Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) is a popular smartphone with powerful stuffing, but many users face performance problems due to aggressive optimization of the MIUI shell. The system actively closes background processes, restricts application operation and can even “freeze” games after switching to another screen. In this article, we will analyze why this happens, what risks are disabling optimization, and 3 proven ways to deactivate it – from simple settings to deep changes through ADB and custom recovery.
It's important to understand that MIUI optimization is originally designed to save battery life and extend the life of the device. However, for gamers, multi-taskers or users of specific applications (such as automatic location tracking), it often becomes a hindrance. We won't convince you to turn it off "at any cost" - instead, we will show you how to do it consciously, with the consequences for the autonomy and stability of the system.
What is MIUI Optimization and Why You Want to Disable It
Optimization in MIUI is a set of algorithms that:
- 🔋 Limit background activity of applications to save battery (especially relevant for Mi) 9T with a capacity of 4,000 mAh).
- ⚡ Forced closure of processes if the system considers them unnecessary (for example, after 5 minutes in the background).
- 🎮 Reduce performance in games when overheating or low battery charge.
- 📱 Block the auto-start of applications after restarting the device.
In practice, this leads to the following problems:
- 🚫 Notifications come with a delay (for example, in messengers or email clients).
- 🔄 Applications are rebooted when they return from multitasking.
- 🎵 Music players stop over the course of 10-15 background.
- 📊 Fitness trackers lose data due to suspension.
The manufacturer claims that this optimization extends battery life by 15-20%. However, tests show that on the Mi 9T with a Snapdragon 730 processor and 6 GB of RAM, the real savings rarely exceed 5-8%, while the loss in usability can be critical. For example, users of Pokémon GO or Google Maps in navigation mode often encounter the fact that the application “falls asleep” after 20-30 minutes, despite all the permissions.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The most secure method, which does not require superuser rights or PC connectivity, is suitable for most users, but has limitations: some system processes will still be optimized.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want to disable optimization for (e.g. Telegram or Spotify).
- Slip on Permissions → Autostart and turn on the option.
- Go back and select the battery. → No restrictions.
- Activate the Block option in the background (if available).
For global optimisation disabling:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Settings
- Select the Choice of Performance Mode → High productivity.
- Turn on the option to Disable MIUI Optimization (not available in all firmware versions).
☑️ Preparing for optimisation shutdown
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Does not work for system applications (e.g. com.miui.home).
- ❌ After updating MIUI settings may reset.
- ❌ Some processes (such as Android System) will still be optimized.
💡
If the battery settings don’t have “Disable MIUI Optimization,” try changing region to India in Settings → Additional → Region. Sometimes this reveals hidden options.
Method 2: Using ADB to Deep Shut Down
A more radical method that requires a computer connection and USB debugging enabled, allows you to disable optimization at the system level, but has risks: the wrong commands can lead to failures in MIUI.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer options, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the Mi 9T to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to disable optimization: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
- To disable background activity restrictions: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
Critical information: The dumpsys deviceidle force-idle command can lead to increased battery consumption (up to 30% in 8 hours standby).
| ADB Team Team | The effect | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| hidden_api_policy 1 | Unlocks Hidden APIs | May disrupt some system applications |
| deviceidle force-idle | Turns off background optimization | Significant increase in battery consumption |
| settings put global background_check 0 | Disables background process checks | Possible lags with multitasking |
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Disconnect via TWRP and Magisk (for advanced)
The most powerful, but also the most risky method, requires an unlocked bootloader, installed TWRP and root rights, suitable for users who are willing to sacrifice the warranty for the sake of complete control over the system.
Warnings:
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone. backup via Mi Cloud or TWRP (if already established).
⚠️ Note: Using Magisk can lead to a ban in some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff.
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
- Install TWRP for Mi 9T (the version must match the davinci or davinciin model).
- Download and install through TWRP: 📦 Magisk (last version from GitHub). 📦 Disable module MIUI Optimization (available in Magisk repository).
Magisk Manager
Effects of disconnection through Magisk:
- ✅ Completely disabling all restrictions MIUI (including system processes).
- ✅ Ability to fine-tune through build.prop files.
- ✅ Compatible with performance enhancement modules (e.g. Kernelsu or PowerHAL).
Recommended modules for Mi 9T after optimisation disable:
- 🔧 Universal SafetyNet Fix – SafetyNet.
- 🔧 MIUI Battery Tweaks – to compensate for increased costs.
- 🔧 App Systemizer – to transfer applications to the system partition (prevents optimization).
💡
Disabling optimization through Magisk gives you maximum control, but requires regular updates of modules. MIUI.
Comparison of methods: which to choose
The choice of method depends on your goals and risk preparedness. Below is a comparison table:
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. | PC required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ⭐ | ⚠️ Partial | No. | No. |
| ADB | ⭐⭐ | ✅ Tall. | System application failures | Yes. |
| TWRP + Magisk | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Complete. | Loss of guarantee, ban in banking applications | Yes. |
Selection recommendations:
- 📱 For regular users: Start with standard settings. If problematic apps (like WhatsApp or Google Fit) keep falling asleep, go to the next step. ADB.
- 🎮 For gamers and multitaskers: The optimal method of ADB, It doesn't require root rights, but it gives you a noticeable increase in stability.
- 🔧 For enthusiasts: Full shutdown via Magisk will allow fine-tuning the system, but will require regular maintenance.
What to do after optimizing
Turning off MIUI optimization is only half the battle, and to keep the system running smoothly, follow these steps:
- Set up auto-run for critical applications: 📌 Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start. 📌 Enable auto-run for messengers, navigators and fitness trackers.
- Limit background activity of unnecessary apps: 🚫 Turn off auto-run for social media (like Facebook or Instagram) if they are not critical. 🚫 Use Greenify (requires root) to “freeze” background processes.
- Monitor battery consumption: 🔋 Install AccuBattery to track discharge. 🔋 If the consumption exceeds 10% per hour in standby mode, return some optimization through the ADB: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle enable
Useful applications for managing background processes:
- 🛠️ Battery Guru – analysis of battery consumption by application.
- 🛠️ Servicely – managing Android services (requires root).
- 🛠️ MIUI Hidden Settings – access to hidden settings MIUI.
💡
If after optimizing the phone started to warm up, install the Thermal Engine from Magisk. module allows you to manually adjust the thresholds of trottling (decreased performance when heated).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after the optimization is properly disabling, there may be failures. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Apps are closed in the background
- 🔹 Check if the battery saving mode is enabled in the settings.
- 🔹 For Android. 11+ Execute the command: adb shell cmd appops set <package> RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow (for example, for Telegram package - org.telegram.messenger).
- 🔹 Install Don’t Kill My App! from Google Play – the app will tell you what settings to change for a particular software.
Problem 2: Fast battery discharge
- 🔋 Turn off Constant Network Search in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- 🔋 Reduce screen waiting time to 30 seconds.
- 🔋 Use Battery Charging Limit (Magisk) to limit your charge by 80% (extend battery life).
Issue 3: Lags and slowdowns
- ⚡ Install Kernel Adiutor and activate Performance Profile.
- ⚡ Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- ⚡ Turn off animations via developer settings (Scale of window animations) → No animation).
Problem 4: Banking applications are not working
- 🏦 Install MagiskHide Props Config and select the Samsung or Google signature.
- 🏦 Enable MagiskHide for banking applications in Magisk settings.
- 🏦 Use Island or Shelter to isolate applications in your work profile.