Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones actively block the background of apps to save battery power and data. But often this “care” turns into a headache: notifications don’t come, messengers don’t update, and games suddenly close, which MIUI developers call “optimization” and users call arbitrary locking.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable restrictions for individual applications or completely. 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other models with MIUI 12–14 (Important: some settings are hidden, you need to activate them through the Internet ##4636##* ore-menu.
We warn you right away: after disabling the locks, battery consumption can increase by 10-25% (depending on the number of applications unlocked), but you will get stable operation of messengers, trackers and other background services.
1. Standard method: autostart and background settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require super-user rights (root).
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
- 🔍 Find the right app (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) and tap it.
- 🔄 Turn on switches: Autostart (allows you to start when you turn on your phone) Background activity (allows you to work in the background) Show notifications (if they are blocked)
- 📶 For instant messengers, additionally activate Without data restrictions (in the section "Mobile traffic")
These settings are reset after the MIUI update – check them every 1-2 months. If the Background activity option is missing, then the application is already in the system whitelist.
Auto-start on.|Background activity permitted|Notifications are not blocked|No restrictions on mobile data-->
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 China) Background activity hidden. To see it, first allow AutoRun, then restart your phone.
2. Secret menu: MIUI engineering settings
If standard methods don't work, try the engineering menu, which gives you access to hidden battery optimization options.
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## Some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) may require a code: ##284###
- Select Battery Information (Battery Information)
- Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Battery Settings.
- Find the Application Optimization section and disable it for the right programs
This menu also includes:
- 🔋 See the actual wear of the battery (Battery Health indicator)
- 📊 See the statistics of battery consumption by application (more detailed than in standard settings)
- ⚡ Turn on/off Adaptive Charging (if it interferes with)
What to do if the engineering menu does not open?
3. ADB-Teams: Complete optimisation disabling
For advanced users, there is a way to completely disable MIUI optimization via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- ✅ Allows background work for all applications
- ✅ Disables the forced closure of processes
- ⚠️ Increases battery consumption by 15-30%
- ⚠️ It can cause overheating during heavy use.
Instructions for Windows/macOS/Linux:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a folder
- Turn on USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times)
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices (your device should appear)
- Execute the command to disable optimization: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle disable
- For individual applications, use: adb shell dumpsys battery unplug &&adb shell am force-stop com.miui.powerkeeper
After performing these commands, restart the phone. The effect is saved until the next reset or MIUI update.
Yeah, I do a lot.|I tried once, but it didn't work out.|No, I'm afraid to break something.|What is it? ADB?-->
4. Optimizer applications: third-party solutions
If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use specialized tools that automate the unlocking process and offer additional features.
| Annex | Functions | Need root? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Optimizer | Disables background restrictions, speeds up animation, cleans cache | ❌ No. | Google Play |
| AutoStart Manager | Manages auto-run, shows hidden system processes | ❌ No. | Google Play |
| Greenify | Hybernation of unnecessary applications (works in the opposite direction – defrosting the necessary ones) | ✅ Yes (for full functionality) | Google Play |
| Battery Guru | Monitoring of consumption, management of optimization by application | ❌ No. | Google Play |
The advantage of these applications is the visual interface and the ability to roll back changes. For example, in MIUI Optimizer you can create a profile with settings for games, instant messengers and work applications separately.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Greenify with root rights may conflict with MIUI Optimization (built-in optimization service) If the phone starts to brake after installation, turn off MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings.
5. Editing system files (for advanced)
This method requires super-user rights (root) and is only suitable for power users, and allows you to permanently disable optimization by editing system configuration files.
What needs to be done:
- Get root rights (for example, through Magisk)
- Install a file manager with /system access (e.g. Root Explorer)
- Go to /system/etc/security/cipher/ and find the config.xml file.
- Find a line: <bool name="miui_optimization" value="true" /> and replace true with false
- Save the file, set rights to 644 and restart the phone
An alternative way is to disable optimization services via Magisk:
- Download Disable MIUI Optimization for Magisk
- Install it through the module manager
- Reset the device
💡
Before editing system files, backup your phone with TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery to help you recover your phone if something goes wrong.
6. Features for different Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi models have unique nuances in lock management.
| Model/Series | Features of blocking | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Aggressive closing games after 5-10 minutes in the background | Turn off Game Turbo → Battery Saver |
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Block notifications from Viber and Skype | Add to Security → Notifications → Priority |
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | Background Limitation for Google Services (Geolocation Issues) | Allow unlimited access to data in settings SIM-map |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Blocking background processes during games | Shut down Shark Space → Battery Optimization |
On Chinese firmware (China ROM), some settings may be called differently. For example, instead of Auto Run it will (control autorun). Use a translator or be guided by icons.
7 What to do if nothing helps?
If you have tried all the methods, but the applications are blocked anyway, check:
- 🔋 Power Saving Mode: Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Battery mode. Even Balanced mode can block background processes.
- 🛡️ Antivirus MIUI: In safety → Scanning add the app to exceptions.
- 📶 Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) block background traffic. APN.
- 🔄 Update MIUI: In newer versions of firmware, lock bugs are often fixed. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
If the problem persists, try resetting (but backup first!).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings
- Select Reset All Settings (does not delete files, only settings)
- After the reboot, set up autostart and background work again
💡
On Chinese firmware (China ROM), resetting can return the language pack to Chinese. To avoid this, install a lot of the language pack via MIUI bootloader before resetting.