WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. By default, WhatsApp will stop running when it’s in the background on your Android device. This means you won’t receive new messages or notifications until you open the app again. While this may help save battery life, it can also be inconvenient if you want to stay up-to-date with incoming messages. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to allow WhatsApp to keep running in the background on Android.
Why Would You Want WhatsApp to Run in the Background?
Here are some common reasons you may want to enable WhatsApp to run in the background:
- Receive new messages immediately – You’ll get notifications right away rather than having to remember to manually open the app.
- Faster conversations – You can reply to messages quicker since you don’t have to wait for WhatsApp to reload each time.
- Avoid missing messages – Important messages are less likely to be missed if WhatsApp is able to run continuously.
- Appear online – Your WhatsApp status will show as online/available if the app is running in the background.
- Get calls – The app needs to run in the background to receive incoming WhatsApp calls.
So if any of these factors are important to you, allowing WhatsApp to run in the background can be very useful. The continuous connectivity does come with a trade-off of faster battery drain, but you can manage this by adjusting your settings based on when you need WhatsApp running.
How Android’s Battery Optimization Works
Before getting into the steps, it helps to understand how Android manages background apps in the first place. By default, Android applies battery optimization restrictions to apps running in the background to conserve battery life.
When an app is battery optimized:
- The app’s background processes and syncing get paused when the screen is off.
- Notifications may be delayed until you unlock the device.
- Background tasks and alarms may be postponed to save power.
These optimizations block apps like WhatsApp from continually running and accessing the network in the background. This is why you may notice delayed notifications or other issues with WhatsApp when your phone is locked.
Disabling the battery optimization for WhatsApp basically white-lists it from Android’s optimization, allowing it to run more consistently unrestricted.
Prerequisites
Before jumping into the steps, make sure:
- You have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your Android device.
- Your device is running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher.
- Your device manufacturer allows disabling battery optimization (most do).
- You have adequate battery life or are charging your device.
Having the latest WhatsApp version ensures you can access all the required settings. The steps cover Android 6.0 and above, since the battery optimization menu was added in this version.
And because allowing background activity decreases battery life, make sure your device is sufficiently charged or plugged into power.
Method 1: Disable Battery Optimization for WhatsApp
The most direct way to allow unfettered background access is to disable the battery optimization for WhatsApp specifically. Here are the steps:
- Open your Android Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Battery.
- Tap Battery optimization.
- Tap All apps.
- Locate WhatsApp in the list and tap it.
- Select Don’t optimize > Done.
This white-lists WhatsApp from the battery optimization restrictions. WhatsApp will now be able to run tasks, sync data, and send notifications even when your phone screen is off.
The change applies immediately – you should now start seeing notifications come through faster. If the battery drain becomes excessive, you can always re-enable the optimization for WhatsApp.
Things to Note
- The battery optimization menu location varies across Android versions and device manufacturers. If you don’t see the options as listed, try searching settings for “battery optimization”.
- You may need to manually allow notifications for WhatsApp after disabling the optimization. Check WhatsApp’s notification settings.
- Repeat these steps if WhatsApp gets re-added to the battery optimization list after an update.
Method 2: Add WhatsApp to Unrestricted Apps
Some Android devices have an “unrestricted” or “ignore optimizations” list instead of a global toggle. This allows individually specifying apps that should be exempt from battery optimization.
Here are the steps if you see this option:
- Go to Android Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access.
- Tap Ignore battery optimizations (or Unrestricted apps).
- Tap WhatsApp and toggle on Allow.
WhatsApp is now added to the unrestricted apps that can freely run in the background.
Things to Note
- The menu location can vary. Look for “special app access”, “auto-start”, or search settings for “unrestricted”.
- You’ll need to manually allow WhatsApp notifications after adding it to the unrestricted list.
Method 3: Prevent WhatsApp From Being Optimized
On some devices, WhatsApp gets automatically added back to the battery optimized list after an update. You can prevent this by:
- Go to Android Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
- Tap WhatsApp > Battery > Optimize battery usage.
- Select Don’t optimize > Done.
This disables the option for WhatsApp to ever be optimized. So it will remain unrestricted even after app updates.
Things to Note
- Alternatively, check WhatsApp’s app info screen for a “Don’t optimize” button or toggle.
- Manually check after updates that WhatsApp hasn’t been re-added to the optimized apps.
