How to turn on the background mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide with nuances

Background mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most discussed features among users MIUI. Many people experience apps suddenly shutting down, notifications coming late, and messengers not syncing when they lock the screen, and the reason is because of the aggressive battery optimization that Xiaomi is implementing by default. correct setting of the background mode will return control over the operation of applications.

In this article, we will not only show you how to turn on the background mode, but also analyze the hidden settings. MIUI, You'll learn which apps really need background work, how to get around system limitations without root rights, and why even after all the manipulations, some programs can still fall asleep. MIUI 12-14 - current firmware versions for this model.

It's important to understand that the background is a balance between autonomy and functionality, and our challenge is to find a middle ground where the smartphone doesn't run out in half a day, but it doesn't block critical processes. Let's start with the basics.

What is the background mode and why it is disabled by default

Background mode allows applications to perform tasks when they are folded or the screen is locked.

• 📩 Synchronization of mail (Gmail, Outlook)
• 💬 Receiving notifications in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)
• 🎵 Music playback (Spotify, Yandex Music)
• 📍 Location tracking (Google Maps, Yandex Maps)

On the Redmi Note 9 (as on other Xiaomi smartphones), the background mode is limited due to the function. MIUI Optimization. It's a proprietary technology that:

• ⚡ Suspends applications 5-10 minutes after leaving the background
• 🔋 Blocks auto-start programs when the device is turned on
• 🚫 Restricts Internet access in sleep mode

The manufacturer has motivated this by caring about the battery, but in practice, users are faced with the problem of “dead” notifications — when messages come only after unlocking the screen.

⚠️ Attention: Disconnection MIUI Optimization can reduce battery life by 10-15%. If you are critical of the battery, use a selective approach – adjust the background only for key applications.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the background mode on the Redmi Note 9

There are two levels of customization: global (for all applications) and individual (for individual programs), starting with global settings that will open access to hidden settings.

Step 1: Disabling MIUI Optimization

This option is hidden in the developer settings to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI (A notification will appear saying, “You have become a developer»)
3. Return to the main settings menu and open More →
4. Find the option. MIUI Optimization and turn it off

After restarting the device in the Settings menu → Apps will appear a new AutoRun section that was hidden earlier.

Open the developer's settings|Shut down. MIUI Optimization|Reboot the phone|Check the appearance of the section "Auto-Start"-->

Step 2: Set up autostart and background activity

Now you need to manually allow background work for the desired applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select an application (such as Telegram)
3. Slip the Permits. → Autostart and turn on the option
4. Go back and activate: 🔄 Background activity 📶 Mobile data in the background (if necessary) 🔋 Optimizing the battery → No restrictions.

For messengers and email clients, it is also recommended:

• 🔔 Enable Show notifications in the application settings
• 📌 Secure the application in the multitasking panel (swipe down) → iconize → Secure)

💡

If notifications still do not come after setting up, check the sync settings in your Google account: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Account sync. Sometimes the problem is that you're not syncing your contacts or Gmail.

Step 3: Set up the battery mode

MIUI Offers three energy profiles:

For the correct operation of the background mode, select Balanced or Performance in Settings → Battery → Battery mode. But remember, Performance mode can cut down on your life by 20 to 30%.

Battery savings|Balanced|Productivity|I don't know what it is.-->

Problems and Solutions: Why the Background Mode Doesn't Work

Even after all the settings, some apps may continue to fall asleep. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The app closes in 5 minutes

It's standard behavior. MIUI for non-optimized applications:

• 🔧 Enable for the Application Without Restrictions in Settings → Annexes → [name] → Battery
• 🔄 Add the application to Secure Applications (in some versions) MIUI This item is called Cleaning Blockage)

Problem. 2: Notifications are not received from Viber/WhatsApp

For messengers, additional settings are required:

1. Open the app settings (such as WhatsApp)
2. Go to Notifications. → Notification channels
3. For each channel (Messages, Groups, Calls) select Important or High Priority
4. Turn on the option to show as pop-ups

Problem 3: Background mail synchronization is not working

For Gmail and other email clients:

• 📧 In your Google account settings, enable Gmail Sync
• ⚙️ In the Gmail app settings, select Sync all folders
• 🔄 B Settings → Accounts. → Google make sure that sync is enabled for Contacts and Calendar (they affect background activity)

⚠️ Note: Some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) aggressively consume battery in the background.If you don't feel critical about instant notifications from them, it's best to leave default restrictions.

Alternative methods: if standard settings do not help

If you shut down the apps after all the manipulations, you can use workarounds, which require more effort, but they give you guaranteed results.

Method 1: Use of the ADB-team

For advanced users, there is a way to disable optimization through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. It works even without root rights:

1. Install Platform Tools on PC
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app (replace com.example.app with your app’s batch name, such as org.telegram.messenger for Telegram)

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, for WhatsApp:

adb shell pm list packages | grep whatsapp

Method 2: Applications for Background Process Management

In Google Play, there are utilities that automate the setting of the background mode:

• 🛠️ Greenify – allows you to “freeze” unnecessary applications, freeing up resources for important applications
• ⚡ Battery Optimizer – Flexible optimization for each application
• 🔧 MIUI Hidden Settings – Opens up access to hidden settings MIUI

When using third-party utilities, be careful: some require root access, which can violate the warranty and security of the device.

Method 3: Manually fixing applications in memory

MIUI allows you to “fix” applications in RAM so that they do not close:

1. Open the multitasking panel (swipe up with a delay)
2. Find the right app and hold its icon.
3. Select Secure (pin icon)

Fixed apps will work in the background until you manually close them or restart your phone, a technique that is particularly useful for navigators (Google Maps) and music players.

💡

Assigning applications to memory is the easiest way to ensure they work in the background, but abuse of it can lead to a slowdown of the system due to a lack of RAM.

Optimize the battery without losing functionality

Background and battery saving are eternal antagonists, but there are ways to compromise.

Advice 1: Use the “Adaptive Battery” wisely

Adaptive Battery Function (C Settings) → The battery analyzes your habits and optimizes the background work so that it works correctly:

• 📊 Don’t turn it off completely – instead, add critical apps to exceptions.
• 🔄 Allow the system 2-3 days to learn (do not manually limit background processes during this period)

Advice 2: Set up an optimization schedule

V MIUI There is a hidden optimization planning function:

1. Go to Settings. → Battery → ⚙️ (gear) → Optimization planner
2. Set periods when background restrictions can be relaxed (e.g. 8:00 to 22:00)

Advice 3: Monitoring battery consumption

Check regularly which apps use the most energy:

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery use
2. Tap on the chart and select Details
3. Pay attention to apps marked Background consumption

If an application is consuming >5% in the background for no apparent reason, limit its activity or find an alternative.

Frequent errors in setting up the background

Many users make the same mistakes that nullify all customization efforts.

Error 1: Enabling the background for all applications

This leads to:

• ⚡ Fast battery discharge (up to 50% in 4-5 hours)
• 🐢 Slowing down the system due to overloading RAM
• 🔥 Processor overheating

Solution: Leave background work only for the 5-7 most important applications.

Mistake 2: Using Killer Tasks

Apps like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster aggressively closes the background processes, including those you have set up:

• 🚫 Loss of notifications
• 🔄 Constantly restarting applications
• 📉 Increased battery consumption (due to repeated launches)

Mistake 3: Ignoring MIUI Updates

Xiaomi regularly changes the logic of the background mode. MIUI 14, a new optimization algorithm has emerged that ignores the old settings:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest stable version
• 📋 Check the settings after major updates

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the background settings may be drastically different.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions