Android App Standby: Battery Savings vs. Disabling Apps
App Standby: Optimizing Battery Life in Android
Introduced alongside Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the Doze feature wasn't the only battery-saving innovation from Google. A complementary system, known as App Standby, was also implemented.
The primary function of App Standby is to mitigate battery drain caused by applications that are infrequently used. While not as impactful as a full app disablement, it provides a valuable layer of power management.
How App Standby Works
Applications placed into standby mode experience limitations on their operational capacity. They are permitted to execute tasks at designated intervals, but are otherwise restricted from background activity.
This restriction helps to conserve system resources and extend battery longevity. The effectiveness of App Standby is particularly noticeable on devices with a large number of installed applications.
Consequently, contemporary Android versions generally exhibit improved battery performance due to the integrated functionality of App Standby. This is true even with numerous apps present on the system.
App Standby contributes to a more efficient Android experience by intelligently managing app resource access.
Understanding App Standby Mode
Related: Exploring Android's "Doze" Feature for Enhanced Battery Life, and Customization Options
App Standby addresses several key issues. Android devices often come with pre-installed applications, sometimes referred to as bloatware, which users may be unable to remove. Furthermore, applications can consume battery life by operating in the background.
This background activity can stem from manufacturer-installed bloatware or apps that were installed previously but are now infrequently used. Ideally, users would disable unnecessary pre-installed apps and uninstall those no longer needed.
Android’s built-in Battery settings allow users to monitor app battery consumption. However, many Android users do not regularly perform these checks. Consequently, Google is focused on enhancing Android’s intelligent management capabilities.
App Standby places applications into a restricted "standby" state when they are not actively in use. Generally, if an application remains unlaunched, Android will automatically transition it to standby.
However, apps that present notifications within the notification shade or on the lock screen are exempt from standby mode. Similarly, applications that provide functionalities utilized by other apps will also avoid being placed in standby.
Related: Methods for Removing Bloatware from Your Android Smartphone
When in standby mode, an app’s background activity and overall functionality are significantly limited. Launching the app will remove it from standby, restoring normal operation.
This restriction is primarily active when the device is operating on battery power. Upon connecting the device to a power source, Android will release apps from standby, permitting background operation.
Apps remaining in standby for extended periods will be granted a limited window—approximately once daily—to execute tasks such as syncing data or performing necessary updates. This ensures essential functions are still completed.
This system shares similarities with the Doze feature, introduced concurrently. Doze restricts app activity when the device is idle, while App Standby focuses on limiting apps that are rarely used. While often discussed together, these are distinct features.
Android is increasingly assuming a more proactive role in intelligently determining when applications should be allowed to run, optimizing both performance and battery life.
Managing App Standby to Optimize Battery Life
App Standby functions as a battery-saving feature, similar to Doze mode. Typically, no manual intervention is required; the system automatically manages app standby. Applications that remain unused will transition into standby, and are reactivated upon launch.
However, circumstances may arise where you need to override this automatic behavior. Preventing an app from entering standby mode can be beneficial if it requires consistent background operation and is being unnecessarily restricted by App Standby, leading to functional issues.
To adjust these settings, navigate to the Settings application on your Android device. Select "Battery," then tap the menu icon (usually three dots). From the menu, choose "Battery optimization." Alternatively, access the battery settings by tapping the battery icon within your app drawer’s quick notifications.
Within the Battery optimization screen, select the "Not optimized" tab. Then, tap "All apps" to display a comprehensive list of all installed applications on your device.
To exempt a specific application from standby, simply tap its name in the list. Then, choose the "Don't optimize" option. This setting effectively disables all battery optimizations for the selected app, including Doze and App Standby, as well as any future battery-saving features introduced by Google.
Understanding the Implications
- Selecting "Don't optimize" can potentially increase battery consumption for the chosen app.
- This setting ensures the app remains fully functional in the background without restrictions.
- It's recommended to only exempt apps that genuinely require uninterrupted background activity.
By carefully managing App Standby exceptions, you can strike a balance between battery life and application functionality, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Identifying Apps Currently in Standby Mode
Related: A guide to Enabling Developer Options and USB Debugging on Android devices.
Android provides a dedicated screen within Developer Options to display apps that are currently in standby. This feature allows users to monitor app activity. Accessing this screen requires first unlocking the hidden Developer Options.
To unlock Developer Options, go to Settings > About and tap the "Build number" field rapidly seven times. This action will enable the Developer Options menu.
Accessing the Inactive Apps List
Once Developer Options are enabled, navigate to Settings > Developer Options. Within this menu, locate and select "Inactive Apps" under the Apps section.
A comprehensive list of applications installed on your device will then be displayed. The status of each app – whether it is active or in standby mode – will be clearly indicated.
A More Effective Approach: Permanently Deactivate an Application
Related: Seven Tasks That No Longer Require Root Access on Android
Although App Standby offers assistance, it doesn't completely halt application execution. To fully prevent an app from running, its uninstallation is the most effective method. However, if an application cannot be uninstalled – a common situation with pre-installed apps – it can be "disabled" directly within the Android operating system.
Previously, this functionality necessitated root access, but it is now integrated into Android as a standard feature. To disable an app, navigate to the Settings menu and select "Apps." Then, tap on the desired app's name and choose the "Disable" option. The app will be removed from your application drawer and will be prevented from running processes in the background.
This effectively mimics an uninstallation, although the app will continue to occupy storage space within the device's system partition. Re-enabling the app is easily accomplished by returning to the Apps screen, selecting the disabled application, and toggling it back to an active state.
Adjusting Doze mode for increased aggressiveness can help reduce battery drain, but modifying App Standby's settings would yield limited benefits. App Standby is primarily intended for users who prefer a simplified approach to managing pre-installed or infrequently used applications.
For those with a more technical understanding of Android, manually uninstalling or disabling unwanted apps provides greater control and efficiency.