Fixed apps on Xiaomi: Assignment, Configuration and Optimization

On Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shell, users often come across the term "fixed apps," a feature that allows you to lock frequently used programs into RAM so that they don't close when the background is cleared and are always ready to go, but not everyone understands how to use it correctly and what benefits it provides.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomi’s fixed apps are, how they affect device performance, which apps are worth pinning and which are not. You will also learn how to configure this feature in different versions of MIUI and avoid common bugs that can slow down the phone.

What are fixed applications on Xiaomi

Fixed applications (or "fixed" applications) are a MIUI function that prevents selected programs from being automatically shut down by the system, and when you attach an application, it stays in RAM even after you press the "Clear Background" button or optimize memory.

The main purpose of this feature is to speed up the re-run of frequently used applications. For example, if you fix the Telegram messenger, it will not close when the background is cleared and will open instantly the next time you run. However, improper use of fixed applications can lead to overloading of RAM and slowing down the smartphone.

• 📱 Time savings: Apps open faster as you don’t need to download them from scratch.
• 🔄 Preserving state: Some applications (such as games or editors) keep current progress.
• ⚠️ Resource consumption: fixed applications take up RAM even in the background.

It's important to understand that fixed applications are not analogous to the "Do Not Optimize" function in battery settings; they work at the level of RAM management, not power consumption.

How to secure the application on Xiaomi

The process of attaching applications may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall algorithm remains similar.

1. Open Recent Apps (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold).
2. Find the application you want to secure.
3. Click on the app icon and select Secure (or Lock in some versions).
4. The app icon will change color or a pin icon will appear – this means that the application is fixed.

In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12 and later), you can pin the application directly from the multitasking menu by swiping the application card down and selecting the appropriate option.

Note that the number of applications that are simultaneously attached is limited, usually 3-5 applications, depending on the smartphone model and firmware version.

What applications are worth fixing

Not all applications need to be fixed, and poor choices can lead to excessive memory loads and poor performance, and here are some suggestions for choosing:

• 💬 Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber – for quick access to messages.
• 🎵 Music players: Spotify, Yandex Music – so that the playback is not interrupted.
• 📊 Navigators: Google Maps, Yandex Maps – to save the route in the background.
• 🎮 Games: if you play the same game for a long time and do not want to lose progress.

It is not recommended to fix:

• 📱 System applications: they are already optimized for working in the background.
• 📁 File Managers: rarely used continuously.
• 🛒 App Stores: Google Play or Mi App Store don’t need fixing.

💡

Only those applications that you use daily and that need instant availability.

How to unplug the application on Xiaomi

If you've decided that you don't need to keep the app locked anymore, you can easily unplug it.

1. Open the recent app menu.
2. Find the attached application (it is usually marked with a pin).
3. Click on the app icon and select Unplug.
4. Or swipe the app card upwards (in some versions of MIUI).

After unplug, the application will close during standard background cleaning, like all other programs.

⚠️ Note: If after unplug the application continues to work in the background, check its settings in the Settings section → Annexes → Application management → Auto-run: Some programs may have separate work permits in the background.

Impact of fixed applications on productivity

Fixed applications constantly occupy part of the RAM, which can affect the overall performance of the smartphone.

The optimal number of applications is 2-3. If you attach more, this can lead to:

• Slowing down other applications due to a lack of RAM.
• Increased battery consumption due to constant operation of background processes.
• Overheating of the device under intense load.

If you notice that your smartphone has become slower after you have secured several apps, try to unplug some of them or reduce their number.

Common errors when working with fixed applications

Many users make mistakes when using the function of fixed applications, which leads to suboptimal smartphone operation.

• 🚫 Securing all applications in a row: this leads to overloading of RAM and slowing down.
• 🔄 Ignoring background cleaning: Even fixed apps sometimes need to restart.
• 📱 System applications: They are already optimized to work in the background.
• 🔋 Failure to account for battery consumption: fixed applications can drain the battery faster.

To avoid these mistakes, follow simple rules:

Check the list of fixed applications regularly |Do not attach more than 3-4 applications at a time |Disconnect applications that are no longer relevant |Watch the battery level after attaching new applications-->

Also remember that some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) may ask for permissions to work in the background, which duplicates the fixing function and leads to double the resource consumption.

⚠️ Note: If after fixing the application it begins to discharge the battery, check its settings in the Settings section. → Battery → Battery usage.It's possible the app has separate background processes that need to be limited.

Alternative ways to optimize the operation of applications

App anchoring isn't the only way to improve applications, but consider alternative methods:

• 🔧 Auto Starting Settings: C Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start can be allowed or prevented from automatically launching applications when the phone is turned on.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: In Settings → Battery → Battery optimization can eliminate applications from optimization so that they work more stable.
• 📱 Performance Mode: Some Xiaomi models have a Performance Mode that speeds up applications by increasing energy consumption.

These methods allow you to achieve similar results without constantly retaining applications in RAM.

Also worth noting is the App Separation feature in some versions of MIUI, which allows you to create app clones, which can be useful if you need to use multiple accounts in the same app at the same time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's pinned apps