How to set up the background of applications on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphones are known for their energy efficiency, but aggressive optimization of the MIUI system often blocks applications in the background. Users face problems: messengers do not show notifications, activity trackers lose data, music players are interrupted when the screen is locked. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to adjust background processes, from basic parameters to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

The Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS) features MIUI 12-14 firmware, where battery optimization algorithms are tougher. Even after manual auto-start permission, the system can force applications to close in the background after 5-10 minutes, and we tested all methods on current versions of the software and identified those that actually work.

Why MIUI blocks background applications

The MIUI architecture is initially focused on extending battery life, and the core uses three control mechanisms:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Automatically Limits Application Activity If They Are Not Used for More Than 30 Minutes.
• 🚫 Auto-Start Lock: By default, bans background work for all new apps.
• ⚡ Adaptive brightness: reduces the performance of background processes with low battery charge (below 15%).

On the Redmi Note 9 with the MediaTek Helio G85, these limitations are more pronounced than on flagships with Snapdragon. For example, health monitoring apps (like Google Fit or Mi Band) can lose up to 40% of data due to forced closure. Even popular messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp sometimes do not receive push notifications.

It is important to understand that completely disabling optimization will reduce battery life on the 10-15%. However, for critical applications (for example, trackers for running or working messengers), this compromise is justified.

Method 1: Autostart permission in MIUI settings

The most obvious, but often ignored, method is that on the Redmi Note 9, the path to autorun settings is hidden in the security menu:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Special Accesses.
3. Go to Auto Launch.
4. Find the desired application in the list and activate the switch.

Then check for additional permissions:

• 📱 Block notifications: in the application settings (Settings) → Notifications) enable the option to Show notifications.
• 🔄 Background data transfer: in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data transfer add the application to the list of exceptions.

Auto-start for the application |

Background data transmission | allowed

Notifications are not blocked by the system|

The app is added to the battery optimization exceptions-->

Some MIUI 13+ firmware may not have AutoRun option, in which case use an alternative path: Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management → Application Selection.

Method 2: Disabling Battery Optimization

MIUI defaults adaptive optimization to all applications, to turn it off for a particular software:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select the Applications Selection.
3. Find the right application and set the No Limits mode.

For maximum effect, also disable deep optimization:

• 🔧 In the same menu (Battery Consumption Management) tap three dots in the upper right corner.
• 🔄 Select Reset Optimization Settings and Confirm Action.

💡

If the application still closes after resetting the optimization, try reinstalling it. Sometimes cache resetting (Settings → Apps → Storage → Clear cache) helps to reset the restrictions.

A new option on MIUI 14 firmware has been introduced, Intelligent Management, which must be disabled for problematic applications:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery settings.
2. Turn off the Smart Consumption Management switch.

Method 3: Use of the Engineering Menu (for the experienced)

If standard methods don't work, you can use hidden settings through the engineering menu, which requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to unstable operation of the system.

Instructions for Redmi Note 9:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Battery Information.
3. Scroll down and find the option Battery Optimization.
4. Turn off optimization for the desired applications (the list may not be displayed correctly – focus on packages like com.whatsapp or org.telegram.messenger).

For models with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, the MTK Settings menu is also available:

• 🔧 Enter the combination in the phone: ##36446337##
• 📊 Go to Battery. → Battery Optimization.
• 🔄 Turn off optimization for critical applications.

⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to increased battery consumption or overheating of the device. After setting up, restart the smartphone and check the temperature of the processor within an hour.

Method 4: Adjusting through ADB (for Advanced)

If the system settings do not give a result, you can use ADB-commands to force optimisation to be disabled. This method requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.package.name

(Replace com.package.name with your app’s identifier, such as com.whatsapp).

To check the current status of optimization, use:

adb shell dumpsys deviceidle get deep

If the command returns the packet list, the optimization is active. To completely disable all applications (not recommended!) do:

adb shell settings put global device_idle_constants "aggressive_idle=,inactive_to=,light_idle_from=,light_idle_to=,idle_after_inactive=,sensing_to=,locating_to=,idle_pending_to=,idle_to=,deep_idle_to="

⚠️ Attention: Completely disabling optimization through ADB It can reduce the time of autonomous operation on 20-30%. Use this method only for mission-critical applications and undo changes after you use them.

Method 5: Alternative solutions for persistent problems

If none of these methods worked, try these options:

For applications that require constant activity (for example, Uber or Yandex.Navigator), it will also help:

• 📌 App fastening: Swipe up the icon in the multitasking menu and select the pin icon.
• 🔄 Do not disturb mode with exceptions: c Settings → Notifications → Do not disturb add the app to the list of allowed.
• 🔋 Disconnecting energy saving for SIM-maps: in Settings → SIM-map → Energy saving Deactivate the option.

💡

The most reliable way for activity trackers (like Strava or Endomondo) is to combine auto-run + disable battery optimization + anchor in multitasking.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Redmi Note 9 users make common mistakes when setting up background processes:

• ❌ Disabling Optimization for All Applications → It causes overheating and rapid discharge.
• ❌ Use of "memory cleaners" (such as Clean Master) → Kills background processes forcibly.
• ❌ Resetting settings to factory without prior backup → All optimization exceptions are lost.

The critical feature of Redmi Note 9 is that after the MIUI update, all autorun and optimization settings are reset. Always check them after you install new firmware versions. You can use MacroDroid to automate, which will remind you to check your settings after the updates.

Another common problem is the conflict with Google Play Services, where if an application uses geolocation (such as Google Maps or 2GIS), you must:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Play Services.
2. Choose the Battery. → Consumption management.
3. Set up a no-limit regime.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 For the Redmi Note 9 It gets a bug when you reset your autorun settings for system applications after you restart. MIUI 13.0.8 or use custom restoration TWRP file-edit /data/system/package.xml.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions