If apps on your phone keep closing automatically when running in the background, it can be extremely frustrating. This problem affects both Android and iPhone users and usually happens because of power-saving settings, low RAM, aggressive battery optimization, corrupted system files, or outdated apps. In this complete guide, you’ll learn why apps auto-close and how to stop them from shutting down unexpectedly.
1. Make Sure the App Has Background Permission
Apps close instantly if they don’t have permission to run in the background. Many phones restrict background activity by default to save battery.
Android:
- Settings → Apps
- Select the app
- Battery → Allow Background Activity
- Disable “Restricted” or “Optimized” modes
iPhone:
- Settings → General → Background App Refresh
- Enable for the affected app
Once enabled, apps can stay open without shutting off.
2. Disable Battery Saver Mode
Battery Saver mode aggressively closes apps in the background to save power. If you want your apps to stay open, turn it off.
Turn it off:
- Android: Settings → Battery → Battery Saver → Off
- iPhone: Settings → Battery → Low Power Mode → Off
After disabling it, background apps will run normally.
3. Remove the App from Battery Optimization (Android)
Android’s battery optimization often closes apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, games, or music apps running in the background.
Disable battery optimization:
- Settings → Apps → Special Access
- Battery Optimization
- Select the app → Don’t Optimize
This prevents the system from force-closing the app automatically.
4. Lock the App in the Recent Apps Menu
Many phones allow you to “lock” apps in memory to keep them running.
To lock an app:
- Open Recent Apps
- Find the app
- Tap the lock/padlock icon
Locked apps stay running even when you clear other apps.
5. Check if the Phone Has Low RAM
If your phone has low RAM (2–4 GB), the system may automatically close apps to save memory.
Fix:
- Close unused apps
- Disable widgets
- Avoid running multiple heavy apps
Adding more RAM is not possible on most phones, so managing apps is essential.
6. Free Up Storage Space
Insufficient storage can cause apps to crash or close randomly because the system cannot save temporary data.
Free up space by:
- Deleting unused apps
- Removing large videos and files
- Clearing cache
- Cleaning the Downloads folder
Your phone needs free space to keep apps running smoothly.
7. Update the App to the Latest Version
App developers release updates to fix bugs and improve stability. Outdated apps may crash in the background.
Update:
- Play Store → Manage Apps → Update All
- App Store → Updates → Update All
If the issue started recently, the update may fix it.
8. Update Your System Software
Your phone’s OS includes important files that apps need. If your system is outdated, background processes may crash.
Update software:
- Settings → System Update
- Install any available updates
System updates improve app stability and performance.
9. Turn Off Data Saver or WiFi Saver Modes
Data saver modes limit app data usage—and sometimes force-close apps that use too much data.
Disable it:
- Settings → Network → Data Saver → Off
- Settings → WiFi → WiFi Saver / Adaptive WiFi → Off
Apps will stay connected even when running in the background.
10. Allow Unlimited Data Usage (Android)
Certain apps need unrestricted data to stay alive in the background.
Enable it:
- Settings → Apps → Select App → Mobile Data
- Turn on “Unrestricted data usage”
This is especially important for messaging apps and online games.
11. Clear the App Cache and Data (Android)
If the app has corrupted data, it may close whenever it tries to save or load something.
Clear cache:
- Settings → Apps → Select App
- Storage → Clear Cache
Clear data (if necessary):
- Settings → Apps → Select App
- Storage → Clear Data
Clearing data resets the app but often fixes background crashes.
12. Reinstall the App
If the app keeps closing even after clearing data, reinstalling it replaces all corrupted files.
Fix:
- Uninstall the app
- Restart your phone
- Reinstall from Play Store or App Store
This resolves most app crash issues.
13. Disable Aggressive Memory Management (Some Android Models)
Some brands like Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo use aggressive system settings that kill apps in the background.
Fix:
- Settings → Battery → App Battery Management
- Set apps to “Normal” or “Unrestricted”
This allows apps to run freely without being force-stopped.
14. Reset All Settings (Android & iPhone)
If system settings are corrupted, apps may start closing even when nothing seems wrong.
Android:
- Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset All Settings
iPhone:
- Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset All Settings
This resets system configurations but keeps your files safe.
15. Check for Malware or Problematic Apps
Malware or poorly coded apps may take over memory, causing other apps to crash.
Fix:
- Uninstall suspicious apps
- Avoid apps downloaded outside official app stores
- Install a trusted antivirus (Android)
Removing problem apps often restores stability.
16. Factory Reset (Only as a Last Resort)
If apps are still closing and your system is severely corrupted, a factory reset may be necessary.
Warning: This deletes all data.
- Back up your photos and files
- Backup WhatsApp chats if needed
- Settings → Reset → Factory Data Reset
After resetting, install apps individually to avoid reinstalling problematic apps.
Final Thoughts
Apps closing in the background can be caused by power-saving settings, low RAM, corrupted app data, outdated software, or aggressive system optimization. By following the steps in this guide—disabling battery optimization, allowing background activity, updating software, and reinstalling problematic apps—you can fix auto-close issues and keep apps running smoothly.
If the problem continues even after resetting and reinstalling apps, your phone may have a deeper hardware or system-level issue. In that case, contacting a technician or considering a device upgrade may be necessary.