If apps suddenly freeze, lag, or stop responding right when battery saver mode activates, the issue usually isn’t the app itself. Battery saver aggressively limits background activity, processor speed, and network access. Some devices apply those limits too strictly, which causes certain apps to stall instead of adapting.
The quickest fix is to exclude important apps from battery optimization. In many cases, that alone stops the freezing.
Allow the Affected Apps to Run Without Restrictions
Most Android phones automatically restrict apps when battery saver turns on. Messaging apps, music players, navigation, and even browsers can pause mid-task.
Try this first:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Battery or Battery & Device Care.
- Tap Battery Usage or Background Usage Limits.
- Select the app that freezes.
- Choose Unrestricted or turn off Battery Optimization for that app.
After changing this, open the app again and wait for battery saver to activate. If the freezing stops, the restriction was the cause.
Disable Adaptive or Automatic Power Saving
Some phones enable battery saver automatically based on usage patterns or remaining charge. The transition itself can interrupt running processes.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Battery.
- Find Adaptive Battery, Automatic Battery Saver, or similar.
- Turn off automatic activation temporarily.
If apps behave normally afterward, you can keep battery saver manual instead of automatic.
Remove Background Process Limits
On certain devices, especially those with aggressive system optimization, battery saver also reduces background processes. Apps that rely on continuous syncing may freeze while trying to reconnect.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Select the affected app.
- Open Battery settings inside the app page.
- Disable options like Restrict Background Activity or Pause App Activity if Unused.
Check Built-In Phone Optimization Features
Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and others add their own power managers on top of Android. These tools sometimes override normal battery settings.
Look for menus named Device Care, Phone Manager, or Performance Mode. If you see options that automatically close apps or clean memory, disable them for apps that must stay active.
Update the App and System Software
Freezing during power mode changes can also come from compatibility bugs. Developers often patch how apps respond to power restrictions.
- Update the app from the Play Store.
- Check Settings → Software Update for system updates.
This step matters more than it seems, especially after major Android updates.
A Small but Useful Tip
If you rely on one specific app — navigation, music streaming, or messaging — open it once after enabling battery saver. Some systems learn usage priority and stop aggressively suspending frequently used apps.
Once the app is excluded from optimization or automatic battery controls are adjusted, freezing typically stops immediately and doesn’t return.