WhatsApp shutdowns on Xiaomi smartphones can be necessary for a variety of reasons, from a desire to concentrate on work to the need to save battery power. Unlike complete deletion, suspending the messenger allows you to save all chats and settings, returning access to them at any time. However, standard methods of disabling (for example, through Forced Stop) often work incorrectly due to the features of MIUI and background processes of Android.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to temporarily deactivate WhatsApp on Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark devices, including hidden MIUI settings, mobile data restriction and using Digital Well-being mode. We will focus on the nuances for different firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15) and models with HyperOS. You will also learn how to avoid accidental activation of the messenger after a phone reboot.
1. Disconnection through application settings (method for MIUI 14/15)
The most obvious, but not always effective, way to do this is to use Android’s built-in tools, a method that is suitable for users who want to quickly suspend WhatsApp without making deep changes to the system.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find WhatsApp (or WhatsApp Messenger) in the list).
- 🛑 Press Forced Stop (in) MIUI 15 can be called Stopping).
- ⚙️ In additional settings, turn off Autostart and Background Activity.
⚠️ Note: After the phone is restarted, WhatsApp can automatically resume operation if you do not turn off autostart.
Is auto-start disabled in the application settings|Whether the rights to send notifications have been removed|Is background synchronization off?|Checked if WhatsApp is not listed in the "Secure Apps" list"-->
To turn off notifications completely, go to Settings → Notifications → WhatsApp and deactivate all switches. In MIUI 14+, you can also use the Do Not Disturb feature for a specific application.
2. Internet blocking for WhatsApp (without root)
If the messenger continues to work in the background, you can completely block its access to the network, this method is guaranteed to disable sending / receiving messages, but save all chat data.
How to limit traffic:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.
- Select Background Limitation for Applications (in MIUI 15 – Data Use).
- Find WhatsApp in the list and turn off the switches for Mobile Data and Wi-Fi.
| Locking method | Efficiency | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Forced stopping | ⭐⭐ (middle-class) | Resume after reboot, notifications accumulate |
| Blocking the Internet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high-pitched) | Does not block local notifications, requires manual activation |
| Digital Well-Being Regime | ⭐⭐⭐ (good-natured) | Time limit, not complete shutdown |
💡 Useful advice: B MIUI There's a hidden Traffic Saving feature that can automatically limit WhatsApp's background activity. To activate it, go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Savings in battery charge → Settings → Save traffic and add messenger to the list of limited applications.
Forced stopping|Blocking the Internet|Deletion of account|Don't disturb mode"|None of the above.-->
3.Using the Digital Wellbeing regime
The Digital Well-being feature, available on Xiaomi with MIUI 12 and later, allows apps to temporarily suspend their timer, which is handy if you need to turn off WhatsApp for a few hours (such as during a sleep or an important meeting).
Step-by-step:
- 🕒 Open the Settings. → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.
- 📊 Select the Control Panel (or Dashboard in) MIUI 15).
- ⏳ Click on the App Timer and find WhatsApp.
⚠️ Note: WhatsApp will automatically resume after the timer expires, and if you need to extend the shutdown, you will have to re-activate the timer, and this method does not block incoming calls via WhatsApp, they will arrive in normal mode.
What if there is no Digital Well-Being?
4. Disconnection through "Secure Applications" (hidden method)
MIUI has a little-known feature called Secure Apps, which by default includes WhatsApp in the list of system processes, and if you remove the messenger from there, the system will stop automatically restarting it.
How to do this:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Special Access.
- Find the Secure Applications (in the MIUI 15 may be called Auto-Run Applications).
- Uncheck the box in front of WhatsApp.
- Return to the main settings of the application and perform Forced Stop.
After these actions, WhatsApp will not start automatically even after the phone is restarted, but all notifications and messages will remain in line and will come immediately after the messenger is manually launched.
💡
Disabling from the Secure Apps list is the only method that is guaranteed to prevent WhatsApp from auto-starting after Xiaomi reboots.
5. Chat Archivation and Account Deletion (last resort)
If you need to permanently disable WhatsApp but still keep your email history, you can use the archiving feature, which is suitable for users who plan to return an account in a few weeks or months.
Instructions for archiving and temporary deletion:
- 📁 In WhatsApp itself, go to the ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup and create a copy (preferably in Google Drive).
- 🔄 Wait for the backup to be completed (check the date of the last copy).
- 🗑️ Delete your account through Settings → Account. → Delete my account.
- 📥 If necessary, restore chats later by reinstalling WhatsApp and logging in with the same number.
⚠️ Note: Deleting your account will result in:
- 🚫 Disappear from all groups (you will have to join them again).
- 🔄 Reset privacy settings (last activity, profile photo).
- ⏳ Delay in backup recovery (may take up to 24 hours).
💡 Important: If you use Xiaomi with firmware for China (without Google services), backup to the cloud is not available. In this case, save chats locally through Settings → chat → Chat export (send yourself to the post office).
6. Alternative methods (for advanced users)
If the standard methods don't work, you can use additional tools, which take longer to set up, but give you flexibility in managing the messenger.
Method 1: Use of the second space (Dual Apps)
Dual Apps in MIUI allows you to create a WhatsApp clone and disable the original app, so you can retrieve access via a duplicate at any time.
Settings → Applications → Dual Apps → Select WhatsApp → Create a cloneMethod 2: Freeze through ADB (without root)
For users familiar with ADB, there is a command to temporarily disable the app:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.whatsappTo return WhatsApp, use:
adb shell pm enable com.whatsappMethod 3: Setup automatic shutdown via Tasker
Tasker allows you to create rules for automatically disabling WhatsApp on a schedule (for example, at night or during business hours).
- Create a task with the Stop App → WhatsApp action.
- Add a condition by time or location.
- Activate the profile.
1. "Working Mode" - blocks WhatsApp from 9:00 to 18:00.
2. "Personal mode" - unlocks the messenger after 18:00.
This will eliminate the need for manual control.-->