How to completely remove “Recent Apps” on Xiaomi: hiding the launch history in MIUI

The list of recent apps in Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for quickly switching between tasks, but not all users like it. Some people want to hide the launch history for privacy reasons, some people are hampered by the visual clutter in the multitasking menu, and some simply prefer a minimalist interface without unnecessary elements. MIUI (14 or 15) and device models (Redmi Note 12, Poco) X5, Xiaomi 13T etc.) the ways of disabling this function vary from standard settings to use ADB-team.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods for removing recent applications, including hidden developer options, editing system files (for advanced users), and alternative launchers. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of the firmware and the possible consequences of each method. If you are looking for a way to completely clear the history or disable the list display, here you will find work solutions with step-by-step instructions and screenshots.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require root rights or developer mode activation. If you are not sure about your actions, use only standard settings to avoid system failures.

1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest way to hide recent applications is to use built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions (starting with MIUI 12.5), completely disabling the feature is not available via the GUI, but you can limit its display or reset the story.

To clear the list of recent apps:

1. Open the multitasking menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold).
2. Click on the “Close All” icon (usually located at the bottom of the center or right).
3. Confirm the action if a request appears.

To limit the number of applications displayed:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → System settings.
2. Select “Restriction of Background Processes”.
3. Set the value “No Background Processes” (this won’t delete the story, but will shorten its display).

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 15 on some models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) If you don't have an option, you can move on to the next method.

2. Disconnection through Developer Mode

If standard settings don’t work, you can use hidden developer mode options, which works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Poco F5, Redmi K60 and other MIUI 14/15 models.

Instructions for activation and configuration:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on “MIUI Version” (you will be notified “You are a developer”).

Settings → Additional → For Developers

"Do not keep the action."

Don't keep activities

“Predicting action”

Predictive back gesture

⚠️ Note: Don't keep activities will cause all applications to close when they leave, which can affect usability (e.g. chats in instant messengers will have to be reopened).

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If the option doesn’t show up after the developer mode is turned on, try restarting the device or updating the MIUI to the latest version.

3.Use of ADB-commands without root)

For users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to disable recent app history via a computer, a method that does not require root rights, but requires installing Android SDK Platform-Tools and enabling USB debugging.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform-Tools on PC.
2. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.home

Then restart the device.

adb shell pm enable com.miui.home

This method disables the standard MIUI launcher, which will result in an alternative launcher (if installed) or a home screen reset. The history of recent applications will disappear, but the interface may not work well.

Install Platform-Tools on PC|

Enable debugging over USB on your phone |

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Check the connection with the team `adb devices`-->

4. Deletion through editing system files (root)

If you have root rights, you can manually edit the system files that display recent applications, a method that is suitable for power users and requires caution – wrong actions can lead to a device “brick”.

Instructions for MIUI 14/15:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/usr/bin/ Find the file. miui_recents (or recents_miui firmware).
3. Rename the file to miui_recents.bak or remove it.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Before editing system files, be sure to make a backup copy through TWRP Or another custom recavator, and restoring the system after a mistake may require a complete flashing.

5. Alternative launchers (without root)

If you don't like the standard MIUI interface, you can install a third-party launcher that doesn't display the history of recent applications.

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – flexible multitasking settings, the ability to disable history with gestures.
• 🔹 Lawnchair – open launcher with minimalist design and the option to hide recent applications.
• 🔹 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, but application history is displayed by default (you can manually clean it).
• 🔹 Hyperion Launcher – Supports gestures and customization of the recent taskbar.

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the selected application from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, look for the “Recent Apps” or “Multi-tasking” section and turn off the history display.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) require a premium version to completely disable task history.

6. Resetting settings to factory

The last method is to completely reset the device to factory settings, which will delete all the history of the applications, but also erase all the data on the phone (photos, contacts, messages), only use this method if others did not help.

How to reset:

1. Back up your important data (via Settings → Google → Backup or manually).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Reset all settings” and confirm the action.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K70 Pro) after reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account to unlock.

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The safest methods are to use alternative launchers or standard settings, and to completely remove the history, root rights or ADBs are required, which carries risks.

FAQ: Frequent questions