How to disable background apps on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI 12-14

Background apps on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the main reasons for fast battery drain and slowdown, and even when you’re not using the program, it can continue to consume resources, such as updating data, sending notifications or synchronizing with servers, especially for devices with a MIUI shell, where many applications are authorized to run in the background by default.

In this article, we will explore all the available ways to disable background processes, from standard settings to hidden features for power users. You will learn how to completely block unnecessary programs, limit their activity or set up autorun. The instructions are suitable for all modern models: Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others based on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware).

It is important to understand that some system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be disabled without root permissions, which can lead to unstable phone operation, and we will indicate which programs are safe to block and which are best left alone.

Why background apps are damaging your smartphone

Even one app that is stuck in the background can eat up to 15-20% of battery life per night, the main problems they cause are:

• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge – programs continue to use the processor, communication modules (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet) and GPS even when the screen is off.
• 🐢 System Slowdown – Background processes take up RAM (RAM), This makes new applications longer to launch.
• 📶 Excess traffic – many programs (social networks, instant messengers) update data in the background, spending mobile Internet.
• 🔒 Security risks – some apps may collect data about your activity without the user’s knowledge.

According to tests from XDA Developers, after switching off background processes, Xiaomi’s smartphone battery life increases by an average of 2-4 hours when used actively, especially on low-end models with a small battery (such as the Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro).

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the background of system applications like com.android.phone (phone calls) or com.google.android.gms (Google services.

Method 1: Limit background activity through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in MIUI tools, which do not require root rights and is suitable for all versions of the shell.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or TikTok).
3. Slip on the Permissions item, then select AutoRun.
4. Turn off the Autostart Switch.
5. Go back and select Battery → Background Limit → Limit.

This method doesn't remove the application, it just prevents it from running itself after it's rebooted or closed, and you can force it to open anytime.

The correct application (not system) is selected |

Auto-launch disabled |

Background restriction set |

Checked notifications (if necessary)-->

Method 2: Use of energy saving mode

MIUI offers several power consumption profiles that automatically limit background activity, a method that is suitable if you want to save battery power without manually adjusting each application.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Power Saving Mode.
3. Activate one of the profiles: Balanced – moderate restrictions; Super energy saving – rigid restrictions (disables background synchronization, notifications, geolocation); Factory mode – maximum restrictions (suitable for emergency charge saving).

In Super Power Saving mode, background activity is prohibited for all applications except system and those you add to the exceptions, which may be uncomfortable if you wait for important notifications, but the battery will last 30-50% longer.

💡

To quickly switch between modes, add the Power Saving widget to the home screen. To do this, click and hold the empty space on your desktop → “Vidgets” → find the appropriate element.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a deep-tuning tool that requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but allows you to disable even apps that aren't visible on the MIUI menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB Tools

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

adb shell cmd appops set < application package > RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny

For example, for Facebook:

adb shell cmd appops set com.facebook.katana RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny

List of packages of popular applications:

• 📱 Instagram: com.instagram.android
• 💬 WhatsApp: com.whatsapp
• 🎵 Spotify: com.spotify.music
• 📺 YouTube: com.google.android.youtube

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Freeze applications with Greenify

If you need to temporarily freeze unwanted apps without removing them, use Greenify. It doesn’t require root rights on most Xiaomi devices (thanks to the built-in Aggressive Doze feature in MIUI).

How to set up:

1. Download Greenify from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and provide all the permissions requested.
3. Click on the + icon and select the apps you want to freeze (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, games).
4. Activate the Hibernate Now option.
5. For automatic freezing, turn on Automatic Hibernation in the settings.

Greenify doesn't delete apps, it puts them into sleep mode, they don't consume resources, they don't get notifications, and you just have to open it manually to defrost the program.

💡

Greenify is especially useful for games and social networks, which often wake up in the background to update content. After hibernation, they start from scratch, as after reinstallation, but all data is stored.

Method 5: Completely remove pre-installed applications (without root)

Many Xiaomi smartphones come with Bloatware preinstalled that cannot be removed by standard means, including Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, and others, which can be uninstalled via ADB without obtaining root rights.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB (as in Method 3).
2. Open the command line and type: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui' This will display a list of all Xiaomi system applications.
3. To remove an unnecessary application, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 <app package> For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

List of safe packet removal:

• 🌐 Mi Browser: com.android.browser
• 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 📺 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 📖 Mi Reader: com.miui.notes
• 🛒 Mi Pay: com.mipay.wallet

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.miui.securitycenter, com.android.settings or com.miui.home, this will cause the system to fail.

Additional Optimization Tips

Beyond disabling background apps, there are a few more ways to improve Xiaomi’s performance and autonomy:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic sync: Go to Settings → Accounts and syncs. Disable sync for unnecessary accounts (e.g. Mi Account if you are not using the Xiaomi cloud).
• 📡 Limit background traffic: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data transfer enable Background Limitation. Add only messengers and maps to the exceptions.
• 🔍 Use the "Lite" versions of the apps: Replace Facebook with Facebook Lite, Messenger with Messenger Lite. Use YouTube Vanced (if available) or NewPipe to watch videos.
• 🔋 Set up an adaptive battery: In Settings → Battery and productivity → Adaptive battery: Enable the option to limit excessive consumption.

If after all the manipulations the smartphone began to work slower, try to clear the cache of system applications.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find com.miui.securitycenter and com.android.systemui, then clear the cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions