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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Use Samsung’s built-in Background usage limits settings to manage apps that run in the background. Add an app to Sleeping apps for a lighter restriction, or to Deep sleeping apps if it should run only when you open it. These limits can delay notifications and updates, so keep apps you rely on for timely background activity out of deep sleep.
Open Background usage limits
On many Galaxy phones, go to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Background usage limits. On some newer models, the path is Settings > Battery > Background usage limits. Samsung says menu names and locations can vary by model, software version, and region. If you do not see the first path, check the Battery page in Settings; on older software, Battery may be under Battery and device care. Samsung US support and Samsung Canada support describe these paths.
Choose the right background restriction
| Setting | What it does | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Put unused apps to sleep | Automatically puts apps to sleep after they have not been used for a while. | Useful for routine management of apps you rarely open. |
| Sleeping apps | Lists apps that are sleeping; they may still run in the background when needed. | Less restrictive than deep sleep. Samsung Australia warns that apps may run intermittently and updates or notifications may be delayed. |
| Deep sleeping apps | Stops apps from running in the background; they work only when opened manually. | Choose this only when background activity and timely notifications are not important. |
| Never sleeping apps or Never auto sleeping apps | Exempts selected apps from sleep management. | Use selectively: exempted apps can remain available in the background and may use more battery. |
These definitions come from Samsung US support; the notification and update caveat for sleeping apps is described by Samsung Australia. The exact exemption-list wording differs across Samsung materials, so use the label shown on your phone.
Add or remove apps from a list
- Open Settings and navigate to Background usage limits using the path available on your phone.
- Tap Sleeping apps, Deep sleeping apps, or the relevant list.
- Tap the plus or add control, select the app or apps, then tap Add.
- To undo the restriction, open the same list and use its edit or remove control. Its placement and wording depend on the software version.
Samsung’s support pages explain the add-and-remove process, though the control labels can differ by version: Samsung US and Samsung Canada.
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#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Which apps should you keep out of deep sleep?
Consider how you use each app rather than applying deep sleep across the board. If you need an app to deliver timely alerts or perform background updates, avoid deep sleep; Samsung says a deep-sleeping app works only when opened manually. Sleeping apps are a lighter option, but Samsung warns notifications and updates may still be delayed. Use the never-sleeping exemption only for apps that genuinely need background availability.
Samsung Developer documentation describes automatic sleeping and deep-sleeping management based on usage patterns and background battery consumption. It also notes that, since One UI 6 with Android 14, foreground services for apps targeting Android 14 are guaranteed to work as intended when those apps follow the updated foreground-service API policy. That is a qualified statement about conforming apps, not a promise that restricted apps will deliver timely notifications. Samsung Developer: Application management.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Will this save a specific amount of battery?
Samsung’s cited support material does not quantify a guaranteed battery-life improvement for putting apps to sleep. The practical effect depends on app behavior and which restrictions you choose; treat these controls as a way to limit unwanted background activity, not as a promise of a fixed battery gain.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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