Fixing Background Work on Mobile

On mobile devices, the background operation of the app may be blocked or limited, causing notifications and incoming calls to stop arriving. This guide will help restore their functionality if the app is being unloaded from memory and not working in the background.

General Recommendations for Android

1. Make sure the app has permission to show notifications: Settings > Apps > select the app > Notifications > enable the permission.
   Starting from Android 13, showing notifications is a separate permission (POST_NOTIFICATIONS), and for a newly installed app, notifications are disabled by default until the user grants permission.
2. Exclude the app from standard power-saving features.
3. Disable background data saving or add the app to the exceptions for background data transfer.
4. Disable automatic suspension of unused apps: Settings > Apps > select the app > turn off Pause app activity if unused.
   If this option is enabled, after several months of inactivity the system revokes the app's permissions, clears temporary files, and stops its background activity and notifications.
5. Notifications not working? Try installing the app not from Google Play, but from a different store, such as Huawei AppGallery or RuStore.
   When installing from a third-party store, background activity must be allowed not only for the app itself but also for the store: RuStore or AppGallery together with HMS Core. Without this, push notifications will arrive with a significant delay.
6. Pin the app in the recent list to prevent it from being unloaded from memory.
7. Exclude the app from third-party optimizations or disable optimizations entirely.
8. Disable restrictions in manufacturer-provided optimizer apps or uninstall them.
9. Make sure the app is not blocked by Do Not Disturb or Focus (Digital Wellbeing) modes, and add it to the exceptions for these modes.

Notes

• The paths to settings may differ even among different models from the same manufacturer.
• After an OS update or device reboot, exception settings are sometimes reset and may need to be restored manually.
• If the device is enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) system or the app is installed in an Android Enterprise work profile, some of the listed settings may be controlled by administrator policies and may not be available to the user. In this case, contact your administrator or your organization's support.
• The instructions are based on information from dontkillmyapp.com.

Android 13–16 Restrictions

Besides manufacturer optimizations, every new Android version adds its own app restrictions. They apply to devices from any vendor.

Before proceeding with manufacturer-specific optimization and power-saving settings, check the standard battery parameters (on Google devices, such as Pixel, only these are available).

Remove Background Restrictions for the App

Settings > Apps > select the app > App battery usage > turn on Allow background usage or select Unrestricted.

Disable Adaptive Battery

Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery > Off (if enabled, the system restricts background activity for rarely used apps)

Turn Off Battery Saver

Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > turn it off, and also disable its schedule and battery-level triggers.

Disable Pausing of the Unused App

Settings > Apps > select the app > scroll down > turn off Pause app activity if unused.

Allow Content Update for the App

Turn Off Low Power Mode

• Control Center: swipe down from the top-right corner and tap the battery icon.
• Siri: say “Siri, turn off Low Power Mode.”
• Settings: Battery > Power Mode > turn off Low Power Mode.

Turn Off Low Data Mode

• For cellular: Settings > Cellular > Data Options > turn off Low Data Mode.
• For 5G: Settings > Cellular > Data Options > Data Mode > turn off Low Data Mode.
• For Dual-SIM: Settings > Cellular > select the number > turn off Low Data Mode.
• For Wi-Fi: Settings > Wi-Fi > tap the (i) button next to your network > turn off Low Data Mode.

Pin the App in Recent Apps

Open the recent apps screen, drag the app thumbnail downward to pin it. After this, even when clearing recent apps, the app’s background operation will not stop.

On some phones, you need to press and hold the thumbnail to open a menu where you should select the lock icon to pin the app. On newer models, pinning is done via the Security app: Gear icon > Boost speed > Pinned apps > enable the toggle for the app.

Disable the “MIUI Optimization” Feature

This feature is hidden in developer settings. To access it:

1. Go to Settings > About phone.
2. Tap HyperOS Version 7 times (on MIUI 14 and earlier — MIUI Version) to activate Developer Mode.
3. Open Additional settings > Developer options.
4. Find and disable MIUI Optimization.

Configure Background App Activity

Settings > Apps > All apps > select the app > enable Auto-start and Fullscreen mode, then in Other permissions enable:

• Display over locked screen,
• Show pop-up windows in the background,
• Persistent notifications,
• Activity control > No restrictions.

Or an alternative method:

• Settings > Apps > select the app > Activity control > No restrictions.
• Settings > Apps > select the app > enable Auto-start, then in Other permissions activate:
  • Modify system settings,
  • Change Wi-Fi connections,
  • Change Bluetooth connections,
  • Display over locked screen,
  • Run in background,
  • Activity control > No restrictions.

Allow Background Autostart (HyperOS)

Settings > Apps > select the app > App permissions > enable Background autostart.

Remove the Battery Restriction for the App (HyperOS)

Settings > Apps > select the app > Battery > select No restrictions.

Configure Power Management

Perform the following steps:

• Settings > Additional settings > Battery manager > Power plan > select Performance.
• Settings > Battery & performance > Battery manager > Activity control > select the app > No restrictions.
• Settings > Additional settings > Battery manager > Protected apps > add the app to the list.
• Settings > Apps > select the app > Battery > enable Request high power usage and Keep running after screen off.
• Settings > Additional settings > Battery & performance > App battery usage management > disable power-saving modes, then in Activity control select the app > Background settings > No restrictions.

Disable Activity Control for the App

Security > Battery & performance > Activity control > select the app > No restrictions.

Allow Auto-Start for the App

Security > Apps > Permissions > Auto-start > select the app > On.

Disable Notification Restrictions

Settings > Notifications & status bar > Notification management > select the app > enable Priority notifications and disable Notification restrictions.

Add the App to Power Saving Exceptions

Settings > Battery & performance > Power saving > Exceptions > add the app.

Disable “Game” or “Turbo” Mode for the App

If the app runs in game mode, it may receive additional restrictions. Check:

• Settings > Special features > Game mode > exclude the app.
• Security > Game mode > disable it or remove the app from the games list.

⚠️ On Samsung smartphones after an OS update or if the system considers an app too resource-intensive, it may be added back to the restriction list.

Pin the App in the Recent List

• Android 11 and 12: tap the Recent button in the bottom-left corner (three horizontal lines) > select the app icon > tap Keep open. This option may also appear as Pin this app. A pinned app displays with a lock icon.
• Android Pie and 10: tap the Recent button > select the app icon > tap Pin this app.
• Android Oreo and Nougat (8 and 7): press the Recent key > select the three dots in the top-right corner > tap Lock apps > tap the open lock icon next to the app > confirm with OK.

Disable Background Restrictions for the App

Settings > Battery > Background usage limits > turn off Put unused apps to sleep > remove the app from the Sleeping apps and Deep sleeping apps lists > add it to the Never sleeping apps list.

Disable Data Saver for the App

Settings > Connections > Data saver > if the feature is enabled, add the app to the allowed list.

Disable Battery Optimization for the App

Settings > Apps > select the app > Battery > set to Unrestricted.

Turn Off Power Saving and Adaptive Battery Mode

Settings > Battery > turn off Power saving > More battery settings > disable Adaptive battery.

Disable Daily Auto-Optimization and Adaptive Power Mode

Device care > [three dots] > Automation rules > disable Daily auto-optimization and Adaptive power mode.

Exclude the App from RAM Optimization

Device care > RAM > Exclusion list > [+] > add the app.

Disable Samsung Game Boosting Features

This feature can be useful but often forces background apps to stop during gaming. Samsung has three related services: Game Booster, Game Optimizing Service, and Game Launcher. Try disabling auto-optimization or adding the app to exceptions in these services.

Disable Intelligent Wi-Fi for the App

Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > [three dots] > Intelligent Wi-Fi > App exceptions > add the app. This prevents background work interruptions when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Allow Background Work via Developer Options

Settings > About phone > Software information > tap Build number 7 times (activates developer mode) > go back to Settings > Developer options > Background processes > add the app to the exception list.

Disable App Power Monitor

Settings > Device care > Battery > [three dots] > App Power Monitor > disable monitoring for the desired app. This feature secretly restricts "resource-heavy" apps even with optimizations turned off.

Check the Good Guardians and Good Lock Modules

If Good Guardians or Good Lock is installed on the device, check their modules: Memory Guardian, Battery Guardian, Galaxy App Booster and The long live app. They can restrict background work on top of the system settings — add the app to their exceptions or turn off automatic optimization.

Disable Power Saving Mode

1. Open Settings > Battery
2. Select Power Saving Mode
3. Switch to Standard or Off

Disable Automatic App Optimization

1. Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization
2. Tap three dots > Disable Optimization
3. Or for the app, select Don’t Optimize

Disable Battery Optimization for the App

1. Settings > Apps > App Management
2. Select the app > Battery
3. Enable Allow Background Activity

Disable Background Restrictions via "Special Permissions"

1. Settings > Apps > Special Access
2. Select Background Activity Permissions
3. Allow background activity for the desired app

Disable XBoost

1. Settings > Special Features > XBoost
2. Disable unnecessary modes for the app

Exclude the App from the Game Mode

1. Open Game Mode via Settings > Special Features
2. In the app settings, select:
   • Do Not Restrict Notifications
   • Allow Background Data

Change Advanced Battery Settings for the App

Settings > Battery > Advanced settings:

• Optimize battery usage > select the app > Don’t optimize
• Optimized standby mode > Balanced mode or Off
• Quick freeze apps > find the app > Off

Configure Battery Management for Apps

App battery management > select the app > enable:

• Allow auto-launch
• Allow main activity
• Allow background activity

Disable Sleep Optimization

Settings > Battery > Advanced settings > turn off the Sleep standby optimization option to prevent the system from restricting background processes during inactive periods.

Add the App to Power Saving Exceptions (Additional Method)

Settings > Battery > Power saving mode > Exceptions > add the app.

Pin the App in Recent Apps List

Open the app > go to recent apps screen > pull down the app thumbnail > tap the Lock button > the app will display a lock icon.

Allow Autostart and Background Operation

Settings > App Management > select the app > enable Allow Autostart > go to Power Saving Mode > activate Allow Background Operation.

Disable Battery Optimization for the App

Settings > Battery > Battery optimization > select the app > set Don’t optimize.

Add the App to RAM Manager Exceptions

Settings > Additional settings > RAM manager > Exceptions > enable the app.

Additional Recommendations

Add the app to Launch Manager and Floating Apps List, and grant permission for persistent notifications to prevent it from being closed by the system.

Pin the App in the Recent Apps List

Launch the app > swipe up from the bottom of the screen > press and hold the app thumbnail > select Lock from the menu. A lock icon will appear next to the app name.

Disable Battery Optimization for the App

Settings > Battery > Battery optimization > select the app > set to Don’t optimize.

Disable Advanced Optimization

Settings > Battery > Battery optimization > [three dots] > Advanced optimization > disable:

• Sleep standby optimization — must be turned off. OnePlus learns when you usually sleep and disables the phone's network connections during that time, so notifications and calls do not arrive at all.
• App battery usage optimization (the main setting that restricts background activity)

Disable Adaptive Battery

Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery > toggle to Off.

This feature limits rarely used apps to save battery. While the system should adapt to app usage frequency, in practice, it may terminate even frequently used apps.

Configure Recent Apps Clearing Behavior

On OnePlus devices, you can change how swiped apps are handled to prevent them from being removed from memory:

Settings > Advanced > Recent apps management > select Normal clearing.

Disable Deep Optimization

Settings > Battery > Battery optimization > [three dots] > Deep Optimization > disable.

This feature aggressively restricts background processes, even if the app is excluded from other optimizations.

Add the App to Auto-launch

Settings > Apps > App management > [three dots] > Auto-launch > enable the desired app.

This allows the app to launch automatically after a device reboot.

Disable RAM Boost (Optional)

Settings > System > RAM Boost > disable.

The feature may aggressively unload apps from memory, even if they are pinned.

Allow Auto-Start

• New Funtouch OS
  Settings > Additional Settings > Apps > Auto-Start > select the app > enable the toggle
• Funtouch OS 2.6 and Below
  i Manager > App Manager > Auto-Start Manager > select the app > enable the toggle

Pin the App in Recent Apps

• Minimize the app > open the recent apps screen (swipe up from the bottom) > tap the arrow next to the app name > select Lock > a lock icon will appear.
• For devices with a taskbar: minimize the app > on the home screen, swipe up from the bottom > tap the app icon and swipe it downward > tap the lock icon.

Allow Background Power Consumption for the App

Settings > Battery > Background Power Management > select the app > set to Do not restrict background power consumption

Disable Battery Optimization for the App

• Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > select the app > set to Don’t optimize

Allow Background Operation via Special Access

Settings > Apps > Special Access > Background Operation > select the app > enable the permission

Disable Smart Power Saving for the App

Settings > Battery > Smart Power Saving > select the app > disable the toggle

Honor devices run the MagicOS shell. The paths below match MagicOS 8 and 9; on earlier versions the names may differ.

