To stop Samsung’s automatic sleep management for a specific app, open Settings > Battery > Background usage limits > Never sleeping apps, tap +, select the app, and tap Add. Samsung warns that apps on this list may use more battery in the background. The exception prevents automatic sleeping; it does not guarantee that every app will stay active or complete background work continuously.
How to add an app to Never sleeping apps
- Open the setting: Go to Settings > Battery > Background usage limits.
- Open the exception list: Tap Never sleeping apps, then tap +.
- Choose the app: Select the app that needs background activity and tap Add.
Samsung’s US instructions use this route: Galaxy Battery – Optimization. If your menus differ, search Settings for “Background usage limits.” Samsung’s UK guidance uses Settings > Device care > Battery > Background usage limits > Never auto sleeping apps; menu names and paths can vary by region, model, and software version. Samsung Canada also notes that newer and older models may have different entry paths: Sleeping apps on your Galaxy phone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the sleep categories mean
Samsung’s categories represent different levels of background restriction. The exact labels available on your phone depend on its software and model.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
| Category | Background behavior | Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Normal or unlisted behavior | Not assigned to a sleep list | It is not subject to the extra restriction of Samsung’s Sleeping apps or Deep sleeping apps categories. This does not guarantee uninterrupted background activity. |
| Sleeping apps | May occasionally run in the background | Samsung says updates or notifications may be delayed. |
| Deep sleeping apps | Do not run in the background | The app works when opened; updates and notifications are available when you open it. |
| Never sleeping apps | Exempt from automatic sleep and deep-sleep handling | More background activity may mean more battery use. It is not a promise that the app will run continuously. |
Samsung explains these categories in its US guide to sleeping apps and UK Galaxy Battery guidance. If timely notifications or syncing matter, do not put that app in Deep sleeping apps.
#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
What the exception does—and does not—guarantee
Never sleeping apps is a targeted exemption from Samsung’s automatic sleep management. It is not a “keep every process alive forever” switch, and it does not override every restriction imposed by Android, the app itself, or the phone’s current operating state.
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 developed in accordance with Android’s foreground-service API policy. That statement concerns conforming foreground services; it is not a guarantee for every app or every kind of background task. See Samsung 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.
Why exempting an app can cost battery
Samsung warns that apps on the Never sleeping apps list do not automatically go to sleep or deep sleep and may therefore use additional battery in the background. The amount is not quantified in Samsung’s guidance, so there is no reliable universal percentage or runtime loss to apply to every phone or app.
Add only apps that genuinely need background activity. Afterward, review battery usage and check whether notifications or syncing behave as expected. Samsung’s battery-drain troubleshooting guide covers reviewing battery use.
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.
Games: background access is not in-game performance
If a game pauses after you leave it, Never sleeping apps may exempt it from Samsung’s automatic sleep handling. That concerns background eligibility, not frame rate or performance while you are playing. Samsung says Light performance mode does not affect game performance and points users to Game Booster for game performance options. See Samsung’s Device Care guidance.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
