How to completely disable background apps on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Background applications on Xiaomi can be a real headache: they not only drain the battery 2-3 times faster, but also slow down the system, taking up precious resources of the processor and RAM. This is especially noticeable on the budget models of Redmi and POCO, where MIUI optimization leaves much to be desired. However, simply closing the application with a swipe in the multitasking menu is not enough – many services (such as com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.midrop) automatically restart after a few minutes.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to disable background processes – from standard tools. MIUI You will learn how to permanently block the auto-run of unnecessary applications, which services can be disabled without risk to the system, and how to circumvent restrictions. MIUI assisted ADB-The instructions are relevant to the MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese firmware).

Why are the background apps so loaded by Xiaomi?

The problem lies in the MIUI architecture, which is initially focused on maximum functionality rather than energy efficiency, and even after manually closing the application, the system can:

• 🔄 Automatically restart services through JobScheduler (e.g. Mi Push Service for notifications).
• ⚡ Wake up the processor for background synchronization (relevant for Google Play Services and Mi Account).
• 📡 Use mobile traffic in the background (especially messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🔋 Blocking the transition to deep sleep (wakelocks), which leads to loss 10-15% night-time charge.

According to XDA Developers, on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13.5, background processes take up to 40% of the CPU’s standby time, with only 20% of them truly critical to the system’s operation – the rest can be safely disabled.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use built-in optimization tools. It is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management and follow the instructions:

1. Select the app you want to restrict (like Facebook or TikTok).
2. Slip on the Battery → Background Limitation.
3. Choose the option to Limit or Disable background activity (depending on the MIUI version).
4. Go back and go to AutoRun → turn off the slider.

⚠️ Note: some system applications (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.securitycenter) do not have a restriction option.

Select the problem application in "Application Management"

Disable "Autostart" in the application settings

Set background limit to "Limit" or "Prohibit"

Reboot your phone to apply changes

Check battery consumption in 24 hours-->

Method 2: Deep Optimization with Security App

The Security (Shield Icon) app in MIUI hides advanced tools for managing background processes to access them:

1. Open Safety → Acceleration → Deep Cleanup.
2. Slip on AutoRun and disable unnecessary apps (especially instant messengers and social networks).
3. Go to Battery → Select the battery mode and activate Energy Saving or Super Energy Saving.
4. In the Privacy Protection section, disable Personalized Recommendations – this will reduce background activity of Miui Analytics.

💡 Useful tip: If the autorun list doesn’t have the right app, try running it manually first – sometimes MIUI Adds programs to the list only after the first opening.

Method 3: ADB-commands for complete shutdown (for advanced)

If standard methods do not help, you can use them. ADB-commands to force the backup services to be disabled, and this requires connecting the phone to the computer and enabling Debugging. USB.

First, activate the developer and allow debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the resolution on your computer.

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute the following commands in Command Prompt (or Terminal):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.daemon

⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB It may disrupt the system. Before executing commands, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset: Disabling system services like com.android.phone will cause communication loss!

Method 4: Using Greenify (without root)

Greenify allows you to freeze background processes without superuser rights, and it is especially useful for Xiaomi, where standard methods often don’t work.

1. Start Greenify and give access to special features (Settings → Special Features → Greenify).
2. Add problematic apps to the list (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, AliExpress).
3. Click on the Zzz icon to hibernate selected programs.
4. Activate Aggressive Hibernation in the settings (required) ADB-unlocker).

🔹 The Benefits of Greenify:

• 📉 Reduces battery consumption by 15-25% (Android Authority tests).
• 🚀 Reduces lags when multitasking.
• 🔒 No root rights required for basic functionality.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Greenify may lose access to special features, in which case you need to re-enable it in the settings and restart the phone.

Method 5: Manual removal of system applications (for experienced ones only)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, you can completely remove unnecessary system applications using ADB or TWRP. This method is only suitable for users who:

• 🔧 Can work with fastboot and recovery.
• 📱 They have an unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader).
• 💾 We made a full backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

To remove via ADB, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 title.package

💡 Examples of Safe For Packet Removal:

• com.miui.analytics is a Xiaomi analytics app.
• com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (if you don't use it)
• com.miui.weather2 - weather (if you don't need a widget)
• com.miui.videoplayer is a standard video player.

⚠️ Critically, deleting packets like com.android.phone or com.google.android.gms will cause your phone to fail. Before deleting, check the destination of the packet on sites like APKMirror or XDA Developers.

💡

Removing system applications is a last resort: always backup TWRP or Mi Flash Tool before making changes. Restore the system after an error may require a complete firmware reflash.

How do you check that the background processes are actually turned off?

To make sure your actions have worked, use the following methods:

1. Battery monitoring: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use and check which applications are using up charge in the background. If after optimizing, the consumption has decreased by 10-20%, you are on the right track.
2. ADB-Command to check: connect the phone to the PC and do: adb shell dumpsys battery unplug In the conclusion, pay attention to the lines with wake_lock — They show what processes are awakening the device.
3. AccuBattery: Install it from Google Play, and it shows you in detail which apps are draining your battery in standby mode.

📊 Normal performance after optimization:

• 🔋 Battery consumption in standby mode: 0.5-1% per hour (without active use).
• 📉 Background activity of the processor: less than 5% (checked through the processor) CPU Monitor).
• 📱 Number of working processes: 30-50 (model-wise).

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling background apps on Xiaomi