Does closing apps really save battery life?

The belief that closing apps saves battery life is widespread, but is it accurate? Many smartphone users habitually close apps in the hope of extending their battery life. However, experts argue that this practice might not be as beneficial as commonly thought. Let's delve into the science and expert opinions to understand the truth behind this myth.

One of the primary reasons people believe closing apps saves battery is due to background app refresh. This feature allows apps to update content in the background, which can consume battery life. However, modern operating systems like iOS and Android are designed to manage background processes efficiently. According to Apple, "When your recently used apps appear, the apps aren’t open, but they’re in standby mode to help you navigate and multitask". This means that the system pauses these apps, minimizing their impact on battery life.

System Resource Management

Both iOS and Android have sophisticated resource management systems that automatically allocate resources to active apps while putting inactive ones into a low-power state. Closing apps forces the system to reload them when you open them again, which can be more taxing on the battery than leaving them in standby mode. As Android Authority notes, "Your phone is optimized to handle multiple apps in the background, and closing them can actually make your phone work harder".

Myth vs. Reality

The notion that closing apps saves battery life is more myth than reality. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. When you close an app, the system needs to use more energy to reopen it than if it were left in a suspended state. According to a study by Purdue University, "Closing apps to save battery life is a misconception. It can actually drain more battery because the system has to reload the app".

Expert Opinions

Experts agree that closing apps does not save battery life and can even be counterproductive. Hiroshi Lockheimer, Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google, stated, "The system is designed to handle apps in the background. Manually closing apps can disrupt this process and lead to more battery drain" . Similarly, Apple’s support page advises users not to close apps unless they are unresponsive.

Battery-Saving Tips

If closing apps doesn't save battery, what does? Here are some effective battery-saving tips:

Reduce Screen Brightness: The screen is one of the biggest battery drainers. Lowering the brightness can significantly extend battery life.

Turn Off Background App Refresh: While closing apps isn't necessary, turning off background app refresh for non-essential apps can save battery.

Use Battery Saver Mode: Most smartphones have a battery saver mode that limits background processes and reduces performance to extend battery life.

Disable Location Services: GPS can be a significant battery drain. Turn off location services for apps that don't need it.

User Habits and Misconceptions

The habit of closing apps stems from a misunderstanding of how modern operating systems manage resources. Many users equate closing apps with closing programs on a computer, where it does free up resources. However, smartphones are designed differently. As TechCrunch explains, "Smartphones are optimized for multitasking, and closing apps can lead to increased battery usage due to the need to reload them".

Impact on Performance

Closing apps can also impact the performance of your device. When you reopen an app, the system must reload it from scratch, which can take longer and use more battery. This can lead to a slower overall experience. According to a report by Wired, "Constantly closing and reopening apps can slow down your device and reduce its battery efficiency".

The Role of Operating Systems

Operating systems like iOS and Android are designed to manage apps efficiently. They use algorithms to determine which apps should remain in memory and which should be suspended. This ensures that the system runs smoothly without unnecessary battery drain. As noted by The Verge, "The operating system is smarter than you think. It knows how to manage apps to optimize performance and battery life".

Practical Advice

Instead of closing apps, focus on other practical ways to save battery. For instance, turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, disabling push notifications for non-essential apps, and using dark mode can all contribute to longer battery life. As CNET suggests, "Adopting these habits can be more effective in preserving battery life than closing apps".

Closing apps to save battery life is a myth that has been debunked by experts and studies. Modern smartphones are designed to manage background processes efficiently, and closing apps can actually lead to increased battery usage. Instead, focus on other battery-saving techniques and trust your device's operating system to handle app management.