Modern smart TVs running on Android TV or Xiaomi’s PatchWall operate on the same principles as smartphones, which means that running programs continue to consume RAM even after you stop using them, which over time leads to a noticeable slowdown in the interface and the appearance of “lags” when switching channels or launching videos.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to just return to the home screen to stop the program from working. However, background processes often remain active, loading the processor and taking up valuable megabytes of RAM. Understanding how to properly manage running tasks is key to the stable operation of your device.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of stopping applications, from standard system tools to the use of third-party utilities, you will learn not only to close individual programs, but also to conduct a complete memory cleanup, which is especially true for models with a small amount of built-in storage.
Staff means of closing programs in the PatchWall interface
PatchWall, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi Mi TVs, has its own running process control specifics. Unlike classic Android, there is no single “Close All” button on the default home screen, but it provides basic tools to manage active windows through the multitasking menu.
To view newly launched applications, you need to press the central button on the remote control (usually marked as OK or has the Mi logo). After that, a list of running programs will appear on the screen. Navigation is done by arrows, and selection is done by the confirmation button. To stop a particular program, you need to select it and press the menu button (three dots or strips) on the remote if this option is supported by the current version of the firmware.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of this method varies depending on the version of the shell. In some cases, the system will only fold the application, leaving it hanging in memory. For deeper cleaning, you need to use a built-in memory cleaner, which can be found in the settings section or call it with a voice assistant.
⚠️ Note: Do not close system processes marked with an Android or Xiaomi icon, as this can lead to unstable TV performance or an unexpected reboot.
Use of built-in memory cleaner
The most effective way to free up resources is to use a special tool called Memory Cleanup, which compels you to complete background processes that have not been closed correctly, and you can find it by going to the settings menu or searching the system.
The cleaning process takes only a few seconds, but gives a tangible increase in performance. the system analyzes resource consumption and completes tasks that are not critical to the operation of the OS. This is especially useful after long watching heavy content in 4K or using resource-intensive games.
☑️ Memory cleaning algorithm
After the procedure is completed, you will notice that navigation on the menu has become smoother. Regular use of this feature is recommended for models with a memory capacity of less than 2 GB. For more powerful devices, it is enough to clean every few days of active use.
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To quickly call for memory cleanup on some Xiaomi remotes, a short press of a button with the image of a gear or a special “Mi” button is enough.
Forced Stop through Android Settings
If the application is stuck or is not behaving correctly, standard closure may not be enough, in which case you need to use the deep settings of the Android TV operating system, which allows you to completely forcibly stop the process, resetting its state.
To access these settings, go to Settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner). Next, select App or All Apps. In the list that opens, find the problem program. The interface may differ depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.
Once you select an app, you will open a screen with information about it, and here you are interested in the Force Stop button, and pressing this button will ensure that all the processes associated with this application will be completed and you will free up busy memory.
| Action. | The way is on the menu | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Viewing the list | Settings → Applications → All applications | Displaying all installed programs |
| Stopping. | Selected Application → Forced Stop | Complete completion of the process |
| Clearing the cache | Selected Application → Clear the Cache | Deletion of temporary files |
| Removal | Selected Appendix → Delete | Complete program uninstall |
Use this method if the program has stopped responding to remote commands, or if the TV has started making sounds from the speaker, even though you are on a different menu.
Installation of third-party task managers
Xiaomi and Android TV are not always easy to use, and if you're used to controlling every megabyte of memory, it makes sense to install a dedicated task manager from the Google Play Store, which allows you to close processes in one click.
Popular solutions are Background Apps and Process List or Sidespeed Launcher, which provide more detailed information about running services and allow them to be completed en masse, and are installed in a standard way through a search in the app store.
Once you install this manager, you get quick access to the list of active processes, and often these programs have a widget on the home screen, which speeds up access to the cleanup function, but it's worth remembering that installing additional software also consumes the resources of the device.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing accelerators from unknown developers who promise incredible speed increases, often consuming more resources than they save and containing intrusive advertising.
Top Safe Task Managers for Android TV
Managing Autoboot and Background Processes
One of the reasons why the TV starts to run slowly is that there are so many programs running automatically with the system. Autoboot is a handy tool for frequently used services, but the enemy of performance is dozens of such programs.
Newer PatchWall firmware has the ability to limit background activity, and check the settings of each application you install: some have their own settings where you can turn off Auto Update or Start at System Start, which will significantly reduce the CPU load in the first minutes after you turn on the TV.
Also worth paying attention to services you don't use, for example, if you don't listen to music through a service, there's no point in keeping it active. Removing unused apps is the best way to prevent them from running in the background.
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Regularly auditing installed applications and disabling auto-start for rarely used programs is the best way to prevent slowing down Xiaomi Mi TV.
What to do if the application does not close
In rare cases, a program can enter a cycle of errors and stop responding to any commands, including forced stops, the screen can freeze, and the remote control can stop controlling the interface, in which a more radical approach is required.
The first step should always be to fully restart the device, not just to put it into sleep mode. To do this, press and hold the power button on the remote (or on the TV body) for 5-10 seconds until the turn off menu appears, and select Reboot. If the remote does not respond, you can pull the power cord from the socket for 30 seconds.
If the problem with a particular application is recurring all the time, try to clear its data.This will return the program to the “post-installing” state, but will require re-authorization. Path: Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Clear the data.
As a last resort, if the system is completely got stuck and unresponsive, use a physical power button on the TV itself.A short press usually triggers a menu, and a long one (more than 10 seconds) can force the device to shut down, although this method is not recommended to be used often so as not to damage the file system.