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Stop your Huawei smartphone from killing background apps

Huawei smartphones are popular among millions around the globe. However, many users find that their devices aggressively close background applications to conserve battery life. This behavior can disrupt the functionality of essential applications such as antivirus programs, parental controls, fitness trackers, and navigation apps. Below, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to prevent your Huawei smartphone from closing these crucial background apps.

Contents

  1. Protected Apps: Why Huawei Force Closes Background Apps
  2. Types of Apps Negatively Affected by Huawei's Algorithms
  3. Step 1: Set Specific Apps to Run in the Background
  4. Step 2: Disable Battery Optimization for Specific Apps
  5. Device Compatibility: Which Huawei Smartphones Does This Work On?

Protected Apps: Why Huawei Force Closes Background Apps

In summary, it's all about conserving battery power. Huawei's EMUI Android operating system employs stringent battery-saving algorithms that deactivate most apps when the screen is locked. While this provides excellent battery life, it can create significant inconveniences for users. Previously, in Android 7 (Nougat), Huawei featured a setting called Protected Apps. This allowed users to designate apps that needed to run in the background. However, this feature was renamed to App launch starting with Android 8 (Oreo) and EMUI 8, leading to confusion among users who relied on the earlier functionality.

Types of Apps Negatively Affected by Huawei's Algorithms

Not all applications are impacted, as Huawei maintains a whitelist of popular apps that continue to function in the background.

However, many vital apps face disruptions, including:

Category Affected Apps
Antivirus AVG Antivirus, Avast, Kaspersky, ESET, Bitdefender
Parental Controls ESET, Kaspersky, Kids Place
Fitness Trackers Fitbit, Garmin, Runkeeper, Strava
Navigation Uber, Bolt, Yango
Other Apps VPNs, Voice Recorders, Chat Apps

Step 1: Set Specific Apps to Run in the Background

To allow specific apps to run continuously:

  1. Unlock your Huawei smartphone and navigate to Settings.
  2. Tap on Battery.
    3. Accessing battery settings on Huawei smartphones
  3. Select App launch.
    4. App launch settings on Huawei smartphones
  4. Find your desired app and switch its setting to Manage manually.

Allow App Permissions

You will be prompted to allow the following permissions for the apps:

  • Auto-launch - Allow the app to start automatically.
  • Secondary launch - Allow launching by other apps.
  • Run in background - Allow continuous background operation.

Select all options and tap OK to apply changes.

Manually manage the auto-launch

Step 2: Disable Battery Optimization for the Same Apps

To ensure that the apps you want to run in the background are not affected by battery optimization:

  1. Return to Settings and tap Apps.
    2. In your Huawei's Settings, go to Apps
  2. Tap on the three dots and select Special access.
    3. Tap the three dots and then Special access
  3. Go to Battery optimization settings.
    4. Access the Battery optimization settings
  4. Select Not allowed and switch to All apps.
    5. See All apps from your Huawei device

Choose each app you wish to keep active and select Don't allow to prevent battery optimization from shutting it down.

Choose Don't Allow to stop the Battery optimizer

Device Compatibility: Which Huawei Smartphones Does This Work On?

This tutorial was created using a Huawei P30 with Android 10 (EMUI 10) and confirmed on Huawei P20 and Huawei P30 Lite. It should function on all Huawei smartphones running EMUI version 9 with Android 9 Pie or newer. This includes models in the Huawei P20, P30, and P40 lineups, as well as the Huawei Mate family. Let us know your experience in the comments below.

(29) Comments

  1. Thùy Linh -

    Thanks for sharing! I didn't know there were settings to prevent the background app killing on Huawei. Super helpful

  2. John Smith -

    This article is a lifesaver! I've been struggling with my Huawei killing background apps for ages. Thanks for the tips!

  3. Phúc IT -

    If you’re still having issues, consider clearing the cache of your apps as well. It helped me a lot

  4. Cuong 93 -

    I’ve always hated how my phone manages apps. Hearing these tips makes me feel hopeful for smoother usage!

  5. Thành Nam -

    Real talk: I honestly thought my phone was defective. I appreciate the clarity in your post!

  6. Hương Đà Nẵng -

    Finally! I can now use my apps without constant interruptions. It's nice to be able to multitask efficiently

  7. Huyền Lizzie -

    I’ve tried some of these tips, and they do work! It’s like my phone has a new life. Thanks for the detailed instructions

  8. Lisa Green -

    Can we get a follow-up article on optimizing battery life as well? That would be awesome

  9. Tom Wilson -

    Is it true that newer models of Huawei have better background app management? Would love to hear thoughts

  10. Linh mèo -

    This is such an issue with Huawei phones. It can be really frustrating losing your progress in games and apps just because they get killed in the background!

  11. Many Vlogs -

    These tips could literally save battery life as a bonus too! Thanks for the insights

  12. Châu Giang -

    LOL, I thought my phone was haunted! Turns out it was just the background app killer at work

  13. Jasmine Allen -

    I never thought to adjust these settings. Now I can actually use my fitness apps without issues

  14. Quang vn -

    Great advice! I followed your steps, and now my apps are running smoothly. Why don’t they make this easier for users?

  15. Mèo con -

    I’m so glad I found this! My games kept crashing because of the background app management. Finally, some solutions

  16. Lucy Black -

    I would also recommend checking for system updates. Sometimes they add new features to help with this!

  17. Jack Brown -

    Wow! Just what I needed. These little tweaks can save a lot of frustration. Thanks!

  18. Minh Béo -

    This article deserves more shares! Help everyone with a Huawei phone

  19. Pete Parker -

    Thanks for the info! It’s annoying how restrictive these settings can be. I'll definitely try these methods

  20. Nguyễn Hương -

    I felt like my phone was out to get me! This guide has really helped. I owe you one!

  21. Hùng xịn -

    After changing the settings per your guide, my gaming experience has improved. Couldn’t be more of a relief

  22. Kiên Khoa -

    What a relief! No more losing my place in maps and apps when switching between tasks. Very useful!

  23. Anna Lee -

    This helped me regain control over my social media apps. No more accidental logouts during important chats

  24. Emily Watson -

    Can someone explain how to access the settings mentioned in this article? I really need to stop my apps from closing unexpectedly

  25. Joe Hardy -

    For anyone struggling, remember to restart your phone after changing settings. Makes a big difference

  26. Duy Sinh 6789 -

    I had no idea that the battery settings were so aggressive! Thanks for shedding light on this. Gonna make some changes now!

  27. Sarah Johnson -

    Does anyone know if this same issue exists with other brands too? Would love to compare

  28. Angie Sparks -

    Such great information! I can finally focus on my work without app interruptions. You're the best

  29. Tina Chen -

    Shoutout to the author! This is the most practical guide I've seen for Huawei users

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