Noob Question about closing apps

[ralfyguy]

I came over from years of Crackberry and have a question:

When you close apps and they show up in "Recent Apps", are they actually still running or not?

 

[Almeuit]

Re: Noob Question

Some stay running -- Some don't. Just depends what they do.

I clear out my recent apps often just due to the fact that I don't want a boat load of apps in there. I wouldn't worry about the RAM usage part though -- Android works differently than most other OS platforms. Android purposely keeps filling the RAM as much as it can so it can launch stuff faster -- and then clears out room for new things if needed.

 

[xocomaox]

Re: Noob Question

It depends on what version of Android you are running. In 5.0+, this list turns into a catalog of every application you have ever opened. It's actually turned into a feature that is quite useless.

Luckily there is a way to change this with some root-level configurations.

 

[Crashdamage]

Usually only 2 or 3 are running. Maybe none. Android closes apps automatically for you depending on system needs. Apps may automatically close themselves if there's no reason they need to be active when not in use.

There's no real reason to clear out the Recent cards unless it just bothers you. But they're outta sight so how could they?

In Lollipop the Recent Apps is limited to 50 cards. I like it and found it to be pretty handy once I got used to it. But a 20-25 card limit would be enough. Maybe it should be made configurable.

Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

 

[ralfyguy]

On BB10 if you closed an app, it IS closed. I just wondered if this will affect data or battery life. So far I clean it out every time I close an app, but it feels like it is quiet a nuisance having to do that.

 

[Crashdamage]

There's no need to close apps, clear memory or handle system processes manually. Android does all that automatically and efficiently.

IOW, don't micromanage your phone. Don't install software that attempts to either. Let Android handle things as intended. It will automatically optimize operation if you let it.

Don't worry be happy. Relax and enjoy simply using your phone.


Android since v1.0. Linux user since 2001.

 

[LeoRex]

Recently - Google Play

If you are rooted, take a look at Recently. Awesome little app written by the famous Chainfire.

Basically it limits the number of apps in your Recents/Overview window. But in an intelligent manner. It will, if you want it to, close any app above the limit if its running. But by default, it'll only eliminate a CLOSED app in the list above the limit. It will also do things like automatically close out Search windows, or Settings windows....