Auto Launch in Xiaomi: Where is it, how to set up and why it is needed

The function of auto-run applications in Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most discussed and at the same time confusing options in firmware MIUI. Users have been scolding it for its "life-saving" backgrounds, and they've been lauding it for saving battery life, but the big problem is that not everyone knows where to look for this setup, especially after the interface updates. MIUI (12-to-14+), But also the nuances of the function on Redmi devices, POCO and Black Shark.

We'll warn you right away that the menu item may be different depending on the model and regional firmware, for example, in global versions. MIUI In Europe, the path is often simplified, whereas in Chinese assemblies, the option is hidden deeper. POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 will have to take into account the features of the HyperOS shell, which gradually replaces the classic one. MIUI. But donโ€™t worry, weโ€™ve covered all the options.

What is Auto Launch in Xiaomi and Why You Need It

Auto-start is a mechanism that allows applications to automatically start when a smartphone is turned on or after a reboot. Without this feature, many programs (such as messengers or fitness trackers) will not be able to:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Get push notifications in the background;
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Synchronize data (mail, cloud services);
  • ๐ŸŽต Play music after blocking the screen;
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Monitor activity (stepmeters, sleep monitors).

But thereโ€™s a downside: uncontrolled auto-starts drains the battery and slows down the system, so Xiaomi defaults to limiting this feature to most applications, with the exceptions being system services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) and popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.

It's important to understand that auto-run is not the same as allowing it to run in the background or optimizing the battery. These three settings are often confused, but they complement each other. For example, even if you turn on auto-run for Viber, but forbid it to run in the background, notifications will still not come.

๐Ÿ“Š How do you feel about auto-launching apps?
Useful function, always switching on
I'm turning everything off except messengers.
I don't know what that is.
Interfering with the phone

Where is the auto-start in MIUI 12, 13 and 14: step-by-step instructions

The path to auto-run configuration changed with the release of new versions MIUI. Below are the current instructions for each firmware. If your version is not specified, try the options for MIUI 14 (they are most commonly universal).

MIUI 12 and 12.5

In these versions, the option is hidden deepest.

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Annexes;
  2. Tap on Application Management;
  3. Select Auto-Run (can be called Auto-start in English firmware);
  4. Turn on the slider for the desired applications.

MIUI 13

Here, the path is a little easier:

  1. Settings โ†’ Annexes;
  2. Permits โ†’ Auto-start;
  3. Select the app from the list and activate the switch.

MIUI 14 and HyperOS

In the latest versions, the interface has become more intuitive:

  1. Settings โ†’ Annexes;
  2. Tap on Permit Management.
  3. Select AutoRun (in HyperOS, it may be called Start-up).
  4. Turn on or off apps on the list.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for auto-start setting

Done: 0 / 4

If you donโ€™t find Auto Start in the sections listed, try:

  • ๐Ÿ” Use search by settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner);
  • ๐ŸŒ Switch to English in the interface โ€“ sometimes translations hide options;
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Check if the item is hidden behind the Additional settings (three dots in the upper right corner).

Features of auto-run on Redmi, POCO and Black Shark

Xiaomi sub-brands often have their own nuances in the firmware. Let's take a closer look at them.

Redmi (all models)

On Redmi smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 11 or Redmi) 10C) The auto-start path is usually standard for MIUI. But there are two things:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ In budget models (Redmi) A1, Redmi 9A) The option can be disabled by default for all applications;
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ In some firmware for Redmi, the item is called Start-up on boot.

POCO (F-series and X-series)

Owners. POCO F4, POCO X5 Pro and other models should be considered:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ V POCO Launcher path to settings may be different โ€“ use search by system;
  • ๐Ÿ”„ After Upgrading to HyperOS, AutoRun May Reset to Factory Settings;
  • ๐ŸŽฏ For gaming applications (such as Genshin Impact), autoplay is recommended to be turned off to avoid background processes.

Black Shark (Gaming Smartphones)

On Black Shark 5 or Black Shark 4 Pro devices, autoplay is configured with game scenarios in mind:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ By default, it is allowed for Shark Space (Game Mode) and Game Turbo;
  • โšก For other applications, autostart is desirable to turn off, so as not to load the system;
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Settings are in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Special permits โ†’ Auto-start.
Why in the world POCO No item "Shoot-up"?
In some firmware for POCO (Especially on Android 13.+) The function moved to Battery Optimization. Try the path: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimizing the battery โ†’ Choice of applications โ†’ Auto-start.

How to enable or disable auto-start for a particular application

Letโ€™s analyze the process on the example of Telegram (similar to other messengers or programs).

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management;
  2. Find Telegram in the list (or use the search);
  3. Slip it on the Permit.
  4. Select Autostart and turn on the switch;
  5. Go back and check if it is also included: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Working in the background; ๐Ÿ”„ Autosynchronization of data; ๐Ÿ”” Showing notifications.

To disable autorun, follow the same steps, but deactivate the switch in paragraph 4. Note: some system applications (such as Mi Home for managing a smart home) may automatically enable autorun after updates.

๐Ÿ’ก

If notifications still do not come after auto-start, check the battery optimization settings: โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimizing the battery โ†’ Select an application โ†’ No restrictions.

