How to completely disable MIUI optimization on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

MIUI optimization is an integrated feature in Xiaomi smartphones that should improve performance and save battery power. However, in practice, many users face the opposite effect: apps spontaneously close, notifications disappear, and background processes are blocked without warning, especially on models with 4/64 GB of memory, where aggressive optimization leads to constant reboots of active applications.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods of disabling optimization. MIUI — From standard settings to hidden developer settings, you'll learn how to keep multitasking without losing performance, what constraints the system imposes, and what to do if settings are reset after an update. ADB-We'll start with the simplest solutions that don't require technical skills.

Why MIUI Optimization is Interfering with Smartphone Performance

MIUI algorithms were originally designed for weak, low-RAM devices (such as the Redmi 4A or Redmi Note 5) that force background processes to close, limit data synchronization, and block application auto-start. In today’s 8+GB RAM smartphones, this aggressive optimization often harms user experience:

  • 📱 Applications are unloaded from memory after 5-10 minutes of inactivity (even messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp).
  • 🔔 Notifications are delayed or not coming at all (especially in Viber, Skype).
  • 🔄 Background tasks (such as uploading files to uTorrent or syncing Google Photos) are interrupted.
  • 🎮 Games and heavy apps (Genshin Impact, Lightroom) are slowed down due to constant reboot in memory.

The manufacturer claims that this is necessary to save battery, but in practice the difference in autonomy is only 3-7%, while the inconvenience is mass. Moreover, after the updates to MIUI 12/13/14 optimization became even more aggressive, and standard settings (Settings → Applications → AutoRun permissions) ceased to work for many applications.

📊 How often do you get annoyed by optimization? MIUI?
Constantly, every day.
Sometimes, but tolerably.
I used to worry, but I'm used to it.
Never noticed a problem.

Method 1: Disable optimization through MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools. It is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 12/13/14) and does not require additional programs.

Step 1: Disabling Auto-clean Memory

  1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
  2. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
  3. Find the option to Do not save active applications and disable it.
  4. In the same menu, deactivate Background Process Limitation (set the Standard Limit value).

Step 2: Set up autostart and background activity

  • 🔧 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
  • 📌 Select the desired application (for example, Telegram) → Auto-start → turn on.
  • 🔄 In the same menu, activate Background Activity and Show Notifications.
  • 🚫 For critical applications (messaging, banking) disable Battery Optimization in their settings.

Disable "Do not save active applications" | Set "Standard Limit" processes |Enable autorun for key applications |Disable battery optimization for instant messengers |Reboot phone for application changes-->

Method limitations: These settings do not cancel deep MIUI optimization completely.The system will still close applications if the free memory becomes less than 300-500 MB.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands for deep optimisation disabling

If standard settings don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting your smartphone to your computer. It works on all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 on Android 13/14).

Preparation:

  1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
  2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Commands to disable optimization:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1


adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy_pre_p_apps 1




adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy_p_apps 1




adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED

These commands unlock the hidden APIs that MIUI uses to force applications to close.

  • 📲 Applications will be stored longer in memory.
  • 🔔 Notifications will be received without delay.
  • ⚡ Background tasks (such as downloading files) will not be interrupted.

Importantly, after the MIUI update, these settings will reset. They will have to be reused.

💡

If ADB-The first time the commands didn't work, try restarting the phone and re-entering them. → For developers included the option to Allow debugging by USB (safe-haven).

Method 3: Change settings through the parameter editor (for advanced)

For users willing to take more drastic measures, there is a method of editing system parameters through the Activity Launcher or ADB application. This allows you to disable kernel-level optimization, but requires caution.

Instructions:

  1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and find Settings (com.android.settings).
  3. In the list of activities, select.Settings$DevelopmentSettingsActivity.
  4. Scroll down and find hidden options: Force allow apps on external → turn on. Disable HW overlays → turn on (improves performance in games). Background process limit → set No limit.

These options remove MIUI's limitations on background processes and graphics loads, but beware: some options can increase battery consumption by 10 to 15 percent.

What if Activity Launcher doesn’t show hidden settings?
If Activity Launcher doesn’t have the right items, try an alternative method: 1. Install Shizuku and AppOps from Google Play. 2. In AppOps, find the application you want to disable optimization for. 3. Turn off the options. RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND and ACTIVITY_RECOGNITION. This will allow the application to work in the background without restrictions.

Method 4: Using Magisk and Disable MIUI Optimization

For users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, there is a radical solution - the Disable MIUI Optimization module. It completely disables all background restrictions, but requires root access.

How to determine:

  1. Install Magisk (see instructions for your model on XDA Developers).
  2. Download the Disable MIUI Optimization module (.zip file).
  3. In Magisk, go to Modules → Install from storage and select the downloaded file.
  4. Reboot the phone.

The installation process shall include:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
  3. The firmware of the selected OS and Gapps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick:

  • Backup your phone via TWRP or Mi Cloud.
  • Check firmware compatibility with your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G ≠ Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
  • Charge your phone at least 60%.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after optimizing is disabled, users are faced with nuances, and here are the most common situations and ways to fix them:

1.Settings reset after MIUI update

Solution: Use ADB-commands or Tasker to automatically apply settings after rebooting:

am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED


settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

2. apps are still closed (for example, YouTube Music or Google Maps)

Solution: Further disable battery optimization for these applications manually:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select the problem application → Battery → No restrictions.

3. Increased battery consumption

Solution: Install Greenify (with Xposed or Magisk) to selectively hibernate unnecessary applications, saving charge without affecting critical processes.

💡

Disabling MIUI optimization is always a trade-off between performance and autonomy, and the best option is to disable optimization only for key applications (messengers, navigators), leaving it for the background.

❓ Can you turn off optimization? MIUI computer-free?
Yes, but with limitations. With standard settings (Developers and AutoRun), you can weaken optimization, but you can't shut it down completely. You need ADB or Magisk for deep change.
❓ Will banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) work after optimizing the system is turned off?
Yes, unless you're using Magisk or custom firmware, banking apps are checking SafetyNet, which can work on rooted devices, and if you've disabled optimization through ADB or settings, you won't have any problems.
❓ Why After the Optimization Disconnection, the Phone Started to Warm?
This is normal: without limitation, background processes are actively using the CPU. To reduce heat: Turn off background activity for unnecessary applications. Use Coolify (requires Magisk) to monitor the clock speed of the processor. Check if cryptominers or viruses are running (scan the phone through Malwarebytes).
❓ Can we bring back optimization? MIUI backwards?
Yes. For this: Reset the settings to Developer (Reset). ADB, Execute: adb shell settings delete global hidden_api_policy adb shell settings delete global hidden_api_policy_pre_p_apps For Magisk, remove the Disable module MIUI Optimization and Reboot.
❓ Is there an official way to turn off optimization?
No. Xiaomi doesn't provide such a feature, as MIUI optimization is considered part of the firmware "philosophy." All of the methods described are workarounds found by the community. If stability is critical to you, consider buying a smartphone with a pure Android (like Google Pixel or Nothing Phone).