How to remove the lock on Android applications Xiaomi: the complete guide 2026

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their aggressive approach to managing background processes and blocking applications. Users often find themselves in a situation where the right programs suddenly stop working: no notifications arrive, applications spontaneously close or do not start, the reason lies in the optimization of the system, which by default limits the activity of “unnecessary” (according to the MIUI algorithms) applications to save battery power.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to unblock, from standard MIUI settings to advanced methods using ADB and third-party tools. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to HyperOS) and smartphone models (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi series 11/12/13/14). You will learn how to unlock applications without root rights, what to do if the settings were reset after the update, and why some methods stopped working in new versions of MIUI.

Why Xiaomi is blocking apps: 3 main reasons

Before you remove restrictions, it's important to understand how they occur, and in MIUI, you block applications at three levels:

• 🔋 Battery optimization: the system automatically limits the background activity of “energy-intensive” applications (messaging apps, social networks, games), this applies even to popular services like WhatsApp or Telegram.
• 🛡️ Data protection: MIUI Blocks access to contacts, camera or microphone for applications that have not been used for a long time (Permission auto-reset feature in new versions).
• 🚫 Manual restrictions: Users could accidentally blacklist an app through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Interestingly, the locking algorithms differ depending on the regional firmware, for example, in the global versions of MIUI (marked Global) the restrictions are milder than in the Chinese (China), where the system aggressively closes the background processes to save resources, and locks are strengthened on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) due to weak iron.

⚠️ Attention: After updating to MIUI 14 or HyperOS some old unlock methods (e.g. via Security) → Optimization may not work. In new versions, the path to settings has changed - read about this in the corresponding section.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without ADB and root rights)

To start with, the safest method that works on all versions of MIUI and doesn't require any technical skills, you need to consistently disable all types of restrictions for the problem application:

1. Autorun: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select the desired application and activate the Autorun switch.
2. Background Activity: In the same menu, find the Resolution → Background Activity and select No Limits.
3. Battery Optimization: in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Find the app and install it without restrictions.
4. Block Notifications: Check Settings → Notifications → [App Name] and turn on all types of alerts.

For convenience, we have prepared a checklist with mandatory items:

Autorun enabled |Background activity without restrictions |Battery optimization disabled |Notifications permitted |Access to contacts/camera/microphone not reset-->

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path to autorun settings has changed: now go to Settings → Apps → Special Permissions → Autorun. HyperOS also has a new item Deep Optimization – it also needs to be disabled for problematic applications.

MIUI 12/13|MIUI 14|HyperOS (Xiaomi 13/14)|I don't know my version.|other-->

Method 2: Unlocking through ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don't work, you'll need to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which works even on the latest versions of MIUI/HyperOS, and allows you to remove hidden restrictions that aren't displayed in the interface.

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and utility ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the version number → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).

Next, run the following commands in the terminal (cmd for Windows or Terminal for macOS/Linux):

adb shell


dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app # replace com.example.app with your application package




dumpsys deviceidle force-idle




cmd appops set com.example.app RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow

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

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

For example, for Telegram package will be org.telegram.messenger, for Viber — com.viber.voip. After completing the commands, restart your smartphone — this is critical for applying changes!

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 and HyperOS, dumpsys deviceidle whitelist may not work the first time, in which case, enter adb shell settings put global settings before running it. hidden_api_policy 1 This temporarily disables restrictions on the use of hidden API.

Method 3: Use of third-party utilities (without root rights)

If ADB seems too complex, you can use specialized applications that automate the unlocking process and often offer additional features, such as monitoring system processes.

Example of AutoStart Manager:

1. Install the application and grant it Special Access rights (a request will pop up after the first launch).
2. In the main menu, select AutoRun and find the problem app.
3. Activate all switches: Autostart, Background Activity, Notifications.
4. Go to the Battery Optimization tab and turn off the restrictions for this application.

💡

If applications are blocked again after using third-party utilities, try disabling the Adaptive Battery feature in MIUI settings. It often conflicts with manual optimization settings.

Method 4: Unlocking through Safe Mode (if the application does not start)

There are situations where the application is not just blocked, but completely stops opening – for example, after a system update or reset, in which case the download in Safe Mode, where all third-party processes and limitations of MIUI are disabled, will help.

To enter Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Switch off" (or "Switch off" power) item for 3-5 seconds.
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode (the Safe Mode sign will appear at the bottom of the screen).

In safe mode:

• 🔓 Try running a problem application – if it works, it means the lock is related to a conflict in the main system.
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Apps and reset cache/data for this application.
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone as normal and check if the problem persists.

⚠️ Note: Safe Mode entry may be different on HyperOS, with some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) press the power button + Increase the volume before the logo appears MI, Then release and immediately clamping down the volume.

Method 5: Resetting optimization settings (last resort)

If none of these things work, you have to reset your optimization settings to factory settings, which is a radical method, but it often solves the problem of blocking applications, especially after updates. Importantly, this reset does not affect user data (photos, messages, apps), but returns all system settings to the post-purchase state.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Optimization Settings (in some versions, the item is called Reset Battery Settings).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (takes 1-2 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Reconfigure autorun and background activity for the desired applications (see Method 1).
• 🔋 Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery.
• 📱 Reinstall problematic apps (sometimes clean installation helps).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you unlock applications on Xiaomi, users often make common mistakes that nullify their efforts.

Another common problem is resetting permissions after the MIUI update, to avoid this:

• 📵 Before the update, turn off automatic optimization through ADB: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1
• 🔄 After the update, re-set autostart and background activity.
• 📱 Use it. MIUI Optimization Disabler for settings fixing.

💡

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14) after the upgrade, you may need to re-activate ADB permissions in the developer settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions