The Samsung S20 is a powerful device, equipped with cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly interface. However, like any smartphone, it can sometimes become sluggish if too many apps are running in the background. Knowing how to effectively manage and close apps on your Samsung S20 is essential for optimizing performance and conserving battery life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various methods to close apps, their benefits, and tips to keep your device running smoothly.
Why Closing Apps is Important
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why you should close apps on your Samsung S20:
Improved Performance: Running multiple applications can drain your device’s resources, slowing it down. Closing unused apps frees up RAM, allowing your phone to operate more efficiently.
Extended Battery Life: Background applications consume power, which can affect your device’s battery life. By closing unnecessary apps, you can help prolong your phone’s usage time.
Security Concerns: Some apps may continue to run in the background, accessing sensitive information. Regularly closing apps can enhance your privacy and security.
Different Methods to Close Apps on Samsung S20
There are several methods to close apps on your Samsung S20, ranging from using the Recent Apps interface to utilizing device settings. Let’s explore these methods in detail:
Method 1: Using the Recent Apps Screen
The Recent Apps screen is the most straightforward way to manage and close applications on your Samsung S20. Here’s how to do it:
- Access the Recent Apps Screen: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause for a moment. This gesture will reveal your recently used applications.
- Navigate Through Apps: You’ll see a visual representation of all open applications. Scroll left or right to locate the app you want to close.
- Close an App: To close an individual app, simply swipe it off the screen (left or right). You’ll see the app disappear, indicating it has been closed.
- Close All Apps: If you wish to close all running apps, tap the “Close All” button, usually represented by an icon or text located at the bottom of the Recent Apps screen.
Method 2: Utilizing Settings to Force Stop Apps
If an app is unresponsive and won’t close using the Recent Apps screen, you can force stop it through the Settings. Here’s how:
- Open Device Settings: Go to your home screen and tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Access Apps: Scroll down and select Apps. This will open a list of all installed applications on your device.
- Select the App: Find and tap on the app you want to close. This will open the App Info screen.
- Force Stop the App: Tap the Force Stop button to immediately terminate the application. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to confirm, select OK to proceed.
Method 3: Using the App Drawer
Another simple way to close apps is through the App Drawer. This method allows you to manage open apps quickly.
- Open the App Drawer: Swipe up on your home screen to access the App Drawer.
- Long Press on the App Icon: Find the app you wish to close and long-press its icon.
- Select Info: In the pop-up menu, tap on App Info.
- Force Stop: Follow the same steps as mentioned in Method 2 to force stop the app.
Understanding App Management Features
Samsung S20 comes with built-in features designed to help you manage app usage effectively. Understanding these features can enhance your experience.
Battery Usage Settings
Samsung S20 allows users to monitor battery usage by applications, helping you identify which ones consume the most power.
- Access Battery Settings: Navigate to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery.
- View Battery Usage: Tap on Battery usage to see a list of apps and their battery consumption.
- Manage Background Activity: By selecting an app, you can restrict its background activity, which can prevent it from consuming battery when not in use.
Device Care Tool
Samsung includes a Device Care tool that optimizes your phone’s performance. Utilizing this feature helps maintain app management efficiently.
- Open Device Care: Go to Settings > Battery and device care.
- Optimize: You can tap on the Optimize now button to clean up background apps, unnecessary files, and other performance-related issues.
- View Recommended Actions: Device Care will provide suggestions for apps that can be closed or optimized based on usage.
Schedule App Refresh and Background Activity Limits
Samsung S20 allows you to manage when and how apps refresh data, reducing the need to close apps frequently.
Limiting Background Data
- Access Data Usage Settings: Go to Settings > Connections > Data usage > Mobile data usage.
- Select the App: From the list, choose the app you want to modify.
- Restrict Background Data: Enable the Restrict background data option to prevent the app from using data and running in the background when not in use.
App Refresh Settings
- Open Settings: Navigate to Settings > Apps.
- Select the App: Choose an app to manage.
- Modify Refresh Settings: Adjust the app’s settings to limit background data usage and refresh frequency.
Best Practices for Keeping Your Samsung S20 Efficient
Maintaining efficient app management on your Samsung S20 requires regular practice. Here are some best practices:
Regularly Close Unused Apps
Make it a habit to close apps you’re not actively using. This can be particularly useful after switching between apps or ending a lengthy session on a specific application.
Utilize the Eco Mode for Battery Saving
Activate Power Saving Mode through Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Power saving mode. This can help limit background processes further and extend battery life when needed.
Update Your Apps and Software
Always keep your apps and system software updated. Developers often release updates to improve performance and fix bugs that may cause apps to hang or use excessive resources.
