Background processes on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most controversial features MIUI. On the one hand, they provide instant notifications, data synchronization and smooth multitasking. On the other hand, they are the main cause of rapid battery discharge, device overheating and unnecessary load on the processor. POCO, where hardware resources are limited.
In this article, we will explore all possible methods of disabling the background, from standard MIUI settings to hidden settings for power users, how to block the background work of individual applications or completely disable background processes for all programs without disrupting the stability of the system, and also what is fraught with a radical limitation of background tasks and how to find a balance between saving charge and usability.
Why are Xiaomi’s background processes eating away at the battery?
MIUI by default aggressively manages background tasks, but it doesn't always work for the user.
- 🔄 Autosynchronization (mail, social networks, instant messengers) – checks for updates every 15-30 minutes.
- 📊 Analytics and telemetry – Xiaomi collects usage data even in “power saving mode».
- 🎮 Game Turbo – works in the background, even if you haven’t run games.
- 📱 System applications (com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop) – not displayed in the list of user programs.
According to XDA Developers, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro uses up to 28 percent of the back-end processes per day under standard settings, and 70 percent of them are unnecessary activity that can be safely turned off.
Method 1: Turning off the background for individual applications
The safest method is to limit the background to programs that are not critical to you, which will not disrupt the stability of the system, but will significantly extend battery life.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want (like Facebook or TikTok).
- Go to the Battery Consumption section.
- Activate the option to limit background activity.
- In the AutoRun section, disable the AutoRun permission.
Select the application in "Application Management" |
Turn off Auto Start |
Activate "Limit background activity" |
Check permissions for notifications |
Reboot your smartphone to apply changes-->
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) will no longer show real-time notifications after such a restriction).
Method 2: Global background shutdown through “Special Permissions”
MIUI hides the option of completely disabling background processes, but it can be activated through Special Resolutions, a method suitable for users who are willing to sacrifice convenience for the sake of maximum power savings.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Special Permissions → Autorun.
- Turn off auto-run for all applications (except system ones marked with MIUI icon).
- Go back and select Application Permissions → Other Permissions → Background.
- Deactivate background work for unnecessary programs.
| Type of application | Background recommendation | Effects of disconnection |
|---|---|---|
| Social networks (Instagram, VK) | Turn off the background | Notifications come only when manually opened |
| Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) | Leave the background (or use optimization) | Losing notifications in real time |
| Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) | Turn off the background | No consequences (background not needed for games) |
| System (com.android.systemui) | Don't touch it. | Risk of unstable interface operation |
💡
If the application stopped updating the content after the background was turned off, add it to the Battery Optimization Exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
Method 3: Battery Optimization Mode (alternative to shutting down completely)
For those who are not willing to lose notifications but want to save charge, MIUI has a built-in optimization mode that limits background activity but leaves the option to receive important notifications.
How to turn on:
- 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 📱 Select the Applications Selection and add to the list those programs that should work in the background (messaging, mail).
- ⚡ Activate the Adaptive Battery option (using AI to optimize backgrounds).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi) K40) Adaptive optimization can conflict with manual settings. If you notice that the battery is running out faster, turn it off and go back to Method 1.
What applications cannot be restricted?
Method 4: Disabling background processes via ADB (for advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB debugging to deeply limit the background, which requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd appops set <package> RUN_IN_BACKGROUND deny For example, for Facebook: adb shell cmd appops set com.facebook.katana RUN_IN_BACKGROUND deny
To return the standard settings, replace deny with allow.
💡
ADB-commands allow you to turn off the background even for system applications, but this can lead to crashes!
Method 5: Reset MIUI settings (last resort)
If after all the manipulations, the background processes continue to “eat” the battery, the cause may be a damaged MIUI configuration, in which case resetting the settings without losing data will help:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 📱 Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Reset to Factory!).
- ⚡ Confirm the action – the phone will reboot with clean power settings.
⚠️ Warning: This method will reset all personal settings (wallpaper, sounds, app permissions), but save files and installed programs. After reset, reset the background restrictions according to Method 1 or 2.
What happens if you completely disable all background processes?
Radical background shutdown may seem like a good idea, but in practice it can be fraught with:
- 🚫 Missed notifications – messages in messengers and mail will arrive with a delay.
- ⏱ Slow sync – Contacts, calendar, and cloud data are only updated when applications are manually opened.
- 🔄 Geolocation problems – maps and navigators will lose accuracy in the background.
- 🛑 System failures - some functions MIUI (Second Space requires background activity.
The best option is selective disabling for unnecessary applications (games, rarely used social networks) and optimizing the battery for critical ones (messengers, banking).