What is the main difference between onStart and onResume methods in the Android activity lifecycle?

The methods onStart() and onResume() are stages of the Android activity lifecycle that are called when it is started and resumed.

• onStart() is called when the activity becomes visible to the user but is not yet ready for interaction. For example, after onCreate() or when the activity returns to the foreground from a stopped state.

• onResume() is called when the activity begins interacting with the user — it is on the foreground and receives input.

Thus, onStart() is a transition to the visible state, and onResume() is a transition to the active and interacting state.

Example: if the user receives a call, the activity will go to onPause(), and after the call ends — to onResume(). If the user switches to another activity, the current one may go through onStop(), and upon return — through onStart() and onResume().