Method 4: Add WhatsApp to Always Allowed Apps
Some manufacturers like OnePlus, Realme, and Xiaomi have an “Always allowed” list for apps exempt from battery optimization:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery optimization.
- Tap the menu (3 dots or horizontal lines) > Advanced optimization.
- Tap Allowed apps > Add apps.
- Select WhatsApp > Done.
WhatsApp can now always run in the background without optimization.
Things to Note
- The menu options may vary across phones. Search settings for “always allowed apps” if needed.
- Check that WhatsApp notifications are enabled after adding it to the allowed list.
Method 5: Restrict WhatsApp’s Background Activity
Instead of fully unrestricting WhatsApp, you can use more granular controls to enable only certain background activities:
- Go to Android Settings > Apps & notifications > WhatsApp > Battery.
- Adjust the following settings:
- Background restriction – Set to Unrestricted to allow unlimited background activity.
- Background activity – Enable options like Background data, Background sync, and Receive notifications.
This allows selectively enabling only the background capabilities that you want for WhatsApp. You retain more control instead of giving WhatsApp carte blanche to run unfettered.
Double Check WhatsApp’s Notification Settings
After restricting battery optimization, also ensure WhatsApp’s notifications are enabled:
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Notifications.
- Turn on Show notifications to get notifications when WhatsApp is running in the background.
- Adjust notification sounds, vibrate preferences, and privacy settings.
Android 8+ limits background apps from sending notifications unless explicitly allowed. So double check WhatsApp’s notification channel is enabled.
Monitor Your Battery Usage
Give your phone some time to collect battery usage data after allowing WhatsApp to run in the background:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery usage to see apps ranked by highest to lowest battery drain.
- Check how much of an impact unfettered WhatsApp usage has on your battery life.
If it’s noticeably decreasing battery runtime, try using the granular background settings to restrict WhatsApp’s background activity instead of disabling optimization completely.
Conclusion
Exempting WhatsApp from battery optimization allows it to reliably run in the background on Android. This means no more missing messages or delayed notifications when you disable your screen.
The steps vary depending on your device’s Android version and manufacturer, but generally involve adding WhatsApp to an unrestricted or always allowed apps list. Be mindful of increased battery drain, and use granular settings to only enable necessary background capabilities if needed.
With WhatsApp comfortably running in the background, you can stay seamlessly connected and responsive on conversations.
| Reasons to Allow WhatsApp Background Usage | How Android Battery Optimization Works |
|
|
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Disable Battery Optimization |
|
| Add to Unrestricted Apps List |
|
| Prevent Optimization |
|
| Add to Always Allowed Apps |
|
Additional Tips
Update WhatsApp
Install the latest WhatsApp version from Play Store to get all the newest optimizations. Older versions may have background restrictions.
Disable Battery Saver
Battery Saver modes like Ultra Power Saving will still restrict WhatsApp even if you unoptimized it. Temporarily disable Battery Saver if issues persist.
Check App Settings
Look for a “Background activity” toggle or “Battery optimization” exception list in WhatsApp’s own app settings. This offers more controls.
Don’t Force Stop WhatsApp
Forcibly closing WhatsApp from the recent apps view defeats the purpose of allowing it to run in the background. Avoid doing this.
Monitor Network Usage
WhatsApp will use more data when allowed to sync continuously. Monitor your data usage to avoid surprises.
Close WhatsApp Manually
You can still close WhatsApp fully when you need to conserve battery or data. Just reopen it when required to run in the background again.
FAQs
Does disabling battery optimization drain more battery?
Yes, allowing WhatsApp to run unchecked in the background will use more battery compared to letting Android optimize the app. How much depends on your usage. Monitor and restrict background activity if needed.
Will WhatsApp still work if I don’t disable optimization?
WhatsApp will still function with background activity restricted. But you may encounter delayed notifications, messages, and syncing issues. Performance will be optimal after disabling optimization.
Can I undo battery optimization changes?
Yes, you can revert any changes by:
- Removing WhatsApp from special access or allowed apps lists
- Re-enabling Optimize battery usage
- Turning on Battery optimization
Will disabling battery optimization affect other apps?
No, your changes only apply to WhatsApp. Other apps will still have their normal battery optimization unless you alter them individually.
What happens if I force stop WhatsApp after disabling optimization?
Force stopping the app essentially overrides your changes until you manually restart WhatsApp. Avoid force stopping if you want it running in the background.