Minimized applications on Android are tasks that continue to run in the background, but are not displayed on the main screen. Often, users are faced with a situation where they need to quickly return to a minimized application, but cannot find it among the open windows. Depending on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell (for example, One UI from Samsung or MIUI from Xiaomi), the methods for accessing minimized applications may differ.

In this article we will look at all current methods: from standard gestures and buttons to hidden developer functions. You will learn how to restore a minimized application on any device - be it with a clean one or with custom firmware. We will also look at why some applications disappear from the minimized list and how to fix it. Google Pixel 7 with clean Android 14 or Redmi Note 12 with custom firmware. We'll also look at why some apps disappear from the minimized list and how to fix it.

If you often work with several applications at the same time, these instructions will help save time and avoid unnecessary steps. Let's start with the simplest methods and gradually move on to more advanced ones.

1. Standard method: “Recent applications” button

The most universal method is to use the system button "Recent applications" (or «Multitasking»). It is available on all devices, regardless of version Android or brand. Here's how to use it:

  • 📱 On smartphones with hardware buttons (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 before updating): click on the square icon at the bottom of the screen. It is usually located to the right of the button Home.
  • 👆 On devices with gestures (clean Android 10+, OnePlus, Pixel): swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for 0.5 seconds. Release - a list of minimized applications will open.
  • 🔄 On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme): swipe up and left or right from the bottom corner.

In the menu that opens you will see cards of all minimized applications. To return to the one you want, just tap its preview. If the list is too long, swipe left or right to scroll.

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On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy Z Fold), you can split the screen between two minimized apps. To do this, hold the application icon in the menu "Recent" and drag it to the top or bottom of the screen.

If the button "Recent" does not work or is missing, check the gesture settings in the section System → Gestures → System navigation. A different navigation mode may be enabled.

2. Gestures for quickly switching between applications

Modern versions Android support quickly switch between the last two applications without fully opening the menu Recent. This method is especially convenient if you need to constantly switch between the messenger and the browser or another combination of apps.

How it works:

  • 🔄 On most devices: swipe on the bottom panel left or right (without lifting your finger from the screen). For example, if you are in Chrome, swiping to the right will open the previous application (for example, Telegram).
  • ⚡ On Samsung s One UI: double tap on button Recent (if it is enabled in the settings).
  • 📲 On Xiaomi/Redmi s MIUI: swipe across the screen from left to right with a delay (configurable in Settings → Advanced → Gestures).

This method saves time, but only works for the last two applications. If you need to return to an application that was minimized earlier, you will have to use the full menu "Recent".

📊 What is the way to switch between applications do you use more often?
Recent button
Swipe gestures
Voice assistant
Other

3. Voice assistant: “Okay, Google, open [app]”

If you have Google Assistantenabled, you can return the minimized application using a voice command. This method is useful when your hands are busy or the screen is locked (on some devices).

Instructions:

  1. Activate voice assistant by command "Okay, Google"** or holding the button Home (on older devices).
  2. Say: "Open [application name]". For example: "Open YouTube".
  3. If the application is already running, the Assistant will redirect you to it instead of opening it again.

This method does not work with everyone applications. For example, some banking apps or games can block access through a voice assistant for security reasons. Also on devices without services Huawei without services Google instead of Google Assistant or Celina or Yandex Alice is used. similar.

Why does the voice assistant not find the minimized application?

If the Assistant opens the application again instead of returning to the minimized window, this may mean that:

1. The application was completely closed by the system to save memory.

2. Background mode is disabled in the application settings (check in Settings → Applications → [name] → Battery).

3. You have an unofficial one installed firmware without support for Google services.

4. Special functions of manufacturers: Samsung DeX, MIUI Split Screen

Some brands add unique functions for working with minimized applications:

Brand/Firmware Function How to enable Features
Samsung (One UI) DeX Mode Swipe down the notification panel → DeX Turns minimized applications into windows on the desktop (like on a PC). multitasking.
Xiaomi/Redmi (MIUI) Split Screen Hold the application icon in the menu Recent → Split screen Does not work with all applications (for example, games and some instant messengers block the mode).
Huawei/Honor (EMUI) PC Mode Settings → System → PC Mode Analog Samsung DeX, but with limited application support.
Oppo/Realme (ColorOS) Smart Sidebar Swipe right along the edge of the screen Quick access to minimized applications and tools (calculator, notes).

These functions are useful if you often work with several applications at the same time. For example, in Samsung DeX you can open Word in separate windows, like on a computer. data-i="149">mode Excel in separate windows, like on a computer. On Xiaomi mode Split Screen is convenient for simultaneous viewing of video in YouTube and correspondence in WhatsApp.

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Multitasking functions from manufacturers (for example, DeX or Split Screen) can significantly increase consumption batteries. Use them only when connected to charging.

5. Finding minimized applications through the notification panel

Not everyone knows, but some applications display notifications even when minimized. This can be used to quickly access them.

How to find a minimized application through notifications:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open notification panel.
  2. Find a notification from the desired application (for example, "New message in Telegram"**).
  3. Tap the notification - it will redirect you directly to a minimized application.

This method does not work with all apps. For example, Google Chrome or Galaxy Store may not show notifications in the background. However, for messengers (Viber, WhatsApp), email clients (Gmail) and for some games this is a reliable method.

🔹 Open Settings → Notifications

🔹 Find the desired application in the list

🔹 Make sure the switch "Show notifications"** is turned on

🔹 Enable the option "Show on lock screen"** (if necessary)

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If the notification has disappeared, but the application is still minimized, try other methods from this article. Also remember that some applications (for example, banking) hide notifications for security reasons.

