Auto-Running Apps on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Optimization

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on MIUI firmware are known for their functionality, but some system mechanisms work in ways that are not obvious to the user. One of them is the autorun of applications, which can both simplify everyday use and cause battery discharge or slowdowns. If you notice that background processes eat up charge, and there are constantly unnecessary programs in the task manager, he is to blame.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what autoruns are, what applications use them, why, how they affect Redmi’s autonomy and performance, and give you step-by-step instructions for managing this feature. We will focus on the hidden MIUI settings that the manufacturer does not advertise, but which allow you to fine-tune the behavior of the system to your needs, from completely disabling autoruns to selective resolution for critical services.

What is Auto-Running Applications and Why You Need It

Autostart (or autoboot) is a mechanism that allows applications to automatically start when a smartphone is turned on, unlocked or rebooted. In MIUI, it is implemented at the system level and controlled through special permissions. The main purpose of the feature is to speed up access to frequently used services, but in practice it often works to the detriment.

Examples of legitimate use of auto-start:

• 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) – to instantly receive notifications of new messages.
• 🎵 Music players – to resume playback after rebooting.
• 🔄 Synchronizers (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) – for automatic backup.

However, most applications abuse this feature, running without the user’s knowledge and consuming resources.

In MIUI, auto-run is closely linked to battery optimization and background activity permissions, and the system decides which programs might run in the background, but often fails to allow auto-runs even for underutilities, leading to:

• ⚡ Reduced battery life by 15-30% (according to tests) XDA Developers).
• 🐢 Slowing down the system due to unnecessary background processes.
• 📱 Heating the device with prolonged simple.

How to Check Which Apps Are Using Auto-Run

Before you turn off autoplay, you need to understand which programs are using it. MIUI has built-in monitoring tools, but they're hidden in the back of the menu. Here's how to find the full list:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select AutoRun.
3. The system will show all programs with automatic start permission, broken down into categories (Allowed/Prohibited).

An alternative way is to use the Task Manager:

• Press the Home button (or swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger on the Redmi gesture-controlled screen).
• In the menu that opens, you'll see active processes, and those that are running without you are probably running auto-start.

com.miui.analytics

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

For developers → Processes

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If there are too many apps on the auto-run list, sort them by their last use date, and those that haven't been opened in months can be turned off.

Autostart Effects on Battery and Performance

Research shows that uncontrolled auto-runs can reduce the life of Xiaomi Redmi from a single charge by 2-4 hours, especially on models with a battery capacity of up to 5000 mAh (for example, Redmi Note 10 or Redmi 9T).

• 📶 Mobile communication module (even if you do not use the Internet).
• 📡 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (for data synchronization).
• 📍 GPS (geolocation services such as Google Maps or Mi Location).
• 🔋 CPU and RAM, which leads to heating and increased power consumption.

The Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (with Dimensity 920) test showed the following results:

As you can see from the table, completely disabling autorun gives you an increase in autonomy of up to 25%. However, this is not always advisable - some applications (for example, Mi Fit for fitness bracelets) will stop working correctly. The best option is to selectively disable for unnecessary programs.

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Disabling autoruns for instant messengers will delay notifications, and if you want speed, leave permission for WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber, but ban it for games and social networks.

Step-by-step: how to disable autostart on Xiaomi Redmi

Autorun control in MIUI is done through several menus, and it's important to understand that simply turning off the app settings doesn't always work -- you have to block the function at the system level.

1. Open Auto Start Settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Auto Run.
2. Select the application from the list and switch the slider to the off position.
3. Block background activity: Return to Application Management, tap on the desired application → Permissions → Background activity → select Limit.
4. Disable notifications (optional): In the same app menu, go to Notifications and deactivate unnecessary channels.

For full control it is also recommended:

Disable auto-start for games and social networks|Ban background activity for underutilized applications|Limit notifications from system services (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Browser)|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

If after disabling auto-start, the application stopped updating data (for example, Weather or Calendar), add it to the battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization → Select applications.

Hidden MIUI settings for advanced users

In addition to standard tools, MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to fine-tune auto-start.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 5 times).
2. Back to the settings → Additional → for developers.
3. Find options: Limit background processes — set a limit of 2-3 processes. Do not remain active — kills all background tasks when locking the screen. Debugging on USB — you need to work with ADB.

You can use full control of the auto-start ADB-For example, to permanently ban background activity for Facebook:

adb shell cmd appops set com.facebook.katana RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny


adb shell cmd appops set com.facebook.katana RUN_IN_BACKGROUND deny

Warning: Inexperienced use of ADB can lead to unstable system operation. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

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If push notifications stop coming to Google Play Services after the autorun is turned off, add this app to the battery optimization exceptions. Without it, many services (including Gmail and YouTube) will not work properly.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When managing autoruns, Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If contacts no longer sync after disabling autorun for Mi Cloud, check your account settings: → Accounts. → Mi Account → Synchronization. You may need to reauthorize.

Problem 1: The application doesn't start after disabling AutoRun Solution: Add it to the battery optimization exceptions or allow manual launch through a shortcut on the desktop.

Problem 2: Autorun is enabled itself after the MIUI update. Solution: This is a feature of system applications. Use ADB to enforce a ban or install a patch through Magisk (requires root).

Problem 3: Notifications come late. Solution: For critical messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), leave auto-run on, but turn it off for secondary programs. Also check notification settings: Settings → Notifications → Priority Notifications.

Problem 4: After disabling autorun, the geolocation in Google Maps stopped working. Solution: Allow Google Play Services to work in the background: Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Battery → Background activity → No restrictions.

Alternative ways to optimize the battery without turning off auto-start

If you do not want to completely abandon auto-start, but want to save charge, use alternative methods:

• 🔋 Adaptive battery: Settings → Battery and productivity → Adaptive battery – the system itself will limit the background activity of underutilized applications.
• ⏳ Background Limitation for Individual Applications: In the Menu of Each Application (Settings) → Annexes → [title] select Battery → Limit background activity.
• 🛡️ Power saving mode: Activated in Settings → Battery and productivity → Power saving mode: Automatically shuts down background processes at low charge.
• 📵 Disable mobile data in the background: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data transmission in the background → Choose Never.

For Redmi models with Snapdragon processors (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the performance mode is effective: Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode → Balanced.

It automatically adjusts the CPU frequency depending on the load, reducing the energy consumption of background tasks.

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On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) additional savings are provided by the inclusion of a dark theme and reducing the waiting time for backlights to 15 seconds.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions