How to Freeze Applications on Xiaomi MIUI 12: 5 Proven Ways

Why freezing apps on MIUI 12 isn’t just about “deleting”

Freezing applications on Xiaomi with the MIUI 12 shell is not just a way to free up space in memory, but a whole strategy for optimizing the smartphone. Unlike completely removing, freezing allows you to suspend the background activity of programs without losing their data and settings. This is especially true for pre-installed system applications (so-called bloatware), which can not be removed by standard means, but which actively consume battery and processor resources.

In MIUI 12, freezing is more complicated than in later versions of the shell (such as MIUI 14 or HyperOS), where the feature has become more accessible, where the user has to either dig into hidden settings or resort to tools like ADB or third-party utilities, but the result is that after the correct “freeze” smartphone starts to work 15-30% faster, and battery life increases by an average of 10-15%.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be frozen without consequences, for example, if you suspend system services like com.miui.securitycenter, you can crash your phone, so before you start, you should check the list of safe programs to freeze, which we will show below.

Method 1: Freeze through “Settings” (without root)

The simplest method, which doesn't require any additional tools, is to use the built-in MIUI 12 features, but it doesn't work with all applications, only those that support background activity restriction.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Slip on Battery.
4. In the Background Activity section, select Limit.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

This method is not a full freeze, but it suspends background processes, which already reduces the load on the system, unfortunately, this way you can not block system applications, they will require more radical methods.

⚠️ Note: Limiting background activity for instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) will cause you to stop receiving notifications about new messages.

Make a backup copy of important application data

Check if the application is system-based.

Make sure you have enough battery power (minimum 30%)

Remember the current app settings (if you plan to defrost it later)-->

Method 2: Use of ADB (for power users)

If you want to freeze a system application that cannot be removed or restricted through settings, you will need to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but does not require root rights.

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (use the original cable for connection stability).

ADB Tools

cmd

Terminal

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter the command to freeze:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with a real app package (e.g. com.miui.weather2 for a standard weather app).

To defrost the application, use:

adb shell pm enable com.example.app

⚠️ Warning: Some system applications (e.g., com.android.phone) cannot be frozen, causing loss of communication and other critical failures.

Method 3: Freeze applications (without root)

If ADB seems too complicated, you can use third-party utilities. MIUI 12 without root rights runs the following applications:

• 🔹 App Freezer is a simple tool with an intuitive interface that allows you to freeze and defrost applications with one tap.
• 🔹 Bloatware Uninstaller – besides freezing, it can remove system applications (requires caution!). ADB, but automate the process.
• 🔹 Greenify is a classic battery optimization tool. In No Root mode, it can pause background activity, but it doesn't block apps completely.

To use these applications:

1. Download the utility from Google Play or from the official website (for example, XDA Developers).
2. Provide the necessary permissions (access to special features or ADB).
3. Select the freezer apps from the list.
4. Confirm the action.

Important: Freezing apps may conflict with the MIUI Security Center. If the smartphone starts to brake after using the utility, try adding it to the exceptions in the battery settings.

Through MIUI settings

With ADB

I use third-party apps.

I don't freeze it, I remove it completely.

I tried it, but it didn't work out.-->

Method 4: Freeze with root rights (for advanced)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is unlocked and has root access, the freeze capabilities are expanded many times over.

• 🔹 Titanium Backup is a legendary backup and freeze application that allows you to create backups before freezing and recover data when defrosting.
• 🔹 SD Maid – a utility for cleaning the system that can freeze applications and delete their residual files.
• 🔹 System App Remover is a powerful tool for working with system applications, can both freeze and completely remove bloatware.

The process of freezing through Titanium Backup:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. Go to the Backup/Restore tab.
3. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
4. Choose the option to freeze!
5. Confirm the action.

The advantage of root is that you can freeze any application, including critical system applications, but the rule is that the deeper the intervention, the higher the risk, and improper freezing can lead to a bootloop or loss of functionality.

💡

Before freezing system applications through root, make a full backup of the system using TWRP. This will restore the health of the smartphone in the event of a failure.

Method 5: Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If none of these approaches work, you can try alternatives, which are less versatile, but they can help in certain situations.

For example, Guest Mode is useful if you want to temporarily restrict access to certain apps (such as a child or colleague) to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Additional → Multiple Users.
2. Turn on the guest option.
3. Set up a profile by removing or disabling unnecessary apps.

What to do if after freezing the smartphone began to slow down?

Sometimes, after freezing applications, users experience slowdowns, lags, or even overheating of the device, which can occur for several reasons:

• 🔸 A critical system application (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) has been frozen).
• 🔸 Conflict between frozen app and background services.
• 🔸 Incorrect operation of the freezer utility (especially relevant for third-party programs).
• 🔸 Cache and temporary files accumulated due to suspended cleanup.

Here is an algorithm for restoring normal operation:

1. Unfreeze the last frozen app and check if the lags have disappeared.
2. If the problem persists, unfreeze all the apps and freeze them one by one, testing the system after each step.
3. Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
4. Restart your smartphone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Restart in Safe Mode) and check if the lags are still there. If not, the problem is in one of the third-party apps.
5. In extreme cases, reset your settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).

⚠️ Warning: If the basic functions (calls, mobile internet, Wi-Fi) have stopped working after freezing, immediately unfreeze all system applications and restart the device.

💡

Always start by freezing unnecessary user applications, not system ones, and this minimizes the risk of crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about freezing apps on MIUI 12