Preventing apps from being closed in the background on the Pixel 9a involves managing how the device handles background processes and memory. While there aren't specific settings to prevent apps from being closed entirely, you can manage background data usage and optimize memory management to minimize app closures.
Managing Background Data Usage
1. Disable Background Data for Specific Apps:**
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps.
- Select All Apps.
- Find the app you want to manage.
- Tap on it, then go to Mobile Data Usage.
- Toggle off Background Data to prevent the app from using data when not in use[1][5].
2. Use Data Saver:**
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Network and Internet.
- Select Data Saver.
- Turn on Data Saver to limit background data usage to Wi-Fi only[9][10].
Managing Background Apps
1. Close Apps Manually:**
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the app switcher.
- Swipe up on individual apps to close them, or swipe all the way to the left and tap Close All to close all apps[5][7].
2. Force Stop Apps:**
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Find the app you want to stop.
- Tap on it, then select Force Stop to completely stop the app from running in the background[5].
Optimizing Memory Usage
1. Check RAM Usage:**
- Enable Developer Options in Settings.
- Look for Running Services or similar options to monitor which apps are using memory.
- Close unnecessary apps to free up RAM[2].
2. Limit Background Battery Usage:**
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Scroll down to App Battery Usage.
- Toggle off Allow Background Usage for apps you don't need running in the background[5].
Additional Tips
- Keep Your Device Updated: Regular updates can improve how your device handles background apps. Ensure you're running the latest Android version[3].
- Disable AI Features if Necessary: Some users have reported improvements by disabling AI-related features, which can consume memory[3].
By following these steps, you can optimize your Pixel 9a to minimize app closures in the background, though it may not completely prevent them due to the device's memory management system.
Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eh_O9w7iso
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1f06j5a/pixel_9_killing_apps_in_background_frustrating/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/GooglePixel/comments/1ig8m7r/pixel_9_background_apps_improvement/
[4] https://store.google.com/intl/en/ideas/articles/pixel-recommended-settings/
[5] https://www.pocket-lint.com/pixel-background-apps-how-to/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVZF7R2ACJ0
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTtkQHTk5Yk
[8] https://support.google.com/pixelphone/thread/281555800/restricted-mode-for-apps
[9] https://devicehelp.optus.com.au/google/pixel-9-pro-android-14/manage-apps-and-data/choose-settings-for-background-refresh-of-apps/
[10] https://deviceguides.vodafone.co.uk/google/pixel-9-android-14/apps-and-media/select-settings-for-background-refresh-of-apps/