How to completely disable background apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphone based on MIUI often suffers from excessive resource consumption of background applications. Even after the program is closed, they continue to work in a hidden mode, consuming battery power, RAM and Internet traffic. This is especially noticeable on budget models with limited technical specifications, where every percentage of performance counts.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to disable background processes - from standard settings. MIUI 12/13/14 to the hidden functions through ADB You will learn how to prohibit auto-run unnecessary services, limit the activity of system applications and manually manage background tasks without root rights. 9 (codename merlin, where some options work differently than on Xiaomi flagship models.

Why the background apps are hurting the Redmi Note 9

The performance of the Redmi Note 9 with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor and 3/4 GB of RAM is heavily dependent on software optimization.

• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge – even in standby mode, the smartphone can lose 10-15% charge per night due to activity of com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop and other system services.
• 🐢 Lags and slowdowns – when RAM is packed with background tasks, applications begin to be forcibly closed or open for a long time.
• 📶 Increased traffic – many apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser) download updates or display ads in the background.
• 🔥 Processor overheating – constant activity of Helio cores G85 on 2.0 GHz causes the body to heat up to 40-45°C even under minimal load.

According to XDA Developers, turning off background processes on the Redmi Note 9 increases battery life by 20-30% and the speed of opening applications by 15-20%. However, it is important to understand that some system services (for example, com.android.phone for communication) can not be turned off – this will lead to the failure of the phone.

Method 1: Limit background activity through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use built-in optimization tools, and MIUI has two key sections for this:

1. Autostart Limit – blocks the automatic start of applications when the phone is turned on or after restarting.
2. Background activity restriction – prevents applications from running in hidden mode.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Special Permits.
3. Go to AutoRun Applications and disable sliders for unnecessary programs (e.g. Mi Community, Mi Pay, Cleaner).
4. Go back and select Background Limitation. Activate the option for all applications except instant messengers and system services.

Note that some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) will stop showing notifications after the background activity is restricted, and it is better to use custom settings for them (see Method 3).

Disable Autoplay for Games (e.g. PUBG Mobile, Free Fire)

Block background activity for Mi Video and Mi Browser

Restrict the operation of system applications (MiuiDaemon, Analytics)

Leave messengers and banking applications on-->

Method 2: Disable MIUI Optimized (for power users)

MIUI Optimized is a system application (com.miui.optimize) that is responsible for smart resource optimization. However, it often causes lags by aggressively closing background tasks and then running them again. On the Redmi Note 9, it can be disabled without root rights through ADB.

Warning: After MIUI Optimized is turned off, some features (such as Game Turbo or Second Space) may not work properly, and battery consumption will increase if you do not adjust the restrictions manually.

⚠️ Attention: Before executing commands ADB Make sure that the phone is on debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Run the MIUI Optimized Disable command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.optimize
4. Reboot the phone.

To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.optimize

Method 3: Individual settings for individual applications

Not all programs need to be restricted the same way, like WhatsApp or Viber must run in the background to receive messages, and Facebook or TikTok can be completely blocked, and MIUI has hidden settings to fine-tune:

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and select the right one.
2. Slip on Permits, then Additional.
3. Options are available here: 🚫 Disable auto-start – the application will not start itself. 🔄 Limit background activity – the program will not be able to update in the background. 📶 Limiting the use of data – blocking background traffic. 🔋 Battery Optimization – Choice between “No Limits” and “Limited".

Example of optimal settings for popular applications:

For games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile), it is recommended to leave autoplay on, but limit background activity, which will allow you to download updates faster before playing, but will not waste resources at other times.

💡

If notifications from messengers stop coming after the background activity is limited, check the sync settings in Settings → Accounts and Sync. Sometimes reconnecting your Google account helps.

Method 4: Using Greenify (without root rights)

Greenify is an application that allows you to freeze background processes without rooting rights. It is especially useful for Redmi Note 9, where the system limitations of MIUI do not always work correctly.

How to set up:

1. Download Greenify from Google Play (the free version is quite functional).
2. When you first start, give access to special features (Settings → Special features → Greenify).
3. Add apps to the list for “hybernation” (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Mi Browser).
4. Activate the Aggressive Doze option (in settings) for tighter control.

Important: Greenify does not block notifications, but can delay their appearance by 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12.5+ Greenify may conflict with system optimization. If you have lags after installation, turn off MIUI Optimized (Method 2) or use Greenify in Work without root mode with minimal settings.

Method 5: Manual control through Developer Options

The developer settings have powerful tools to control background processes, so you can activate them:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.