Background mode on Xiaomi: where to find, how to configure and why apps are closing

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have the usual “background mode” and what to do about it

If you've been looking for the backset in Xiaomi or Redmi, it's not there, and it's because of the aggressive MIUI optimization, which by default restricts applications from the background to save battery power, but that doesn't mean that the functionality is completely locked out. In fact, the background mode is hidden under different names and requires manual adjustment for each application.

In this article, we will discuss exactly where the background settings on Xiaomi are hiding (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others with MIUI 12-15), how to set them correctly and what to do if the applications are closed anyway.

Where to look for background settings: 3 key MIUI sections

Unlike pure Android, where the background is enabled in the battery settings, Xiaomi has multiple menus to perform this, and their location varies depending on the MIUI version, but the general logic is maintained.

• 🔋 Autorun and background activity - allows applications to run automatically and run in the background. → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Auto-start.
• 🔄 Battery optimization - eliminates applications from power saving mode. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications.
• 🚀 Background locking - locks the application in memory, preventing it from closing. → Annexes → Application management → [Annex] → Lockdown.

On POCO and some Redmi models with global firmware, these items may be called differently. For example, instead of “Sunset” you will see “Auto-start”, and “Block” can be hidden under “Lock app in recents”. If you do not find the right section, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Table: Where to look for background mode in different versions of MIUI

Note that on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (CN ROM), some items may be missing or require additional permissions, for example, to enable autoruns, you may need to link a Mi Account account.

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If you don't have Lock in the settings, try to open multitasking (swipe up), click on the app icon, and select "Swipe" to temporarily prevent the program from closing.

Step-by-step setting of the background mode for messengers and social networks

Most users want WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber or Instagram to work in the background, and 4 mandatory steps are required:

1. Allow AutoRun: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select the desired application (such as Telegram) and turn on the AutoRun switch. Without this, the messenger will not be able to receive notifications in the background.
2. Turn off battery optimization: In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, find the app and select “No Limits.” On MIUI 15, this item may be called “No Optimization.”
3. Enable Lock in the Background: In the application settings, activate Lock (or Fix app in memory) to prevent the program from automatically closing when the RAM is cleared.
4. Permit notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → [Application] and turn on all switches (including Show Notifications, Sound, and Vibration).

Auto-start on.|Battery optimization is offline|Blocking in the background activated|Notification authorizations granted|Telegram settings include “Background mode” (in the “Settings” menu) → Notifications»)-->

After this, the messenger will work in the background, but there is a caveat: MIUI can reset the settings after the system update. Check them every 1-2 months, especially if notifications stop coming.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Because of the weak iron, the background may not work stable, and in this case, only a rollback to an earlier version will help. MIUI or.

What apps can’t work in the background on Xiaomi (and why)

Not all programs support background mode on Xiaomi, even if you have enabled all permissions. Here is a list of categories that will never work consistently in the background:

• 🎮 Gaming clients (e.g. Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) — MIUI The exception is if the game supports the official background mode (like Brawl Stars).
• 📊 Activity trackers (e.g. Google Fit, S Health) – they require constant access to sensors that are used to monitor the sensors. MIUI Considers it to be “suspicious activity».
• 🔄 Automators (e.g. Tasker, MacroDroid) – their background tasks are often blocked due to security policies MIUI.
• 📱 Cloned Apps (via “Dual Apps”) – Duplicates never get full background permissions.

If you are critical to such an application to work in the background, there are two options:

1. Use it. ADB-commands to force optimisation to disable (instruction below).
2. Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no MIUI restrictions.

What to do if the application is closed in the background

You've turned on all the permissions, but VK or Discord still "takes off" in 5 minutes?

1. Power Saving Mode – Even if you have disabled optimization for a particular application, the general battery mode may override settings. Check: Settings → Battery → Battery Mode – select Performance instead of Balanced or Charge Saving.
2. Clean RAM – MIUI aggressively cleans memory when you lock the screen. To avoid this: Enable “Blocking” for the application (as described above) and disable “Memory Cleanup” in Settings → Special Features → Memory Cleanup.
3. Conflict with other programs – some “optimizers” (like Clean Master) force the background processes to close.

If nothing helps, try resetting the app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application] → Storage.
2. Click on “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”.
3. Restart your phone and reset the permissions.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) have a hidden limit on the number of applications in the background — usually no more than 5-7. If you turn on the background mode for 10 programs, the system will accidentally close them.

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On Xiaomi with 4-6 GB of RAM, stable work in the background is only possible for 3-4 applications at a time. Prioritize messengers and navigators, the rest is closed manually.

How to check if the application works in the background

To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Check through Task Manager: Open multitasking (swipe up) and make sure the app doesn't disappear after you lock the screen. If it goes missing, MIUI shuts it down.
2. Notification test: Ask a friend to send you a message to Telegram or WhatsApp 10-15 minutes after locking the screen.
3. Check through ADB (for advanced): Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell dumpsys activity activities | grep "mFocusedApp" It will show which application is currently active in the background.

If the tests fail, go back to the settings and check:

• 🔄 Is autorun enabled for both the main application and its services (for example, WhatsApp needs autorun for both com.whatsapp and for the app). com.whatsapp.w4b).
• 🔋 Is Super Energy Saving Mode Included in Settings? → Battery.
• 📱 Is the beta version installed? MIUI — They often break the background work.

Alternative ways to run applications in the background

If the standard methods don’t work, try the workarounds:

• 🔄 Use "No Limits" in Battery Settings: C → Battery → Battery Optimization: Choose an app and set "No Limits" to maximize privileges, but reduce battery life.
• 📱 Install the application in the “Secure folder”: Some users note that the programs are in the Safe folder (MIUI 13+) You can close the system less often. To add an application, go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Safe folder.
• 🔧 Use Tasker to force launch: Create a task in Tasker that opens the desired application once an hour for 2-3 seconds. This keeps it in memory. → [Your app] Wait: 3 sec Action: Go Home

For owners of POCO F3, Redmi K40 and other flagships with MIUI 14+, there is another life hack: turn on developer mode and activate the option Do not limit background processes in Settings → For developers. This will turn off some of the MIUI optimizations, but can increase battery consumption by 10-15%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the background on Xiaomi