Closing apps on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected problems, from βhangβ programs to fast battery discharge due to background work. Unlike iPhone or βpureβ Android, the MIUI shell has its own process management features. For example, simply βswipingβ 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 βhangβ 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).
- π± 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.
- π§Ή "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.
- β‘ Autoclean β If there is no βClose Allβ 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 systemβs 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:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Select the desired app from the list (use search to speed up).
- Press Forced Stop (button is only active for running processes).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
β οΈ 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:
- π§ Miui System UI (responsible for the notification panel)
- π‘ Google Play Services (required for most applications)
- π Security Center (antivirus and optimizer)
What if the βForced Stopβ button is inactive?
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:
- Open Security (the shield icon on the desktop).
- Go to the "Optimization" tab (or "Acceleration").
- Click "Clean" - this will close all background processes, except system.
- 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.
| Closure method | Speed. | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multitasking menu | βββββ | ββ (not always a complete closure) | No. |
| Forced stopping | βββ | ββββ | The collapse of system applications |
| Security optimizer | ββββ | ββββ | Can close down the necessary processes |
| ADB-team | ββ | βββββ | Data loss in error |
4.Closure through Developer (ADB)
For advanced users, there is a way to close apps via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- π The app automatically restarts after closing (e.g. Mi Video or GetApps).
- π« No right to stop (button is inactive).
- π± You need to close the system application without root rights.
Instructions:
- 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.
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
- Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:
adb shell am force-stop com.package.nameTo find out com.package.name, use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"β οΈ 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 youβre 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:
- Go to Settings β Battery and Performance β Battery Management.
- Select "Battery Mode Select" and activate "Performance" (maximum limitation of background processes).
- Go back and click "Battery Optimization" β turn on "Memory Cleanup When Screen Locks".
- For fine-tuning, go to Settings β Applications β Application Management β [Select App] β Battery and set βRestricted Background Mode.β
This method reduces the battery consumption 10-15% It's a process that's aggressively shutting down unused processes, but it has its downsides:
- β° WhatsApp/Telegram They may not be able to provide notifications on time.
- π± Some apps (such as fitness trackers) will stop syncing in the background.
- π 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:
- π βWhip up and holdβ gesture β 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.
- π€ Voice command: activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI and say, "Close [app name]." Works only for applications from the multitasking menu.
- βοΈ The βRecentβ button in the navigation bar β 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:
- π You are driving and you cannot use both hands.
- π The battery is running out, and you need to quickly free up memory.
- πΆ Your child is playing on the phone and you want to remotely close the game.