[Q] How to leave application running in background? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I'm using application called SetCPU on my Samsung Galaxy S Plus I9001
When I start it and press the home button to leave it running in background, it shows in Task Manager as active application, but sometimes it will shut itself down after few hours.
Is there a way to set applications to run always in background?

SetCPU doesn't need to constantly run unless you're using profiles, and in that case it may be triggered to run by the events you've set profiles for. If you're not using profiles, don't worry about it. The settings will stick regardless of the app's state.
If you're using profiles or just want certain apps to stay in memory, use the V6 Supercharger script with Script Manager - do a search for the thread and directions on setup. With the script you can lower the oom value of certain apps, which the script calls "bulletproofing". The script is really handy for other things as well, give it a shot.
There are apps that will lower the oom value, but I believe this is only temporary. Those apps may have improved though, so if you want to check them out first since they're probably easier to understand. If they fail to reach your expectations, try the script.

root
do you have root access? And second what plainjain said. I would add as well that in Android 2.3 even if the app didn't show in recent apps it didn't mean it wasn't lurking in the background somewhere.
Don't set that baby too high. After a fracked rom flash an Inspire 4g of mine gave me a third degree burn when I rolled over on it in my sleep.

Related

[Q] Question about keeping background apps off

Ok I have looked around and have not found the answer. SO here Goes
In windows if you want to keep the memory that you have clear of background applications, you can run system configuration and just remove the check-mark for those items you dont want to auto start.
I have Advanced Task Killer installed and will set it up to auto kill and will manual kill apps as well. Instead of consistently looking at ATK to shut down apps, is there a way to just keep all the apps you not using nor have ever started from suddenly being there and sucking the life out of your battery?
Having applications "running" in the background (i.e., still in memory but in a suspended state) does NOT negatively affect your battery life. These applications are actually just remaining in memory because that memory does not need to be used by anything else at the moment. If an active application gets to a point where it needs more memory, Android will automatically close applications that are in a suspended state (i.e., not actively being used) to make room.
In other words, using an app killer is NOT necessary and I definitely recommend NOT using one. By closing the application repeatedly, you are just causing the application to take a longer amount of time to start up next time you use it. You're making your Android experience worse by using one, not better.
There is one caveat to this, and that is when you have an application installed that doesn't play nicely -- i.e., even when you stop using that application, it will continue to use up CPU cycles (never go into a suspended state). This is actually pretty rare unless you are installing really poorly written programs, but it can happen to some popular apps too (usually the result of a bug). In this case, you should either uninstall that application or use an app killer to only kill that one app.
I've heard both sides of this argument, and don't know who to believe. I didn't think I needed a Task Killer, but then I saw it repeatedly on "top 10 apps for Android" and "must have Android apps" lists from respected sites like cnet... who to believe?!
Cnet ≠ respected
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
drumist said:
Having applications "running" in the background (i.e., still in memory but in a suspended state) does NOT negatively affect your battery life.
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Click to collapse
I need to confirm this. Anyone? I dont care about memory because I bet Android excels at that, and at any rate, memory is there to be used, not to keep it empty.
But I come from a Symbian smartphone and "minimized" applications DO uses battery. Maybe little, but noticeable.
Anyone can confirm that background apps consume negligible battery juice?
Additionally, is there a nice task changer? Like windows Alt+Tab. I feel my Android like an iPhone, that I need to press the home button to move to another already opened app and that's just plain stupid. So far I'm using Multitasking Lite, but it can get sluggish once there are too many apps opened. Any suggestion would be warmly welcomed.
"Running" background apps DO NOT consume battery life unless they're actively syncing. If it's just in the memory saving the state of the app then that is fine.
As far as using a task killer, if you are manually killing apps and they keep starting back up then that is a bad thing for your battery. The app uses cpu cycles everytime it starts up again and syncs data. You can use a task killer to close apps that opened on startup or when you're done with them. If they stay closed until you choose to open them again then you're saving memory, but nothing to do with battery life.
ocswing said:
"Running" background apps DO NOT consume battery life unless they're actively syncing. If it's just in the memory saving the state of the app then that is fine
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Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming ;]
Darius_bd said:
Additionally, is there a nice task changer? Like windows Alt+Tab. I feel my Android like an iPhone, that I need to press the home button to move to another already opened app and that's just plain stupid. So far I'm using Multitasking Lite, but it can get sluggish once there are too many apps opened. Any suggestion would be warmly welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously you can switch over to some apps by pulling down the notification menu and selecting the appropriate app. That only works on apps that put themselves in the notification menu though (multimedia apps and things like Google Nav usually do this).
Otherwise, you can press and hold the home button to bring up the list of 8 most recently opened apps without exiting the active app. This works but like I said, it's the 8 most recent apps, so it will list apps that aren't necessarily still running anymore. It's more of a shortcut to having to go search in your apps menu or home screens to find a recent app than a way to see what is currently running.
drumist said:
Otherwise, you can press and hold the home button to bring up the list of 8 most recently opened apps without exiting the active app. This works but like I said, it's the 8 most recent apps, so it will list apps that aren't necessarily still running anymore. It's more of a shortcut to having to go search in your apps menu or home screens to find a recent app than a way to see what is currently running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can I say, I hate pressing the home key to hunt for the icon that opens the app I already opened more than 6 other apps ago ;] Guess I'll stick to Multitasking Lite for the time being. Thanks!

When you hit the home button, does the program close?

When you have a program open, example is a video player. When I hit the home button does that program really fully close? Why I ask this is because I'll open up a web browser and input a web page. Before the web page even fully loads I'll hit the home button. Then even after a few minutes I'll load up that same browser and that page that didn't fully load will be there loaded up. I just want to make sure that when I close a program, it really is closed. That's all.
Hitting home does not "Close" or quit the program it rather puts it in the back round to fully quit it you must hit the recent apps button (Third on the left) and swipe the app away or get a task manager for those pesky back round apps.
Tech Faded said:
Hitting home does not "Close" or quit the program it rather puts it in the back round to fully quit it you must hit the recent apps button (Third on the left) and swipe the app away or get a task manager for those pesky back round apps.
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Click to collapse
Actually swiping apps away from recent list doesn't really close the apps. It just removes them off the recent list. Only a task manager can do that or going into settings, then apps, then force stopping it. But really,Android manages the memory very well itself. Alot of times, the way Android works, manually stopping a program will be more harm than good. Most of the time Android will just pull it back up itself therefore causing more CPU usage for that task tl bring it back. ANDROID keeps some apps semi-loaded. Ones it feels with load faster once you launch it since its already partially loaded. ANDROID is not like a PC where the processes in background will automatically slowbthings down or drain battery faster. Only certain apps that truly run in background can have that effect if too many loaded up. Whatever you do, don't use any auto memory killers or auto task managers or battery saver apps like juice defender, etc... those do more harm than good.
Unless your tablet is running with alot of lag, just try to ignore or resist the urge to keep constantly killing apps or whatever. You will see Android itself does a great job at managing it and will free up memory when actually needed. I'm still trying to do the same also resisting the urge. I just use Asus built in Task manger widget to see what's running in the background. If something clearly not needed then ill kill it. Beware though not to kill system apps or you might cause them to crash or be unstable.
A good app I came across is called BetterBatteryStats. Made by an xda member. Just type name of app in search box here in forum. That app will let you see what's truly running in the background and using up most battery or CPU processes. Has some great tips in there also in help section. IT LET me see how the Google currents app, although I wasn't using it, kept running in the background and using up processes and adding to battery drain. I would always see it pop up in my task manager although I never opened it and I have the refresh data set to long intervals. So it's basically a rouge app..lol. I uninstalled that mofo. Its a great app but runs to much in background regardless of data refresh settings and sometimes doesn't allow prime to stay in deep sleep when screen is off. Partial wakelocks, kernel wakelocks, etc...are all things you have to look over when determining what apps are causing most battery drainage or not allowing prime tl stay in deep sleep. Because they will partial wakelock n get data or whatever. It gets technical..lol learned alot from that one app. Free here in xda forums .
demandarin said:
Actually swiping apps away from recent list doesn't really close the apps. It just removes them off the recent list. Only a task manager can do that or going into settings, then apps, then force stopping it. But really,Android manages the memory very well itself. Alot of times, the way Android works, manually stopping a program will be more harm than good. Most of the time Android will just pull it back up itself therefore causing more CPU usage for that task tl bring it back. ANDROID keeps some apps semi-loaded. Ones it feels with load faster once you launch it since its already partially loaded. ANDROID is not like a PC where the processes in background will automatically slowbthings down or drain battery faster. Only certain apps that truly run in background can have that effect if too many loaded up. Whatever you do, don't use any auto memory killers or auto task managers or battery saver apps like juice defender, etc... those do more harm than good.
Unless your tablet is running with alot of lag, just try to ignore or resist the urge to keep constantly killing apps or whatever. You will see Android itself does a great job at managing it and will free up memory when actually needed. I'm still trying to do the same also resisting the urge. I just use Asus built in Task manger widget to see what's running in the background. If something clearly not needed then ill kill it. Beware though not to kill system apps or you might cause them to crash or be unstable.
A good app I came across is called BetterBatteryStats. Made by an xda member. Just type name of app in search box here in forum. That app will let you see what's truly running in the background and using up most battery or CPU processes. Has some great tips in there also in help section. IT LET me see how the Google currents app, although I wasn't using it, kept running in the background and using up processes and adding to battery drain. I would always see it pop up in my task manager although I never opened it and I have the refresh data set to long intervals. So it's basically a rouge app..lol. I uninstalled that mofo. Its a great app but runs to much in background regardless of data refresh settings and sometimes doesn't allow prime to stay in deep sleep when screen is off. Partial wakelocks, kernel wakelocks, etc...are all things you have to look over when determining what apps are causing most battery drainage or not allowing prime tl stay in deep sleep. Because they will partial wakelock n get data or whatever. It gets technical..lol learned alot from that one app. Free here in xda forums .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the assumption that ICS fixed that? I suppose I was mistaken I apologize for my misunderstanding.
Demandarin, what makes you think swiping doesn't close a program? It does and its very obvious it works, just swipe then open the same program and you will see it starts over and will not be where you left off.
Try Settings > Developer Options > Don't Keep Activities. Sounds like it will fully close tasks once they are closed.
atgmartin said:
Try Settings > Developer Options > Don't Keep Activities. Sounds like it will fully close tasks once they are closed.
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This is a very bad setting to enable if you ever have to switch back and forth between two different activities (for example email & web browsing). In general you should just leave the developer options alone.
As for closing apps.. why does it matter?
Apps that are not actively running don't use CPU and therefore don't use battery. Some apps sync information in the background, such as weather apps and email and while they do this battery is being used, however you can optimize the frequency of the updating to preserve as much battery life as possible.
In general unless you have experiencing performance issues, let Android manage itself.
If you absolutely need to turn off running apps, use the Asus Task Manager widget that comes pre-loaded on your tablet. You can use the Asus Task Manager to kill individual apps or all apps with a single click.
ON ICS, the swipe does stop the task running in the background, but I've seen where it the app may begin again, but as a background activity as almightywhacko describes.
People don't understand. Apps DON'T "run" in the background. They only run when you interact with them.
Buff McBigstuff said:
People don't understand. Apps DON'T "run" in the background. They only run when you interact with them.
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Click to collapse
Well, it depends. Apps don't run in the background like they do in windows, but some apps do continue to run processes in the background like data syncing and what not. However, it the app doesn't do this stuff then it only holds its state.
Also, I have not seen swiping recent apps closing apps. I think it is just happenstance if an app is closed by swiping it off the recent apps. Looking at the logging and monitoring the app state I have seen no correlation between running/not running apps and the recent app list.
However, as other people said, manually closing apps in Android will most likely reduce your performance rather than do anything beneficial.
I always get mad at those stupid apps that pretend to be providing a service. They won't go away. even if kill them they just come back(like Kenny). The app that likes to bother me the most is Zen pinball. I really like the game but it is always popping up prompting me to enable openfeint which I had already signed up for. I press enable but it still does not go away.
UmbraeSoulsbane said:
Well, it depends. Apps don't run in the background like they do in windows, but some apps do continue to run processes in the background like data syncing and what not. However, it the app doesn't do this stuff then it only holds its state.
Also, I have not seen swiping recent apps closing apps. I think it is just happenstance if an app is closed by swiping it off the recent apps. Looking at the logging and monitoring the app state I have seen no correlation between running/not running apps and the recent app list.
However, as other people said, manually closing apps in Android will most likely reduce your performance rather than do anything beneficial.
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Only if they spawn a service. As far as activities, which most people would consider to be the "app" part, those do not run in the background. It just sits until it gets killed or used.

[Q] [Solved] Setting minfree but it has no effect? Also, permanent oom values?

I recently learned about how I can tweak the available memory using a minfree manager, so I downloaded one, set the values, tapped on apply, it requested root, then said OK. Now, I can't seem to notice any changes in the available memory, because no processes are shut down, they stay in ram as usual. Even if the free memory goes below my specified empty app minimum, android just sits on its ass and does nothing. Why is that?
Another thing: Can I somehow assign permanent oom values to processes? There are some apps that allow me to set them, but after a while they just revert back to default.
Thank youuu!
Use v6 superchanger script and s manager
Sent from my phone using xda app-developers app

whitelist timer suggestion

would it be possible to whitelist or adjust a timeoutvalue for specific apps? ex, i use utorrent to download some files, the app does not exit upon competion and sometimes kills the battery. though if i want to download something i would need to leave it running. having some form of exemption and to define a specific time frame and then have it back into the hiberation Q for next check would be a solid idea. this would allow to temp whitelist certain items that may require such functionality and then kill them after X time.

Suggestions for Greenify

Greenify is the most useful app yet made for Android but still so much can be done to make it better so I thought to make a thread to make Greenify better and I hope @oasisfeng would look at it.
Post your feature requests and suggestions here in this thread.
My suggestions: I think there should be an option, like a timer, after which greenify automatically greenifies apps even when the screen is on so that if I use a lot of apps continuously and then without turning the screen off once I start to watch a movie or play a game or anything on a phone, greenify should hibernate the background triggered apps automatically and save battery and provide better overall performance.
I know Tasker can do that but personally I don't like using Tasker because of its complex UI so I've set a shortcut on my phone when I double tap the menu button it triggers the hibernate now shortcut of greenify. But it would be of much help if greenify does it itself, having a timer of something between 1min-1hour to greenify apps automatically.
Also I would like the ram usage of greenify to be less, as sometimes it starts using as much as 60-70mb of ram, which is quite much. I hope you can find a way to reduce the ram usage.
If developer read this, i would like to have an option to disable startup apps.
If you have too much apps that starts in same time when you turn on your phone, you will have a slow boot..
I think that this is option that should exist in such great app..
And yes, some timer should exist also...
@oasisfeng
Hi sir. & tnx for the amazing greenfy.
As i talked with you I have some suggestions for greenfy & i want everyone to share more suggestions:
1) Add an option to put some apps in a group. Then put them in hibernation or degreenfy them with one click or widget.
Let me explain: for example i use some sound mods that keep special apps in memory. But when i dont listen to music i dont need them. So i want them to be in hibernation. But when i want to listen to music, i need to degreenfy them with one click
2) Add an option to deactivate & freeze some apps temporarily & easily in the greenfy app.
For example i dont want the google play services be in the memory all the time. I just need it when i want to use a google app. So i freeze it in the greenfy. & when i need it i defrost & activate it.
3)Add an option to force greenfy some apps instead of cut off the services one by one. Or an option to choose the services that we dont need them. & deactivate them.
4) Add an option to degreenfy some apps by a period of time & put it back in hibernation after that automatically.
For example: i use a calander app. That if i put it in hibernation the date that it shows freezes & sticks on a certain day. But if there be an option to degreenfy it daily for an hour automatically & put it back, it was great.
5) Add an option to change the cpu governer from ondemand(or balance) to power save automatically when the screen turns off. & when it turns on or we receive a call or notificstion it goes back to ondemand( or balance)
6)Add an option to not put in hibernation for some apps when they are downloading or uploading. ( i think it's not possible to determine this ) but just a suggesttion)
7) Add an gaming mode. That greenfy put all of the apps in hibernation instead of call,message, or apps that we mention.
kassaaam said:
Greenify is the most useful app yet made for Android but still so much can be done to make it better so I thought to make a thread to make Greenify better and I hope @oasisfeng would look at it.
Post your feature requests and suggestions here in this thread.
My suggestions: I think there should be an option, like a timer, after which greenify automatically greenifies apps even when the screen is on so that if I use a lot of apps continuously and then without turning the screen off once I start to watch a movie or play a game or anything on a phone, greenify should hibernate the background triggered apps automatically and save battery and provide better overall performance.
I know Tasker can do that but personally I don't like using Tasker because of its complex UI so I've set a shortcut on my phone when I double tap the menu button it triggers the hibernate now shortcut of greenify. But it would be of much help if greenify does it itself, having a timer of something between 1min-1hour to greenify apps automatically.
Also I would like the ram usage of greenify to be less, as sometimes it starts using as much as 60-70mb of ram, which is quite much. I hope you can find a way to reduce the ram usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright im not oasisfeng but i can certainly answer some questions as to why this might be possible atm
First, the so-called hibernation whem screen on will only drain your battery futher and will cut-off android system's background process for apps. To put it shortly, it'll cut-off the functions of apps that needs another app for its services.. Some instances includes xposed for whatsapp and the whatsapp itself and others alike. This will have an excessive power drain due to two reasons:
1.) Greenify will constantly monitor background time when screen on hence battery drain
2.) Hibernating apps while screen is on will only re-trigger it, as an example is facebook/messenger.. As hibernating them screen on would only awaken it again after a few seconds which results in more wakelocks and more unneccesarry battery drain
And for the ram usage i have never encountered such, the biggest i have is 11 mb so im quite puzzled.. What services are running in your greenify? I personally disable campaign tracking and analytics services to minimize ram usage
mire777 said:
If developer read this, i would like to have an option to disable startup apps.
If you have too much apps that starts in same time when you turn on your phone, you will have a slow boot..
I think that this is option that should exist in such great app..
And yes, some timer should exist also...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disabling startup apps is the job of other 3rd party apps such as appopsxposed and bootmanager.. Greenify hibernates but not limits. You can never have too much butter on one bread sir

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