Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for aggressively optimizing background processes — the system automatically shuts down apps to save battery power. This causes instant messengers to stop coming notifications, music players to break down, and navigators to lose connection. In this article, we’ll discuss 5 working ways to properly fold an application into the background on Xiaomi so that it continues to work without failure.
The problem is particularly relevant for owners of devices with MIUI 12-15, where energy saving algorithms have become even stricter. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models - the instructions work independently of the firmware version. It is important to understand that some settings are hidden in the depth of the menu, and individual functions (for example, No battery restrictions) may not be on budget models.
Why is Xiaomi closing apps in the background?
The MIUI shell uses three key mechanisms that prevent applications from running in the background:
- 🔋 Battery optimization: Automatically restricts background activity of “unnecessary” apps to extend battery life, even for popular services like Telegram or Google Maps.
- 🚫 Auto-start lock – by default, many applications are not allowed to run themselves after restarting or closing.
- ⚡ Aggressive Memory Manager – Xiaomi Forcedly Clears RAM, Killing Background Processes Unless Labeled as ‘Important".
For example, if you roll up Yandex Navigator and lock the screen, after 5-10 minutes, the application may close and the route will be interrupted, the same happens with Spotify (music stops) or WhatsApp (no notifications come), the manufacturer motivates this by caring about the battery, but for users this often becomes a problem.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European firmware) some menu items may be called differently or not. If you don't find an option, check the firmware region in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
Method 1: Allow the auto-start of the application
The first step is to give the application the right to run on its own, without which, even after it has been curtailed, it may not be able to restart.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (for example, Viber or 2GIS).
- Slip on Autostart and switch on the switch.
- Go back and press Permissions → Auto Run (on some firmware this item is duplicated).
If you don't have AutoRun, then the application already has that default resolution (as it does with system services), in which case move on to the next method.
Autorun configured | Notifications allowed | Battery optimization disabled |Added to memory cleanup exceptions-->
Method 2: Disable battery optimization
The most effective method is to remove the application from the power saving mode, which will prevent the forced shutdown of the system.
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management by Apps.
- Select an app from the list (or find it through search).
- Put it on without restrictions (on some firmware - No restrictions).
- Confirm your choice by clicking Ready.
On POCO and some Redmi models, the path may be different: Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Select Power Saving Mode → Select the app and install No Limits.
| MIUI version | The Way to Battery Settings | Option name |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | Battery → Battery management | No restrictions. |
| MIUI 14 | Battery and productivity → Consumption management | No restrictions. |
| MIUI 15 (Global) | Battery → Battery saver → App battery saver | No restrictions |
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI Power saving settings can be reset, check them after every major update, especially for Xiaomi users. 12T redmi K50, Where battery optimization bugs are more common.
Method 3: Secure the application in multitasking
If you need to keep the app in the background temporarily (for example, to listen to music or navigate), use the fixation in the multitasking menu:
- Open the app and roll it up with the Home button (or gesture).
- Slip on the app icon in the multitasking panel (or hold your finger to the preview).
- Choose to lock (on some firmware - Block).
The attached application will not be closed when you clear the memory or swipe up. To unlock, hold its preview and select Unlock.
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On POCO F4 and Xiaomi 13, the attached apps are displayed with the lock icon in multitasking. If the icon is not there, then the fixation did not work, repeat the steps.
Method 4: Use Developer Mode (for experienced)
For advanced users, there are hidden settings that allow you to completely disable the limitations of background processes.
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → tap 7 times on the build number.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find options: Do not limit background processes → turn on; Limit background processes → select Without restrictions; Optimize MIUI → turn off (at your own risk!).
Disabling MIUI optimization can cause the battery to run out and the device to overheat, and use this method only if other methods have not worked.
What happens if you turn off MIUI optimization?
Method 5: Special settings for messengers and social networks
For apps like WhatsApp, VK or Telegram, there are additional tricks:
- 📱 Enable push notifications: Settings → Notifications → Notification settings for the application → Allow all types of notifications.
- 🔄 Disable "Adaptive battery": Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery → Deactivate for the desired application.
- 🛡️ Add to "Secure Apps": Some firmwares have a hidden list of secure apps (path: Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Secure applications).
It’s also useful for Instagram and TikTok to disable Data Optimization in the app’s settings – this will prevent content loading breaks in the background.
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For stable operation of messengers in the background, be sure to set up autostart, turn off battery optimization and allow push notifications. Without this notification, they will come with a delay or not come at all.
Frequent problems and solutions
Problem 1: The app closes immediately after locking the screen. Solution: Check the screen lock settings → Sleep mode – if it always is, change to Never for testing.
Problem 2: Music stops at Spotify or YouTube Music Solution: In addition to the basic settings, in the app itself, enable Autoplay and turn off Traffic Savings.
Problem 3: The Navigator (Google Maps) loses the GPS signal. Solution: In the application settings, enable High Accuracy for Geolocation and add it to the Optimization Exceptions.