Conclusion: Optimizing Your Samsung S20 Experience
Understanding how to close apps on your Samsung S20 is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your device. By using the Recent Apps screen, exploring settings, and employing device management tools, you can ensure your smartphone runs smoothly and efficiently.
With every method discussed in this guide, you are now armed with the knowledge to keep your Samsung S20 at peak performance. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in prolonging the life and usability of your device, allowing you to enjoy all its features to the fullest. So close those apps, optimize your settings, and enjoy the seamless experience your Samsung S20 has to offer!
What is the easiest way to close apps on my Samsung S20?
To easily close apps on your Samsung S20, you can use the Recent Apps screen. Simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold until the Recent Apps view appears, displaying all your currently open applications. This allows you to see which apps are taking up memory and resources, enabling you to manage them effectively.
Once you are in the Recent Apps view, you can swipe left or right to navigate through your open apps. To close a specific app, simply swipe it off the screen, either to the left or right. Alternatively, you can tap the “Close All” button, which will close all open apps at once, helping to free up system resources.
Can I close apps in the background without affecting active tasks?
Yes, when you close background apps on your Samsung S20, it usually does not impact any active tasks or apps you are currently using. Background apps consume system resources, but they are designed to run independently of active applications. Therefore, you can safely close unnecessary background apps to improve performance without disrupting your current workflow.
To manage your background apps effectively, visit the Recent Apps view. From there, you can easily identify which apps are running in the background and swipe them away as needed. This simple process helps keep your device running smoothly without interrupting any ongoing activities.
Is there a shortcut to close apps on my Samsung S20?
Yes, there is a handy shortcut for closing apps on your Samsung S20. You can use the “Home” button to minimize the app instead of closing it directly. Once you want to close an app, just go to the Recent Apps screen as explained earlier, which will show all your open apps.
Another useful feature is the ability to use gestures. If you have enabled gesture navigation in your settings, you can swipe from the bottom edge of the screen and hold to access the Recent Apps view. From there, you can easily swipe away any app you want to close, streamlining the process and making it quicker to manage your open applications.
Does closing apps improve my phone’s performance?
Closing apps can help improve your Samsung S20’s performance, especially if you have multiple applications running simultaneously. Running too many applications can take up system memory and processing power, potentially leading to slower performance or lag. By regularly closing unnecessary apps, you can free up these resources and keep your device running smoothly.
However, it is essential to note that not all apps need to be closed regularly. Some applications are designed to run in the background to provide necessary functions, such as notifications or updates. So, while closing certain apps can boost performance, managing your open applications wisely is crucial.
How do I close apps using the settings menu?
Closing apps through the settings menu on your Samsung S20 is a straightforward process. Start by navigating to the “Settings” app on your device. From there, scroll down and select “Apps,” which will bring up a list of all applications installed on your phone. You can find the app you want to close and select it to access its details.
Once you’re in the app details section, you will see an option to “Force Stop” the application. Tapping this option will close the app entirely and free up resources. However, keep in mind that forcing an app to stop may lead to loss of unsaved data or changes, so it’s best to use this method for apps that are unresponsive or consuming excessive resources.
What should I do if an app won’t close on my Samsung S20?
If an app on your Samsung S20 won’t close, the first step is to try the standard methods like using the Recent Apps screen and swiping it away. If that does not work, you may want to try restarting your device. Sometimes, temporary issues can prevent apps from closing properly, and a restart can help resolve these problems.
If the app still does not respond after restarting, you may need to force stop it through the settings menu. Go to “Settings,” select “Apps,” find the problematic app, and then tap “Force Stop.” If issues persist, consider clearing the app’s cache or data, but be aware that this might delete any unsaved data within the app.
Can I close all apps at once on my Samsung S20?
Yes, you can close all apps at once on your Samsung S20, which can save time and help improve system performance. To do this, simply access the Recent Apps screen by swiping up from the bottom and holding the screen. Once you’re there, you will see a “Close All” button at the bottom of the screen.
By tapping the “Close All” button, all open applications will be shut down simultaneously. This is particularly useful if you tend to leave many apps open and want to clean up your device quickly. Just be mindful that doing this may disrupt any ongoing activities in those apps, so ensure you have saved your work beforehand.
What happens if I don’t close apps on my Samsung S20?
If you don’t regularly close apps on your Samsung S20, it can lead to excessive background processes that consume system resources like memory and battery life. Over time, this can slow down your device’s performance, lead to increased heat generation, and potentially decrease battery longevity. Your apps may also take longer to load as your device struggles to manage multiple open applications at once.
However, it’s important to note that Android is designed to manage app resources efficiently. Some apps will automatically enter a dormant state when not in use, so while leaving apps open may contribute to slow performance, it may not always be detrimental. Users should balance convenience and performance by closing apps as necessary to maintain optimal device functionality.