited resources. Instead of employing intelligent RAM management, these brands resort to shortcuts – killing background apps to free up RAM. It is a simple yet destructive approach.
Reason 3: Custom Android Skins
MIUI/HyperOS, ColorOS, FuntouchOS, and One UI – these “customizations” override stock Android’s background process management and enforce their own aggressive rules.
Which phones are the most aggressive?
Don’t Kill My App – This independent website assigns a “badness score” to every phone brand based on how aggressively they kill background apps.
| Brand | Aggressiveness | Badness Score |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO | ⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ Extreme | Very High |
| Samsung | ⚡⚡⚡⚡ High | High |
| Realme / Oppo | ⚡⚡⚡⚡ High | High |
| Vivo | ⚡⚡⚡⚡ High | High |
| OnePlus | ⚡⚡⚡ Moderate | Moderate |
| Nokia | ⚡⚡⚡ Moderate | Moderate |
| Google Pixel | ⚡ Minimal | Low |
| Stock Android | ⚡ Minimal | Low |
Universal Android Settings – Apply to All Phones
These settings are available on every Android phone (regardless of the brand) and partially resolve the issue of apps closing unexpectedly. Brand-specific fixes (in the next section) provide a complete solution.
Step 1: Disable Battery Optimization (per app)
This is the most important universal setting.
How to do it:
- Settings > Apps > Tap on the problematic app (e.g., WhatsApp)
- Tap “Battery” (or Battery Usage)
- Select “Unrestricted” (on some phones, this may be labeled “Don’t Optimize” or “No Restrictions”)
Important: This needs to be done individually for each app. Set only the essential apps to ‘Unrestricted’:
- WhatsApp – messages, calls
- Gmail – email notifications
- Google Maps – navigation
- Spotify / YouTube Music – background playback
- UPI Apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) – payment notifications
- Uber / Ola – ride tracking
- Work Apps (Slack, Teams, Zoom)
- Alarm / Clock apps
- Games, social media (Instagram, Facebook) – Unrestricted is not necessary.
Step 2: Check Battery Saver Mode
Battery Saver mode is the biggest background process killer. If it is always ON, most apps won’t survive in the background.
Check this:
- Settings > Battery > Battery Saver / Power Saving Mode
- If it is ‘Always On’ → Turn it off.
- Recommended: Set it to auto-enable at 15–20% – keeping it on full-time is not necessary.
Step 3: Configure Adaptive Battery settings
Android 9 and later versions include an Adaptive Battery feature that restricts rarely used apps. While usually helpful, it sometimes restricts important apps as well.
Check this:
- Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery
- If important apps appear in the restricted list → set them individually to “Unrestricted”
- Keep Adaptive Battery ON (generally beneficial) – just exempt the important apps
Step 4: Check Data Saver / Data Restriction settings
Data Saver mode stops background data syncing – this causes notifications to be delayed or missed.
Check this:
- Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver
- If it is ON → add important apps to the “Unrestricted Data Access” list.
- Or, turn Data Saver OFF if you have an unlimited data plan (e.g., Jio or Airtel unlimited plans).
Step 5: Check App Notifications
Sometimes an app is running in the background, but notification permissions are turned off, so messages don’t appear. This is a different issue from background process termination, though the symptoms look the same.
Check this:
- Settings > Apps > [App] > Notifications > “Show Notifications” ON
- All notification categories are enabled
- Set priority for important apps
Brand-Specific Fixes – a solution for the issue of apps closing unexpectedly.
Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO (MIUI / HyperOS) – The Most Steps
Among all brands in India, Xiaomi is the most aggressive when it comes to killing background apps. You need to adjust 7–8 different settings in MIUI/HyperOS; if even one is missed, the app will get killed.
Step 1 – Turn ON AutoStart permission:
- Settings > Apps > AutoStart (or Permissions > AutoStart)
- Find the problematic app > toggle ON
- It is OFF by default – you must turn it ON manually.
Step 2 – Battery Saver > No Restrictions:
- Settings > Battery > App Battery Saver (or Battery > More Settings)
- Problem app tap > “No Restrictions” select
- Default “Battery Saver (Recommended)” is selected – change required
Step 3 – Lock App in Recent Apps:
- Tap the Recent Apps button (the square button).
- Find the card for the app in question.
- Long-press the card (or look for a small lock icon on it).
- Tap the lock icon – a lock symbol will appear on the app card.
- Now, this app will not close even if you select “Clear All”.
Step 4 – MIUI/HyperOS Battery Optimization Override:
- Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > Problem app
- Battery section > “Background Activity” > Allow
- “Background Data” > Allow
Step 5 – Security App Settings:
- Open the Security app (pre-installed)
- Manage Apps > Problem app
- “AutoStart” > ON
- “Background Settings” > “No Restrictions”
Step 6 – MIUI Optimization Toggle:
- Settings > About Phone > MIUI Version 7 times tap (Developer Options unlock)
- Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options
- Scroll down > “MIUI/HyperOS Optimization” > OFF
This is a controversial setting. Turning it OFF disables MIUI-specific optimizations; some users find performance improves, while others experience increased battery drain. Give it a try – if you don’t like it, just turn it back ON.
Step 7 – Notifications Importance:
- Settings > Notifications > Problem app
- “Lock Screen Notifications” > Show
- “Priority” > “Urgent” or “High”
- “Notification Shade” > “Show Silently” OFF
Xiaomi Summary Checklist:
- [ ] AutoStart: ON
- [ ] Battery Saver: No Restrictions
- [ ] Lock in Recent Apps
- [ ] Background Activity: Allow
- [ ] Background Data: Allow
- [ ] Security App: AutoStart + No Restrictions
- [ ] MIUI Optimization: Consider OFF
- [ ] Notification Priority: High/Urgent
Samsung (One UI) – Sleeping Apps Fix
Samsung’s approach is slightly different – it maintains lists for “Sleeping Apps” and “Deep Sleeping Apps.” Apps added to these lists are killed in the background.
Step 1 – Clean Sleeping Apps List:
- Settings > Battery (or Battery and Device Care > Battery)
- Tap “Background Usage Limits”
- Open “Sleeping Apps” list
- Important apps are here? → Remove (trash/delete icon)
- Also, check “Deep Sleeping Apps” list → remove important apps
Step 2 – Add to “Never Sleeping Apps”:
- Same screen > “Never Sleeping Apps”
- Tap “+”
- Add important apps: WhatsApp, Gmail, Maps, Spotify, UPI apps, Uber/Ola
- These apps will never be killed in the background.
Step 3 – “Put Unused Apps to Sleep” OFF:
- Settings > Battery > Background Usage Limits
- “Put Unused Apps to Sleep” toggle > OFF
- This is an auto-sleep feature – rarely used apps automatically put in sleeping list.
Step 4 – Adaptive Battery Fine-Tune:
- Settings > Battery > “Adaptive Battery” > Keep it ON
- However, ensure important apps are in the “Never Sleeping” list – Adaptive Battery won’t affect them.
Step 5 – Device Care Optimization Override:
- Settings > Battery and Device Care
- “Auto Optimization” > This is a helpful feature, but sometimes overaggressive
- If problems persist → test by turning it off temporarily
Samsung Summary Checklist:
- [ ] Sleeping Apps list: important apps removed
- [ ] Deep Sleeping Apps: important apps removed
- [ ] Never Sleeping Apps: important apps added
- [ ] Put Unused Apps to Sleep: OFF
- [ ] Battery Optimization per app: Unrestricted
- [ ] Notification settings: Allow
Realme / Oppo (ColorOS / Realme UI)
Realme and Oppo same parent company (BBK Electronics) – settings are almost identical.
