How to completely disable applications running in the background on Xiaomi

Why the Background Apps Are Eating Up Your Xiaomi Resources

Have you noticed that even after the application is closed, it continues to consume battery power and slow down the system? This is a typical problem of MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell, where many programs default in the background. The manufacturer adjusts the system so that often used services (messengers, social networks, system utilities) remain active for quick access. But this approach has the opposite side: accelerated battery discharge, overheating of the processor and slowing the interface.

The problem is particularly acute on budget models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3) and devices with 4/64 GB of memory, where every megabyte of RAM counts. Even flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro are not insured: background activity of Google Play Services, Mi Cloud or Facebook can eat up to 15-20% of charge a day for no apparent benefit. In this article, we will examine all ways to disable unnecessary processes, from standard MIUI settings to hidden functions for power users.

Method 1: Limit background activity through battery settings

The easiest method is to use built-in optimization tools. Xiaomi offers three levels of limitations, but by default many applications are in “No Limits” mode, allowing them to consume resources even when they are folded.

To change that:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select the category "Applications" (or "Battery Use" in older versions of MIUI).
3. Tapping the right application (for example, TikTok or AliExpress).
4. In the "Background Activity" section, set "Limit" or "Strict Limitations".

Make sure the app doesn’t have important notifications (e.g. messengers)

Check if it is used for geolocation (taxi, delivery)

Turn off auto-update for apps you rarely use

Save data (e.g. unsaved drafts in Word or Notes)

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⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be restricted through this section. MIUI.

Method 2: Manually Closing Applications Through Multitasking Menu

Many users mistakenly believe that swipe up the multitasking menu completely shuts down the application, but in fact MIUI just folds it, leaving the background processes active, to force the program to stop:

1. Open the multitasking menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the late screen).
2. Find the card of the desired application and make a long tap on its icon.
3. In the menu that appears, select "Application Information".
4. Click "Stop" (or "Forced Stop" in English firmware).

This method works for most third-party applications, but does not affect system services, such as Mi Video or Mi Browser can automatically restart after a stop.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

Another version

I don't know.

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Method 3: Using Charge Saving Mode to Mass Shutdown

If you need to extend your phone’s life (e.g., when traveling), activate Extreme Charge Saving mode, which automatically suspends all background processes except for basic functions (calls, SMS, alarms).

How to turn on:

1. Press the power button to open the shutdown menu.
2. Slip on "Ultra battery saver" (or "Ultra battery saver").
3. Select applications that are allowed to be kept active (maximum 3-5 pieces).

⚠️ Attention: In Extreme Savings mode, background data for Google Play Services is disabled, which can disrupt Google Pay, Gmail and other services.

Method 4: Disable Auto-Run Applications (Hidden Setting)

Many apps (Facebook, Instagram, AliExpress) are automatically triggered when you turn on your phone or connect to the Internet.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Stop".
3. Turn off the switches in front of unnecessary applications.

On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro), this section may be called “Default Launch” or “Special Permissions.” If you don’t find an item, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

Method 5: Using ADB for deep shutdown (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use USB debugging (ADB), which allows you to completely block background activity even for system applications, but requires a connection to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap on MIUI Version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd appops set <package> RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny For example, for Facebook: adb shell cmd appops set com.facebook.katana RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND deny

To find the application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

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Before working with ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. Errors in commands can cause MIUI to crash!

Method 6: Disabling background data for individual applications

If the app does not have to use the internet in the background (such as Offline games or Flashlight), limit its access to mobile data and Wi-Fi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of application data.
2. Select the app from the list.
3. Turn off the "Background Data" and "Unlimited Data" switches.

For Wi-Fi, repeat the steps in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Application Data Management.

• 📵 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram): Do not turn off background data, otherwise notifications will stop coming.
• 🎮 Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact: You can safely limit them – they don’t require a permanent connection.
• 🛒 Stores (AliExpress, Wildberries): Background data is only needed to track orders.
• 📊 Google Play Services (Mi Analytics): Disabling them will improve autonomy, but may disrupt other services.

What to do if applications are spontaneously turned on again

Some programs (Mi Security, Clean Master, Facebook) have self-repair mechanisms.

• 🔄 Restart after restarting the phone.
• 📥 Automatically Update via Google Play.
• 🛠️ Restoring permissions through system services.

Decisions:

1. Turn off auto-update in Google Play (go to the app settings → Auto Update → Never).
2. Freeze the app via Titanium Backup (root rights required) or App Quarantine.
3. Remove updates for system applications (in app information → three dots → “Delete updates”).

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If an application is critical to the system (e.g. com.android.phone), forced shutdowns can result in network loss or cyclical reboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about background apps on Xiaomi