Operating system Android 7.0 Nougat, despite its venerable age, is still actively used on millions of devices around the world. However, over time, owners of such gadgets begin to notice a critical drop in performance and rapid battery drain. Often the root of the problem lies in the uncontrolled behavior of installed applications, which tend to launch immediately after turning on the phone.
Background processes consume RAM and CPU resources, even when you are not using a specific service. To return the device to its former speed and stability, you need to properly configure the system. In this article, we will look in detail at how to prevent autoloading of unnecessary apps, using both built-in tools and more advanced methods.
Understanding the mechanisms of the operating system will help you avoid mistakes. It is important to realize that not all processes can be stopped without consequences for the operation of the smartphone. We will look at safe optimization methods that will not disrupt the basic functionality of your device.
Reasons for slowing down the Android 7 system
The main reason for the decline in performance on older versions of the OS is the accumulation of background services. Application developers often configure their products to initialize immediately after the system boots. This is done to quickly deliver notifications or synchronize data, but ultimately leads to bloat RAM.
Each such application occupies its own RAM segment, leaving less space for active user tasks. When free memory becomes critically low, the system begins to aggressively unload the apps you need, which causes constant interface reboots and lags.
In addition, the constant activity of the processor to support background services leads to heating of the case and accelerated battery drain. This is especially noticeable on devices with low-capacity batteries, which are often found in the budget segment where Android 7.
⚠️ Attention: Massive shutdown of system processes can lead to unstable operation of the phone or loss of important notifications from instant messengers. Be selective.
Users are often unaware that even simple utilities, like a calculator or flashlight, can have hidden autorun mechanisms to collect statistics or display advertising. It is these hidden agents that become the main reason that the phone starts to “slow down” immediately after turning it on.
Using built-in developer settings
In the operating system Android 7 there is a hidden menu section designed for debugging, which also allows you to control the behavior of background processes. Activating developer mode is the first step towards deep system customization. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and click on the build number seven times.
After a message appears stating that you have become a developer, a new item will appear in the main settings menu. Go to the section For developers and find the category responsible for applications. Here you can find the option to limit background processes.
You can select the option "No more than 2 processes" or "No background processes". This will force the system to force quit applications as soon as you minimize them. This method radically frees RAM, but can negatively affect the operation of messengers.
Before changing the developer settings, write down the current parameter values so that in case of problems you can return everything as it was.
It is worth noting that this method is global. It does not disable autorun of a specific application forever, but limits their behavior in the current session. After rebooting the device, the settings may be reset or require re-checking, depending on the manufacturer's firmware.
Application permission management
A more targeted control method is permission management. Many applications use certain rights (access to the network, geolocation, contacts) specifically for their background activity. Restricting these rights may indirectly prohibit autorun.
Go to Settings → Applications and select the app you are interested in. Go to section Permissions. If you disable access to the Internet or location for an application for which it is not critical (for example, for an offline game), it will no longer make sense to run in the background.
Some manufacturers, such as Xiaomi or Huawei, implemented their own autorun managers into their shells based on Android 7 . In such cases, you need to look for a separate item in the security or battery settings, which is called "Autorun".
- 📱 Find the "Security" or "Optimization" item in the menu.
- 🔒 Go to the permissions or autorun management section.
- ❌ Uncheck those applications which do not need to start with the system.
- ✅ Save the changes and reboot the device.
If you cannot find such a switch using standard means, it means that your firmware does not provide a direct interface for this. In this case, you will have to resort to third-party solutions or use a debug bridge.
☑️ Checking autorun settings
Using third-party utilities for control
When built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue Google Play. There are task managers and optimizers that can “freeze” applications, preventing them from starting.
One of the effective tools is the use of apps like Greenify or similar “freezers”. They put applications into sleep mode when the screen is turned off. This does not uninstall the app, but completely blocks its background activity until you open it yourself.
When installing such utilities, it is important to carefully read the rights conditions. To function fully, they often require access to special features or superuser rights (Root). Without root access, the functionality may be limited only to sleep emulation.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing “RAM Cleaners” that promise miraculous acceleration. In modern versions of Android, they often do more harm than good, constantly restarting services.
Using third-party software requires caution. Make sure you download the app from a trusted and highly rated developer. Malware disguised as an optimizer can itself become a source of advertising and autorun.
Advanced method via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
For users who are ready to connect a smartphone to a computer, there is the most reliable way to disable autorun - using a debug bridge ADB. This method allows you to disable application components without obtaining root access, essentially freezing them at the system level.
First you need to enable USB debugging in the developer menu and install drivers on your PC. Once your phone is connected, run the command to search for the package name of the desired application. This will allow you to accurately identify the process you want to stop.
adb shell pm list packages | findstr "application_name"Once you have the package name (for example com.facebook.katana), you can disable it using the following command. The application will disappear from the menu and stop loading, but it can be returned with one command.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.package nameThis method is the most effective for removing pre-installed bloatware that cannot be removed by standard means. It does not require hacking the system, but does require care when entering commands.
How to get a disabled application back?
To reactivate an application, use the command: adb shell pm enable com.package name. This will restore its functionality and the icon in the menu.
Comparison of methods for disabling autorun
The choice of method depends on your skills and goals. For the average user, the built-in settings are sufficient, while advanced users will appreciate the flexibility of ADB. Below is a table to help you decide on the optimal method.
| Method | Complexity | Efficiency | Risk of errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings developer | Low | Medium | Minimum |
| Permission limitation | Low | Low | Absent |
| Third-party applications | Medium | High | Medium |
| ADB commands | High | Maximum | High |
As can be seen from the table, using ADB gives maximum control, but requires preparation. At the same time, simple settings are safe, but may not completely solve the problem on heavily clogged devices.
A combination of methods (limiting background processes + targeted shutdown via ADB) gives the best result for older smartphones.
Frequently asked questions about autorun (FAQ)
Is it safe to disable system applications via ADB?
You can disable only those applications whose purpose you know. System services responsible for the phone, messages or settings cannot be disabled - this may lead to a cyclic reboot (bootloop). Always Google the name of the package before disabling.
Why do applications start again after a reboot?
Many applications have self-healing mechanisms or launch triggers from other system events. Using the "No more than 2 processes" mode in the developer settings helps contain them, but does not guarantee complete blocking without root access.
Does disabling autorun affect the receipt of notifications?
Yes, if you completely freeze the messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram) or email client, you will not receive notifications in real time. They will come only after you manually open the application.
Do you need to obtain root access to manage autorun?
No, in Android 7 many tasks are solved without Root. ADB tools allow you to disable user and some system applications without completely hacking the system, which is safer for warranty and updates.
Can disabling autorun speed up charging?
Yes, indirectly. Fewer active background processes reduce the load on the processor, which reduces power consumption in standby mode and can slightly increase charging speed due to reduced heat dissipation.