Xiaomi smartphone owners often face cryptic notifications or notice that some programs start working immediately after the device is turned on. This phenomenon, known as auto-run, is a standard feature of the Android operating system, but in the shell of MIUI it has its own unique features and settings. Understanding how this mechanism works, allows you to significantly extend the battery life of the gadget.
Many users mistakenly believe that all applications should be launched only on demand, but system processes and messengers require a constant background mode to correctly display notifications. At the same time, an excessive number of active programs can lead to a noticeable decrease in interface performance. To understand the intricacies of setting up autorun on Xiaomi is to take full control of your Xiaomi or Redmi.
The essence of the concept of autorun in the Android and MIUI system
Auto-run is a software mechanism that allows certain applications to activate automatically when the operating system is turned on. Unlike desktop computers, where this often leads to “brakes”, on smartphones, this process is more tightly controlled by the system, but still requires the user’s attention.
Xiaomi’s MIUI has a sophisticated memory management algorithm that tries to guess which apps you need right now and which you can close, but without the right setup, users may find themselves running into unnecessary services that are wasting resources.
The system divides processes into two categories: system-based, which is essential for the phone to work, and custom-made. User applications often try to sign up for auto-boot to show ads or collect statistics, even if you don't use them, and this is the aspect that requires your intervention to optimize.
It is important to understand that a complete ban on autoruns for all programs can lead to malfunctioning of important functions, such as alarm clock or receiving messages in instant messengers. The balance between application freedom and strict control is the key to stable MIUI operation.
⚠️ Attention: Mindlessly shutting down system processes in the developer settings can lead to a cyclical device reboot or loss of communication.
The effect of background processes on the battery and performance
Every application that runs automatically takes up a certain amount of RAM and loads the CPU. Even if you don't see an open window of the program, its processes can continue to calculate geolocation or update news feeds.
The most notable consequence of excessive auto-start is a fast battery drain: background activity prevents the processor from going into deep sleep, which is critical for modern smartphones with large screens. Optimizing this parameter often has a greater effect than buying an external battery.
On the other hand, some apps require a permanent connection to synchronize data.If you ban auto-run for an email client or corporate messenger, notifications will only come after manually opening the program.
There is a myth that constantly cleaning up memory (“killing processes”) improves performance. In fact, the Android system has to re-run stopped applications, that consumes more power than their background existence in a frozen state.
Where to find auto-start settings in MIUI
Finding the right settings in the MIUI shell can be confusing for a beginner, as they are scattered across different menus depending on the system version.The main management tool is in the Security app, which is preinstalled on all devices of the brand.
To access autorun control, you need to open the Security app, then go to the Permissions section and select Autorun, and here is a list of all the applications that have permission to run with the system.
In newer versions of MIUI, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Apps → Permissions → AutoRun. The interface may look different on the Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi flagship models, but the logic remains the same.
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Use the search in settings (a magnifier at the top of the settings screen), typing the word “autostart” to instantly go to the desired menu, bypassing long searches by item.
Separately, hidden developer settings are also important for starting processes, but they require caution. The standard Security interface is the most secure and recommended way of managing for most users.
How to turn on or off auto-start applications
Autorun control is very simple and requires no special knowledge. In the list that opens, you will see switches opposite each application installed. Green means autorun is allowed, gray is forbidden.
It is recommended to immediately disable autoplay for games, stores, browsers and social networks that you do not use every minute.
☑️ Checking auto-start settings
After the settings change, the system may suggest restarting the device to apply the changes, which can help reset the cache of running processes and start only the authorized services again, and the effect of optimization is often noticeable immediately after the restart.
⚠️ Warning: Do not disable Auto-Run for Google System Services MIUI, marked with a robot or shield icon, otherwise the phone may not work properly.
Additional limitations of background activity
In addition to explicitly banning auto-start, MIUI has an Activity Control mechanism that allows you to limit the application's performance in the background even if it's already running, which is the second layer of battery protection.
To adjust these settings, go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Selection. Here you can set a “No Limits” strategy for important programs or “Limit Background Activity” strategy for others.
It's also useful to use the application freeze feature in the security app, and frozen applications stop running and take up resources until you open them, which is the perfect solution for rarely used programs.
The combination of auto-start ban and background activity restriction is the best thing to do, but it’s worth remembering that settings that are too aggressive can cause important messages to arrive late on messengers.
| Type of application | Recommendation on auto-start | Background recommendation | Risk of shutdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) | Turn on | No restrictions. | High (missing messages) |
| Social media | Turn it off. | Limit | Low (delayed notifications) |
| Games | Turn it off. | Limit | Absent. |
| Fitness trackers | Turn on | No restrictions. | High (data loss) |
| Banking applications | Turn it off. | Limit | Medium (problems with push codes) |
Optimization for different use cases
Autostart settings are directly dependent on how you use your smartphone. Gamers, for example, need maximum processor performance, so it is worth turning off autostart absolutely everything except system processes.
For business users who are waiting for important emails and calls over the Internet, it is critical to leave auto-run for email clients and corporate messengers, in this case autonomy for the sake of communication is a justified step.
Hidden settings for advanced users
If you use your phone as a navigator in your car, be sure to check the energy saving settings for maps. Often the system kills the navigation process if the screen goes out, making using the phone out of pocket impossible without setting exceptions.
Review your autoboot list regularly. After updating apps or installing new games, settings may be reset or changed. Monthly checks of the autoboot list help keep the phone on track.