Setting the limit of background processes on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most controversial topics among users. On the one hand, limiting background tasks saves battery power and frees up RAM, and on the other hand, can lead to slowing down applications, disabling notifications and even failures in multitasking, this problem is especially relevant for devices with 4-6 GB of RAM, where every megabyte counts.
In this article, we will learn how to properly adjust the background limit on Xiaomi (including models on MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS) to achieve the optimal balance between performance and autonomy, you will learn what values are recommended for different use cases, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if after the changes the smartphone began to “glut”.
What is the background process limit and why change it?
The background limit is a parameter that determines how many apps can run in the background at the same time. By default, Xiaomi sets strict limits to extend battery life.
- 🔄 Applications are rebooted when they are returned to them (for example, Telegram or YouTube “fly out” from memory).
- 🔔 Notifications come with a delay or do not come at all (especially important for messengers).
- 🐢 Smartphone slows down when multitasking, if several “heavy” applications are open at the same time.
On the other hand, if you overestimate the limit, the device will run out faster, and the system may become less responsive due to a lack of RAM, so it is important to find a value that fits your use case.
Where is the background process limit setup on Xiaomi?
Depending on the firmware version, the path to customization may vary. Here are the current options for different shells:
- 📱 MIUI 12-14: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Limit of background processes.
- 🆕 HyperOS: Settings → The phone. → Build number (stamp 7 times), then Settings → Additionally. → Developer parameters → Limit of background processes.
- ⚠️ In some models (for example, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) This can be called Process Limitation or Max Background Processes.
If you don't have developer mode activated, the system won't allow you to change that setting, and also on some devices (especially with 8).+ GB RAM) option can be hidden - in this case you will have to use ADB-Teams (we will talk about it below).
What to do if there is no "Limit of background processes"?
Optimal limit values for different scenarios
There is no universal “right” value, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the firmware version and your tasks, and below is a table of recommendations for the most common cases:
| The volume of RAM | Use case scenario | Recommended limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 GB | Basic (calls, social networks, messengers) | 2–3 | No more bets, maybe lags. |
| 6GB | Balanced (games, multimedia, work) | 4 | It is optimal for most users. |
| 8GB | Multitasking (many open applications) | 5–6 | You can increase to 7 if you have problems restarting applications. |
| 12+GB | Productivity (games, installation, development) | 7–8 | On HyperOS, the limit can be adjusted automatically. |
A critical mistake many users make is to set the maximum value (for example, 8) on smartphones with 4 GB of RAM, which leads to the fact that the system begins to “kill” processes forcibly, which causes even more brakes.
Make sure you have enough RAM for the selected value
Close all applications before changing
Reboot your smartphone after applying the settings
Check the work of messengers and notifications-->
How do you check that the current limit is right for you?
To see if you need to change the setting, perform several tests:
- App Reboot Test: Open 3-4 frequently used apps (like WhatsApp, Chrome, Instagram) and then switch between them.
- Notification test: Ask a friend to send you a message to Telegram or Viber when the phone is locked, and if the notification is delayed (>10 seconds), the limit can be increased.
- Performance test: Run AnTuTu or Geekbench before and after the limit change, and if your scores drop by more than 10%, it's too high.
Also, check out the battery consumption in Settings → Battery. If the discharge limit has been increased by 15-20%, you may want to return the previous settings.
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If you are actively using Google Services (like Google Fit or Google Photos), increase the limit by 1 point above the recommended limit.
Typical Problems After Limit Change and Solutions
Even if you choose the "right" value, there may be problems.
⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone starts to warm up or reboot spontaneously after increasing the limit, return the standard settings immediately.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Reduce the limit by 1-2 points or activate Power Saving Mode in the battery settings. Also check if unnecessary apps (such as Facebook or TikTok) are hanging in the background).
- 🐌 Hangs and lags: Reset the limit to the default value and clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → If the problem persists, check the free space on the drive (must be at least 10%).
- 🚫 Applications won't open: This may be because the system has "killed" critical processes. Try adding problematic apps to Settings → Annexes → Auto-Start and Without Restrictions.
If problems persist, it may not be a limit, but rather an optimization of MIUI/HyperOS, in which case resetting to factory settings or flashing will help.
Additional settings to improve multitasking
The background limit is not the only performance factor, but to achieve maximum stability, you should also adjust:
- 🔄 Auto-Running Applications: In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-run, add messengers and frequently used programs, which will allow them to work in the background without restrictions.
- 🔋 Performance mode: C Settings → Battery. → Select High Performance Mode (but remember that this will increase battery consumption).
- 🗑️ Cache Cleanup: Clean the cache regularly in Settings → Memory: Clogged cache can artificially restrict background processes.
For advanced users, there is another way to fine-tune the settings through ADB.
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1It unlocks hidden settings, including advanced process management, but it's only worth using if you understand the risks.
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On HyperOS devices, the background limit can dynamically change depending on the load. If you manually set a value, the system can ignore it in peak situations (for example, when you start a game).
What to do if the settings are not saved?
Sometimes, after a smartphone reboot, the background limit is reset to the default value.
- 🔄 Update the firmware (especially relevant for the MIUI, where after the update, some developer parameters are reset).
- 🛠️ System failure (for example, if you have used it) ADB adjust).
- 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions (on some models, for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro, limit is tightly tied to energy consumption profile).
Decisions:
- Re-apply the settings after the reboot.
- Use applications like Tasker to automatically apply settings when you turn on your device.
- If the problem repeats, reset settings to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset all settings (application data will be saved).
⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the background limit may work differently than on stock. MIUI/HyperOS. Before changing the settings, check your firmware documentation.