Are you tired of unwanted apps and files automatically launching on your Android device? Do you want to customize your Android experience and have more control over what opens when you start your phone or tablet? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to change what opens automatically on Android, giving you the freedom to personalize your device to your liking.
Understanding Auto-Start Apps on Android
Before we dive into the process of changing what opens automatically on Android, it’s essential to understand how auto-start apps work on the platform. Android offers a feature called “auto-start” or “launch on startup” that allows certain apps to automatically launch when you turn on your device or restart it. This feature is designed to provide a seamless user experience, allowing you to quickly access your favorite apps and services.
However, not all auto-start apps are necessarily useful or desirable. Some apps might be draining your battery life, consuming system resources, or even posing security risks. That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to manage and customize auto-start apps on your Android device.
Identifying Auto-Start Apps on Your Android Device
To identify which apps are set to auto-start on your Android device, follow these steps:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Scroll down and select Apps or Application Manager (the exact label may vary depending on your device and Android version).
- Look for the Running or Active tab (again, the exact label may vary).
- You’ll see a list of apps that are currently running in the background.
- Check the Startup or Launch on Startup option (this might be a toggle switch or a checkbox).
- If an app has this option enabled, it means it’s set to auto-start on your device.
Common Auto-Start Apps on Android
Some common apps that might be set to auto-start on your Android device include:
- Social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram
- Email clients like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail
- Music streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music
- Productivity apps like Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and Dropbox
Changing What Opens Automatically on Android
Now that you know which apps are set to auto-start on your device, let’s learn how to change what opens automatically on Android.
Disabling Auto-Start for Individual Apps
To disable auto-start for individual apps, follow these steps:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Scroll down and select Apps or Application Manager.
- Find the app you want to disable auto-start for and select it.
- Look for the Startup or Launch on Startup option.
- Toggle the switch or uncheck the box to disable auto-start for that app.
Disabling Auto-Start for Multiple Apps at Once
If you want to disable auto-start for multiple apps at once, you can use a third-party app like Greenify or Autostart Manager. These apps allow you to identify and disable auto-start apps in bulk, saving you time and effort.
Configuring Android’s Built-in Auto-Start Features
Android offers built-in features that allow you to control which apps can auto-start on your device. Here’s how to configure them:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Scroll down and select Developer options (if you don’t see this option, go to About phone and tap the Build number seven times to enable Developer options).
- Look for the Auto-start or Launch on Startup option.
- Toggle the switch to disable auto-start for all apps or configure which apps are allowed to auto-start.
Understanding Android’s Doze Mode
Android’s Doze mode is a power-saving feature that limits background activity for apps when your device is idle. While Doze mode doesn’t directly control auto-start apps, it can affect how they behave. To configure Doze mode, follow these steps:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Scroll down and select Battery.
- Look for the Doze mode or Adaptive battery option.
- Toggle the switch to enable or disable Doze mode.
Additional Tips for Managing Auto-Start Apps on Android
Here are some additional tips for managing auto-start apps on Android:
Regularly Review Your Auto-Start Apps
Regularly review your auto-start apps to ensure they’re still necessary and useful. Remove or disable any apps that you no longer need or use.
Use Task Killer Apps with Caution
Task killer apps can help you stop unwanted apps from running in the background, but use them with caution. These apps can sometimes interfere with Android’s built-in memory management, causing more harm than good.
Keep Your Android Device and Apps Up-to-Date
Keep your Android device and apps up-to-date to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. This can help prevent malicious apps from auto-starting on your device.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Disable unnecessary apps | Remove or disable any apps that you no longer need or use to free up system resources and prevent unnecessary auto-starts. |
| Use a task scheduler | Use a task scheduler app to automate tasks and reduce the need for auto-start apps. |
Conclusion
Changing what opens automatically on Android is a straightforward process that requires a basic understanding of your device’s settings and features. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take control of your Android device and customize your experience to your liking. Remember to regularly review your auto-start apps, use task killer apps with caution, and keep your device and apps up-to-date to ensure a seamless and secure Android experience.
What is meant by “opens automatically” on an Android device?
When an app “opens automatically” on an Android device, it means that the app is launched by default when a specific action is performed or a particular file type is opened. For example, when you try to open a PDF file, your device may automatically open it with a default PDF viewer app. Similarly, when you click on a web link, your device may automatically open it with a default web browser app.
This automatic opening of apps can sometimes be inconvenient, especially if you prefer to use a different app for a particular task. Fortunately, Android provides an easy way to change the default app associations, giving you more control over what opens automatically on your device.
Why would I want to change what opens automatically on my Android device?
There are several reasons why you might want to change what opens automatically on your Android device. For instance, you might prefer to use a more feature-rich app for a particular task, or you might want to avoid using a default app that is resource-intensive or has ads. Additionally, you might want to change the default app association to improve your productivity or to make your workflow more efficient.
By changing what opens automatically, you can tailor your Android device to your specific needs and preferences, making it easier to get things done and reducing the time spent switching between apps.
How do I change what opens automatically on my Android device?
To change what opens automatically on your Android device, go to the Settings app and navigate to the “Apps” or “Application Manager” section, depending on your device model. Then, find the app that is currently set as the default for a particular task or file type, and click on it. You will see an option to “Clear defaults” or “Reset defaults”; click on this option to reset the default association.
After resetting the default association, you can try to open the file type or perform the action that previously opened the default app. Your device will ask you to choose an app from a list of available options; select the app you want to use as the new default, and click “Always” to set it as the default app.
What happens if I don’t have any other apps installed that can open a particular file type?
If you don’t have any other apps installed that can open a particular file type, you won’t be able to change the default app association for that file type. In this case, you can install an alternative app that supports the file type, and then follow the steps to change the default app association.
For example, if you want to open PDF files with a different app, but you don’t have any other PDF viewer apps installed, you can install a new PDF viewer app from the Google Play Store. Once the new app is installed, you can follow the steps to change the default app association for PDF files.
Will changing what opens automatically affect the performance of my Android device?
Changing what opens automatically on your Android device should not significantly affect the performance of your device. However, if you are changing the default app association for a frequently used file type or action, you might notice a slight delay the first time you try to open the file type or perform the action after changing the default app.
This delay is usually due to the fact that your device needs to load the new default app and initialize it for the first time. After the initial launch, the performance should be similar to what you experienced with the previous default app.
Can I change what opens automatically for multiple file types or actions at once?
Unfortunately, Android does not provide a built-in way to change what opens automatically for multiple file types or actions at once. You need to change the default app association for each file type or action individually.
However, some custom launchers and third-party apps may provide features that allow you to change default app associations in bulk. You can explore these options if you need to make changes for multiple file types or actions.
Are there any risks or downsides to changing what opens automatically on my Android device?
In general, changing what opens automatically on your Android device is a safe and reversible process. However, there are some potential downsides to consider. For instance, if you change the default app association for a critical system function, such as the default browser or email app, you might experience compatibility issues or errors.
Additionally, if you change the default app association for a frequently used file type, you might need to reconfigure some settings or workflows to get the new default app working seamlessly. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of changing what opens automatically against the potential risks and downsides before making any changes.