How to completely disable the background work of applications on Xiaomi: 6 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They're known for aggressively optimizing background processes, which saves battery life on the one hand, and causes the apps they need to update, notify, or run in the background to suddenly stop, but what if they're not? Unnecessary programs consume resources, consume traffic and drain the battery?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable background activity on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — standardized MIUI You will learn how to prohibit auto-run, limit work in the background for individual applications, and even completely block their activity without removing. MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and smartphone models - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13.

We warn you right away: some methods require superuser rights (root) or activation of the developer mode. If you are a beginner, start with the basic settings and then move on to advanced techniques.

1. Why applications work in the background and how it is dangerous

Background activity is any process an application does when you're not using it directly.

• 🔄 Automatic data synchronization (mail, messengers, cloud services)
• 📡 Geolocation tracking (maps, taxis, fitness trackers)
• 🔔 Checking new notifications (social networks, news aggregators)
• 📊 Collecting analytics and sending statistics (advertising) SDK, tracker)

On Xiaomi smartphones, the problem is exacerbated by two factors: first, the shell. MIUI It allows background work for system and pre-installed applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps) and many Chinese applications (e.g. Mi Credit or Mi Pay) are actively using background processes to collect data even outside of China.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Google Play Services or Miui Daemon) are critical to the stable operation of the system. their complete shutdown can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone, loss of communication with Google servers or inability to update the firmware.

Consequences of uncontrolled background activity:

• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge (up to) 20-30% post 8 standby)
• 📶 Increased mobile traffic consumption (especially relevant for advertising applications)
• 🐢 Slowing down the device due to overloaded RAM
• 🔒 Risks of personal data leakage (geolocation, activity history)

Basic settings MIUI: rootless

Let’s start with the simplest – standard tools. MIUI, These are the methods that are suitable for most users and do not require a deep technical knowledge.

The first step is to check the list of applications with work permits in the background.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Special Access.
3. Go to Auto-Start (Auto-Start) section.

Here you'll see a full list of programs that are allowed to run automatically when you turn on your smartphone or after you restart. Turn off auto-run for unnecessary applications, this will reduce their activity in the background. Note: some system services (for example, Security or Miui System) can not be disabled without root permissions.

The next step is to limit battery consumption:

1. Go back to Application Management and select the desired application.
2. Use the battery (battery usage)
3. Select Restricted or Background Activity Prohibited.

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications |

Set battery limit for background programs|

Check the permissions to access geolocation|

Clear the cache in the "Storage" section"-->

For versions. MIUI 13/14 Added a new section called Smart Optimization, where you can manually whitelist applications or deny them background activity. Find them along the way:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Intelligent Optimization → Optimization settings

3. Hidden settings MIUI: developer mode and ADB-team

If the basic tools aren’t enough, it’s time for advanced methods, the first being developer mode, which opens up hidden optimization options.

To activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. Enter the password from the lock screen (if requested).

Once activated, a new section for Developers options will appear in the Settings menu, and we are interested in three key options:

• 🔄 Don’t keep activities – Closes applications immediately after release, but may disrupt some functions.
• 🔋 Background process limit – allows you to set a strict limit on the number of programs working in the background.
• 🛠️ Debugging by USB (USB Debugging – necessary for use ADB-team.

For experienced users, the most effective way is to disable background processes through ADB. This requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing Android tools. SDK Platform-Tools: Example of a command to disable auto-run com.example.app:

adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND ignore

To deny the application access to the Internet in the background, use:

adb shell cmd appops set com.example.app RUN_IN_BACKGROUND ignore

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can lead to unstable operation of the system. Before experiments, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

4. Root Methods: Full Control of Background Processes

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will open up unlimited options for managing background processes. On Xiaomi smartphones, the most reliable way to get root is through the official Mi Unlock utility and custom recovery firmware. TWRP.

After obtaining root-access, we recommend installing the following applications:

• 🛡️ Greenify – suspends unnecessary processes in the background (works without root, but with it is more effective).
• 🔍 App Ops – allows you to configure the permissions for each application in detail, including background activity.
• 📊 BetterBatteryStats – analyzes battery consumption and identifies “gluttonous” processes.

With root rights, you can:

• 🚫 Completely remove system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.) via Titanium Backup.
• 🔧 Change the kernel parameters to limit background processes (requires knowledge!).
• 📵 Block Internet access for individual applications via AFWall+.

On devices with Qualcomm processors (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4) After receiving root, you may need to disable the system integrity check (DM-Verity), otherwise the smartphone will boot in bootloop.

adb pull /system/app/NameDappsAnnexations

5. Features for different Xiaomi models

Not all methods work equally well across Xiaomi devices, and let’s look at the key differences for the popular series:

On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note) 10C or POCO M4 Pro may not be working part ADB-In this case, the only reliable way to manually disable permissions through Settings. → Annexes → Permits.

For smartphones with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The optimization algorithm has changed. Now the system automatically allocates resources between applications, but you can still manually add programs to the whitelist or prohibit them from working in the background through the application:

Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Applications Choice

6. Alternative solutions: custom firmware and Magisk modules

If standard methods don't help, consider installing custom firmware.The most popular options for Xiaomi are:

• 🌐 LineageOS – pure Android without bloat and aggressive optimization.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features, including adaptive battery.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS or crDroid – firmware with advanced performance settings.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait).
2. Install custom Recovery TWRP Or OrangeFox.
3. Switch ZIP-file firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

If full flashing seems too radical, try Magisk modules to fine-tune:

• 🔋 Battery Optimizer – Optimizes battery consumption without stringent restrictions.
• 🚫 App Systemizer – converts user applications into system applications (useful for instant messengers).
• 🔍 Disable Flags – Disables hidden flags MIUI, background-activity.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and may result in data loss.On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) unlocking the bootloader blocks the wide-angle camera due to manufacturer restrictions.

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Custom firmware solves the problem of background processes radically, but it requires technical skills. Start with a Magisk module if you are not sure about your abilities.

7 How to Check that Background Processes Are Actually Shut Down

After applying any changes, it's important to make sure they work. Here are some ways to check:

Method 1: Monitoring through Settings

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
2. Check your consumption schedule for the last 24 hours.
3. Slip on the app - if the background indicates "0%", the restriction worked.

Method 2: Use of the ADB

Follow the command to check current permits:

adb shell dumpsys package com.example.app | grep "RUN_IN_BACKGROUND"

If the answer is denied, access to the background is prohibited.

Method 3: Third-party utilities

• 📊 AccuBattery – shows detailed statistics of battery consumption by application.
• 🔍 Wake Lock Detector – tracks which programs wake up the processor.
• 🛡️ NetGuard – monitors network activity in the background.

If after disabling the background processes, the application stopped working correctly (for example, no notifications are sent to Telegram or WhatsApp), return the permissions to it through:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Application Name] → Battery → Without Limitations

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with background processes, users often make mistakes that lead to unstable smartphone operation, the most common of which are:

• ❌ Disabling system services, such as com.android.systemui or com.miui.securitycenter, can lead to a crash of the interface or loss of functionality.
• ❌ Use the Play Market's "optimizers" -- many of them consume resources and contain ads. Use only proven tools like Greenify.
• ❌ A tough restriction for instant messengers – WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber will not work without a background. Instead, set them to “No Limits” mode".
• ❌ Ignoring updates MIUI — In new versions of firmware, additional optimization settings may appear (for example, Intelligent Optimization in the Internet). MIUI 14).

Another common problem is that you automatically reset your settings after you update your firmware, and to avoid that,

1. Before updating, take screenshots of current settings (permissions, auto-start, battery optimization).
2. Use it. ADB-commands to apply restrictions immediately after updating.
3. Install the module. MIUI Optimization Disabler in Magisk if you use root.

If after all the manipulations the smartphone began to work slower or discharge faster, return the settings to the factory through:

Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Resetting settings

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To restore notifications in messengers after the background limit, add them to the battery optimization exceptions and allow auto-start.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions