How to close the application on the Xiaomi phone: all ways for MIUI

Closing apps on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected problems, from β€œhang” programs to fast battery discharge due to background work. Unlike iPhone or β€œpure” Android, the MIUI shell has its own process management features. For example, simply β€œswiping” from the multitasking menu does not always mean the complete completion of the application.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to close applications on Xiaomi, from basic to hidden functions for power users. You will learn how to forcefully stop a β€œhang” program, why some applications automatically restart, and how to set up auto-cleaning memory without manual intervention. The instructions are relevant for all modern models: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 14/13T and others on MIUI 14/15.

1.Fast closing through the multitasking menu

The most obvious way is to use the standard menu of recent apps, which on Xiaomi opens with a swipe from the bottom up with a delay (on models with a physical home button - double tap).

  • πŸ“± Swipe up -- closes one app. Some models (POCO F4, Redmi K60) Swipe is required to the end of the screen, otherwise the program is minimized.
  • 🧹 "Close everything" - the button appears after the swipe left / right on the preview of the application. MIUI 14+ It's hidden behind a long swipe down.
  • ⚑ Autoclean – If there is no β€œClose All” button, turn it on to Settings β†’ Home screen β†’ Recent annexes β†’ Show the "Clear" button".

Important: MIUI caches frequently used applications (like WhatsApp or Telegram). Even after "closing" they can remain in memory for quick launch. To check if the program is actually closed, use Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ [Title] β†’ Status.

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If the multitasking menu is delayed, try turning off animations in Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Delete animations. This will speed up the system’s response by 20-30%.

2. Forced stop through settings

Some applications (especially system or administrator applications) do not close in the standard way, and in such cases, forced shutdown will help:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the desired app from the list (use search to speed up).
  3. Press Forced Stop (button is only active for running processes).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Warning: Forced shutdown of system applications (e.g. com.miui.home) can lead to a crash of the interface MIUI. After this action, the screen can go out on 5-10 Then reset, and then reset. Don't use this method to:

  • πŸ”§ Miui System UI (responsible for the notification panel)
  • πŸ“‘ Google Play Services (required for most applications)
  • πŸ”’ Security Center (antivirus and optimizer)
What if the β€œForced Stop” button is inactive?
This means that the application is either already stopped or is system-based with superuser rights. In the first case, check its status in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Use. In the second case, you will need to disconnect through ADB (instruction in section 5).

3. Use of "Security App"

MIUI has a built-in optimizer called Security, which not only scans for viruses, but also manages background processes, to close down all unnecessary applications:

  1. Open Security (the shield icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the "Optimization" tab (or "Acceleration").
  3. Click "Clean" - this will close all background processes, except system.
  4. For selective cleaning, click "Autostart Management" and manually disable unnecessary applications.

The advantage of this method is that it shuts down dozens of processes simultaneously, including those that don't appear in the multitasking menu. For example, Facebook or Instagram often leaves background services to track location or notifications. Security finds and stops them.

πŸ“Š How often do you clean up background processes on Xiaomi?
Every day.
Once a week.
Only when the phone is slowing down.
Never clean.
Closure methodSpeed.EfficiencyRisks.
Multitasking menu⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (not always a complete closure)No.
Forced stopping⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The collapse of system applications
Security optimizer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Can close down the necessary processes
ADB-team⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Data loss in error

4.Closure through Developer (ADB)

For advanced users, there is a way to close apps via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

  • πŸ”„ The app automatically restarts after closing (e.g. Mi Video or GetApps).
  • 🚫 No right to stop (button is inactive).
  • πŸ“± You need to close the system application without root rights.

Instructions:

  1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (click 7 times), then Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging over USB.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
  3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:
adb shell am force-stop com.package.name

To find out com.package.name, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

⚠️ Closing system packages (e.g. com.android.phone) via phone calls ADB This can cause you to lose your mobile network before you restart.Always check the name of the packet before you execute a command.

Install ADB-PC drivers|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the name of the application package-->

5. Automatic memory cleanup (MIUI setup)

If you’re tired of manually closing apps, set up automatic memory cleanup in MIUI.This method is suitable for models with 4GB of RAM and less, where background processes have a strong impact on performance.

How to turn on:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery and Performance β†’ Battery Management.
  2. Select "Battery Mode Select" and activate "Performance" (maximum limitation of background processes).
  3. Go back and click "Battery Optimization" β†’ turn on "Memory Cleanup When Screen Locks".
  4. For fine-tuning, go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ [Select App] β†’ Battery and set β€œRestricted Background Mode.”

This method reduces the battery consumption 10-15% It's a process that's aggressively shutting down unused processes, but it has its downsides:

  • ⏰ WhatsApp/Telegram They may not be able to provide notifications on time.
  • πŸ“± Some apps (such as fitness trackers) will stop syncing in the background.
  • πŸ”„ When unlocking the phone, there may be a delay in 1-2 Seconds to open frequently used programs.

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Automated memory cleaning is most effective on smartphones with 3-4 GB of RAM (Redmi 9A, POCO M3). On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) it is better to disable this feature - it negatively affects multitasking.

6. Hidden functions: gestures and voice commands

Few people know, but MIUI has alternative ways to close applications:

  • πŸ‘† β€œWhip up and hold” gesture – on some models (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4 GT) Long-term retention of the swipe up in the multitasking menu opens the split screen mode, but if you swipe the application to the upper right corner, it will close without the possibility of restoring the device.
  • 🎀 Voice command: activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI and say, "Close [app name]." Works only for applications from the multitasking menu.
  • βš™οΈ The β€œRecent” button in the navigation bar – if you have virtual buttons enabled (Settings) β†’ Home screen β†’ The button "Recent"), a long press on it will open an extended menu with the option "Clear all".

These methods are useful in situations where:

  • πŸš— You are driving and you cannot use both hands.
  • πŸ”‹ The battery is running out, and you need to quickly free up memory.
  • πŸ‘Ά Your child is playing on the phone and you want to remotely close the game.

FAQ: Frequent questions about closing apps on Xiaomi

❓ Why does the app open again after closing?
This involves auto-starting in MIUI. To disable: Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ [Name] β†’ Auto-Start. Turn off the Auto-Start switch. To completely disable, also disable Background Activity from the same menu. Exceptions: System applications (such as Miui Daemon) cannot be disabled without super-user rights.
❓ How to Close All Apps Immediately?
There are 3 ways: Multitasking Menu: swipe left/right on the application preview and click "Clean it all." Optimizer: open Security β†’ Optimization β†’ Gesture: On some models, swipeing down with a delay in the multitasking menu clears everything up. ⚠️ Nana POCO-The β€œClear All” button may be hidden in devices – turn it on in Settings β†’ Home screen β†’ Recent annexes.
❓ Can System Applications Be Closed?
Partially. System applications (e.g. Miui System or Google Play Services) cannot be completely closed without root rights. β†’ Battery β†’ Select battery mode (set "charge savings"). Disable notifications: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ [Annex] β†’ Disable, use, use. ADB to disable autostart (command: adb shell pm disable-user) --user 0 com.package.name). ⚠️ Disabling critical system applications (e.g. com.miui.home) will cause your phone to lose its performance.
❓ Why is it still hanging in memory after the app is closed?
This is a feature of MIUI and Android: Caching: the system leaves inactive processes in memory for quick start-up. This does not affect performance. Background services: some applications (like Facebook) run hidden services that do not appear in the multitasking menu. Check them in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ [Title] β†’ Status. Optimization of MIUI: The shell can "freeze" applications instead of completely closing. To avoid this, turn on "Developer Mode" and activate "Do Not Activity" (Settings β†’ For developers β†’ Do Not Stay Activity).
❓ How to close the app if the screen does not respond?
If the phone is frozen, try: Forced Reboot: press the power button + increase volume for 10-15 seconds. ADB via PC: adb shell input keyevent 3 (this simulates pressing the Home button, sometimes helps to regain control). Safe Mode: When you boot the phone, press the volume button until the Safe Mode logo appears. In this mode, all third-party applications will be turned off. If nothing helps, only hard reset (loss of data). To do this, press the power button + volume increase before the Recovery menu appears.