Background mode on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on and configure correctly

Background mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a feature that allows apps to continue working even after the screen is folded or locked. Without the right setup, many programs (messengers, music players, activity trackers) can suddenly close, interrupt downloads or stop sending notifications. The problem is especially relevant for devices with a shell MIUI, where aggressive battery optimization by default limits background activity.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn on the background, from basic settings in the app menu to hidden developer settings, how to keep WhatsApp on lockdown, why YouTube Music stops playing in the background, and what restrictions it imposes. MIUI Instructions are valid for Redmi Note models 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other devices based on MIUI 12–14.

What is the background mode and why it is switched off on Xiaomi

Background mode is a state in which an application performs tasks without active user interaction.

• 🎵 Playing music in Spotify or VC Music with a locked screen.
• 📩 Getting notifications from Telegram or Viber in real time.
• 📊 Synchronize data in Google Fit or banking applications.
• ⬇️ Uploading files to uTorrent or cloud services.

On Xiaomi Redmi, background activity is often blocked due to:

1. Battery Optimization: MIUI automatically shuts down “unnecessary” processes to save charge.
2. MIUI limitations: The shell aggressively controls memory, especially on devices with 3-4 GB of RAM.
3. Default settings: Many apps are initially stripped of auto-run and background rights.

Signs that the background mode is turned off:

• 🚫 Music stops when the screen is blocked.
• 🔔 Notifications are delayed (or not coming at all).
• 🔄 Applications “fly out” from memory after folding.
• ⚡ Battery discharges faster than usual (due to constant restarts of programs).

Method 1: Setup auto-start and background activity in MIUI

The easiest way to allow an application to run in the background is to configure its rights to the AutoRun and Background Activity menu. This is a guide for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Go to the Permissions section.
4. Activate the switches: 🔄 Auto-start (allows you to start when you turn on your phone). 📱 Background activity (allows work in a folded state). 🔋 Optimizing the battery → Choose Without Limitations.

Android 12+ (MIUI 13–14) may require an additional step:

1. Return to the main menu of the application and press the Battery.
2. Choose No Limits or High Performance.

Important! Some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) may not have these options.

Method 2: Disabling Battery Optimization for Individual Applications

MIUI by default limits background activity to save charge. To remove these limitations:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select Application Selection (or Application Battery Settings in MIUI 14).
3. Find the desired application in the list and set a No Limits mode for it.
4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
5. Find and turn on: 🔧 Do not disable background processes (or Limit background processes) → No restrictions). 📱 Debugging by USB (need ADB-team). 🔄 Not optimize MIUI (if).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling background limitations can lead to 10-15% higher battery consumption and slower performance on devices with 3-4 GB of RAM. Use this method only for critical applications.

For Xiaomi Redmi on Android 13/14 (MIUI 14), you may need to adjust:

Settings → For developers → Memory Management → Standard Process Limit → Install “No Limits”

💡

If some options are inactive after the developer mode is turned on, try restarting the phone. On Redmi Note 11 and later, you may need to confirm your password to change these settings.

Method 4: ADB-team for compulsory background work

Some of the system limitations of MIUI cannot be overcome through a graphical interface, in which case ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will help, which is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (see the section on the developer mode).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Disallow optimization for the desired application (replace com.example.app with your application package, for example com.whatsapp): adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app
5. Disable the battery limitations: adb shell dumpsys battery unplug

List of packages of popular applications:

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI or reset ADB-Repeat the procedure if the application has started to close again in the background.

Method 5: Using third-party utilities (without root)

If you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use specialized applications. They don't require root rights, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI:

• 🛠️ Don't Kill My App! - Shows you what you're doing MIUI Block background work and give direct links to them.
• 🔄 Greenify – helps manage auto-run and optimization (not all versions) MIUI).
• 📱 MIUI Battery Optimizer – a utility for fine-tuning battery limitations.

How to use Don't Kill My App!

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Choose your device (Xiaomi Redmi).
3. Follow the instructions – the utility will automatically redirect you to the desired sections of the MIUI settings.

Restrictions of third-party utilities:

• ❌ Nana MIUI 14 Some functions may be blocked.
• ❌ Applications do not guarantee 100% result – the final solution is always in the system.
• ❌ After updating MIUI You may need to re-configure.

💡

Third-party utilities are a temporary solution. For stable operation in the background, it is better to combine them with manual settings from Methods 1-3.

Problem Solving: What to Do When Nothing Helps

If you have tried all the methods, but the applications still close in the background, check the following points:

• 🔋 Battery condition: On worn-out batteries (capacity) < 70%) MIUI More aggressively optimizes background processes. Check battery health in Settings → Battery → Battery status.
• 📱 Version. MIUI: Beta versions of the shell often have bugs with background mode. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Cash Systems: Sometimes Cache Cleaning Settings Helps → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Settings → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Application conflict: Some programs (such as cleaning machines or antiviruses) may block background activity.

Extreme measures (if nothing helps):

1. Settings Reset: Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset (does not affect user data, but resets all application permissions).
2. Switching to custom firmware: For example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS are devoid of aggressive MIUI optimization. Requires unlocking the bootloader!

On the Redmi Note 12 and newer with MIUI 14 has a hidden feature called Performance Mode that disables all restrictions. Activated via the set USSD-code ##4636## → "Battery information" → top-right → "Performance mode".

FAQ: Frequent questions about the background on Xiaomi Redmi