How to prevent Android from automatically unloading applications: 7 working methods

You launch a messenger, music player or navigator, switch to another application - and after a few minutes the first one simply disappears from the list of active ones. Is this a familiar situation? Android aggressively manages RAM, shutting down background processes to save resources. But what if you need a certain application to run all the time? For example, so that messenger does not miss notifications, Spotify does not cut off the music when minimizing, and Google Maps does not reset the route.

In this article we will look all ways to prevent Android from unloading applications from standard settings to hidden functions for experienced users. It is important to understand: the system does not just “maliciously close” apps. It follows algorithms that depend on the OS version, device model, manufacturer (they have different approaches) and even on the current processor load. We will learn how to bypass these restrictions Samsung, Xiaomi And Google Pixel different approaches) and even on the current processor load. We will learn to bypass these restrictions without root and with it, and also explain why some methods can reduce battery life by 15-30%.

Why Android unloads applications: how it works

The Android operating system uses a memory management model LMK (Low Memory Killer) —a mechanism that forcibly terminates processes when there is insufficient RAM. LMK works according to priorities:

• 🔴 Background processes (applications that have been minimized for a long time and are not actively used).
• 🟡 Service processes (for example, synchronizing mail or cloud data).
• 🟢 Visible processes (applications on the screen or in split-screen mode).
• 🔵 Foreground processes (the active application with which you are interacting right now).

LMK kills processes starting with the most “light” (background) and moves up in priority. Smartphone manufacturers often: for example, tighten these rules: For example, Xiaomi and Huawei aggressively close background tasks to save battery, and Samsung in the latest firmware they have added a separate mechanism App Power Monitorthat blocks applications from running in the background even with a sufficient number RAM.

Another reason for unloading is Doze Mode (power saving mode in Android 6.0+). It is activated when the device is lying idle, and limits the background activity of all applications except system ones. This means that even if you have 8 GB of RAM, after 30 minutes of inactivity the system will begin to suspend processes.

Method 1: Disabling battery optimization for the application

The simplest and safest method is exclude the application from battery optimization mode. This does not guarantee 100% protection against unloading, but it significantly increases the chances that it will remain in memory.

Instructions for Android 9.0–14.0:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select the desired application (for example, Telegram or Yandex Music).
3. Go to section Battery (or Battery Usage).
4. Click Battery Optimization (or Background Management activity).
5. Select All applications → find yours → install Do not optimize.

On smartphones Xiaomi other way: Settings → Battery and performance → Battery management → Application selection → No restrictions.

U Samsung (One UI) you need to go to Settings → Device care → Battery → Background work and add the application to the list Sleeping applications, but select option Never put to sleep.

Make sure the application is not in the "Sleeping" list or "Optimized"

Reboot your smartphone after the changes

Check background operation after 10-15 minutes of inactivity

Disable "Adaptive Battery" in the settings (if available)

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Method 2: Fixing an application in memory (Pinning)

Function "Pinning" (Pinning) allows you to lock an application in multitasking so that it cannot be accidentally closed. This does not prevent the system from unloading it when there is a critical lack of memory, but increases the priority.

How to pin:

1. Open the application.
2. Minimize it (Home button or gesture).
3. Open the panel Recent applications (swipe up with a delay or the "Square" button).
4. Click on the application icon → select Pin (or Pin).

To unpin, hold the application icon and select Unpin. On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) this function may missing or work differently.

Method 3: Using developer mode

In the settings for developers there are hidden options that allow increase the limit of background processes to disable automatic optimization.

How to enable developer mode:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Find the item Build number and tap on it 7 times.
3. Enter the PIN code, if required.

Now open Settings → System → For developers and find the following options:

• 🔧 Background process limit → install Standard limit or No limits (on some devices).
• 🔧 Do not save actions → disable (this prevents applications from restoring their state after unloading).
• 🔧 Limit background activity → disable for critical applications.

What to do if there is no "Background process limit" item?

On some firmware (for example, MIUI or EMUI) this parameter is hidden. In this case, try using ADB commands (see Method 5) or install a third-party launcher like Nova Launcherwhich sometimes gives access to additional settings.

⚠️ Attention: changing the limit of background processes can lead to Slow down the system and Increase battery consumption. Do not install "No restrictions" if you have less than 6 GB of RAM.

Method 4: Force the service to start (for experienced)

Some applications (for example, Tasker or MacroDroid) allow Force services to start in the backgroundeven if the system tries to close them. This method requires additional knowledge, but gives maximum control.

Configuration example via Tasker:

1. Create a new task (Task).
2. Add an action Net → AutoStart (if yes).
3. Add an action App → Launch App and select the target application.
4. Set a trigger by time (for example, every 10 minutes) or by event Device Boot.

For music players (for example, VLC or Poweramp) you can use the plugin AutoNotificationto send "empty" notifications that will keep the application active.

Method	Complexity	Root required	Efficiency	Risks
Disable battery optimization	⭐	❌ No	★★★☆☆	Moderate battery consumption
Fixed in multitasking	⭐	❌ No	★★☆☆☆	Does not work on all firmware
Developer settings	⭐⭐	❌ No	★★★★☆	Maybe slow down the system
Tasker/MacroDroid	⭐⭐⭐	❌ No	★★★★☆	Complex setup
ADB commands	⭐⭐⭐	❌ No	★★★★★	Reset when updating OS

Method 5: ADB commands to disable optimization

If standard methods do not help, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) a debugging tool that allows you to change hidden settings.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB on your computer (download Platform Tools from the site Google).
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

   adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle

   This will disable Doze Mode for all applications.

4. To disable optimization for a specific application (for example, com.whatsapp), use:

   adb shell dumpsys battery unplug
   adb shell cmd appops set com.whatsapp RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow

⚠️ Attention: turn off Doze Mode will increase battery consumption by 20–40% in standby mode. Use this method only for critical applications (for example, instant messengers for work or medical trackers).

Method 6: Root access and modification of system files

If you have root access, you can manually change process priorities or disable LMK. This is an extreme measure, since incorrect actions can lead to unstable operation of the system.

Example for advanced users:

1. Install a file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/etc/init.d/ and create a script with permissions 755:

#!/system/bin/sh
echo "1000" > /sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree

This command increases the free memory threshold at which works LMK.

You can also use modules Magisk, such as Disable Flag Secure or Universal GMS Dozethat specifically disable optimization for individual applications.

⚠️ Attention: Changing system files can lead to bootloop (loop reboot) or loss of warranty. Before experiments, make a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox.

Method 7: Alternative firmware (Custom ROM)

If your device does not officially support updates, and the manufacturer aggressively closes background processes (as on Xiaomi or Huawei), consider installing custom firmware.

Popular firmware with flexible memory settings:

• 📱 LineageOS - clean Android without unnecessary restrictions.
• 📱 Pixel Experience —firmware with functions Google Pixel, including optimized RAM management.
• 📱 crDroid —allows for fine-tuning LMK through the settings menu.

Before installation, check the support of your model on forum XDA Developers or 4PDA. Please note that custom firmware may deprive you of some functions (for example, Samsung Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to prevent applications from unloading. Here are the most common:

1. Disable all optimizations in a row. This leads to overheating i rapid battery drain. Optimize only those applications that are really needed in the background.
2. Using "RAM cleaners". Applications like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster forcefully kills processes, nullifying all your settings. Remove them.
3. Ignoring OS updates. Manufacturers often change memory management algorithms. After updating, check the settings again.
4. Pinning too many applications. If 10+ apps are “fixed” in memory, the system will start to slow down. Optimally - 2-3 most important ones.

Another typical problem is conflict with the green robot (Android System Intelligence). Since Android 10Google has added a service that automatically optimizes background performance. To disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find Android System Intelligence.
3. Disable or limit it rights.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to completely disable the unloading of applications without root?

No, it is impossible to completely disable LMK without root access, since this is a system process. However, a combination of methods (disabling optimization + ADB + developer settings) can give a result close to 100%. On some firmware (for example ColorOS) even this will not help - the manufacturer blocks changes at the kernel level.

Why were all settings reset after updating Android?

OS updates often reset user settings, especially if they were made through ADB or developer mode. After the update, repeat all steps (disabling optimization, ADB commands, etc.). If you are using custom firmware, check for an update for it - sometimes new versions of Android require flashing.

How to check if an application is unloaded from memory?

There are several ways:

1. Use Android Studio Profiler (for developers).
2. Install the application Simple System Monitor from F-Droid —it shows active processes in real time.
3. Launch the application, minimize it, wait 10 minutes and check if it remains in the list Recent (if not, it unloaded).

Will this work on Android 15?

Q Android 15 Google is tightening controls on background processes, especially for apps using Foreground Service. The methods in this article should work, but the effectiveness may be reduced. Stay tuned for firmware updates and test settings after the final version is released.

Is there any way to notify the system that an application is "important"?

Yes, some applications (for example Tasker) can send notifications with priority FOREGROUND_SERVICE, which increases their chances of remaining in memory. You can also use NotificationListener to simulate activity. However, this requires programming skills or ready-made solutions from Play Market (search for "keep alive notification").