Modern Xiaomi smartphones, running on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, have powerful processors and a large amount of RAM. However, even these characteristics do not always save from slowing down the system, if there are many unnecessary programs in the background. Users often face a situation when the phone begins to “brake” or quickly discharge due to software that starts on its own immediately after the device is turned on.
Autorun is a feature that allows applications to start automatically when the operating system is booting or performing certain actions. While this is critical for messengers and alarms, many gaming and service programs use this ability to collect data or display ads, using precious battery resources. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to find and disable unnecessary processes to make your gadget work faster.
Managing these settings in the Xiaomi ecosystem has its own features that differ from pure Android. The interface can change depending on the firmware version, but the logic of the work remains the same. Proper autorun setting is the first step to optimization that every owner must perform after buying a new device or updating the system.
Why to Manage Auto-Running Applications on MIUI
The main reason you should set up autoruns is because of performance, and when you turn on your phone, the system starts loading dozens of processes, and if you have heavy applications like social media or games, they take up a significant portion of RAM, which causes the interface to slow down and the programs you need to start up take longer.
The second important aspect is power consumption: background processes don't just hang in memory, they can periodically activate the processor or communication modules. Active auto-start applications can consume up to 20 percent of the battery charge per day even without actively using the screen. By turning off the extra, you actually extend the battery life of the smartphone.
In addition, some programs use auto-run to impose advertising or collect telemetry. By controlling the list of permitted applications, you improve your digital hygiene and personal data security. MIUI provides built-in tools for this without requiring third-party software.
⚠️ Warning: Do not disable auto-start system services such as Security, Google Play Services, or Mi Cloud. This may cause notifications and syncs to work incorrectly.
Where to find autorun settings in MIUI and HyperOS
Finding the right menu can be confusing, as Xiaomi often changes the layout of items. In most current firmware versions, the path to managing autorun is deep in the system settings or through a security app. The fastest way to get there is to search by settings.
Click on the gear icon in the notification curtain, or look for the Settings app in the menu. There's a search bar at the top of the screen. Type the word "autostart" or "autostart" in there. The system will prompt you to go to the corresponding menu. If the search does not produce results, you can go the classic way through the security center.
An alternative method is to use the built-in Safety app (green lightning icon) and search for the Permissions section inside it, then select Auto Start, which works on most devices with MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS shells.
Why can the menu be different?
Step-by-step: how to disable autostart
Once you've entered the AutoRun control menu, you'll see a list of all the installed applications that have permission to start with the system, and by default, many of them may be active, and your job is to analyze this list and leave only the programs that are really needed on.
☑️ Disconnection action plan
To turn off, just tap the switch opposite the app name, which will change the color from green (or blue) to gray, which means you can't start auto-start, and immediately remove access to games, stores, browsers and rarely used utilities.
Pay special attention to applications that you rarely use but require network access or geolocation, which often consume resources invisibly, and after making changes, you don't have to restart your phone, the settings apply instantly, but to see real performance gains, you better reboot your device.
- 📱 Find the Security app on your desktop or in the Tools folder".
- 🔓 Go to the "Permissions" section and select "AutoStart".
- ❌ Turn off sliders near games and secondary utilities.
- ✅ Leave messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) enabled if you need instant notifications.
If you're using HyperOS, the interface may be a little updated, but the principle remains the same: In newer versions, the system can suggest optimizing autoruns by analyzing your smartphone usage habits.
Set up exceptions for messengers and important services
Disabling all apps autorun completely is an extreme measure that can cause you to stop receiving notifications from important contacts: Messengers, email clients and smart home apps require constant background activity to work properly.
In the Xiaomi ecosystem, there is a No Limits mechanism that works in tandem with auto-run, and even if you don't auto-run, the app can be killed by the power saving system, and to avoid that, you have to set up exceptions.
Go to Settings -> Apps -> All apps. Select the messenger you want, like WhatsApp. Find "Activity Control" or "Battery." Set "No restrictions." This will allow the app to work in the background even when the screen is off.
⚠️ Note: If messages stop coming after autorun is turned off, check the power saving settings for a particular application, not just a general launch ban.
It's also worth checking the notification settings. Sometimes the system doesn't block the launch, but the display of pop-ups. Make sure that the Notifications section for important applications allows all types of alerts.
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Use Do Not Disturb mode at night, but make sure important contacts are added to exceptions to avoid missing an emergency call, even if auto-start messengers are limited.
Additional optimization methods through developer settings
For advanced users who want to maximize performance, there are hidden settings. They're in the Developer menu. To activate this section, you need to quickly click 7 times on the build number in the About menu.
In the developer menu, we're interested in settings related to background processes, and you can find the "Background Process Limit" option here. The default is "No Limits," but you can set a value like "No More than 2 Processes," which will severely limit the number of programs running in the background.
Another useful option is "Do Not Activity." If you turn it on, the system will destroy the background app as soon as the user switches to another window, a radical method that is guaranteed to free up RAM, but can slow down multitasking.
Use these settings with caution. Overly aggressive optimization can cause navigation or music to be interrupted when you switch tasks.
Comparison of Background Process Management Methods
There are several ways to control how Xiaomi apps work, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the difference will help you choose the best strategy for your use case.
The table below compares the main management methods:
| Method | Impact on the battery | Impact on notifications | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutting down autostart | Average. | Minimum (for messengers) | Low. |
| Energy saving regime | High. | High (may block) | Low. |
| Developer settings | Very high. | Critical (may break) | Tall. |
| Forced stopping | Temporary | Full lock before launch | Medium |
As you can see from the table, simply turning off autostart is a middle ground, and it has a tangible effect without the risk of disrupting important functions, and it's best to use energy saving modes situationally when the charge is running out.
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Combining disabling autoplay for games and setting “No Limits” for instant messengers gives a better balance between speed and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does turning off auto-start affect the alarm clock?
Do I need to restart my phone after the change?
Can the app itself regain the rights to auto-start?
Why did the phone start to work slower after the shutdown?
In conclusion, autorun control is not a one-time procedure, but part of regular smartphone maintenance. Periodic checks of installed applications will help keep the device in good shape. Modern Xiaomi shells are getting smarter and offer optimization, but manual control always gives the best result.