6. Advanced methods: ADB and developer settings

If standard methods do not help (for example, the application has disappeared from the minimized list, but the process is still active), you can use developer tools. This method is only suitable for advanced users and requires connecting to a PC or using a terminal on the device itself.

Instructions for ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

  1. Enable Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone → Number assembly and click on it 7 times.
  2. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable "USB debugging"**.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command in terminal: 
    adb shell dumpsys activity activities | grep "mFocusedActivity"

    It will show the currently active application and a list of recent tasks.

To return to a minimized application, you can use the command:

adb shell am start -n com.package.name/com.package.name.Activity

(replace com.package.name with the real application identifier).

How to find the package name applications?

Use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, for Telegram enter adb shell pm list packages | grep telegram. As a result, you will see something like org.telegram.messenger —this is what you need. package name.

This method is more complicated than others, but it is the only one that works in cases where:

  • 🔍 Application disappeared from the "Recent" menu**, but the process is visible in the task manager.
  • 🛠️ You are testing your own application and you need to force it back into the background.
  • 📱 The device is running custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where standard gestures may not work work.
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Use ADB requires caution. Incorrect commands can lead to system failures. Always check the syntax before execution.

7. Why do applications disappear from the minimized list?

Sometimes users encounter a problem: an application was minimized, but after a while it disappeared from the menu "Recent"**. The reasons may be different:

  • 🔋 Battery optimization: Android automatically closes background processes to save battery. This is especially true for devices with a small battery (for example, Samsung Galaxy A10).
  • ⚙️ Application settings: some apps (for example, Facebook or Instagram) close themselves after minimizing if the background mode is disabled in their settings.
  • 📱 Lack of RAM: on devices with 2–3 GB of RAM the system forcibly closes old tasks.
  • 🛠️ Firmware errors: on some custom ROM (for example Resurrection Remixmenu Recent does not work correctly.

How to prevent minimized applications from disappearing:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → [app name] → Battery and select "No restrictions"**.
  2. In the same menu, turn on option "Allow background activity"**.
  3. If the problem is insufficient RAM, close unnecessary applications manually or install Lite versions apps (for example, Facebook Lite).
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On devices Samsung there is a function "Application protection"** (Settings → Device care → Battery → Additionally) Add the necessary apps to the list, and they will not close automatically.

If the application is critical (for example, a navigator or messenger), consider buying a smartphone with a large amount of RAM (6–8 GB of RAM).

8. Alternative launchers for managing minimized applications

If standard tools Android do not suit you, you can install alternative launcher with advanced multitasking functions. Here are the best options:

Launcher Functions for minimized applications Supported Android versions Link (Play Market)
Nova Launcher Gestures for quick access to “Recents”, support for floating windows 5.0 and higher com.teslacoilsw.launcher
Microsoft Launcher Integration with Your Phone to manage windows on PC 7.0 and higher com.microsoft.launcher
Apex Launcher Customizable gestures, support for multitasking on tablets 4.0 and higher com.anddoes.launcher
Lawnchair Minimalistic interface with quick access to minimized applications 8.0 and higher ch.deletes.lawnchair.launcher

To install an alternative launcher:

  1. Download it from Google Play Market.
  2. After installation, click "Home"** and select the new launcher as the main one.
  3. Customize gestures and multitasking options in the launcher menu.

Alternative launchers are especially useful on older devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S6), where the standard interface is slow. They also allow you to customize the appearance of the menu "Recent"** and add additional functions, for example, floating windows (like on Samsung DeX, but without connecting to a monitor).

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Before installing an alternative launcher, make a backup of your home screen. Some launchers may reset the location of shortcuts.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about minimized applications on Android

❓ Why some applications do not appear in the menu “Recent”?

This can happen for several reasons:

  • The application closes itself after minimizing (for example, some games or banking apps).
  • Aggressive optimization is enabled in the battery settings for this application.
  • The device has low RAM and the system forcibly closed the task.
  • This is a system application that does not appear in the list (for example, Settings or Phone).

Solution: Check the battery settings for the application and disable it if necessary optimization.

❓ How to return a minimized application if it has disappeared from the list?

Try the following steps:

  1. Check the notification panel - there may be a notification from this application there.
  2. Use a voice assistant ("Hey Google, open [app]"**).
  3. If the application is critical, restart it manually.
  4. For advanced users: use ADBas described in section 6.
❓ Is it possible to pin the application in the “Recents” menu so that it does not close?

Some devices have a function "Pinning"** applications. For example:

  • On Samsung: hold the application icon in menu Recent and select "Pin"**.
  • On Xiaomi: swipe down on the app preview and click on the pin icon.

Pinned applications will not close when you click on "Close all"** and will remain in the list even after the device is rebooted.

❓ Why did the gestures for switching between applications disappear after the Android update?

This is due to changes in the navigation management policy. Starting from Google for navigation control. Starting from Android 10, manufacturers are required to use a standard gesture system. Solution:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures. System navigation Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  2. Select "2-button navigation" or "3-button navigation"if classic buttons are more convenient for you.
  3. If there are no gestures at all, update the firmware or reset the settings to factory settings.
❓ How to view minimized applications on an Android tablet?

On tablets (for example, Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 or Lenovo Tab P11) menu "Recent"** may work differently:

  • If used desktop mode (for example, Samsung DeX), minimized applications are displayed as windows on the taskbar.
  • In standard mode, swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (like on smartphones).
  • Some tablets have a separate button "Overview"** (for example, on Huawei MatePad).

Tablets also often support PC-style multitasking - you can open two applications side by side (for example, Word and Chrome).