Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones is both an advantage and a potential headache. On the one hand, the ability to quickly switch between apps saves time, and on the other hand, incorrect settings can lead to slowdown, overheating or unnecessary battery consumption. Unlike “pure” Android, the MIUI shell offers advanced background management tools, but they are hidden in non-obvious menu sections.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to configure multitasking, from basic settings in settings to hidden commands for power users. You will learn how to completely disable the background of applications, optimize resource consumption or, conversely, make the system keep the right programs in memory. The instructions are relevant for all modern models: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other devices on MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS).
What is Multitasking in MIUI and Why You Need to Set It Up
Xiaomi multitasking works differently than Android’s stock, aggressively managing background processes through Memory Optimization, which by default limits applications to the background, which is done to save battery life, but often results in:
- 🔄 Reboot applications when you return to them (for example, Telegram or YouTube start to download again).
- ⚡ Increased battery consumption if background processes are not optimized.
- 🐢 Slowing down the interface with a large number of open tasks.
- 📱 Incorrect notifications (for example, messages from Viber or WhatsApp do not arrive).
By default, MIUI uses Standard multitasking mode, which is not suitable for everyone. For example, gamers on Black Shark or users of the POCO F-series often encounter the fact that the game or messenger “flys” out of memory after a few minutes of inactivity. On the other hand, owners of budget Redmi can observe lags due to excessive background processes.
⚠️ Note: On devices with 4GB of RAM or less, disabling memory optimization can lead to critical brakes.Before changing settings, check free RAM in Settings → The phone. → Status of the system.
Method 1: Basic Multitasking Settings in MIUI
The easiest way to manage background processes is through the standard MIUI menu, which is suitable for most users and does not require super-user rights (root).
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Permissions → AutoRun.
- Turn on or disable auto-start for specific applications.This doesn't block background work completely, but limits automatic start-up when the phone is turned on.
- Go back and select Battery → Battery Mode Select. You can switch between: Balanced (recommended for most), Performance (less restrictions for background tasks), Charge Saving (maximum limits).
For more fine-tuning, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line with the version to activate Developer Mode. Then, in Additional Settings → Developer Options, find:
- Background process limit (optimally: Standard limit or No background processes for weak devices).
- Do not save actions (disable for critical applications).
Check out the MIUI version (relevant to MIUI 12+)
Make a backup copy of important data
Close all background applications before changes
Restart your phone after settings are applied-->
Method 2: Hidden settings via ADB (for power users)
If standard tools are not enough, you can use them. ADB-Android Debug Bridge for deep multitasking, which requires connecting your phone to your PC and enabling debugging. USB.
Here are the key commands for managing background processes:
Disable memory optimization for a specific packet (e.g. Telegram)
adb shell cmd deviceidle whitelist +org.telegram.messenger
Set a limit for background processes (0 = no limits, 1 = 1 process, 2 = 2 process, etc.)
adb shell settings put global bg_process_limit 3
Disable Aggressive Process Closing (requires root)
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1For the application of the changes:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (enable USB Debugging in Developer Settings).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Enter the required commands from the list above.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They can disrupt the stability of the system. MIUI 14+ After some commands are applied, Mi Protect may work, which will automatically reset the settings. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.
Standard settings MIUI|ADB-team|Optimization applications|Not setting.-->
Method 3: Applications for Multitasking Management
If manual settings seem complicated, you can use third-party utilities, which offer a user-friendly interface to manage background processes, but require caution when choosing (some applications may contain malicious code).
Top.-3 test-driven:
| Annex | Functions | Need root? | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenify | Hybernating unnecessary applications, saving battery life | No (basic functions) | Download |
| Brevent | Blocking background activity without root (via ADB) | Yes (full functionality) | Download |
| Servicely | Real-time management of services and processes | Yes. | Download |
For use of Brevent or Servicely without root rights:
- Install the app and connect the phone to the PC.
- Type in ADB: adb -d shell sh /sdcard/brevent/install.sh (for Brevent).
- Reset the device.
💡
Before installing third-party optimizers, check reviews from the past 3 months – some apps may conflict with the latest versions of MIUI.
Method 4: Multitasking for Games (Game Turbo)
On Xiaomi and POCO devices with Snapdragon or MediaTek Helio/Dimensity processors, Game Turbo mode is available, which optimizes multitasking specifically for gamers.
- 🎮 Block notifications during the game.
- 🔋 Disable background activity of unnecessary applications.
- 📶 Prioritize network traffic for the game.
- 🔄 Keep the game in mind even when switching to other tasks.
How to set up:
- Open Settings → Special features → Game Turbo
- Add the games you want to play to the list.
- Enable options: Block notifications, optimize network, prohibit background processes (for maximum performance).
Additional settings
Performance mode
Black Shark has an enhanced Shark Space, similar to Game Turbo, but with physical triggers and tactile customization.
- Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen and hold the Shark Space icon.
- Select the game from the list.
- Activate Extreme Mode for maximum optimization.
What to do if the Game Turbo doesn’t work?
Problems after changing multitasking settings and solving them
Incorrectly configuring background processes can lead to unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is warming up a lot. | Too many background processes or optimisations disabled | Return the process limit to the Developer’s Standard settings |
| No notifications coming. | App added to blacklist or disabled autorun | Check Settings → Notifications → Priority Notifications |
| Fast battery discharge | Background processes not optimized | Turn on charge saving mode or use Greenify |
| Applications are constantly rebooted | Aggressive Memory Cleansing | Add the app to the whitelist in Settings → Battery → Select Battery Mode |
If the system has become unstable after the changes:
- Cancel the latest changes in the settings.
- Clear the system cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
- Perform a factory reset (if the problem is critical): Settings → About phone → Reset settings
💡
On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 and later), it is better to avoid deep changes in multitasking – the system itself optimizes memory better than in older versions of MIUI.