Configure App Launch

Settings > search for App launch > turn off Manage automatically for the app > in the Manage manually dialog enable Auto-launch, Secondary launch and Run in background > OK.

Disable Battery Optimization for the App

Settings > Apps > Apps > [three dots] > Special access > Battery optimization > at the top select All apps > select the app > Don't allow.

Honor 9 Lite & Other Honor Devices with EMUI

Pin the App in the Recent List

Open the recent apps screen > drag the app thumbnail down or press and hold it > select the lock icon. A pinned app is not unloaded when the recent list is cleared.

Check Notification Settings

Settings > Notifications & status bar > select the app > enable Allow notifications and Priority display, and turn off smart notifications.

Configure App Launch

Huawei 9 Lite, Huawei Mate 9 Pro

Configure Launch Manager

Configure Classic Battery Optimization

• Open Settings > Apps > Apps > [three dots] > Special access > Battery optimization > at the top, select All apps > select the app > choose Don’t allow.
• Huawei P9 Plus: Settings > Apps > Settings > Special access > Ignore battery optimization > select the app > Allow.

Notification Channel Settings

EMUI 6+ and Some EMUI 5

1. Settings > Advanced settings > Battery manager > Power plan > select Performance
2. Settings > Advanced settings > Battery manager > Protected apps > select the app > Protected
3. Settings > Apps > select the app > Battery > disable High power consumption check and enable Allow background activity
4. Settings > Apps > Advanced (at the bottom) > Ignore optimizations > Allowed > All apps > select the app > Allow

PowerGenie App

Disable Memory Optimization (EMUI 8-10)

Allow Auto-launch via Phone Manager

Add the App to Cleanup Exceptions

Disable “Smart RAM” (on Some EMUI)

Devices Running HarmonyOS NEXT

HarmonyOS 4 and earlier are built on Android, so the instructions above apply to them. HarmonyOS NEXT (HarmonyOS 5) is a standalone operating system with no Android compatibility: APK apps do not run on it, Google services are absent, and notifications are delivered through Huawei Push Kit. eXpress app for the HarmonyOS NEXT is not existing.

Allow the App to Run in the Background

Settings > Battery > Manage background apps > select the app > set it to Always allow.

Remove the Battery Restriction for the App

Settings > Apps > select the app > Battery > select Unrestricted.

Turn Off Battery Saver

Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > turn it off and disable its schedule.

Nothing OS is close to stock Android, so it adds few vendor-specific optimizations. Apply the settings from the Google (Standard Settings) section, then check the options below.

Remove the Battery Restriction for the App

Settings > Apps > select the app > App battery usage > select Unrestricted.

Pin the App in the Recent List

Open the recent apps screen > press and hold the app thumbnail > select the lock icon.

Disable Stamina Mode

Do not use Stamina Mode to allow the phone to run background apps. Although the official description states that this mode only restricts mobile data and Wi-Fi, it also stops any background processes. Stamina Mode can be found and disabled in the Battery or Power Management section of the settings.

Disable Adaptive Battery

Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery > Off

Disable Power Saving Function

Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special access > Power saving function.

Disable Battery Optimization

Settings > Battery > [three dots] > Battery optimization > select the app.

Disable Deep Sleep (If Available)

Some Sony models have a Deep Sleep feature that may block background processes. Check:

Settings > Battery > Deep Sleep > Off

Pin the App in the Recent Apps List

To keep the app running in the background, open the recent apps screen and tap the pin icon on the desired app.

Disable Background Battery Optimization

Add the App to Auto-Start

Disable Power Consumption Optimization

Configure the Power Master App

ASUS devices come with the preinstalled PowerMaster app, which by default blocks apps upon launch and stops background processes after the screen turns off. Apply the following settings:

• Mobile Manager > PowerMaster > Settings (or Power Saving Options) > disable:
  • Clean in standby
  • Block app auto-launch
• Auto-start Manager > enable auto-start for your app
• “Unrestricted” Mode (if available):
  • In PowerMaster, go to App Management
  • Select the desired app > enable Unrestricted Mode

Disable Battery Optimization

• Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization
• Select the app > Don’t optimize

Disable Battery Optimization

Settings > Battery > ellipsis in the top-right corner > Battery Optimization > at the top, select All Apps > find your app > choose Don’t Optimize (in some versions — Don’t Save Power).

Disable Smart App Deactivation

Settings > Battery > gear icon in the top-right corner > disable the toggles for Smart Sleep and Scheduled Operation.

Adjust Advanced Settings

Configure the following settings (item names may vary depending on the system version):

• Settings > Additional Settings > Battery Manager > Power Plan > set to Performance
• Settings > Additional Settings > Battery Manager > Protected Apps > add the desired app to the list
• Settings > Apps > select your app > Battery > enable High Power Consumption Request and Keep Running After Screen Off

Disable Background Auto-Cleanup

Settings > Apps > select the app > Auto-Start > allow.

Remove Power Saving Mode Restrictions

Settings > Battery > Power Saving Mode > select Normal Mode.

Disable Deep Sleep in Flyme

Settings > Battery > App Sleep > remove the app from the list.

Delete the Power Saver App

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps > All apps
3. Tap [three dots] and select Show system
4. Find the Power Saver app
5. Force stop it
6. Uninstall the app

Disable Battery Optimization for a Specific App

1. Go to Settings > Battery
2. Select Battery optimization
3. Find the desired app in the list
4. Choose Don't optimize

This will prevent automatic background activity restrictions.

Disable Data Saver (If Enabled)

1. Navigate to Settings > Network & internet
2. Select Data Saver
3. Turn off the feature if active

This will unlock background internet access for apps.

Disable Battery Optimization

Go to Settings > Power > Battery optimization > Not optimized > All apps, select the desired app, tap Don’t optimize, and confirm by pressing Done.

Disable Power Saving Mode

Navigate to Settings > Power > Power saving mode and deactivate it. This will prevent forced background process restrictions.

Exclude the App from Sleep Mode

Open Settings > Apps > three dots > Special access > Sleep mode and remove the desired app from the list.

Allow App Auto-start

Go to Settings > Apps > three dots > Auto-start permissions, find the desired app, and enable the toggle.

Disable Adaptive Performance (If Available)

In Settings > System > Adaptive performance, disable the feature or add the app to exceptions.

Pin the App in the Recent Apps List

Open the recent apps screen > tap the ellipsis next to the app name > select Lock > in the allowed apps list, tap the lock icon next to the app.

Disable Background Activity Restrictions

Settings > Apps & notifications > Show all apps > select the app > Advanced > Battery > Background activity restrictions > Off.

Disable Automatic App Memory Cleanup

Smart Assistant app (or Management) > App management > Automatic memory cleanup > toggle off for the app.

Allow App Auto-Start

Open the Basic Maintenance app > App Manager > Auto-start > select the app > On.

Configure Power Saving Settings

Basic Maintenance > Settings (gear icon in the top right) > disable Smart power saving in sleep mode.

Add the App to Battery Optimization Exceptions

Settings > Apps & notifications > Special access > Battery optimization > select All apps > find the desired app > set to Don't optimize.

Change Settings and Exceptions

Settings > (names may vary):

• Phone Assistant or Phone Manager > Battery > disable Eco Mode
• Go back to the previous step and navigate to Manual Mode
• Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner > Background App Whitelist > add the app.

Or:

• Phone Assistant or Phone Manager > Power Saving > disable Eco Mode
• Tap Optimized Mode > Disable or toggle off the switch for the desired app
• Advanced Settings > Background Process Whitelist > enable the app.

Allow App Notifications

Sometimes restrictions are related to blocked notifications:

• Settings > Notifications & Status Bar > Notification Management
• Find the app and enable Allow Notifications
• Optional: select Priority or Important to prevent system restrictions.

Enable Developer Mode

If the app still closes:

• Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number 7 times to activate Developer Mode
• Go back to Settings > System > Developer Options
• Find Background Processes and select Standard Limit or No Restrictions
• Scroll down and disable Don’t Keep Activities (if enabled).

Reset Battery Settings

If restrictions persist:

• Settings > Battery > three dots (⋮) > Reset Optimization Settings
• Confirm the reset and restart the device.

Alternative Solution: Change Hidden Settings

On the dialer, enter the code *#*#86569726#*#*, disable the Lowram Enable and Background Enable settings.