What apps can be safely turned off on Xiaomi to save battery

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their performance, but many users are faced with rapid battery discharge, most often the fault of background applications that continue to work even when you are not using them. Disabling unnecessary services can extend battery life by 20-30% without compromising functionality.

In this article, we’ll discuss which applications can be safely disabled on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices (including the 2023-2026 models), how to do it correctly through system settings, and what processes are best left unchecked so as not to disrupt the stability of the phone, and you’ll also learn about hidden MIUI features that help optimize power consumption.

Why apps are consuming battery even in the background

Many programs continue to work after closing, performing tasks in the background: synchronizing data, checking for updates, tracking location or sending notifications. For example, social networks (Facebook, Instagram) can spend up to 15% of the charge per day on background activity alone, even if you did not open them.

Xiaomi manufacturers build optimization mechanisms into MIUI, but they don’t always work effectively, especially for third-party applications that bypass system constraints. For example, instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) often ignore power saving settings to deliver messages on time.

• 🔋 Data synchronization – constant exchange of information with servers (mail, cloud storage).
• 📍 Geolocation – apps like Google Maps or Yandex.Maps update coordinates even when you’re not using them.
• 🔔 Push notifications – each alert will wake up the processor and illuminate the screen.
• 🔄 Auto Update – Google Play and Mi App Store check for updates in the background.

To understand which programs are to blame for the discharge, check the statistics in the Settings → Battery → Battery Use menu. This shows all processes sorted by consumption level. If an application takes more than 5-10%, it should be limited.

Top.-10 Applications that can be turned off without risk

Not all programs are equally useful, some of them duplicate MIUI features or are not needed at all by most users, and here is a list of applications that you can safely disable or uninstall:

Also worth paying attention to are pre-installed games (such as Mi Game Center) and Xiaomi services (Mi Cloud, if you don’t use backup) which can be turned off via the Settings menu → Applications → Application Management → Disable.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system applications like Security or Settings, which can cause your phone to crash. If you are not sure, it is best to just limit background activity.

How to Disable Unnecessary Apps on Xiaomi

Simple uninstallation is not always effective – some programs are restored after a reboot. To completely disable unnecessary software, follow this instruction:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management

Select an unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Video)

Click “Stop” (if the button is inactive, first “Stop”)

Remove checkmarks from permissions (geolocation, autorun, notifications)

Reboot your phone to apply changes-->

For system applications that cannot be removed by standard means, use Settings → Special Features → Security Utility → Auto Run. You can prevent programs from running when you turn on your phone.

If you want to completely remove pre-installed software (like Facebook or TikTok on some models), you need super-user rights (root), but it is risky to disrupt the system. Alternatively, disable auto-update such applications on Google Play.

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To return a disabled application, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Everything and select “Enable”.

Optimizing background processes through MIUI settings

MIUI offers built-in battery saving tools, but they are often hidden in the depths of the menu.

1. Background activity restriction: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Mode and select Energy Saving or Balanced, which will automatically limit the application’s performance in the background.
2. Disable AutoRun: in Settings → Permissions → AutoRun, forbid unnecessary programs to start when you turn on your phone.
3. Limit Notifications: In Settings → Notifications, disable alerts from underutilized applications.
4. Sync data: in Settings → Accounts and sync, disable automatic sync for unnecessary services (e.g. Mi Account if you are not using the cloud).

Another useful tool is “App Lock” in the Settings menu → Battery → App Lock. You can manually specify programs that shouldn’t work in the background, like adding Facebook, Instagram or AliExpress if you don’t want them to waste power.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t block system processes like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home, which will cause interface errors. Also, don’t restrict messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram) if you want to receive messages on time.

What apps should NOT be turned off (risks and consequences)

Some system services are responsible for Xiaomi’s stability, and shutting them down may result in:

• 🚨 Interface freezes (if you disable com.miui.home – launcher).
• 📵 Communication problems (stop com.android.phone will disrupt the mobile network).
• 🔒 Security Errors (Disabling Google Play Services will block malware updates and checks).
• 🔋 Accelerated discharge (some processes optimize battery life, such as com.miui.powerkeeper).

It is also not recommended to touch:

• 📱 System launchers (POCO Launcher, Mi Launcher – without them, there will be no desktop.
• 🔄 Google Play Services (Google Play Services, Google Services Framework) – without them, many applications will not work.
• 🛡️ Security (Guard Provider) - responsible for protection against viruses.

If you accidentally turn off a critical process, the phone may start to overheat, discharge quickly or not turn on at all, in which case only a factory reset will help (Settings menu → About phone → Resetting).

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Before disabling any system application, check its name online – many processes have non-obvious functions (for example, com.xiaomi.midrop is responsible for fast file transfer).

Additional ways to save battery on Xiaomi

Besides disabling unnecessary apps, there are other ways to extend autonomy:

1. Dark theme: Go to Settings → Screen. → Dark subject. AMOLED-screens (for example, in Xiaomi) 13 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) This reduces consumption by 10-15%.
2. FPS Limitation: In Settings → Screen → Screen Update Select 60 Hz instead of 90/120 Hz (relevant for POCO F5, Redmi K60).
3. Shutdown 5G: If you do not use high-speed internet, switch to 4G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network.
4. Do Not Disturb Mode: Activate it overnight through Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb to avoid waking up the screen.

Also pay attention to automatic brightness. Manually set a comfortable level in Settings → Screen → Brightness – adaptive adjustment often overstates the backlight, consuming excess charge.

What to do if the battery is still discharged quickly

If after all optimizations the charge is not kept long enough, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Battery wear (check status in Settings) → Battery → Battery status; if capacity is below 80%, it’s time to change).
• 🔄 Charging cycles (constant charging to 100% and discharge to 0% reduces service life; optimally keep charge between 20% and 80%).
• 📱 Problematic software (update the system to Settings) → The phone. → Update MIUI).
• 🌡️ Overheating (remove the case, avoid direct sunlight, close resource-intensive games).

For diagnostics, use applications like AccuBattery (revealing the actual battery capacity) or GSam Battery Monitor (detailing the flow rate by processes). If the battery is swollen or the phone turns off with 20-30% charge, contact the service center.

The new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) feature Super Power Saving (Settings → Battery → Battery Mode → Super Power Saving) which turns off background processes, limits performance and extends up to 2-3 days in standby mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about battery savings on Xiaomi