Stopping the habit of keeping multiple streaming apps open at once involves a combination of awareness, practical steps, and device management techniques. Many people tend to open several streaming apps simultaneously, which can lead to device slowdowns, increased data usage, and a cluttered user experience. Here is an extensive guide on how to break this habit and manage your streaming apps more efficiently.
First, understand why multiple streaming apps open at once can be problematic. Running several apps simultaneously consumes more memory and processing power, which can slow down your device and cause apps to crash or buffer during playback. It also drains your battery faster and can increase your data consumption if you are on a limited plan. Additionally, having many apps open can make it harder to focus on one show or movie, reducing your overall enjoyment.
To stop keeping multiple streaming apps open, start by **closing apps properly after use**. On Android devices, you can access the Recent Apps screen and look for a “Close all” or “Clear all” button to shut down all open apps at once. If your device does not have this option, you can manually swipe each app off the screen to close it. For apps that do not close properly, you can go into your device’s Settings, find the app under Apps or Apps & Notifications, and use the Force Stop option to halt it completely, including background processes[1].
On iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, you can double-click the Home button or swipe up from the bottom (depending on the model) to open the app switcher. Then swipe up on each streaming app to close it. Regularly closing apps this way prevents them from running in the background unnecessarily.
Another helpful approach is to **limit the number of streaming apps installed** on your device. Evaluate which services you use most frequently and uninstall or disable those you rarely watch. This reduces temptation and clutter. If you subscribe to multiple services, consider rotating your subscriptions instead of keeping all active at once. For example, subscribe to one or two services per month and switch after you finish watching your shows. This also saves money and reduces the need to have multiple apps open simultaneously[3].
You can also use built-in device features or third-party apps to manage open apps more efficiently. Many Android phones have Device Care or Device Maintenance tools that optimize performance by closing background apps automatically. Third-party apps like Greenify or Advanced Task Manager can help close multiple apps at once, but use these with caution as some may interfere with system stability[1].
For streaming services themselves, managing devices connected to your account can help reduce simultaneous usage. Some platforms allow you to deactivate devices remotely via their website settings. For example, Crunchyroll lets you deactivate individual devices or all devices at once, which can prevent multiple streams from different apps or devices running concurrently under the same account[2].
Developing better streaming habits is also key. Instead of opening multiple apps to browse content, decide on one app to use at a time. Use watchlists or favorites features within apps to queue up shows or movies you want to watch later. This reduces the impulse to jump between apps looking for something to watch.
If you find yourself distracted by multiple streams, try setting specific viewing times for each service. For example, allocate certain days or hours to watch content from one app before switching to another. This structured approach helps you focus and reduces the need to keep multiple apps open.
On devices like tablets or smart TVs, using multitasking features wisely can help. For instance, iPads with iPadOS allow you to open two apps side by side, but limiting this to just two apps prevents overload. Avoid opening more than two streaming apps simultaneously in split-screen mode[6].
If you are streaming on a smart TV or Android TV, be mindful of the apps running in the background. Some smart TVs allow you to view and close running apps through their settings menu. Regularly check and close apps you are not actively using to free up resources[7].
Finally, consider the role of notifications. Streaming apps often send alerts about new episodes or recommendations, which can prompt you to open multiple apps. Adjust notification settings to reduce these interruptions, helping you stay focused on one app at a time.
By combining these practical steps—closing apps properly, limiting installed apps, managing devices, adopting focused viewing habits, and using device tools—you can effectively stop keeping multiple streaming apps open at once. This will improve your device’s performance, reduce distractions, and enhance your streaming experience.
