How to add an application to protected on Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI

The function of secure applications on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key elements of system optimization MIUI, Many people are faced with a situation where messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram suddenly stop sending notifications, banking applications are closed when the screen is locked, and background processes are interrupted for no apparent reason. All this is due to the aggressive policy of energy saving and memory management in firmware. MIUI.

In fact, the problem is not with the apps themselves, but with how the system allocates resources. Xiaomi defaults to limit the background activity of programs to extend battery life. But for critical services like messengers, navigators or financial applications, this behavior is unacceptable. The solution is simple: add an application to the list of protected so that it can work without restrictions. But how do you do it right so that you don't face new problems? Let's take a step.

In this article you will find not only the basic instructions, but also nuances for different versions. MIUI (12 to 14), and solutions to common setup errors, we'll also explain how secure applications differ from auto-run and background activity so you can fine-tune the system to your needs.

What are secure applications on Xiaomi and why do they need them?

The term “protected applications” in the MIUI This is a designation that designates programs that the system will not force to close or limit in the background. This is part of the battery optimization mechanism that Xiaomi is actively developing with the version. MIUI 8. What's the point:

When you're not actively using your smartphone, the system automatically freezes background processes to reduce energy consumption. For most applications, this is normal — for example, Instagram or YouTube do not need constant work. But for instant messengers, navigators (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator) or banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff), this behavior is critical: you can miss an important message or notification of payment.

Adding an application to a protected one ensures that:

• 📱 It will not be closed by the system when the screen is locked;
• 🔔 Notices will be provided in due time;
• 🔄 Background processes (e.g. data synchronization) will not be interrupted;
• 🔋 Battery consumption will remain predictable (no jumps due to constant restarts).

It's important to understand that secure applications are not the same as auto-start or background activity, which are complementary but work differently, such as auto-starting allowing an application to start automatically after a device is restarted, and background activity to perform tasks in hidden mode, and only a combination of all three settings ensures that mission-critical programs run smoothly.

Where is the list of protected applications in MIUI

The path to settings of protected applications may differ depending on the version MIUI We're going to look at the actual options for firmware. MIUI 12, 13 and 14, and for shell devices POCO Launcher or HyperOS (if it is already available on your device).

The main path (for most devices):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Press three points (⋮) In the upper right corner and select Special Permits.
4. In the list, look for Secure Apps (or Protected Apps in English firmware).

Alternative paths (if the main one does not work):

• 🔍 Search in Settings: Enter the query “protected” or “protected” and the system will show the desired section.
• 📱 On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro): → Battery and productivity → Battery management → Choice of applications.
• 🌐 On firmware with HyperOS: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Secure applications.

If you didn’t find “Secure Apps,” it could mean one of three:

⚠️ Note: Some budget models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) and old versions MIUI (12 below) this section may not be available, in which case use alternative optimization methods (see "What to do if there are no secure applications»).

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If you have English firmware but don’t see Protected Apps, try changing region to India in Settings. → Additional settings → Sometimes this reveals hidden options.

Step-by-step: how to add an application to protected

Now, let's get to the point. Below is a universal instruction that will work for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO on MIUI 12-14. If your model behaves differently, see the section "Features for different models».

Step 1: Open the settings of the secure applications

Follow one of the paths described in the previous section, such as: → Annexes → Application management → Special permits → Secure applications.

Step 2. Allow the change of settings

The system can request confirmation via Password/File/Graphical Key. This is a standard security measure - enter your unlock method.

Step 3. Add the app to the list

• 🔍 Turn on the switch in the upper right corner (if it is switched off).
• 📌 Click on “Add Apps” (or icon «+»).
• 📱 In the list, select the desired application (for example, WhatsApp, Viber, SberBank Online).
• ✅ Confirm the addition (check or button «OK»).

Step 4: Set up additional settings (optional)

For maximum stability, we also recommend:

1. Enable auto-start for the application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Auto-start).
2. Allow background activity (Settings) → Battery and productivity → Choice of applications → [Select an application] → Background activity).
3. Disable battery optimization for this application (Settings) → Battery and productivity → Battery management → Choice of applications → [Select an application] → No restrictions).

Add to the protected ones.|Enable autostart|Allow background activity|Disable battery optimization|Reset the device-->

Step 5: Reset the device

It is not necessary, but it is recommended that the changes take effect immediately.After the reboot, check the application: send a test message or start a background process (for example, listening to music in Spotify with a locked screen).

Features for different Xiaomi models

Despite the general logic MIUI, Some models have unique nuances in the settings of protected applications:

If your model is not in the table, try the universal method:

1. Open the Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the "Version" MIUI», activate the developer mode.
2. Go back to the main settings and find a new section for developers.
3. Turn on “Don’t keep activities” – this will temporarily turn off optimization for all applications (not recommended for permanent use!).

What to do if in MIUI No section "Secure applications»

Some devices (especially low-end or custom firmware) may not have a Secure Apps section, which doesn't mean you can't optimize mission-critical software. Here are 4 alternatives:

1.Configure via "Battery Optimization"

Go to: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management → Choice of applications.

Select the desired application and set the "No Limits" mode for it.

2.Using "Autostart" and "Background Activity"

Even without secure apps, the combination of these two settings often solves the problem:

• 🔄 Autostart: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Auto-start.
• 🔋 Background activity: Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Background activity.

3. Disable optimization for all applications (temporary solution)

Activate Developer Mode (as described above) and disable:

• 🛠️ «Background Process Limitation (set the Standard Limitation»).
• 🔄 «Optimization MIUI» (Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Optimization MIUI).

⚠️ Warning: Completely disabling optimization can reduce battery life by 15-20%. Use this method only for testing!

4. Install custom firmware (for advanced users)

If your device doesn't officially support secure applications, you might consider firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which doesn't have such a tight constraint, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and can take away your warranty.

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If your device does not have a Secure Applications section, the Auto Run combination + Without battery limitations, the same effect is found in 80% of cases.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after adding an application to a secure user, they often face problems, and let's look at the 5 most common mistakes and their solutions:

1.The application still closes when the screen is blocked

Reason: Autostart or background activity is not included.

Solution: Check all three settings (protected) + self-start + background activity) and restart the device.

2. Notifications come with a delay

Reason: “Adaptive Battery” or “Optimization” is included MIUI».

Solution: Turn them off in Settings → Battery → Battery settings.

3.The application disappears from the list of protected after the update

Reason: Resetting settings when updating MIUI.

Solution: After each major update, check the list of protected applications and add them again.

4. you cannot add a system application (for example, “Messages”)

Reason: MIUI Blocks changes in settings for system programs.

Solution: Use ADB-team:

adb shell cmd appops set com.android.mms RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow

(Replace com.android.mms with your app package)

5. After adding to the protected battery discharges faster

Reason: The app actively uses resources in the background.

Solution: Check its settings (for example, turn off automatic media downloads on WhatsApp) or limit background activity for less important programs.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the app settings (Settings). → Annexes → Reset application settings), but note that this will delete all stored data (for example, logins in applications).

Additional tips for stable application operation

In addition to adding to protected, there are a few more hidden settings that will help improve the performance of mission-critical programs on Xiaomi:

1. disable Deep Optimization for specific applications

Go to: Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Deep optimization.

Find your app and turn off this option for it.

2. Set up "Notification Priority"

For instant messengers (Telegram, Viber) set the maximum priority: → Notifications and status bar → Management of notifications → [Select an application] → Priority.

3.Use "Productivity Mode"

If you play games or use a navigator, turn on: Settings → Battery → Performance mode.

This will temporarily disable all restrictions for the active application.

4. Check the "Permissions" for the application

Sometimes the problems with work are not due to optimization, but to the lack of permissions. → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Permits

Make sure all the necessary permissions (camera, microphone, location) are included.

5. Update your firmware regularly

Xiaomi frequently fixes optimization bugs in new versions MIUI. Check for updates: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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If you use the same app frequently (like Google Maps for navigation), anchor it in multitasking. To do this, open a list of recent apps and swipe down the app icon and the “Anchor” option will appear.

FAQ: Frequent questions about secure apps on Xiaomi