First, check that it works while open

Turn the finder on and test a clap or whistle with the app on screen. Make sure the signal is recognised and the alert is noticeable. If that does not work yet, use the microphone and signal checklist first.

Battery menus change between Android versions and phone makers. The names below are starting points. You can also search your phone’s Settings for “background usage”, “sleeping apps” or the app name.

Change only what you need. Allowing more background activity can use more battery. Start with the setting for ClapWhistle, then test again.

Samsung Galaxy, including the S24 Ultra

  1. Open Settings → Battery. On some versions, start in Battery and device care.
  2. Open Background usage limits.
  3. Check Sleeping apps and Deep sleeping apps. Remove ClapWhistle if it is listed.
  4. If it is still being stopped, look for Never sleeping apps and add ClapWhistle if available.
  5. You can also open Settings → Apps → ClapWhistle → Battery and review its background restriction. Some versions offer an Unrestricted option.

Not every option appears on every One UI version. See Samsung’s sleeping apps guide for the manufacturer’s instructions. Return to ClapWhistle and start the finder again after changing a setting.

Google Pixel

Open Settings → Apps → See all apps → ClapWhistle → App battery usage. Check that background use is allowed. If the app is restricted and listening stops, review the options available for that app.

Battery Saver and Extreme Battery Saver can change how apps run. If you use Extreme Battery Saver, check whether the finder needs to be included among your essential apps. See Google’s Pixel battery guidance for your version.

Xiaomi, Redmi, Oppo, Vivo and other phones

Start with the app information screen and look for Battery usage or Background activity. Some phones have a second control called autostart or app launch management. The exact names depend on the model, region and system version.

On supported Xiaomi and Redmi phones, check Background autostart in app permissions as well as the app’s battery setting. Xiaomi has a background autostart guide.

On Oppo and Vivo, use Settings search if the app battery page does not show a clear background option. Look for “background activity”, “auto launch” or “background power consumption”. Prefer changing ClapWhistle’s own setting over disabling power management for every app.

Check that the change actually helped

Reopen ClapWhistle, turn the finder on and confirm that it is listening. Lock your phone, leave it nearby for a little while, then use your signal. Repeat in the place you usually put the phone down.

If it still stops, check for a call, another microphone app, the microphone privacy switch or quiet hours. Our background listening guide covers those cases. If you need help, send us your phone model and Android version.