Frequent errors and problems with auto-start

Users often find that auto-run:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Disconnect spontaneously after updating;
  • ๐Ÿšซ Does not save settings for some applications;
  • โšก Battery drains heavily (especially on budget models).

We'll look at the solutions to each problem.

Auto Start Disabled After Update

This is a typical situation for MIUI. To avoid resetting settings:

  1. Before updating, take screenshots of the current autorun permissions;
  2. After installing the new firmware version manually restore the settings;
  3. Use applications like MacroDroid to automate the auto-start.

Settings are not saved

If the auto-start switch is "reset" after restarting:

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Check if third-party optimizers are installed (e.g. Greenify);
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Perform a reset of the application settings: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Select an application โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the data;
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update the firmware to the latest version โ€“ in old builds MIUI 12 was a mistake with retaining permits.

Autostart drains the battery

If after turning on auto-start for several applications, the phone began to discharge faster:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Limit auto-run to critical programs (messaging, mail);
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Check the battery consumption statistics: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery utilization;
  • โšก Turn off auto-runs for social media (like Facebook or TikTok) โ€“ they are actively consuming resources in the background.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the autostart problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting the security settings: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Reset application settings. It won't delete your data, but it will return all permissions to factory values.

Hidden autorun settings: what is not told in the official guides

V MIUI There are some undocumented features associated with auto-runs that you can't find in reference books, but they can have a significant impact on how a smartphone works.

System applications with privileged auto-run

Some Xiaomi programs have a hidden priority and always start when you boot, even if you have manually disabled auto-start for them.

  • com.miui.securitycenter (Security Center)
  • com.xiaomi.finddevice (Search for the device);
  • com.miui.weather2 (Weather).

You can only turn off their auto-start through ADB-commands or by root rights.

Auto Start and Performance Modes

V MIUI 14+ Auto Startup is closely related to performance modes:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ In Battery Saving Mode, auto-start is automatically limited to all applications except system-based ones;
  • โšก In mode, auto-run permissions are expanded, but this increases the load on the processor;
  • ๐ŸŽฎ In Game Turbo, autoplay for games is temporarily blocked to free up resources.

How to Check Which Apps Actually Use Auto Startup

To see the full list of programs that actually run when booting (including hidden system processes), use:

  1. Annex ADB AppControl (requires a PC connection);
  2. Team. ADB: adb shell dumpsys activity broadcasts | grep "android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED"
  3. Third-party utilities like AutoStart Manager (available on Google Play).
List of hidden system applications with auto-run
The full list can be obtained by the command: adb shell cmd package list packages -f | But be careful โ€“ disabling critical services can lead to unstable phone operation.

Alternative ways to control auto-start

If the standard settings MIUI You are not satisfied, you can use third-party tools.

Auto-start management applications

Google Play has a few tools that give you more control.

AnnexFunctionsNeeds root?
AutoStart ManagerShows all apps with auto-run, allows you to disable themNo.
GreenifyBackground processes, including auto-runFor full functionality, yes.
MacroDroidAutomation of the on/off autostart on scheduleNo.
Shizuku + AppOpsFull control over permissions, including hidden permissionsYes (or ADB)

ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) You can flexibly control auto-start. Examples of commands:

  • Disable Auto-Run for a specific application: adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> android:autostart ignore
  • Check out the current autorun settings: adb shell dumpsys package | grep "autoStart"
  • Reset all autorun permissions to factory: adb shell cmd appops reset

โš ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can lead to unstable phone operation or reset settings. Before experiments, back up the data through Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Backup and reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Auto Launch in Xiaomi

Why is my Xiaomi not โ€œStartโ€ in the settings?
It could be related to: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Regional firmware (in Chinese versions, the way is different); ๐Ÿ”ง Update MIUI โ€” In new versions, the item is moved to Battery Optimization; ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Custom firmware (like LineageOS) where the feature may not be available. Try using the Settings search or install AutoStart Manager from Google Play.
How to enable auto-start for WhatsApp if it is constantly shutting down?
For WhatsApp (and other instant messengers), do the following: Enable AutoRun: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ WhatsApp โ†’ Autostart; Disable battery optimization: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimizing the battery โ†’ WhatsApp โ†’ No restrictions; Add to exceptions for memory cleanup: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Special permits โ†’ Cleaning up memory โ†’ WhatsApp.If the problem persists, check if auto-runs are blocking antivirus or third-party optimizer.
Can I turn off auto-start completely for all applications?
Yes, but it's not recommended because it's disrupting system services. If you want to limit background activity as much as possible: Turn off auto-start for all applications manually; Use Greenify to hibernate background processes; Activate Battery Savings mode in settings. Remember: some functions (such as an alarm clock or SMS) They may stop working.
Why do applications still start after autorun is disabled?
It's because of this: ๐Ÿ”„ Push notifications โ€“ some applications are triggered when a message is received; ๐Ÿ“ฑ Widgets โ€“ if there is an app widget on the home screen, it can be activated; ๐Ÿ”ง Accessibility Services โ€“ Check in Settings โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Accessibility services. Use full shutdown ADB root-access.
How to reset all autorun settings to factory?
There are two ways: through settings: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Reset application settings through ADB: Adb shell pm reset-permissions This will return all permissions (including auto-run) to the post-purchase state".