Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most talked-about features among MIUI users. On the one hand, aggressive battery and memory optimization allows devices to work longer, but on the other hand, it often leads to spontaneous closure of applications, missing notifications and slow switching between tasks. If you notice that Instagram or Telegram are constantly rebooting and background music is interrupted, the problem is precisely in the multitasking settings.
In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods to change multitasking behavior on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark, including hidden developer settings, ADB teams, and even system file modifications for advanced users. It’s important to understand that since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has radically changed the logic of background processes, so the old instructions (before 2023) may not work.
Why is Xiaomi aggressively shutting down apps?
The root of the problem lies in the philosophy of MIUI Optimization, Xiaomi’s proprietary technology that tightly controls resource use, and here are the key reasons:
- 🔋 Battery savings: The system forcibly closes the background processes to reduce energy consumption, especially on budget models (Redmi Note 12, POCO M5).
- 🧠 RAM optimization: On devices with 4-6 GB of memory MIUI Actively frees RAM for foreground applications, sacrificing background.
- 📱 Heat control: When overheating (such as during games), the system kills background tasks to reduce the processor load.
- 🚫 Android Limits: Starting with Android 12, Google has tightened the rules for working in the background, and Xiaomi further strengthens them.
Interestingly, on flagships (Xiaomi 14, Black Shark 6 Pro), these limitations are less noticeable due to the power reserve, but even there they are present. For example, WhatsApp may not show notifications if it has not been opened for too long.
Method 1: Configure permissions for individual applications
The safest and most recommended method is to manually configure permissions for critical applications, which doesn't disable optimization completely, but it does remove important programs from the blacklist.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (such as Telegram).
- Go to Permissions → Additional → Autostart and enable the option.
- Go back and slip the battery. → No restrictions.
- In the Notifications section, make sure all types of notifications are enabled.
For messengers (Viber, Signal) additionally:
- 📌 Turn on Show notifications on the lock screen.
- 🔔 Activate Sound and Vibration for Important Chats.
- 🔄 In the settings of the messenger, turn off Battery Optimization (if there is such a point).
Auto-start is on.
No battery restrictions
Notifications permitted
Sound/vibration activated
Optimization in the application itself is disabled-->
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10A, POCO C50) No limit may be available. In this case, use the method ADB (described below).
Method 2: Disable MIUI Optimization through ADB
If manual settings don’t work, you can turn off optimization globally via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires a computer connection, but gives the best result.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 📱 USB-TypeC Cable (Original!).
- 🔧 Google's Platform Tools utility.
- ⚙️ Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- The following is the command: adb shell settings put global. hidden_api_policy 1 It unlocks the hidden. API.
- Now disable optimization: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle And immediately: adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
After restarting, check the background applications. If the messengers are still closed, follow the additional command:
adb shell settings put global background_startup_app_whitelist_enabled 1What if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection MIUI Optimization can lead to 10 to 15 percent more battery consumption and more active heating of the device. -Redmi 9A, POCO C31) possible inhibition.
Method 3: Change the developer settings
The developer menu has options that directly affect multitasking, so you can activate them.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Tap it 7 times until you become a developer!
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Key parameters for multitasking:
| Parameter | Recommended value | The effect |
|---|---|---|
| Limit of background processes | Standard limit or without restrictions | Controls how many applications can run in the background. On weak devices, choose Standard. |
| Not to keep up the action | Disconnected. | If enabled, Android can kill processes when switching to another app. |
| Optimization of MIUI | Disabled (if any) | Globally disables aggressive optimization (analogue of ADB-command). |
| Animation of windows / Animation of transitions | Disabled or ×0.5 | It speeds up switching between tasks, but does not affect background work. |
Some firmware (MIUI 14 Global) may not have MIUI Optimization, in which case use ADB (mode 2).
💡
If after the changes the smartphone began to warm up, return the limit of background processes to the value of the Standard limit and turn off optimization. MIUI only for individual applications through adb shell cmd appops set [package_name] RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow (where) [package_name] — ID For example, org.telegram.messenger).
Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)
If you're uncomfortable with ADB, you can use specialized applications that automate the process, but you need to be careful.
- 🛠️ MIUI Optimizer (not to be confused with Optimizer) MIUI Optimization! is an open source utility that makes it easier to manage background processes.
- 🔧 AutoStart Manager – allows you to manage auto-run applications, including system ones. Useful for Xiaomi, where standard settings are limited.
- 📱 Greenify (in Boost mode) – helps to freeze unnecessary background processes, freeing up resources for important tasks.
Examples of MIUI Optimizer:
- Install. APK-File (requires permission to install from unknown sources).
- Launch and grant ADB permissions (the application itself will prompt you to connect to the PC).
- In Battery, disable MIUI Battery Optimization for selected applications.
- In Memory, increase the limit of background processes to 8 (maximum).
⚠️ Note: Apps like Greenify in Aggressive Doze mode may conflict with MIUI Optimization by causing occasional reboots. Use them only if you understand the risks!
Method 5: Modification of system files (for advanced)
If you're willing to take drastic measures and have experience with root rights or TWRP, you can make changes directly to system files, which gives you maximum control, but can lead to loss of warranty and the risk of building up the device.
You'll need:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi: official website).
- 🛠️ Established custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- 📄 System File Editor (Root Explorer or Mixplorer with root access).
Steps to disable optimization:
- Make a backup of /system partition in TWRP!
- Open /system/build.prop file in the text editor.
- Add the following lines at the end: ro.miui.optimization_disabled=1 ro.miui.battery.optimization_disabled=1 ro.config.override_force_dark=0 The last line disables the forced dark mode, which can also affect performance.
- Save the file and set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---).
- Reset the device.
For a deeper setup, you can edit /system/etc/security/cacerts/batterystats.bin, but this requires knowledge of the structure of MIUI binary files.
💡
Modifying system files is a last resort, and since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has tightened its system integrity controls, and after such changes, it can trigger an Anti-Rollback that blocks updates.
Method 6: Alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
If none of the methods worked, and multitasking is critical to your tasks (for example, you use your phone as a working tool with constant background data exchange), consider installing custom firmware.
- 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without optimizations Xiaomi. supports most models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X3 Pro).
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features, including adaptive multitasking.
- ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and stability, with advanced memory settings.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- ✅ No aggressive killing of background processes.
- ✅ More flexible management of RAM and CPU.
- ✅ Regular security updates.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Loss of guarantee.
- ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on model).
- ❌ No Xiaomi features (Second Space, Game Turbo).
Installation instructions can be found on XDA-Developers forums or Telegram channels dedicated to your model.