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To stop Samsung from automatically putting a particular app to sleep, open Settings > Battery > Background usage limits > Never sleeping apps, tap +, select the app, then tap Add. Some devices call the list Never auto sleeping apps or place it under Device care. The exception can help an app remain eligible for background activity, but it does not guarantee that every app will run continuously—and Samsung warns it may use more battery.
How to exempt an app from automatic sleep
- Open Settings > Battery > Background usage limits. On some models, start at Settings > Device care > Battery.
- Tap Never sleeping apps or Never auto sleeping apps.
- Tap +, choose the app that needs background activity, and tap Add.
Samsung’s US instructions use the “Never sleeping apps” label and route; its UK guidance uses “Never auto sleeping apps” and a Device care path. Older devices and other regions may differ. If you cannot find the menu, search Settings for Background usage limits, then check the matching Samsung support instructions for your model. Samsung US: Galaxy Battery optimization · Samsung UK: Galaxy Battery optimisation · Samsung Canada: Sleeping apps on Galaxy phones
What the sleep lists actually do
These lists control Samsung’s automatic app-sleep management; they are not interchangeable. An app left off the lists remains subject to the device’s usual background management. A sleeping app may still run in the background occasionally, while a deep sleeping app works only when you open it. An app on the Never sleeping list is excluded from Samsung’s automatic sleep and deep-sleep handling.
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|---|---|---|
| Unlisted | Not specifically assigned to a sleep list; usual system management still applies. | Normal balance of background activity and battery management. |
| Sleeping apps | May occasionally run in the background. | Updates or notifications may be delayed. |
| Deep sleeping apps | Work only when opened. | Background updates and notifications are unavailable until you open the app. |
| Never sleeping apps | Do not automatically go to sleep or deep sleep. | Can use additional battery in the background; continuous operation is not guaranteed. |
Samsung describes these distinctions in its US sleeping-app guidance and UK battery guidance. If you depend on prompt alerts or syncing, do not put that app in Deep sleeping apps; use the Never sleeping exception only if the ordinary behavior is insufficient.
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- 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
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What the exception does not guarantee
Never sleeping means the app is exempt from Samsung’s automatic sleep handling. It is not a command to keep every process alive forever, and it does not override app-specific behavior or every Android background-work rule. The app must still be implemented to perform the work you expect.
Samsung’s developer documentation says that, since One UI 6.0, foreground services in apps targeting Android 14 are guaranteed to work as intended when they follow Android’s foreground-service API policy. That statement is limited to conforming foreground services; it is not a blanket promise for all apps or background tasks. See Samsung Application Management.
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- 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.
Battery cost and how to troubleshoot
Samsung warns that apps on the Never sleeping list may cause additional background battery usage, but does not give a universal percentage or runtime loss. The impact depends on what the selected app does; monitor your phone rather than assuming a fixed cost.
- Add only the app whose background activity you need.
- Use the app normally and check whether its notifications or syncing improve.
- Review battery usage in Settings and look for unusual consumption. Samsung’s battery-drain troubleshooting guidance covers reviewing usage and other checks.
- If battery use becomes unacceptable, remove the app from Never sleeping apps and reassess whether its background activity is essential.
Games: background eligibility is not game performance
If One UI appears to pause a game when you leave it, the Never sleeping list addresses automatic background sleep handling—not frame rate or performance while you are playing. Samsung directs users to Game Booster for game-performance options. Its separate Light performance mode is described as not affecting game performance. See Samsung’s Device Care guidance. Exempting a game from automatic sleep should not be treated as a way to boost its in-game performance.
Quick Recap
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- 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
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- 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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