Why do applications not remember where they were?

[Windows Central Question]

I have only recently got my first Windows 8.1 Phone.

There is one feature which is very frustrating.

I think it happens with all apps, but I will use the eBay app as an example.

I go into the eBay app, do a search and start working my way through the listings.

Then I go back to the home screen or email or something temporarily.

Then I want to go back to my eBay search. But when I do (by clicking the eBay icon on my home screen) the eBay app loads and starts from the beginning again, and my search is gone.

Am I doing something wrong or is this how Windows phones work?

 

[Guytronic]

Try enabling "location" for your phone.

 

[several potatos]

It's done on purpose to prevent using too much ram. That's my understanding

 

[Nogitsune Micah]

I think it does that because you are choosing the eBay icon and thus effectively reloading it.

Instead of going back to your home screen, hold the back button and choose the app from the multitasking screen.