The background mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the most talked-about features among users. Many people face the problem when apps suddenly close, notifications come with a delay, and messengers stop syncing. The blame is the aggressive optimization of the battery in the MIUI shell, which by default limits the operation of programs in the background. But this situation can be corrected: it is enough to configure the system parameters correctly.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to enable Redmi’s background, from basic autostart settings to hidden developer settings. You’ll learn how to keep apps running smoothly without losing notifications or wasting battery life. And we’ll also tell you which Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 12 or Redmi 10C) have the settings and how to get around them. If you’re tired of constantly restarting Telegram, WhatsApp or music services, this guide is for you.
What is the background mode and why it is switched off on Xiaomi
Background mode allows applications to perform tasks when they are folded up or the screen is locked, such as:
- 📩 Getting Notifications on Viber or Instagram
- 🎵 Playing music in Spotify or Yandex Music
- 📍 Location tracking in Google Maps or Yandex Maps
- 🔄 Synchronizing data in Google Drive or Mi Cloud
However, the MIUI shell (especially in versions 12-14) actively saves battery power by forcibly closing "unnecessary" processes.
- ❌ Missed messages in messengers
- ❌ Interruptions in music playback
- ❌ Delays in weather or currency updates
The manufacturer argues that it cares about battery life, but for many Redmi users, this optimization becomes a problem, and fortunately, it can be turned off or customized to suit your needs.
Method 1: Setup Auto-Run Applications
The first step to stable background processes is to add the right programs to the autorun list, which will allow them to automatically start after the device is restarted and run in the background.
Instructions for MIUI 13/14 (relevant for Redmi Note 11/12, Redmi 10/11 and later):
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (such as Telegram).
- Slip on Autostart and switch on the switch.
- Go back and activate the Allow Background Activity option (if any).
For older versions of MIUI (11-12), the path may be different:
Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management → Application Selection → Auto StartWhether the app is added to battery exclusions |
Auto-run for all required programs |
Updated to the latest version of MIUI|
Are third-party optimizers disabled (e.g. Clean Master)-->
Not all apps support autorun, for example, Xiaomi system services (such as Mi Cloud or Themes) may not appear on the list, and some programs (such as Google Play Services) cannot manage background activity, but are regulated at the Android level.
Method 2: Exceptions to Optimizing the Battery
Even if autorun is enabled, MIUI can force applications to close after a while. To avoid this, add programs to the battery optimization exceptions.
How to do this:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
- Choose App Choices (or Battery Optimization in older versions).
- Find the right application and set a No Limits mode for it.
For Redmi with Android 12+ (like Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the path may be different:
Settings → Applications → Special Access → Battery Optimization → All applicationsPlease note: if there is no No Limits option in the list, choose High Performance or Intensive Use (the name depends on the MIUI version).
What applications should NOT be added to the exceptions?
Method 3: Developer settings for advanced users
If standard methods don't work, you can use hidden options in the developer menu to disable aggressive optimization at the system level.
How to turn on the developer mode:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
- Go back to the main settings menu and find a new section. → For developers.
What parameters to change:
- 🔧 Do not turn off background processes – turn on this switch.
- 🔧 Limit background processes – set up without restrictions.
- 🔧 Optimization MIUI — Turn it off (if there is such a point).
Attention! Turning off optimization can increase battery consumption by 10-20%, and use this method only if other methods have not worked.
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If after changes in the developer menu, the phone began to slow down, return the settings to the factory or limit the background processes to 4-5 pieces (the “Limit background processes” option).
Method 4: Fixing applications in multitasking
Some apps (like YouTube Music or VK Music) continue to work in the background if you pin them to the multitasking bar, which is a temporary solution, but it helps to avoid forced closure.
How to secure the application:
- Open the application you want.
- Turn it off (home button or gesture).
- In the multitasking panel, tap the app icon and select Secure (pin icon).
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ Only works while the application is fixed (after rebooting, it is reset).
- ⚠️ Not all versions. MIUI Supports fixing (some Redmis have this feature disabled).
- ⚠️ The fixed application takes up RAM, which can slow down the device.
Problems and Solutions: Why the Background Mode Doesn't Work
Sometimes even after all the settings, the apps keep closing, and we'll look at the reasons and ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The application closes in 5-10 minutes | Memory Cleanup in MIUI is active | Turn off in Settings → Battery → Memory Cleanup |
| No notifications from messengers come | Disabled push notifications at the MIUI level | Check Settings → Notifications → Notification settings for the app |
| Music is interrupted when the screen is blocked | Limiting background activity for media player | Add the player to battery exclusions and auto-start |
| Settings are reset after the update | Reset to factory settings when upgrading MIUI | Repeat the setting after installing the update |
Additional advice:
- 🔄 After major updates MIUI (For example, from version 13 to version 14, the background settings may reset. Always check them after the update.
- 📱 On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A Redmi 8: The settings menu may look different due to a simplified version of the shell.
- 🔋 If the battery starts to run out too quickly, return some applications to optimization mode (such as games or rarely used programs).
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The most stable operation of background applications is achieved by a combination of methods: autorun + exclusion from battery optimization + developer settings (if necessary).
Features on different models Xiaomi Redmi
Not all Xiaomi smartphones handle background processes the same way, and here are the key differences for popular lineups:
Redmi Note 10/11/12 Series:
- 📌 V MIUI 13/14 There is a separate section of the Appendix → Special access → Auto-start.
Redmi 9/9A/9C and budget models:
- 📌 Settings menu simplified – some items (e.g. Optimization) MIUI) may be absent.
- 📌 On the Redmi. 9A With 2GB of RAM, background applications are closed more often due to memory shortage.
- 📌 It is recommended to use no more than 3-4 applications in the background at the same time.
Redmi K50 / POCO F4 and flagships:
- 📌 More flexible settings thanks to a powerful processor and a large amount of RAM.
- 📌 Supports the Deep Optimization function (in the developer menu), which allows you to fine-tune background processes.
- 📌 On these models, you can safely disable optimization for 5-7 applications without critically affecting the battery.
⚠️ Attention! On Redmi with MediaTek processors (like Redmi). 10C or Redmi 9T) You may not have a developer menu as standard. MIUI Hidden Settings (available on Google Play) to access hidden settings.