Autostarting applications on Android: what it is, how it works and how to set it up

Have you ever noticed how, after rebooting your smartphone, some applications start spontaneously in the background? Or why does the battery drain faster even though you haven't opened anything? The culprit is autostart applications, one of the key functions Android, which can both simplify life and become a source of problems. In this article, we will take a closer look at what is hidden behind this term, how the mechanism works at the system level, and why smartphone manufacturers have different approaches to its implementation.

Autostart is not just a “feature for convenience”. This is a complex mechanism of interaction between Android OSinstalled apps and device hardware resources. It influences Battery life, system speed and even data security. For example, messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram use autorun to instantly receive messages, and system utilities to monitor updates. But what if these processes get out of control?

What is autorun of applications on Android

In a broad sense autostart is an opportunity applications activated without direct user participation. This happens in three main scenarios:

• 🔄 After the device is rebooted —the application starts automatically when the smartphone is turned on.
• 📱 When connected to the network —activation occurs when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• 🔌 According to a schedule or event — for example, every 30 minutes or when changing geolocation.

Technically, the mechanism is implemented via BroadcastReceiver — a component Androidthat "listens" to system events (for example, BOOT_COMPLETED to complete the download) and initiates the launch of the application. However, not all apps are allowed to autorun: this requires a special permission in the application manifest (RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED). Smartphone manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei) often add their own restrictions on top of the standard rules Android, which complicates the function control.

It is important to understand that autorun is not the same as background activity. Autostart initiates running the app, and background activity supports executing it after closing. For example, Google Maps can autostart when connected to a Bluetooth headset (to quickly show navigation), but continue to work in the background according to different rules.

Why autorun is needed: pros and cons

At first glance, it may seem that autorun is an extra load on the system. But the function has justified advantages:

The main compromise here is between convenience and performance. For example, Facebook and Instagram they often abuse autorun to show content faster when opening. But if there are dozens of such applications, the smartphone begins to slow down, and the battery runs out in a few hours. This is especially noticeable on budget devices with 2-3 GB of RAM.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, antiviruses or banking clients) may use autorun to hidden cryptocurrency mining or collect data. Always check permissions in Settings → Applications.

How autorun works at the Android level

To understand why autorun behaves differently on different devices, you need to look under the hood of the system. There are several key components responsible for this function: Android There are several key components responsible for this function:

1. BroadcastReceiver - a “receiver” of system events. The application registers it in the manifest (AndroidManifest.xml) and specifies which events to respond to (for example, android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED).
2. JobScheduler - a task scheduler that allows you to postpone autostart until later (for example, when the device is connected to charging).
3. WorkManager - a more modern tool for background tasks that takes into account restrictions Doze Mode (power saving mode in Android 6.0+).

Smartphone manufacturers often modify these mechanisms. For example:

• 📱 Xiaomi (MIUI): blocks autostart by default for most applications, requires manual permission.
• 🤖 Samsung (One UI): allows autostart for system and “trusted” applications, but limits third-party.
• 🍎 Huawei (EMUI): aggressively closes background processes, which breaks the operation of some services (for example, Google Play Services).

Interesting fact: Google has introduced strict restrictions on background activity ( Android 8.0 Oreo Google has introduced strict restrictions on background activity (background execution limits), which prohibit applications from hanging in memory indefinitely. However, autostart on system boot (BOOT_COMPLETED) still works if the user has explicitly allowed it.

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED"

How to check and disable autorun on your smartphone

Managing autorun depends on the version Android and the manufacturer's shell Below are instructions for the most popular firmware. If your model is not in the list, look for similar ones. menu items.

1. Pure Android (Pixel, Nokia, Motorola, etc.)

On "naked" Android (without shells) there is no separate menu for autorun, but you can limit background activity:

1. Go in Settings → Applications and notifications → All applications.
2. Select the desired application → Advanced → Battery → Background activity.
3. Disable the option Allow background activity.

2. Xiaomi (MIUI)

Xiaomi is known for its strict control over autorun. To configure it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Click on the three dots in upper right corner → Autostart.
3. Enable or disable switches for the desired applications.

Please note: some system applications (for example, MIUI 12+ some system applications (for example, Mi Security) cannot disable.

3. Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung autorun control is hidden in the optimization menu:

1. Go to Settings → Device maintenance → Battery.
2. Click three dots → Battery settings → Background restrictions.
3. Select applications for which you want to prohibit autostart.

Identify "hungry" applications|Open Settings → Battery → Battery usage

Check autostart|Find the "Autostart" or "Background Activity" section in application settings

Disable unnecessary ones|Leave only instant messengers, mail and critical services

Reboot your device|Check if unnecessary processes have appeared after reboot-->

4. Huawei (EMUI/HarmonyOS)

Huawei uses aggressive optimization that often breaks autostart even for legitimate applications. To configure:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications.
2. Select the desired application → Launch.
3. Enable options Autostart, Secondary launch and Manual start.

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei Some applications (for example Google Play Services) may stop working correctly if you disable their autorun. This is due to the features HarmonyOS.

Which applications can (and should) be disabled

Not all apps are equally useful in autorun. Here is a list of categories that can be safely limited:

• 🎮 Games - they do not require background activity (exception: online games with notifications).
• 🛒 Stores and promotional applications (AliExpress, Wildberries, Ozone) - they auto-start only to display advertising.
• 📺 Streaming services (YouTube, TikTok, Twitch- they do not need a background mode without active viewing.
• 📊 Analytical tools (for example, Google Analytics in some applications) - collect data about your activity.

But here’s what it’s better not to touch:

• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) - without autorun you will not receive notifications.
• 📧 Email clients (Gmail, Outlook) - new emails will arrive with a delay.
• 🔒 Banking applications - some of them require background activity for Push notifications about transactions.
• 🛡️ Antiviruses and VPN - their background operation provides real-time protection.

If in doubt, disable autorun step by step and observe the behavior of the smartphone for 1-2 days. Use the tool Settings → Battery → Battery usageto track which applications are draining your device even in standby mode.

adb shell dumpsys batterystats --charged

It will show statistics on battery consumption since the last charge. Look for apps with a high value top or wake_lock.-->

Autostart and security: hidden risks

Autostart is not only a matter of performance, but also potential security breach. Here are the risks it carries:

1. Collecting data without the user's knowledge. Some applications (especially from unofficial sources) may use autorun to collect information about your activity, location, or even correspondence.
2. Vulnerabilities in system components. If a malicious application receives permission to autorun, it can be activated every time the phone is turned on, bypassing some protections Android.
3. Cryptocurrency mining. In 2022, there were cases when legitimate applications (for example, UC Browser) secretly mined Monero in the background using autorun.

How to protect yourself?

• 🔍 Install applications only from Google Play (or official stores like Galaxy Store for Samsung).
• 🛡️ Use Google Play Protect to scan for malware (included in Settings → Security).
• 📋 Regularly check application permissions in Settings → Applications → Permissions.
• 🔄 Update Android i applications up to the latest versions - many vulnerabilities are closed in security patches.

If you suspect that some application is abusing autorun, check it through services like VirusTotal (download the APK file You can also use ADB for detailed analysis:

adb shell dumpsys package <package_name> | grep "permission"

Alternative ways to manage autorun

If the standard settings Android do not provide enough flexibility, you can use third-party tools:

For use Greenify or Brevent without root access you will need to run the ADB command:

adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

This command gives the application the rights to change system settings. Be careful: incorrect use can lead to unstable operation of the device.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Greenify can conflict with system optimizers (for example, MIUI Optimizer on Xiaomi) Before using, make a backup copy of your data.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about autorun on Android