Samsung Galaxy Devices - How To Hide Active In Background Row From Recent Apps View
Samsung Galaxy devices, powered by One UI, are known for their user-friendly interface and versatile customization options. Among the many features in One UI, the Recent Apps view is an essential tool for multitasking and managing running apps. However, some users find the “Active in Background” row in the Recent Apps view distracting or unnecessary.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to hide or remove the “Active in Background” row from the Recent Apps view on your Samsung Galaxy device. Whether you're looking for a cleaner interface or want to optimize your device for better usability, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and tips.
What is the “Active in Background” Row in Recent Apps?
The “Active in Background” row appears in the Recent Apps view to show apps that are running in the background but not directly visible. It is part of Samsung’s multitasking management in One UI, aimed at helping users:
- Identify resource-intensive apps running in the background.
- Quickly manage active apps without going into Settings.
While useful for some, this row can clutter the interface or feel unnecessary for users who prefer a minimalist Recent Apps view.
Why Would You Want to Hide It?
Here are some reasons why users may want to hide the “Active in Background” row:
- Minimalist Interface: Reducing visual clutter in the Recent Apps view.
- Faster Navigation: Avoid scrolling through additional app rows.
- Privacy Concerns: Prevent others from seeing which apps are running in the background.
- Personal Preference: Simply prefer not having it displayed.
Steps to Hide the "Active in Background" Row
Hiding the “Active in Background” row isn’t an official toggle in the Settings app yet, but there are a few workarounds you can try:
1. Disable Background Activity for Apps
Apps in the “Active in Background” row appear because they have permissions to run in the background. You can disable this feature for individual apps.
Steps:
- Open Settings on your Galaxy device.
- Navigate to Apps or Application Manager (depending on your One UI version).
- Select the app you want to manage.
- Tap on Battery or App Battery Usage.
- Choose Restricted or Optimized to limit the app’s background activity.
Once background activity is restricted, the app will no longer appear in the “Active in Background” row.
2. Use Developer Options to Limit Processes
Another way to prevent apps from showing in this row is by limiting background processes through Developer Options.
Steps:
- Open Settings and go to About Phone > Software Information.
- Tap on Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options.
- Go back to Settings and open Developer Options.
- Scroll down to Background Process Limit.
- Choose a lower limit, such as No Background Processes or At Most 1 Process.
This prevents multiple apps from running in the background, effectively removing them from the “Active in Background” row.
3. Force Stop or Close Background Apps
Manually stopping apps running in the background is another way to ensure they don’t appear in the row.
Steps:
- Open Settings and go to Apps.
- Select the app you want to stop.
- Tap Force Stop.
- Confirm your action.
This app will no longer appear in the Recent Apps view until it’s reopened.
4. Modify Good Lock Settings
Samsung’s Good Lock app offers extensive customization options for Galaxy devices. You can use modules like Task Changer to customize the Recent Apps view.
Steps:
- Download Good Lock from the Galaxy Store.
- Install the Task Changer module.
- Open Task Changer and select a layout that hides additional rows or simplifies the Recent Apps interface.
While this doesn’t specifically target the “Active in Background” row, it can help reduce distractions in the Recent Apps view.
5. Use Third-Party Launchers
If you’re looking for complete control over your multitasking interface, consider using a third-party launcher. Launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher often come with settings to customize app behavior.
Steps:
- Download a third-party launcher from the Play Store.
- Set it as your default launcher.
- Customize the Recent Apps interface within the launcher’s settings.
Pros and Cons of Hiding the "Active in Background" Row
Pros:
- Clean Interface: Reduces clutter in Recent Apps view.
- Enhanced Privacy: Hides background apps from prying eyes.
- Improved Usability: Easier to navigate the Recent Apps view.
Cons:
- Less Control: May make it harder to manage background apps.
- Potential Performance Issues: Restricting background processes could affect app performance.
FAQs
1. Will hiding the row affect app performance?
No, hiding the row or restricting background activity doesn’t usually affect app performance during active use. However, some apps might take longer to load if their background processes are disabled.
2. Can I bring back the row after hiding it?
Yes, if you’ve disabled background activity, simply re-enable it in the app’s Battery settings. For Developer Options, revert the background process limit to Standard Limit.
3. Does this work on all Samsung Galaxy devices?
Most steps apply to Galaxy devices running One UI 4.0 or later. However, the availability of Good Lock or Developer Options might vary based on region or device.
4. Are there risks in using Developer Options?
Using Developer Options is safe as long as you stick to recommended settings. Avoid experimenting with advanced features unless you understand their impact.
Tips for Optimizing Recent Apps View
Here are a few additional tips for managing the Recent Apps view on your Samsung Galaxy device:
- Clear Recent Apps Regularly: Swipe away apps you no longer need for a cleaner view.
- Use App Pinning: Pin frequently used apps to keep them easily accessible in Recent Apps.
- Enable Edge Panels: Use Edge Panels to access your favorite apps without opening Recent Apps.
- Customize with Good Lock: Explore Good Lock modules for more control over multitasking settings.
Conclusion
The “Active in Background” row in the Recent Apps view is a helpful feature for managing background apps but may not suit everyone’s preferences. By using the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you can easily hide or customize this feature to better match your usage habits.
Samsung’s One UI continues to provide a highly customizable experience, allowing users to tailor their devices to their exact needs. Whether you’re looking for a cleaner interface, better performance, or enhanced privacy, these steps ensure you’re in control of your Galaxy device.
