How to add an application to startup on Android: all methods

Autoloading applications on Android is a useful feature that allows you to launch the necessary apps immediately after turning on your smartphone. This is convenient for instant messengers, antiviruses, synchronization services or background utilities. However, not all applications support this option by default, and manufacturers often limit it through energy-saving settings.

In this article we will examine three working methods adding an application to startup: through standard Android settings, using ADB commands and using third-party utilities. We'll also explain why some apps may not start automatically even if you added them, and how to fix it. The instructions are relevant for most modern smartphones - from Samsung Galaxy to Xiaomi Redmi and Google Pixel.

Why does the application not start automatically?

Before Rather than setting up startup, it is important to understand what prevents the application from starting with the system. Most often, the reasons lie in:

• 🔋 Battery optimization —Android and manufacturers (especially Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo) aggressively close background processes to save battery.
• 🛠️ Lack of autorun support —not all applications are technically able to run in startup (for example, many games).
• 🔒 OS restrictions — starting from Android 8.0 Oreo, the system strictly controls background activity.
• 📱 Manufacturer firmware —proprietary shells (for example, MIUI, One UI, EMUI) may block autostart for "non-system" applications.

If your application does not start automatically, first check its settings. For example, Telegram or WhatsApp there is a separate option “Autostart at system startup” in the notifications section. If there is no such option, you will have to use one of the methods below.

Method 1: Setting up startup through the Android menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. However, the interface may differ depending on the firmware. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Special access (or Additional on some devices).
3. Find item Autostart, Start at startup or Manage autorun.
4. Enable the slider for the desired application.

On Xiaomi (firmware MIUI) the path is different: Settings → Applications → Management applications → [Select an application] → Autorun.

On Samsung (One UI) look for: Settings → Device care → Battery → ⋮ → Settings → Autorun applications.

Check the Android version (Settings → About phone)

Disable power saving mode

Make sure that the application is not blocked by the optimizer

Update the application to the latest version-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) the autorun option may be hidden. In this case, use method 2 (ADB) or method 3 (third-party utilities).

Method 2: Autoload via ADB (for advanced users)

If there is no autorun option in the settings, you can activate it via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting your smartphone to a computer, but works on any device.

You will need:

• 💻 A computer with ADB drivers installed.
• 📱 A smartphone with it turned on USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The serial number of your device should appear.

3. Give permission to autorun for the desired application (replace com.example.app with a real package):

   adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app android:auto_start allow

4. Reboot your smartphone.

To find out the application package, use command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"

For example, for WhatsApp the package will be com.whatsapp.

adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app android:auto_start deny

⚠️ Attention: After updating Android or resetting the settings, ADB permissions may be reset. Also, some manufacturers (for example Xiaomi) block changes via ADB without unlocking the bootloader.

Method 3: Third-party utilities for managing startup

If the first two methods did not work, a specialized one will help software. Let's consider two proven utilities:

Example of settings in AutoStart:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Give access to Accessibility (a request will appear).
3. In the list, find the application you need and turn on the switch.
4. Restart the phone.

How to check if startup works?

To make sure that the application actually starts when the system starts, do the following:

1. Restart your smartphone.
2. Immediately after loading, open Settings → Applications → [Your application] → Memory.
3. Check the time of the last start - it should match the turn-on time phone.

For a more detailed analysis, use ADB Logcat:

adb logcat | grep "package_name"

This command will show the application logs, where you can see whether it tried to start.

If the application does not start, check:

• 🔌 Whether it is disabled in the autorun settings.
• 🔋 Isn't the battery optimizer blocking its task (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).
• 📵 Isn't the memory manager killing its task (on Xiaomi is Security → Optimization).

Frequent problems and solutions

Startup - This is a capricious function, and often users encounter difficulties. Let's look at typical situations:

Problem 1: The application disappears from startup after updating

This happens because permissions have been reset. Solution:

• Re-add it to startup through the settings.
• If you are using ADB, run the command again.
• For Xiaomi you may need to disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings.

Problem 2: Autorun works, but the application closes immediately

Energy-saving settings are to blame. Fix:

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
2. Find your application and select No restrictions.
3. On Samsung also disable Sleep applications.

Problem 3: On Huawei, autorun does not work at all

Huawei especially aggressively blocks background processes. Try:

• Add the application to Protected applications (Settings → Battery → Launch applications).
• Enable it Secondary launch in the same settings.
• Use ADB with an additional command:

  adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Huawei and Honor after updating EMUI, all autorun permissions. Check the settings after each update.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions