Why Xiaomi TV apps don’t close like they do on a smartphone
Xiaomi TVs on the MIUI TV platform or Google TV (in the new models) work very differently than conventional smartphones. Many users try to swipe the applications upwards — like on an Android phone — but nothing comes out. The fact is that the TV interface is optimized for control from the remote, not the touch screen. Moreover, the system itself adjusts the background processes so as not to overload the hardware.
For example, the Mi TV Q2 or Redmi Smart TV X models don't have the classic "task manager" on smartphones. Instead, apps are either folded in the background or completely shut down when they exit, depending on the power saving settings. But what if the application freezes, doesn't respond to remote commands, or just interferes? Next, we'll look at all the working methods, from basic to hidden.
It's important to understand that not all apps need to be closed manually, like YouTube or Netflix on Xiaomi TV often run in the background for a quick start, but if you notice that the TV has started to slow down, warm up or spontaneously reboot, it's a signal that it's time to clean up the background processes.
Method 1: The back button on the remote is the easiest method
The most obvious, but often ignored, way to use the Back button (with a left arrow or a ← icon) on the Xiaomi remote, which in most cases, just press it 2-3 times in a row to return to the home screen and automatically close the current application.
How this works in practice:
- 📺 Click Back Once – the app will fold (if it supports background mode).
- 🔄 Press again and return to the home screen. MIUI TV.
- ❌ If the application is frozen, hold Back for 3-5 seconds – it will forcibly close it (does not work on all models).
Note that on some remotes (such as the Mi TV 4S or Redmi TV A2), the Back button can be paired with the Home button, in which case press it briefly but quickly twice.
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If the back button doesn’t work, check the batteries in the remote – the discharged elements can send signals with a delay.
Method 2: Multitasking menu – how to open and close applications
Unlike smartphones, Xiaomi TV doesn’t have the usual swipe to switch between apps, instead using a special multitasking menu to open it:
- Press and hold the Home button on the remote for 2-3 seconds.
- On the screen will appear a panel with thumbnails of running applications.
- Select the desired application using the Up/Down buttons on the remote.
- Click OK (or Select), then select Close or Cast.
On some models (such as the Mi TV P1 or Xiaomi TV A Pro), the multitasking menu opens with a double tap of Home. If nothing happens, check the firmware version in Settings → About TV.
What to do if the multitasking menu does not open?
Important: The multitasking menu only displays applications that support the background, and system processes (such as Launcher or Google Play Services) will not appear there.
Method 3: Forced stop through settings (for "heavy" applications)
If the app is frozen and does not respond to either the Back or the multitasking menu, it can be forcibly stopped through system settings, which works on all Xiaomi TV models, including the Mi TV 5 Pro and Redmi Smart TV X2022.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings (button with a gear on the remote).
- Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
- Find the right app (like YouTube or IVI) in the list.
- Select "Forced Stop" (or "Stop" in English firmware).
- Confirm the action by pressing OK.
After a forced shutdown, the app will shut down completely and its cache will be reset, which helps if:
- 🎮 The app brakes or flies (e.g., Kodi or emulators).
- 📺 Netflix or Kinopoisk videos slow down.
- 🔊 The sound disappears when switching between applications.
Warning: Do not stop system applications (e.g. com.miui.tv.launch or android.tv.settings) This may cause the interface to crash and the need to reset.
Method 4: Rebooting the TV is a radical but effective method
If none of these things worked and the TV is slow, a full reboot will help, shutting down all apps and clearing RAM. There are two ways to reboot on Xiaomi TV:
| Method | How to execute | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Soft reset | On the remote: Settings → Reboot or hold Power for 5 seconds. | If the TV reacts to the remote, but slows down. |
| Tough reset | Turn off the power outlet for 30 seconds, then turn on. | If the TV is completely frozen and does not respond to the remote. |
| Resetting through a button | Press and hold the physical Reset button on the body (if any). | Only if other methods don’t work (risk of resetting!). |
Once you restart, all applications will shut down and the system will start from scratch, which is especially useful if:
- 🖥️ The TV began to reboot spontaneously.
- 🎛️ The remote stopped responding to some buttons.
- 📶 Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection is lost.
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Hard reboot (disconnect from the socket) use only as a last resort - this can damage the file system if at the time of disconnection there was a record to the disk.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Mi) TV 4A, Redmi TV 70") after a hard reboot, the list of Wi-Fi networks may be reset.
Method 5: Resetting cache and application data (for power users)
If the application is not just hanging, but is constantly slowing down or producing errors, it may be a problem in the corrupted cache, in which case cleaning the data will help, a method more radical than forced stopping, since it deletes all the settings of the application (including logins and stored data).
How to clear the cache:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select a problem app (such as Prime Video or Megogo).
- Click Clear Cache (this is secure and does not delete account details).
- If it doesn’t help, click “Clear Data” (this will remove all the settings of the application!).
After cleaning the data, you will have to re-up:
- 🔑 Sign up for an account (such as Disney)+ okko).
- 📽️ Customize video quality (resolution, subtitles).
- 🔊 Restore the list of chosen.
🔹 Remember the login and password from the service
🔹 Take screenshots of important settings (e.g., a list of channels in the IPTV)
🔹 Check if there is a backup in the cloud (for some applications)
🔹 Close all background tasks before cleaning-->
On Xiaomi TV models with MIUI TV 3.0 firmware and later, the data cleanup of the Smart Home app will lead to the uncoupling of all smart devices. They will have to be reconnected!
Additional tips: how to avoid hanging apps
To ensure that the applications on Xiaomi TV do not freeze or slow down, follow these recommendations:
- 🔄 Regularly update the firmware: new versions MIUI TV Optimize your memory. Check for updates in Settings. → Updating the system.
- 🧹 Clear the cache every 1-2 months for frequently used applications (YouTube, browser, IPTV).
- 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources – they may contain viruses or conflict with the system.
- 📶 Use wired Internet connection (Ethernet) for streaming services – this will reduce the load on the processor.
- 🔋 Turn off the TV from the outlet at night (if there is no function "Eco-mode") - this resets the background processes.
If your TV supports Google TV (e.g., Xiaomi TV A2 2023), use the built-in System Optimization feature:
- Open Settings → System → Optimization.
- Select "Clear Memory."
- Confirm the action – the system will automatically close the unnecessary processes.
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On 2GB of RAM TVs (such as the Mi TV Q1), try not to open more than 3-4 apps at once – this can lead to an automatic reboot.