In the fast-paced world of smartphones, multitasking has become a need. The Samsung Galaxy S7, with its sleek interface and powerful features, allows you to run multiple applications at once. However, sometimes the performance can slow down, apps may malfunction, or you simply want to save battery life. Knowing how to effectively close apps on your Samsung S7 can make a significant difference in your overall user experience. In this article, we will delve into various methods to accurately close apps, ensuring your device runs smoothly.
Understanding the Interface and Multitasking on Samsung S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 comes equipped with a user-friendly interface that supports multitasking. With a simple swipe, you can switch between several applications. However, leaving apps running in the background may lead to decreased performance or battery drain. Thus, it is crucial to know when and how to close those applications.
Why You Might Want to Close Apps
It might be tempting to leave many applications running, but there are several reasons to consider closing them periodically:
- Improved Performance: Closing unused apps can free up RAM, allowing your device to operate more efficiently.
- Battery Conservation: Background applications can consume battery power, so closing them can extend your device’s battery life.
How to Close Apps on Samsung S7
Closing apps can be performed in several ways on the Samsung Galaxy S7. In this section, we will detail the various methods, step-by-step.
Method 1: Using the Recent Apps Button
One of the easiest ways to manage and close applications is by using the Recent Apps button.
Steps to Close Apps Using the Recent Apps Button
- Navigate to the app you wish to close.
- Tap the Recent Apps Button, which is located on the bottom right of your screen (it looks like a square or two overlapping rectangles).
- This will display all the applications currently running on your device.
- To close an individual app, swipe it left or right off the screen. As you swipe, you will notice the app disappearing.
Method 2: Closing All Apps at Once
If you want to close all applications simultaneously, there’s a straightforward method for that as well.
Steps to Close All Apps
- Again, tap the Recent Apps Button.
- At the top of the screen, you will see an option labeled Close All or similar.
- Tapping this button will close all running apps simultaneously, giving your device a fresh start.
Method 3: Using Device Maintenance
Samsung provides an in-built tool called Device Maintenance, which not only allows you to close apps but also helps in managing your device’s performance.
Steps to Use Device Maintenance
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy S7.
- Scroll down and tap on Device Maintenance.
- Here you’ll see various options; select Memory.
- You will find the option to close apps that are using up memory. Navigate through the list and tap on the desired apps to close them.
Method 4: Force Stopping Apps
Sometimes, apps may become unresponsive or behave erratically. In such cases, you might need to force stop them.
Steps to Force Stop a Frozen App
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Applications or Apps depending on your system version.
- Scroll through the list and select the application you wish to close.
- On the application info page, tap on Force Stop. This will immediately close the application.
Managing App Background Activity
To further optimize your Samsung S7, it’s important to manage the applications running in the background. This not only ensures that performance remains high but also aids in conserving battery life.
Limiting Background Data Usage
You can set restrictions on how apps use data when running in the background.
Steps to Limit Background Data
- Go to your Settings app.
- Tap on Data Usage.
- From here, you can see a list of your applications. Select any application you want to restrict.
- Toggle the switch for Background Data to turn it off.
Using Battery Optimization
Battery optimization is another critical feature that helps in managing background activities.
Steps for Battery Optimization
- Open your Settings app.
- Navigate to Battery.
- Look for Battery Usage and tap on it.
- Here, you can optimize apps by selecting which applications require optimization.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Closing Apps
Sometimes, you may encounter issues while trying to close apps, especially if the phone is lagging. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
App Not Responding
If an app does not close using the Recent Apps button, you can try force stopping it.
- Follow the force stop steps mentioned earlier to close the unresponsive app.
- If the problem persists, consider clearing the app’s cache.
Performance Slowdown
If you notice a significant drop in performance despite closing apps, your device may need a reboot. This can clear temporary files and refresh processes.
Steps to Reboot Your Samsung S7
- Press and hold the Power Button until the power off menu appears.
- Tap on Restart.
- Wait for your phone to reboot, which will help in clearing any lag.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to close apps on your Samsung Galaxy S7 is essential for maintaining optimal performance and battery life. By using the various methods outlined in this article, you can ensure that your device runs efficiently, keeping it agile for all your multitasking needs.
With techniques ranging from simple swipes to using Device Maintenance, you now have the tools at your disposal to manage your apps effectively. Remember, a well-maintained device is a happy device!
By incorporating these practices into your smartphone routine, you will dramatically enhance your Samsung S7 experience, paving the way for a seamless digital life. Embrace the multitasking power of your device while keeping a keen eye on performance and battery conservation!
What is the importance of closing apps on my Samsung S7?
