Multitasking on mobile devices has become a standard, allowing users to switch between instant messengers, the browser and work documents in a matter of seconds. However, the accumulation of open applications often leads to system slowdown and rapid battery drain, which is especially noticeable on mid-range devices. Many users face confusion: they do not understand the difference between minimizing an application and completely closing it, and they also do not know how to properly manage split-screen mode. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of window management so that you can optimize the operation of your smartphone.
There are several ways to close an unnecessary window, and the choice of a specific method depends on the version of the operating system, as well as on the shell installed by the manufacturer. For example, on pure Android the operating logic differs from proprietary interfaces Samsung One UI or Xiaomi MIUI. Understanding these differences is critical to effectively managing memory and preventing hangs. We will look at both standard gestures and hidden settings that will help you fully control the list of running tasks.
Differences between minimizing and completely closing the application
The first thing every owner of a gadget needs to understand is the fundamental difference between minimizing and forcing a stop. When you press the Home button or swipe up, the application does not close, but only goes into the background, remaining in RAM for quick resumption of work. This behavior is designed into the system architecture to provide instant response, but sometimes it causes process conflicts. Android-gadget, is the fundamental difference between collapsing and forcing it to stop. When you press the Home button or swipe up, the application does not close, but only goes into the background, remaining in RAM for quick resumption of work. This behavior is designed into the system architecture to provide instant response, but sometimes it causes process conflicts.
A complete shutdown means a forced stop of all services associated with a particular application. This action frees up RAM (RAM) and processor time, which may be necessary if errors occur or the case gets very hot. Unlike simply minimizing, completely closing requires additional actions through the_recent_apps_ menu or system settings.
It is worth noting that modern versions Android manage background processes quite aggressively on their own. If the system does not have enough resources, it automatically “kills” applications that have not been used for a long time without user intervention. However, manual control remains a useful tool for specific use cases.
Android automatically optimizes background processes, so you should not manually close apps after each use - this may even increase battery drain due to reinitialization of services.
⚠️ Warning: Forcibly closing system applications or Google services may cause notifications, contacts synchronization, and other important functions. Use this option only for third-party software.
Window management in split screen mode
Split Screen mode allows you to simultaneously use two applications on one display, which is extremely convenient for multitasking. However, many users do not know how to correctly close exactly one of the windows in this combination without affecting the second. The operating logic here depends on which application is currently active.
To close the bottom or top window in split mode, you need to drag the dividing line to the very edge of the screen. If you drag the bar all the way up, the bottom app will close and the top app will expand to full screen. Likewise, dragging the bar down will close the top application. This is an intuitive mechanism that works on most devices without the need to go into complex menus.
An alternative method involves using a navigation button or gesture. On devices with touch buttons, a special close icon (cross) often appears in the center of the dividing bar when pressed for a long time. On devices with gesture control, sometimes you need to swipe from the center of the divider towards the edge of the screen to “throw away” one of the applications.
In some shells, for example in MIUI, it is possible to close one of the windows through the context menu. To do this, press and hold your finger on the dividing line, after which a menu will appear with options, including completely closing one of the sides. This approach gives more precise control over the situation.
| Action | Result | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Swipe up the separator | Close the bottom window | Mode Split Screen |
| Swipe the divider down | Close the top window | Split Screen mode |
| Press the Home button | Minimize both windows | Any mode |
| Double tap "Home" | Switching between windows | Settings in the menu |
Closing applications through the recent tasks menu
The most common way to close the second window or any other application - use the recent tasks menu (Recent Apps). This is an interface that displays cards of all running apps. It is usually accessed by swiping up and holding (on devices with gestures) or pressing the square navigation button.
In this menu, you will see a stack of cards, arranged horizontally or vertically. To close a specific application, just swipe its card to the side (usually up or sideways, depending on the launcher settings). If you need to close all windows at once, many devices have a Close All button or a corresponding gesture, such as a three-finger swipe.
It is important to understand that on some models, such as Samsung Galaxyapplication cards may be grouped. If you open the same app in multiple windows (for example, two different WhatsApp chats), they may appear as one group. In this case, closing the group will close all associated instances.
☑️ Correct memory clearing
It is worth mentioning the “Application Lock” function. If you accidentally can't close a window, check to see if there is a lock icon on it. Locked applications are protected from accidental closing through the task menu and can only be closed through settings or a reboot.
Specifics of working with floating windows and Pop-up view
In addition to split screen, many modern smartphones support floating windows mode (Pop-up view). In this mode, the application opens in a small window that can be moved around the screen on top of other apps. Closing such a window has its own characteristics that differ from standard procedures.
Usually at the top of a floating window there is a control panel with several buttons. One of them, often marked with a cross or a “collapse” icon, is responsible for closing. Clicking on the cross completely terminates the application in this mode. If you click on the minimize button, the window will turn into a small icon on the edge of the screen, which can then be expanded again.
On devices Samsung with a shell One UI there is an interesting gesture: to close a floating window, you can simply drag it down to a special area or to the bottom corner of the screen, where the inscription will appear “Close” or trash icon. This speeds up the process of clearing the screen without having to aim at small interface buttons.
⚠️ Attention: In some games and video players, the floating window may not be closed using standard methods due to content protection. In such cases, you may need to force a stop through the settings.
Secret Developer Mode
In the developers menu, you can enable the "Don't save actions" option, which will automatically close any application as soon as you switch to another. This is a radical method of saving memory, but it can slow down the system due to the constant reloading of applications.
Forced stop through system settings
If standard methods do not help close a “frozen” second window or an application that is behaving incorrectly, you need to use system settings. This method is the most profound and guarantees a complete stop of all processes associated with the app.
To do this, go to the menu Settings → Applications. Find the problematic application in the list and click on it. Inside the application card you will see a button Stop or Forced stop. The system will ask you to confirm the action, as this may affect the operation of other services.
This method is especially effective when the application does not close through the task menu or continues to consume resources in the background. After a forced stop, the application icon will disappear from the list of recent tasks, and all its services will be completely deactivated until the next manual launch.
Using this method requires caution. It is not recommended to apply it to system components such as Android System, Google Play Services or display drivers, as this may cause the device to reboot or lose settings.
Force Stop is the “heavy artillery” for dealing with frozen applications, but for everyday use, a simple swipe in the task menu is enough.
Features of closing windows on different Android shells
Various smartphone manufacturers make their own changes to the standard interface Android, which affects window management. What works on “pure” Android may differ on Xiaomi, Samsung or Huaweidevices. Let's look at the key differences.
On smartphones Xiaomi with a shell MIUI or HyperOS an additional menu is often found when minimizing applications. Here you can choose not only to close the window, but also to pin it in memory or open it in floating mode. There is also a “Freeze” function for applications that completely stops them from working until you open them yourself.
Devices Samsung offer advanced multitasking features through the panel Edge Panel. From there, you can quickly launch applications in pop-up window mode and close them just as quickly. In addition, in the Samsung display settings there is an option to control gestures for quickly switching and closing recent applications.
In pure Android (for example, on Google Pixel) the logic is as simplified as possible: swipe up closes, swipe sideways switches. There are fewer additional functions, but higher stability. Understanding the specifics of your shell will help you quickly find the necessary management tools.
- 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Support for freezing applications and an expanded multitasking menu with action buttons on cards.
- 🌌 Samsung: Integration with Edge Panel, smart management of floating windows and grouping of related applications.
- 🤖 Pure Android: Minimalistic interface, control gestures, absence unnecessary add-ons for closing windows.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and names of menu items may change with software updates. If you do not find the described function, check the current version of your firmware in the “About phone” section.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the application close immediately after launch?
This may be caused by a lack of RAM, corruption of the application cache, or a conflict with other running apps. Try clearing the cache in the application settings or rebooting your device. In rare cases, reinstalling the application is required.
Is it possible to prevent the system from closing important applications in the background?
Yes, in the battery settings or in the recent tasks menu (via a long tap or a three-dot menu), you can select the “No restrictions” or “Pin application” option. This will prevent the power saving system from automatically unloading the app from memory.
How to close all windows at once with one button?
In the recent tasks menu there is often a “Close all” button (usually at the bottom of the screen or in the corner). On some devices, this item is in the menu called up by long pressing the Home button or by swiping with three fingers.
Does frequently closing applications affect battery life?
Paradoxically, frequently forcefully closing applications can increase battery consumption. The system has to reload data and reinitialize processes every time it starts, which consumes more power than keeping the application frozen in RAM.
What should you do if the screen splits in two and won't come back?
Drag the dividing line all the way up or down to the edge of the screen. If this doesn't help, try minimizing both applications with the Home button and then closing them through the recent tasks menu. As a last resort, restarting the smartphone will help.