How to completely disable the background work of applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI shell are known for their aggressive optimization of background processes. On the one hand, it saves battery power, but on the other hand, many applications stop working correctly: notifications do not arrive, downloads are interrupted, and messengers “fall asleep” 5 minutes after curtailing. If you are faced with the fact that the application is working in the background incorrectly or does not function at all without an active window, this article will help to understand the reasons and offer working solutions.

To make matters worse, MIUI hides some of the settings behind complex menu paths, and after updates, the interface can change dramatically. We tested all the current methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS) and put them together in one guide. It's important to understand that some of the constraints are system-level, and circumventing them may require super-user or special utilities, but most of the methods are available without root.

Before you start settings, check if the problem is in the background work. For example, if WhatsApp doesn't show notifications, first make sure that:

• 🔔 In the application itself, alerts are not disabled (section "Notifications»).
• 📵 Do Not Disturb or Save Traffic is not active in the curtain.
• 🔄 The application is updated to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new releases).

1. Standard MIUI settings: Autostart and background activity restriction

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. They do not require root rights and are suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13. The main controls are in the Settings → Applications → Application Management section.

Here’s what you can do without risking the system:

• 🚫 Disable AutoRun: Prevents the application from running itself when you turn on your phone or after you restart. Find the desired application in the list, tap it and select AutoRun» → turn off the slider.
• ⚙️ Limit background activity: In the same app menu, go to “Permissions» → «Background activity" and select "Limit. This will prevent the application from using resources in a folded state.
• 🔋 Exclude from battery optimization: C Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Find the app and select "No Limits" to prevent the process from falling asleep.

Note that after disabling autorun, some applications (such as Viber or Telegram) may stop syncing messages in real time, in which case you will have to manually run them to check for new notifications.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS may have different paths to autorun settings. If you don't find Autostart, try Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

2. Hidden developer settings: forced disabling of background processes

For advanced users, MIUI offers hidden options that allow you to flexibly manage background tasks.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» (A notification will appear saying, “You have become a developer»).
3. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers (Settings → More → For developers).

In this menu, we are interested in three parameters:

Critical feature: disabling the MIUI Optimization option can cause the device to overheat when it is under intense load (e.g. in games).

3.Use of ADB-teams for deep management of background tasks

If the standard methods do not work, you can resort to ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but you don't need root permissions. You'll need to do it:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and utility ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

The most effective commands for managing background processes:

Disable battery optimization for a specific application (replace com.example.app with an app package)


adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app




Prohibit Auto-Run for the Application



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




Allow work in the background (if previously blocked)



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

To find out the batch name of the application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "appendix name"

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can disrupt system stability. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings → System system → Backup.

4. Optimizer applications: third-party utilities for background management

If manual settings seem complicated, you can use specialized applications that automate the process and offer a user-friendly interface.

• 🛠️ Greenify (requires root for full functionality): Freezes apps in the background, preventing them from being active without notifications. The free version runs without root, but with restrictions.
• ⚡ Battery Optimizer: Helps you set exceptions for critical applications (messengers, navigators) and blocks unnecessary background processes.
• 🔍 MIUI Hidden Settings: Reveals hidden options MIUI, including advanced autostart and background activity management.

Example of working with Greenify:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide access to special features (Settings → Special Opportunities → Greenify).
3. Add problematic apps to the “hibernation” list.
4. Activate Aggressive Doze (requires root or ADB) mode.

Third-party utilities are convenient, but have disadvantages:

• ❌ Can conflict with built-in optimizations MIUI.
• ❌ Some functions only work with root rights.
• ❌ After updating MIUI They may stop functioning properly.

💡

Before installing SEOs, check the reviews for the last month – some utilities are no longer supported after new versions of MIUI are released.

5. Manual control via battery settings (for individual applications)

If the problem only affects one or two apps (like Google Maps or Spotify), you can manually configure them via the battery menu.This method does not require root rights and is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10 and POCO F4.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
2. Select the app from the list (if not, tap “More” or “Show Everything”).
3. Go to “Background Activity Management”.
4. Enable the option “No Limits” or “High Activity” (names may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

For some applications (such as navigators) it is also useful:

• 📍 Allow precise access to the location (Settings) → Confidentiality → Permits → Location).
• 🔄 Disable Network Optimization for the Application (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network optimization).

⚠️ Attention: Setting up "No Limits" for a large number of applications will significantly reduce battery life. Use it only for mission-critical services.

💡

Battery settings in MIUI prioritize general resolutions, and even if you allow background activity in the app menu, battery limitations can block it.

6. Radical Methods: Disabling System Optimizations through Root

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to get superuser rights (root) and manual editing of system files, which is only suitable for advanced users, because:

• ⚠️ Violates Xiaomi’s Guarantee.
• ⚠️ May lead to a device blink (complete inoperability).
• ⚠️ Deprives them of the opportunity to receive OTA-update.

Among the popular tools for root:

• 🔧 Magisk – the most secure way to obtain rights with support for modules.
• 📱 TWRP — custom recovery for installing modified firmware.

After obtaining root, you can:

1. Remove system applications responsible for optimization (e.g. com.miui.powerkeeper).
2. Edit the file /system/build.prop, line ro.miui.optimize_props=false.
3. Use Magisk modules such as Disable MIUI Optimization.

Critical: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), root methods may differ from classic ones. Before you act, check out the current guides on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

7. Alternative solutions: when nothing helps

If all attempts to disable the background work of applications on Xiaomi have failed, consider alternative approaches:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Sometimes helps if the problem is caused by a settings conflict after the upgrade. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📥 Install custom firmware: firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience are deprived of aggressive optimizations MIUI, but require unlocking the loader.
• 📱 Second phone use: For critical tasks (such as navigating while traveling), some users keep a spare phone on pure Android.

If you decide to custom firmware, consider:

• ✅ Pros: full control over background processes, lack of advertising MIUI, regularity.
• ❌ Cons: loss of warranty, risk of installation errors, possible problems with the camera or sensors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about background work on Xiaomi