Closing apps on your Samsung S7 is crucial for maintaining optimal device performance. When multiple apps are running simultaneously, they can consume a significant amount of RAM and processing power. This may lead to slower performance, reduced battery life, and even application crashes. By regularly closing unnecessary apps, you can help the device operate more efficiently.
Moreover, closing apps can also improve your overall user experience. It reduces the clutter on your recent apps list, making it easier to find and switch between the apps you use most frequently. Additionally, it ensures that background processes tied to unused apps do not interfere with your current tasks, leading to a smoother and more responsive interface as you navigate through your device.
How do I close apps on my Samsung S7?
To close apps on your Samsung S7, start by pressing the “Recents” button, which is usually represented by three vertical lines located at the bottom of the screen. This action will bring up a list of all the applications that are currently open. You will see a small preview of each app that is running, which allows you to manage them easily.
To close an app, simply swipe its preview off the screen to the left or right. Alternatively, you can tap the “Close All” option at the bottom of the screen to shut down all running applications at once. This is a quick and efficient way to manage your app usage, especially when you have several applications open simultaneously.
Is there a way to close multiple apps at once on my Samsung S7?
Yes, there is a convenient way to close multiple apps at once on your Samsung S7. When you access the “Recents” view by tapping the Recents button, you will see all your open applications in a card layout. At the bottom of the screen, you will find the “Close All” button, which allows you to terminate all apps in one swift action.
Using the “Close All” feature is especially useful when you want to clear the background processes of all your apps in order to free up system resources. This can lead to longer battery life and improved performance, particularly if you’ve had numerous apps running in the background over time.
Will closing apps save battery life on my Samsung S7?
Closing apps can indeed contribute to saving battery life on your Samsung S7. When apps operate in the background, they consume system resources such as CPU cycles and memory, which can quickly drain your battery. By closing unused applications, you can reduce the energy consumption of your device, leading to longer usage times between charges.
However, it’s important to note that the extent of battery savings can vary depending on the particular apps you use and their background behavior. Social media apps, for example, can frequently update in the background, consuming more power. By regularly closing these apps when they’re not in use, you can help maximize your battery efficiency over time.
Are there any apps that I should not close on my Samsung S7?
Yes, there are certain system apps and processes that should not be closed on your Samsung S7 as they are essential for the device’s functionality. For instance, the phone and messaging apps must remain open so you can receive calls and messages without interruption. Similarly, any app actively in use, such as navigation or music playback, should not be closed to ensure an uninterrupted experience.
Additionally, some background apps are necessary for system updates and notifications. Shutting down these apps can result in missed alerts and other functionalities being disrupted. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with which apps are critical for your daily use and to avoid closing those unless absolutely necessary.
How can I prevent apps from reopening automatically on my Samsung S7?
If you notice that certain apps on your Samsung S7 tend to reopen automatically after you close them, you can adjust your settings to mitigate this issue. One solution is to navigate to the “Settings” menu, then to “Apps.” From there, you can select the specific app you wish to modify and check its settings for any options related to “Background settings” or “Launch settings.”
Another way to prevent apps from reopening is to manage the permission settings for background activity. Disabling background data for specific applications can help prevent them from relaunching and consuming resources when you don’t want them to. By managing app settings this way, you can have more control over which apps can continue to run behind the scenes.
What should I do if an app won’t close on my Samsung S7?
If you encounter an app on your Samsung S7 that won’t close, the first step is to try the standard method by accessing the “Recents” view and swiping the app off the screen. If the app remains stubbornly open, you may need to force stop it through the settings menu. Go to “Settings,” then “Apps,” select the problematic app, and tap “Force Stop.”
In some cases, if the app continues to misbehave, it may be beneficial to clear its cache. This can be done from the same “Apps” menu by selecting the app and choosing “Storage,” followed by “Clear Cache.” If all else fails, consider uninstalling the app and reinstalling it from the Google Play Store, as this can resolve any bugs or glitches that prevent it from closing properly.
Can closing apps affect my Samsung S7’s performance negatively?
In general, closing apps should not negatively affect your Samsung S7’s performance; in fact, it is usually the opposite. However, if you frequently close and reopen the same apps, it might lead to increased battery usage and slower responsiveness due to the system restarting these apps each time. This is particularly noticeable with apps that require significant resources, as the device has to load them from scratch rather than pulling them from memory.
Additionally, some apps are designed to remain open for quick access, and frequently closing them may lead to longer load times when you want to use them again. It’s a balancing act—while managing open apps can improve performance, you might also want to keep certain apps readily available to maintain convenience without compromising efficiency itself.