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
  4. Select App launch.
  5. App launch settings on Huawei smartphones
  6. 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
  3. Tap on the three dots and select Special access.
  4. Tap the three dots and then Special access
  5. Go to Battery optimization settings.
  6. Access the Battery optimization settings
  7. Select Not allowed and switch to All apps.
  8. 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.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

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

Leave a Comment

How to annotate screenshots using Snipping Tool

How to annotate screenshots using Snipping Tool

Snipping Tool also provides built-in tools for annotating computer screenshots. This tool allows you to mark and highlight important parts of the screenshot to convey the message you want.

How to view IP address on computer, view Win 10 IP address

How to view IP address on computer, view Win 10 IP address

Checking your computer's IP address will be necessary in many cases. If you want to know what your computer's IP address is, read this guide to see your computer's IP.

Instructions for adjusting vibration mode on Xiaomi phones

Instructions for adjusting vibration mode on Xiaomi phones

Vibration mode on Xiaomi phones can be used in silent mode so you can easily receive new messages, calls or application notifications.

Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Installing more RAM is the most effective solution to speed up your computer. Even if your computer is new, after only a few years of use, you will have to install more RAM to ensure better speed. In addition, new operating systems also require more memory. When a computer does not have enough RAM, it will exchange data streams with the hard drive, and that is the reason why your system runs slowly.

Instructions for canceling Gemini Advanced subscription

Instructions for canceling Gemini Advanced subscription

Gemini Advanced is a paid subscription from Google that gives you access to more advanced AI models. After signing up for the Gemini Advanced plan, if you no longer need to use it, you should cancel the Gemini Advanced plan, according to the article below.

Instructions for installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine, installing Windows 11 on VMware

Instructions for installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine, installing Windows 11 on VMware

In this article, WebTech360 will guide you how to install and experience Windows 11 on VMWare virtual machine.

How to group layers in Canva

How to group layers in Canva

Grouping layers in Canva makes your design more professional and also makes it easier to edit and work with your design.

Instructions for turning on communication safety to protect children using iPhone

Instructions for turning on communication safety to protect children using iPhone

Safe Communication will blur sensitive images received on your child's iPhone via Messages, AirDrop. Here's how to use Safe Communication on iPhone.

DTCL Season 14 Marksman Squad, DTCL Season 14 Marksman Build

DTCL Season 14 Marksman Squad, DTCL Season 14 Marksman Build

Marksmen return in TFT season 14 and are still a powerful class with outstanding long-range physical damage.

How to fix sound errors on Windows 10, fix Win 10 sound errors

How to fix sound errors on Windows 10, fix Win 10 sound errors

Some computers after upgrading to Windows 10 version have the problem of losing sound. We can check the audio device connections to the computer, or adjust the sound settings on the operating system.

How to use sounds in ScratchJR

How to use sounds in ScratchJR

In this article students will learn how to add sounds and use sounds in ScratchJR for each of their characters.

Instructions for learning English on ScratchJR

Instructions for learning English on ScratchJR

ScratchJR helps students create command-based programs for characters, and you can use it to build a foreign language learning program on ScratchJR.

How to create and manage iMessage iPhone chat groups

How to create and manage iMessage iPhone chat groups

The iPhone iMessage group chat feature helps us text and chat more easily with many people, instead of sending individual messages.

Instructions for setting nicknames for friends accounts on TikTok

Instructions for setting nicknames for friends accounts on TikTok

TikTok has an option to set a nickname for your friends' accounts to choose a name that is easier to remember in your friend list. This article will guide you to set a nickname for your friends' accounts on TikTok.

Guide to improving services and search in Edge

Guide to improving services and search in Edge

Search and service improvement is a setting in Microsoft Edge that lets the company use your web search data to improve your search and web experience.