Closing running apps on your device is a common practice, but it’s essential to understand when and why it’s necessary. While smartphones and tablets are designed to manage multiple apps running simultaneously, there are times when closing apps can improve performance, conserve battery life, and even protect your privacy. However, it’s also important to recognize that closing apps too frequently may not always be beneficial and could, in some cases, hinder your device’s functionality.
Join WhatsApp GroupWhy Close Running Apps?
- Battery Conservation: Many apps continue to run in the background even after you stop actively using them. These apps might be consuming resources like CPU, GPS, or network connectivity, which in turn can lead to faster battery drain. Apps like social media platforms, navigation tools, or email clients may still fetch data or perform background tasks, draining your battery. Closing unnecessary apps can help conserve power, extending your device’s battery life.
- Improved Device Performance: As you open more apps on your device, your system’s memory (RAM) and CPU resources become spread out across these apps. When too many apps are running in the background, your device may slow down, causing lag, delays, or freezing. By closing apps that are no longer in use, you free up system resources, allowing your device to run more smoothly. This is especially useful for older devices with limited processing power and memory.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: Some apps continue to operate in the background and may be tracking your location or sending data to servers even when you’re not actively using them. For instance, messaging or social media apps might sync your data or keep your location updated. By closing apps, you reduce the chances of such activities and ensure that your personal information remains secure.
- Data Usage Control: Certain apps, like email or social media, may keep syncing data in the background, even when you aren’t actively using them. This can lead to unnecessary data usage, especially if you’re on a limited data plan. By closing apps that don’t need to be running, you can prevent apps from using up your mobile data.
How to Close Running Apps
The process for closing apps varies by device and operating system. Here are general instructions for both iOS and Android:
iOS (iPhone and iPad):
- Access the App Switcher: On iPhones with a Home button, double-click the Home button to see a carousel of recently used apps. On iPhones without a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle to open the App Switcher.
- Close Apps: In the App Switcher, swipe through the open apps and swipe the ones you want to close upwards, off the screen. This will fully close them.
Android:
- Open the Recent Apps Screen: Tap the square “Overview” button or use the multitasking gesture (swipe up from the bottom and pause).
- Close Apps: Scroll through the recently opened apps, and swipe them away to close them. Some Android devices also offer a “Close All” option to shut down multiple apps simultaneously.
Drawbacks of Closing Apps
Although closing apps might seem like a good way to save battery and improve performance, it’s not always necessary. Most modern smartphones are optimized to manage background apps efficiently. Closing apps too often could use more battery when reopening apps since the phone needs to reload them from scratch. Additionally, some apps, like messaging or mail apps, need to remain open to receive notifications or perform background tasks.
Conclusion
Closing apps can be useful for improving battery life, boosting performance, and maintaining privacy, but it’s not always needed. Many modern devices manage background processes effectively, so routinely closing apps might not be required. Instead, consider closing apps that you don’t need running, especially if they are resource-heavy or continue to use data in the background. By doing so, you can keep your device running optimally without overburdening it with unnecessary tasks.