Step 1 – Auto Launch Manager:
- Settings > App Management (or Apps)
- “Auto Launch Manager” (or “AutoStart”)
- Do important apps ON
- Default: Most apps OFF – turn ON manually
Step 2 – Battery Optimization:
- Settings > Battery > “More Settings” (or Battery Optimization)
- Problem app > “Don’t Optimize” / “Allow Background”
Step 3 – App-Specific Battery:
- Settings > Apps > [App] > Battery Usage
- “Allow Background Activity” > ON
- “Allow Foreground Activity” > ON
Step 4 – Lock App in Recent:
- Recent Apps > Problem app card > lock icon tap
- protected by “Clear All”
Step 5 – Power Saving Mode Check:
- Settings > Battery > Power Saving
- “Super Power Saving” OFF (this extreme mode kills everything)
- Normal mode = OK, but per-app settings are necessary
Realme/Oppo Summary:
- [ ] Auto Launch: ON
- [ ] Battery: Don’t Optimize / Allow Background
- [ ] Background Activity: Allowed
- [ ] Lock in Recents
- [ ] Power Saving: Not extreme mode
Vivo (FuntouchOS / OriginOS)
Vivo’s i-Manager app is extra aggressive.
Step 1 – i-Manager AutoStart:
- Open i-Manager app (pre-installed)
- App Manager > AutoStart Manager
- Important apps ON
Step 2 – Battery Management:
- Settings > Battery > Background Power Consumption
- Problem apps > “Don’t Restrict” / “Allow”
- “High Background Power Consumption” list > important apps allow
Step 3 – Lock in Multitasking:
- Recent Apps > App card > Pull down (lock icon appears)
- Locked apps survive “Clear All”
Step 4 – i-Manager Override:
- i-Manager > Settings
- “Auto-close background apps” – Uncheck the important apps.
OnePlus (OxygenOS)
OnePlus is relatively moderate, but a few settings are essential:
Step 1 – Battery Optimization:
- Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization
- Top dropdown: “All Apps” select
- Problem app > “Don’t Optimize”
Step 2 – Advanced Optimization:
- Settings > Battery > “Advanced Optimization”
- “Adaptive Battery” > ON (generally good)
- “Sleep Standby Optimization” > Background apps survive better by turning them off.
Step 3 – Auto-Launch:
- Settings > Apps > “Auto-Launch”
- Important apps > “Allow Auto-Launch”
Stock Android / Google Pixel
Stock Android is the least aggressive. Usually, there is no need to change settings, but if issues arise:
- Settings > Apps > [App] > Battery > “Unrestricted”
- Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery (leave ON)
- Settings > Battery > Battery Saver OFF (or auto at 15%)
- Data Saver: important apps exempt
App-Specific Settings – For Popular Apps
Some apps also have background running options within their own settings:
WhatsApp notification delay is the #1 complaint in India (especially on Xiaomi/Realme devices).
Phone Settings:
- Battery: Unrestricted
- AutoStart: ON (Xiaomi/Realme)
- Lock in Recents
WhatsApp Internal Settings:
- WhatsApp > Settings > Notifications > All notification types ON
- WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and Data > “Use Less Data for Calls” – this is optional, background impact minimal
Spotify / YouTube Music
Background music playback stopping = common complaint.
Phone Settings:
- Battery: Unrestricted
- AutoStart: ON
- Lock in Recents
Extra Tip:
- Spotify > Settings > “Audio Quality” > This is unrelated to background playback, but lower quality = less data = better performance on weak networks.
- Keep the notification-based player visible – this signals to Android that the app is “actively in use” (Foreground Service).
Google Maps – Navigation
Navigation stopping is potentially dangerous (while driving or riding).
Phone Settings:
- Battery: Unlimited
- Location: “Allow All the Time” (Maps > Permissions > Location)
- Data: Unrestricted background data
- Lock in Recents
- Keep Battery Saver OFF during navigation – Battery Saver reduces GPS accuracy
UPI Apps (PhonePe / Google Pay / Paytm)
Missing a payment notification poses a financial risk.
Phone Settings:
- Battery: Unrestricted
- AutoStart: ON
- Notifications: All categories ON, Priority: High
- SMS Permission: Allow (OTP delivery)
- Background Data: Unrestricted
Uber / Ola
Ride tracking app closed = driver contact lost, pickup location lost.
Phone Settings:
- Battery: Unrestricted
- Location: Allow All the Time
- Lock in Recents when ride is active
- Data Saver: Unrestricted
Common mistakes people make
Mistake 1: Installing “Task Killer” or “RAM Cleaner” apps
Many people think, “Apps are closing in the background – a RAM cleaner will fix it.” That is completely wrong. RAM cleaners actually worsen the problem; they aggressively kill apps, which is the exact opposite of what you want. Uninstall any RAM cleaner or task killer you have installed.
Mistake 2: Setting all apps to “Unrestricted”
Set only essential apps to “Unrestricted” – 10–15 apps maximum. If you set all 50 apps to “Unrestricted,” battery drain will genuinely increase, and the phone will slow down. A selective approach is necessary.
Unrestrict: WhatsApp, Gmail, Maps, Music apps, UPI, Work apps, Alarm
Restricted OK: Games, Camera, Calculator, File Manager, casual apps
Mistake 3: Not testing after changing settings
Many people change settings but do not verify whether the fix is working. Test it:
- WhatsApp: Send a message from another phone; check notification timing.
- Spotify: Play a song on the lock screen; check after 5–10 minutes.
- Maps: Start navigation, keep the phone in your pocket; check after 10 minutes.
- Run the “Don’t Kill My App” benchmark test.
Mistake 4: Not re-checking settings after a phone update
OTA updates often reset settings! After every major update:
- AutoStart settings check
- Battery optimization settings check
- Sleeping apps list check
- Revert Lock in Recents
Free Tools
| Tool | Work | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t Kill My App (Website) | Brand-specific fix guide | dontkillmyapp.com |
| Don’t Kill My App (App) | Background kill benchmark | Play Store |
| AccuBattery | Battery monitoring | Play Store (Free/$3.99) |
| Greenify | Smart app hibernation (advanced users) | Play Store (Free) |
| Bouncer | Temporary permissions (smart management) | Play Store (~$1.99) |
FAQs – About Apps Closing Automatically
Q1: Apps keep closing even after changing all settings – what should I do?
Check all brand-specific settings (you might have missed some). Follow the exact steps on the “Don’t Kill My App” website. Restart your phone after changing settings. MIUI users: Try turning OFF “MIUI Optimization.” Last resort: Report the issue to the app developer – some apps are problematic only on specific phones.
Q2: Will the battery drain faster if I set apps to “Unrestricted”?
An extra 5–10% drain is possible (if you set 10–15 apps to “Unrestricted”). However, this is an acceptable trade-off for timely notifications, continuous navigation, and uninterrupted music playback. Don’t set all 50 apps to “Unrestricted” – be selective.
Q3: What exactly does “Lock in Recents” do?
When the phone kills background apps to free up RAM, “locked” apps are skipped. Locked apps also survive when you use the “Clear All” button. It is the simplest and most effective trick.
Q4: Why do I have to change so many settings on Xiaomi phones?
MIUI/HyperOS restricts background apps across multiple layers – Battery Saver, AutoStart, Security App, MIUI Optimization – and each layer operates independently. If you fix one layer, another might still kill the app. That’s why fixing all layers is necessary. This is by design – Xiaomi consciously does this to show better battery life figures.
Q5: Do settings reset after a phone update?
Yes, commonly. Major OS updates (e.g., MIUI 15 → HyperOS 2.0, One UI 6 → 7) can reset settings. Security updates usually preserve them. Re-check your settings after every major update.
Final Thoughts
So, that was the complete guide – a permanent fix for the issue of apps closing automatically. The key takeaways:
Universal (all phones):
- Battery Optimization: Unrestricted (important apps)
- Battery Saver: OFF (or auto at 15%)
- Data Saver: Exempt important apps
- Notifications: All ON, Priority High
Brand-Specific (Required):
- Xiaomi: AutoStart ON + Battery No Restrictions + Lock in Recents + Security App settings + MIUI Optimization (7–8 settings)
- Samsung: Remove from Sleeping/Deep Sleeping + Add to Never Sleeping + Put Unused to Sleep OFF
- Realme/Oppo: Auto Launch ON + Battery Don’t Optimize + Allow Background
- Vivo: i-Manager AutoStart + Background Power Allow
dontkillmyapp.com Bookmark this – it’s your permanent reference.
Over 90% of phones in India aggressively kill background processes – this is a design choice, not a bug. But now, you have the exact settings for every brand. Invest just 10–15 minutes once, and the issue of apps closing automatically will be permanently solved. To read more about troubleshooting in detail, Android tips, app reviews, and tech guides, visit fixtech.in.📱✅