Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS often face the problem of “hanged” background processes that eat up battery power and RAM. But how to tell which applications are active right now? In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from the standard task manager to hidden developer tools.
It’s important to keep in mind that the interface may vary depending on the firmware version and model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 Ultra, etc.) But the basic principles remain the same. If you notice that the phone is slowing down or discharges quickly, check the list of applications that are working first.
1. Standard Task Manager (swipe up)
The fastest way is to use the built-in Task Manager. On most Xiaomi models, it opens with a swipe from the bottom up with a 1 second delay (not to be confused with a quick swipe to return to the home screen!).
In the window that opens, you will see:
- 📱 Active apps – those that are currently running on the screen.
- 🔄 Background processes – programs that work “in the shadows” (messengers, music players).
- 🚫 Blocked – applications that cannot be closed (system services).
To close an unwanted app, simply swipe its card left or right, but remember: some programs (like WhatsApp or Telegram) will immediately restart if they have notifications or active chats.
2. "Last" section in the MIUI/HyperOS settings
If the swipe doesn’t work (e.g., on older versions of MIUI 12), use an alternative route:
- Open the Settings.
- Go to the Apps → Recent (or recent) in HyperOS).
- Slip on the icon "Task Manager"** (the icon with three stripes).
An extended list is displayed here with the following:
- 🕒 Activity time – how much the app was running on the screen.
- 📊 Memory usage – the amount of RAM that takes up the process.
- 🔋 Battery consumption – percentage of charge spent by the app.
💡
If there is no Task Manager button in the Latest list, upgrade to MIUI 14 or HyperOS – in older versions this section was called “Run”.
3. Developer settings: hidden process monitoring
For advanced users, there's a way to see all the processes that work, including the system processes.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (or HyperOS Build Number). Enter your password if you need to.
Settings → Additional → For Developers
Services → Working Processes
Here you will see a complete list with the following:
| Type of process | Description | Can I close it? |
|---|---|---|
| Annexes | User programs (e.g. Chrome, Instagram) | Yes. |
| Services | Background tasks (synchronization, notifications) | Partially. |
| Systemic | Critical processes of Android and MIUI | No. |
| Cashed | Frozen processes for quick start-up | Yes. |
What happens if the system is closed?
In HyperOS (starting with version 1.0.20.0), the Processes section is moved to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Processes. If you don’t find this, update the firmware.
4.Use of ADB for deep diagnostics
If you need to get a full report on all the processes (for example, for debugging), use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to a PC.
Instructions:
- Install Platform Tools on your computer.
- Connect Xiaomi via USB and allow debugging (include it in Settings → For developers).
- Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe and type: adb shell dumpsys meminfo For a list of all processes with memory detailing, use: adb shell ps -A
To see them, use the adb shell ps-A or apps like Simple Task Manager with root access.