If you own a Xiaomi smartphone with a MIUI shell, you’ve probably noticed “fixed apps” feature on your recent task list, an option that has been around since early firmware versions, often goes unnoticed, though it can make everyday use much easier.
But how does it work? What applications should be secured and what applications should not be fixed? And why do some of the fixed programs still get shut down? In this article, we will look at all the nuances, from basic principles to hidden features that not all Xiaomi users know, and learn how to use the fix to save battery life, optimize performance, and even solve some system problems.
This information will be especially useful for owners of devices with limited RAM (for example, Redmi 9A or Poco C31), where each closed application affects the speed of work. But users of flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra will find useful life hacks here. Let's figure out!
What are fixed applications and why do they need them
Fixed apps (or pinned apps in the English version of MIUI) is a feature that allows you to "fix" selected programs in the recent taskbar.
- 📍 Not closed when you press the "Close All" button (✕)
- 🔒 Not removed by the system when cleaning the memory
- ⚡ Quicker starts when reopened
- 🛡️ Stores a state (e.g., open tabs in the browser)
The main difference from the usual background processes is guaranteed memory storage. Even if the system starts removing applications to free RAM, the attached ones will remain intact, this is especially true for instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), navigators (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps), or working tools.
Interesting fact: in the early versions of MIUI (up to the 12th), fixed applications were displayed with a separate pin icon. Now the visual difference is minimal — only a small indicator in the preview corner. But the functionality remains the same.
How to fix the application on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
The fastening process is the same for all Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS. Follow these steps:
- Open the application you want to secure.
- Click the Recent Tasks button (square at the bottom of the screen or swipe up with a delay).
- Find the card of the desired application in the list.
- Swipe down the preview of the application (or tap and hold).
- In the menu that appears, select Secure (pin icon).
Now the app will be marked with a small pin icon in the top right corner of the preview. To unplug it, repeat the same steps and select Unplug.
☑️ Preparation for attachment of annexes
On some models (such as the Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi 12T), you may need to activate the feature in the settings:
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → The “Recent” button.
- Make sure that the app fix option is enabled.
Limitations and features of the work of fixed applications
Despite the obvious advantages, the feature has several important nuances that are worth knowing about:
| Limitation | Explanation | How to get around |
|---|---|---|
| Limit on quantity | You can attach up to 5 applications at the same time | Remove unnecessary items before adding new ones. |
| Systemic constraints | Some systems cannot be fixed | Use adb to force the fixing |
| Energy conservation | In the energy saving mode, fixed applications can be suspended | Add them to the list of exceptions in battery settings |
| Post-reset reset | On some firmware, the fixing is reset after rebutting | Use automatic fastening via MacroDroid |
Critical: On devices with 3GB of RAM or less, the system can ignore fixing in critical memory deficits, closing even pinned applications, and this is due to aggressive MIUI optimization for weak devices, and the solution is to disable Memory Optimization in the developer settings.
⚠️ Warning: Securing gaming applications (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) can cause them to run unstablely. Games often require full closure to properly handle graphics and sound.
Hidden Opportunities: What Can Be Done With Fixed Applications
Few people know, but the fixed applications in MIUI have several hidden features:
- 🔄 Quick Switch: Double-clicking the "Recent" button immediately opens the last attached application (not working on all models).
- 📱 Split screen: A fixed application can be opened immediately in multi-window mode by holding its icon in the taskbar.
- 🔒 Reset Protection: Some firmwares do not reset attachments when clearing the cache via ##4636##.
- 🔧 ADB-Commands: An adb shell can anchor system applications that are not available in a conventional interface.
For advanced users, the adb shell am stack pinned command can programmatically manage fixed applications, and it's useful for automation through Tasker:
adb shell am stack pinned add -n com.package.name/.ActivityNameAnother lifehack: if you pin Google Assistant, it will start faster when called by voice, as it is constantly stored in memory. This is true for devices with slow processors (e.g. Redmi). 8A).
How to secure a system application through ADB
Fixed apps vs autorun: What's the difference
Many people confuse fixed applications with the auto-run function in MIUI. In fact, these are completely different mechanisms:
| Parameter | Fixed annexes | Auto-start |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Retaining memory after launch | Automatic start when the phone is turned on |
| Impact on the battery | Minimum (only if the application is active) | Substantial (constant work in the background) |
| Management | Manual through taskbar | Through Settings → Applications → Auto Launch |
| Limitation of quantity | Up to 5 applications | Unlimited (but impacts productivity) |
The main rule is: do not use both functions simultaneously for the same application, unless it is critical (for example, messenger for work). Autorun + fix = double load on the system.
Example of optimal setting:
- 📌 Secure: Telegram (for quick chat access)
- 🔄 Auto Run: Yandex.Maps (for navigation in the car)
- ❌ Don't combine: Instagram (uncritical for background)
Problems with fixed applications and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that fixed applications:
- 🚫 Self-closing
- 🔄 Not saved after restart
- ⚡ Brake the system.
- 📵 Not displayed in the taskbar
We will discuss the solutions for each problem:
⚠️ Warning: If after the MIUI update, the attached applications stopped working, reset the taskbar settings: Settings → Additional → Recent button → Reset.
For devices with HyperOS (new Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 models):
- Check the shell version in Settings → About the phone.
- If version is newer than 1.0.3.0, update all system applications through the App Store.
- Turn off the function of Intelligent optimization in the battery settings.
If the app is closed anyway, try:
adb shell device_config put activity_manager max_cached_processes 12(This command increases the limit of background processes, but can reduce battery life.)
Optimizing Performance with Secure Applications
Proper use of fixed applications can significantly improve the performance of a device. Here are some proven strategies:
- 🎯 For weak devices (2-3 GB of RAM): Only pin 1-2 the most important applications (e.g., calls + navigator).
- 🎮 For gamers: Secure the launcher (Nova Launcher) and Game Turbo for quick access.
- 📊 For work: Secure Google Docs + Slack for multitasking.
- 🔋 To save battery: Secure only messengers by disabling the rest auto-start.
The Redmi Note 10 Pro test showed that properly securing 3 apps (Telegram, Chrome, Maps) reduced their launch time by 30-40% when reopened, with battery consumption increased by only 2-3% over 8 hours of use.
For maximum optimization:
- Keep the apps you use daily.
- Turn off anchoring for apps that self-retain state (like Spotify).
- Regularly (once a week) clean the list of fixed, removing unnecessary.
💡
On devices with AMOLED- screens (for example, Xiaomi 13), fixing applications with a dark interface (Telegram, VK) further saves battery power by reducing pixel backlight.