How to Stop the App on Xiaomi Redmi 9: From Simple to Complex

Why apps continue to work in the background

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone based on MIUI It is optimized for multitasking, but sometimes background processes start consuming too many resources. Applications can freeze due to code errors, conflicts with other services, or overloading of RAM. For example, instant messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp often remain active even after closing, consuming battery power and mobile Internet data.

Android 10 (or MIUI 12+ on Redmi 9) manages process priorities, but not always correctly. If a game or social network suddenly starts to slow down, warm the phone body or make errors, they must be forcibly stopped.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods - from basic to advanced, including: ADB-It is important to understand that some system applications (e.g., Security or Themes) cannot be stopped without the risk of failure. MIUI.

Method 1: Standard Stop through Android Settings

The safest method, which is 90 percent of the time, doesn't require superuser rights, and it works even on locked devices.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the desired application (for example, Facebook or TikTok) and tap it.
3. Click Stop (or Force Stop in new versions of MIUI).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Note: After a forced stop, the app may stop sending notifications until you manually launch it. For example, Viber will not show new messages until you reopen it.

Check if the application is system-based (e.g., Camera or Contacts)

Restart your phone and try again.

Update the app through Google Play

Try alternative methods from this article.-->

This method does not delete the application data, but only stops it. If the goal is to save battery power, additionally turn off auto-start in the same application settings (Battery → Auto-Start).

Method 2: MIUI Task Manager (Fast Closing)

Xiaomi has added its own task manager to MIUI, which allows you to close applications without going into settings, a method that is convenient when you need to quickly free up RAM.

• 📱 Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold your finger. 1-2 Seconds to open the multitasking menu.
• 🔍 At the top of the screen will appear a panel with a memory usage schedule and the “Clear” button (or “Close all” button»).
• 🚫 Click on it to stop all background processes except system processes.
• 🎯 Or swipe left/right on a particular app card to close only it.

⚠️ Warning: Completely clearing memory through Task Manager can lead to rebooting of frequently used applications (e.g. Google Play Services), which will temporarily increase battery consumption.

Every day.

1-2 times a week

Only when the phone is slowing down.

Never clean.-->

If the application starts again after cleaning, check its autorun settings (see Method 4). Some programs (for example, AliExpress or Yandex.Browser) aggressively return to the background.

Method 3: Using Developer Mode (for experienced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use hidden Android features, and you need to activate the developer mode first:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section → For developers.

Now you have access to advanced settings to stop the unkillable app:

• 🛠️ Enable the option “Do not remain active”** (the section of the Application in the developer settings).

⚠️ Warning: Improper changes in developer mode can cause disruptions MIUI. For example, disabling the option Do not turn off the screen while charging will result in the phone not showing the percentage of charge when connecting to the network.

Method 4: Disabling Autostart and Background Activity

Many apps automatically start when you turn on your phone or connect to the Internet, and to avoid this, you need to turn off auto-start and limit background work.

For example, for Instagram or YouTube, it is enough to turn off autostart and background activity, this will reduce battery consumption by 15-20% without losing functionality, but for messengers (WhatsApp, Viber), it is better to leave autorun, otherwise notifications will come with a delay.

💡

If the application still starts after disabling autorun, check it in Settings → Permissions → Autorun. Some programs (such as Mi Fit or Google Play Services) have separate permissions to start automatically.

For maximum effect, combine this method with Method 1 (forced stopping).

1. Stop the application through the settings.
2. Turn off autostart and background activity.
3. Reboot the phone.

Method 5: ADB-Compulsory Closing Commands (Advanced)

If the application is not closed by any means (for example, virus software or system failure), you can use ADB, a debugging tool for Android, which requires connecting the phone to the computer.

Be prepared first:

• 🖥️ Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on PC.
• 📱 Put the debugging on. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Now run commands in the terminal (or cmd):

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb shell pm list packages # Show list of all applications




adb shell am force-stop com.example.app # Replace com.example.app with the desired application package

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause data loss or system failure, such as adb shell pm clear com.miui.home resetting the home screen settings. MIUI.

To find the name of the package of the problem application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "appendix name"

For example, Facebook would be com.facebook.katana.

💡

ADB allows you to stop even system applications, but it can disrupt MIUI. Always check the name of the package before executing a command.

What to do if the application does not close anyway

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be deeper:

• 🦠 Virus or malware: Scan through Dr.Web or Malwarebytes. some Trojans block attempts to shut them down.
• 🔄 System failure: Try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Reset settings), but save data first.
• 📦 Damaged application files: Delete and reinstall it. System applications (e.g. Mi Video) may require firmware.
• 🔋 Memory failure: If your phone is constantly braking and overheating, contact a service center – you may need to replace your memory chip.

If the problem occurs after the MIUI update, try to revert to the previous version via Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum). For example, switching from MIUI 13 to MIUI 12.5 sometimes resolves conflicts with background processes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about stopping apps on Redmi 9