Xiaomi’s current Android TV smart TVs are impressively functional, but sometimes run into a lack of RAM, because many running programs continue to run in the background even after you’ve stopped using them, and can result in a noticeable slowdown, long responses to remote commands, or a complete system freeze.
Unlike smartphones, where running tasks are intuitively controlled, on a big TV screen, this mechanism is often hidden from the eyes of the average user. Forced stopping unnecessary services is not just a way to free up resources, but also an effective way to solve problems with video playback or streaming services. Understanding how to manage active windows is a basic skill for any smart tech owner.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to close applications on Mi TVs and Mi Box. We will look at standard methods through the remote, deep cleaning through system settings, as well as advanced options for experienced users. Proper management of running processes will prolong the life of the device and ensure the stable operation of your home theater.
Why you should close apps on Android TV
Many users mistakenly believe that the Android operating system is self-sufficient and perfectly manages memory, so manual intervention is not required. However, in the realities of set-top boxes and smart TVs, RAM (RAM) resources are often limited compared to mobile phones. When you open a heavy application, such as Netflix or YouTube in 4K, it takes up a significant amount of memory. If you just go to the main screen, the process can remain active for quick launch, but over time this leads to memory fragmentation.
The main reason to shut down programs periodically is to fix software errors. Sometimes an application can "hang" in the background, consuming CPU resources and causing the device to heat up. In such cases, standard desktop access does not help, and it requires a forced stop, this is especially true for streaming services, which may have errors in code or conflict with system updates.
⚠️ Attention: Excessive focus on manually cleaning all applications can backfire. Android is designed to keep frequently used programs in memory for instant launch. Only stop processes that are not working properly or that are clearly slowing down the system.
In addition, closing background tasks helps solve network connection problems. Some applications may constantly try to synchronize data or update content in the background, creating a load on the TV's Wi-Fi module. This can manifest as video buffering in other running players. Freeing up resources allows you to focus the CPU power on the current task, allowing for smoother content playback.
Basic method: Closing through the Home button and task menu
The easiest and fastest way to close an active app on a Xiaomi TV is to use the home screen return button. On a standard Mi Remote or Bluetooth Voice Remote, this button is usually marked with a house or Mi logo. A short tap does not close the program completely, but only folds it, leaving it in the list of recent actions. This is convenient for multitasking, but does not free up memory.
To close completely through the standard interface, double-click the Home button, which triggers the running app menu, which displays all currently active windows, and in this menu, you can select an unnecessary app and click the context menu button (three dots or settings icon on the screen), then select the Close or Delete option, which is the most secure and recommended for daily use.
- 📺 Click the Home button twice to open the list of running apps.
- 🗑️ Select the application that you want to close using directional pad on the remote control.
- ✅ Confirm the action by pressing the “OK” button or the corresponding option on the screen.
It’s worth noting that in different versions of the PatchWall shell or pure Android TV, the interface may differ slightly. In some firmware, double-clicking the Home button immediately clears all background processes, which is a very convenient feature for quick optimization. If double-clicking causes voice search, check the remote settings in Settings → Device → Remote.
☑️ Checking the closure of applications
Forced Stop through System Settings
If the application does not respond to standard commands or completely blocked the interface, you need to use built-in Android application management tools. This method allows you not only to close the window, but completely stop the process by clearing the RAM it occupies. To access these settings, you will need to go to the main menu of the TV and find the Settings section.
Within the settings menu, select Apps (or All Apps) and list the full software installed, including system services and user programs. Find a problem app like Kinopoisk or ivi and click on it. The app information page will open with the Stop or Forced Stop button.
| Action. | Description | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Stop it. | Completes the current application process | The application is closed, the data is stored |
| Clear the cache | Deletes temporary files | Frees up space without deleting logins |
| Clear the data | Resets the application to factory settings | Repeated authorization is required |
Using Clear Data requires special care. If you select this option, the application will return to state immediately after installation: all your settings, browsing history and most importantly, login data will be deleted. Use this option only if the application is not working correctly even after reinstalling or stopping completely.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to stop system services whose names you do not know (e.g. Android System, Google Play Services).Forcing critical system components to stop can lead to unstable TV operation or cyclical restart.
Using third-party utilities to clean up memory
For users who don't want to dig into the deep settings menu every time, there are specialized optimization apps. In the Google Play Store, you can find many utilities on your TV, such as TV App Repo, Sideload Launcher or specialized cleaners. These programs allow you to close processes in one click, which is especially useful when using TV for older people or children.
One popular strategy is to install launchers or monitoring utilities that hang in the background and periodically automatically clear memory. However, it is important to keep a balance: too aggressive cleaning can lead to the fact that favorite applications will be loaded longer, as the system will have to run them from scratch, not from RAM.
- 🚀 Install a memory cleaner app from the Google Play Store.
- ⚙️ Set up automatic cleaning when you reach a certain loading threshold RAM.
- 📊 Use the widget on the home screen for quick access to the cleaning function.
Can system applications be removed?
When choosing a third-party utility, pay attention to the permissions it requests. A memory cleaner application does not need access to your files, microphone or camera. If the program requires excessive rights, it is better to abandon it in favor of more proven analogues.
Remote management via smartphone and ADB
For advanced users who want to gain full control of their Xiaomi TV, There is a possibility of control over the Android debugging bridge (ADB). This method allows you to close processes that are not closed by regular means, or remove undeletable system applications. ADB Shell or use a computer with Android Debug Bridge installed.
The first step is to activate the developer mode on the TV, and then go to Settings → About Device → Build and quickly press the select button (OK) 7 times. After the message “You became a developer” appears, a new section “Developers” will appear in the settings menu, and you need to turn on “Debugging by USB”.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX
adb shell am force-stop com.package.nameUsing the am force-stop command with the name of the packet, you can instantly kill any process. The name of the packet can be found through analyzer applications or in the list of applications in the settings (bottom of the application information page), this method is most effective at fighting malware or deep-seated errors, but requires accuracy in commands.
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Use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone if you lose your remote, which allows you to fully control your TV, including text input and menu navigation, which is convenient for complex settings.
Reboot as a method of complete cleaning
The most radical, but often the most effective way to shut down all applications and reset all system processes is to completely reboot the device. Unlike the sleep mode that Xiaomi TVs go into when the power button is turned off, a full reboot shuts down the motherboard and reboots the operating system, which guarantees that RAM will be cleared of any “junk” processes.
There are a number of ways to reboot, and the best way to do that is through the Settings menu → Device → About System → Reboot. Many of the Mi Remote remotes also have a hidden feature: if you press the power switch for 5-10 seconds, you will see a menu with the option of “Reboot” or “Switch off.”
Regularly restarting your TV (e.g. once a week) is recommended as a preventative measure, helping to reset accumulated errors in the operation of network modules and video decoders. If your TV started to work slowly, do not rush to reset it to factory settings - often just reboot the system qualitatively.
⚠️ Warning: Never pull the power cord out of the socket while the TV is running unless it is urgently needed.A sudden power outage can damage the file system and damage the firmware, after which the TV may stop turning on.
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Regularly restarting your TV (1-2 times a week) is the best way to keep your system running without using third-party software.