Disabling background apps on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8, launched in 2019, is still popular with users due to its balanced specs and affordable price. However, over time, many owners face slowing down and battery drains. One of the main reasons for these problems is background apps that continue to consume resources even when you are not using them.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly disable unnecessary background processes on Redmi 8 without disturbing the stability of the system. You will learn about the built-in MIUI tools, hidden settings and third-party solutions that will help return the smartphone to its former performance.

Why the background apps are slowing down Redmi 8

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 and 3/4 GB of RAM in Redmi 8 are not designed to run dozens of applications simultaneously.

• 🔋 Continue to use CPU and RAM, even in a folded state
• 📶 Support network connections (synchronization, notifications, analytics)
• 🔄 Perform periodic tasks (update content, check mail)
• 📱 Activate geolocation services and sensors without your knowledge

According to the tests, the average background application on MIUI 12/13 consumes up to 5-15% of battery power per day, while some messengers (such as Facebook Messenger or Viber) can hold up to 300-500 MB of data in memory, which is critical for a model with 32/64 GB of memory.

Method 1: Manually shutdown via the "Recent" menu

The fastest method is to use the standard MIUI interface, which requires no additional settings and is suitable for emergency cleaning:

1. Click the square navigation button (or swipe up and hold your finger in MIUI 12+)
2. At the bottom of the screen will appear the button “Clear all” – tap it on it
3. For selective cleaning, swipe left/right on the card of the unwanted application

⚠️ Note: This method temporarily shuts down applications, but does not prevent them from automatically starting the next time you turn on your smartphone.

Save important data from applications

Close all active calls/video

Connect to Wi-Fi (if you plan to upgrade)

Check the battery level (minimum 30%)

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Method 2: Auto-launching of applications settings

MIUI has a hidden auto-start control function that allows you to block background activity at the system level, which is more effective than manual cleaning.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select the Auto Start tab (in some versions of Autoboot)
3. Sort the list by “Last Start” to see the most active programs
4. Turn off sliders in front of unwanted apps (such as games or rarely used services)

💡 Tip: After disabling autoplay, restart your smartphone.Some apps (like Google Play Services) can ignore the changes without restarting.

Method 3: Limit background activity through the "Battery"

MIUI has a dedicated section for energy management where you can configure the limitations for individual applications:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management
2. Select the application from the list (sorting by consumption level)
3. Click on "Limit background activity"
4. Activate the option "Limit battery consumption in the background"

It'll lead to:

• 🚫 Blocking data synchronization in the background
• 🔔 Disabling push notifications (except high-priority ones)
• ⏳ Slowing down content updates when folded

Method 4: Use of the "charge saving" mode

Redmi 8 has two levels of energy saving that automatically limit background activity:

1. Settings → Battery and performance → Battery mode
2. Select: Balanced - moderate restrictions Super savings - aggressive background shutdown (suitable for critical cases)

Set up exceptions for important applications (calls, SMS)

⚠️ Warning: Super savings are turned off:

• Background synchronization of Google Account
• Automatic update of applications
• Geolocation for all applications except system
• Push notifications from most services

Use this mode only when the charge level is low (less than 15%).

Method 5: Advanced Adjustments through ADB (for experienced)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a method that requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.

📌 Preparation:

• Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode)
• Activate Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB
• Install ADB Tools on your computer

💻 Teams to limit background:

adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny


adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> RUN_IN_BACKGROUND deny

Examples of packages for popular applications:

• Facebook: com.facebook.katana
• Instagram: com.instagram.android
• TikTok: com.zhiliaoapp.musically

💡

Before executing the ADB-command, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. Incorrect commands can cause applications to crash.

What to do if your smartphone gets worse after changes

In rare cases, aggressive disabling of background processes can lead to:

• 📱 Slow notifications (especially in messengers)
• 🔄 Synchronization problems (mail, cloud services)
• 📡 Loss of geolocation in navigation applications
• 🔋 Unexpected battery discharges (if system services are disabled)

🔧 How to get it back:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Autorun
2. Turn back the applications that were previously disabled
3. In the "Battery" section, remove the restrictions.
4. Reset the device

If problems persist, reset settings through Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset all settings (application data will be saved).

FAQ: Frequent questions about background apps on Redmi 8

💡

Regularly cleaning the background applications on Redmi 8 can increase battery life by 25-40% and reduce the number of accidental hang-ups. However, it is important not to overdo the limitations of system processes, so as not to lose the basic functionality of the smartphone.