Autorun function on Android 9 Pie has become one of the most discussed among users who are faced with restrictions on background activity of applications. Unlike previous versions, where applications were free to run in the background Google has tightened the rules to save battery power and optimize performance. This led to the fact that many apps - from instant messengers to system utilities - stopped working correctly without manual configuration.

In this article we will not just show how to enable autorun on Android 9, but also analyze hidden settingswhich manufacturers smartphones (for example Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung) are added on top of the standard interface. You will learn why some applications still do not launch automatically, even after activating all permissions, and how to bypass these restrictions without root access.

We will pay special attention the difference between autorun and background activity —many users confuse these concepts, which leads to incorrect settings. We will also consider alternative methods for devices where standard methods do not work (for example, on some firmware Flyme or ColorOS).

What is autorun and why do you need it on Android 9

Autorun (or Auto-start) is a mechanism that allows applications to automatically launch when the smartphone is turned on, connected to the network, or other system events. On Android 9 Pie this function has become part of a broader system for managing background processes, which Google called App Standby Buckets.

Main scenarios where autostart is critical:

  • 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber): without autorun, notifications arrive with a delay or do not arrive at all.
  • 🔔 System utilities: antiviruses, memory cleaners, task managers lose functionality.
  • 🎵 Music players: some applications (for example, Poweramp) do not restore playback after a reboot.
  • 📊 Fitness trackers: apps like Google Fit or Mi Fit stop synchronizing data in the background.

On Android 9 autostart is closely related to battery optimization. The system automatically categorizes applications (Active, Working set, Frequent, Rare), limiting background activity to those that are rarely used. This leads to the fact that even after enabling autorun, some apps may be blocked.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with shells MIUI (Xiaomi), EMUI (Huawei) and One UI (Samsung), autorun settings may be located in different menus. Manufacturers often move or rename these options, so instructions for “pure” Android may not work.

Standard way to enable autorun on pure Android 9

If your smartphone runs on Android 9 Pie without additional shells (for example, Pixel, Android One), follow these instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications and notifications.
  2. Tap on All applications and select the one you need (for example, Telegram).
  3. Go to Advanced → Battery → Battery optimization.
  4. In the drop-down menu, select All applications, find yours and tap Do not optimize.
  5. Go back to the main application settings and turn on the switch Autorun (if it exists).

On some devices, the item Autostart may be missing. case:

  • 🔍 Check the section Special access → Autostart (the path is relevant for Samsung Galaxy s One UI).
  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after changing the settings - sometimes the system applies the changes only after a reboot.
  • 📱 If the option is missing at all, then the manufacturer has removed it from the firmware (typical for Nokia or Motorola on "pure" Android).

For applications that should run in the background (for example, Google Maps for navigation), additionally:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications → Special access → Location access.
  2. Select the application and install resolution Always (not Only during use).

Update the application to the latest version|Check notification permissions|Disable battery optimization|Restart your device after changes-->

Autostart on Xiaomi (MIUI) with Android 9

Smartphones Xiaomi based on MIUI (even with Android 9) have a unique system for managing background processes. Here, autostart is configured in two stages: first. global permission is turned on, then individual applications are configured.

Step 1. Enable autorun in security settings:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Tap on three dots in the upper right corner and select Autostart.
  3. Find the application you need (for example, WhatsApp) and turn on the switch.

Step 2. Setting up background blocking:

  1. Go back to Manage applications, select an application.
  2. Go to Battery → Lock in background.
  3. Select No restrictions (not Limit background activity).

Step 3. Additional permissions (for messengers):

  • 🔄 Enable Show notifications in the application settings.
  • 📶 In Settings → Accessibility → Applications with notifications add the messenger to the list.
  • 🔋 In Settings → Battery → Mode selection install Performance (not Battery saving).
⚠️ Attention: On MIUI 10/11 s Android 9 some applications (for example, Facebook or Instagram) may ignore autorun settings due to built-in system limitations. In this case, only manually opening the application once every 1-2 days will help.
Why doesn’t autorun work on Xiaomi even after setting it up?

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI, there is a “Deep optimization” mechanism that forcibly closes applications 5-10 minutes after minimizing. To disable. it:

1. Turn on Developer mode (7 taps on the build number in Settings → About phone).

2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.

3. Find Limit background processes and set Without restrictions or Maximum 4 processes.

4. Disable MIUI optimization (this may lead to unstable operation of the system, but will solve the problem with autostart).

Autostart on Samsung (One UI) and other firmware

Devices Samsung based on One UI based on Android 9 have their own system for managing background processes - App Power MonitorHere autorun is configured through the optimization menu. batteries.

Instructions for Samsung:

  1. Open Settings → Device care → Battery.
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to App sleep mode and disable it for the apps you need.
  4. Go back to Battery → Battery optimization and add the application to exceptions.

For Huawei/Honor s EMUI 9:

  1. Go in Settings → Battery → Launch applications.
  2. Select Manual control and enable autorun for the desired applications.
  3. In Settings → Applications → Applications select the app and disable Manage automatically.

On devices Oppo/Realme s ColorOS 5/6:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Battery → Battery management.
  • 📱 Select the application and disable Battery optimization.
  • 🔄 Enable Autorun in the application settings (the item may be called Run in background).
Manufacturer Path to autorun Additional settings
Xiaomi (MIUI) Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Autorun Disable Block in the background and Optimization batteries
Samsung (One UI) Settings → Device care → Battery → Sleep mode Add to exceptions Battery optimization
Huawei (EMUI) Settings → Battery → Startup applications Disable Manage automatically in application settings
Oppo/Realme (ColorOS) Settings → Battery → Consumption management Enable Run in the background

Xiaomi|Samsung|Huawei/Honor|Oppo/Realme/OnePlus|Other-->

Problems with autorun: why the settings do not work

Even after setting up autorun correctly, some applications may not start automatically. Let's consider typical reasons and solutions:

1. The application has been removed from the "recent"

The system may force close applications that have not been used for a long time. Solution: Android 9 The system can force close applications that have not been used for a long time. Solution:

  • 📌 Pin the application in multitasking. (swipe up → hold the icon → Pin).
  • 🔄 Periodically open the application manually (every 1-2 days).

2. Manufacturer restrictions

Some brands (for example, Huawei or Xiaomi) block background activity at the firmware level. Solutions:

  • 🔧 Use ADB commands to disable optimization (PC required).
  • 📱 Install alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS), if this is critical.

3. Conflict with other applications

apps for clearing memory (for example, Clean Master) or antiviruses may block autorun. Check:

  • 🛡️ Antivirus settings for Real-time protection.
  • 🧹 Exceptions in memory cleaners (add the application to "ignore list").

4. Errors in the system cache

Sometimes autorun failures are associated with a damaged cache. To reset it:

  1. Go to Settings → Storage.
  2. Tap on Cache data and confirm clearing.
  3. Restart the device.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Meizu s Flyme) autorun can only work for system applications. Third-party apps will require root access or use. ADB.
💡

If the application is critical (for example, a messenger for work), create a shortcut for it on the main screen and periodically open it manually. "inactivity" in the system and will prevent forced closure.

ADB commands to force autostart

If standard methods do not work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to disable battery optimization at the system level. This method works on most devices with Android 9, but requires connection to a computer.

Step 1. Preparation:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Enable USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For Developers).
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.

Step 2. Executing commands:

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and enter:

adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +com.example.app

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


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

Replace com.example.app with a real application package (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsAppYou can find out the package using the application App Inspector or the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "whatsapp"

Step 3. Check:

After executing the commands:

  • Reboot your smartphone.
  • Check whether the application appears in the battery optimization exclusion list.
  • If autorun still does not work, repeat the commands with superuser rights (required root):
adb shell su -c "pm grant com.example.app android.permission.REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS"
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB can lead to system instability if you enter commands incorrectly. Do not use this method for system applications (for example, com.android.systemui) - this may cause reboot cycles.
💡

ADB commands are the most reliable way to bypass restrictions. autorun, but requires caution. Always check that the application package is correct before executing commands.

Alternative methods: autorun without root

If none of the above methods worked, try these alternatives:

1. data-i="293">Automation applications (

Automation Applications (Tasker, MacroDroid) can emulate autostart through triggers:

  • 📱 Create a task with a trigger Device loaded or Connected to Wi-Fi.
  • 🔄 Add an action Launch application.
  • ⚡ Set up the task to repeat every 15-30 minutes (for messengers).

2. restrictions

Some utilities are specially designed to bypass restrictions Android 9:

  • 🛡️ Don't Kill My App - shows hidden optimization settings for your model.
  • 🔧 Background Mode - forces background activity (requires ADB).
  • 📊 Battery Guru - monitors and disables optimization for selected applications.

3. Developer mode

Enabling some options in the developer menu can help:

  1. Activate Developer mode (7 taps by build number).
  2. In Settings → System → For Developers disable:
  • 🔄 Limit background processes (install Without restrictions).
  • 📱 Do not keep active (this may increase battery consumption).

4. Partial reset of settings

If the problem appeared after updating to Android 9, try resetting application settings:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Reset Settings data-i="328">After the reboot, reconfigure autorun. Settings → System → Reset settings.
  2. Select Reset application settings (this will not delete the data, but it will reset all permissions).
  3. After rebooting, re-configure autorun.
How to find out if autorun is working?

Check autorun using the application Wake Lock Detector or BetterBatteryStats:

1 Install the app and provide access to special ones. capabilities.

2. Reboot the device.

3. Open the application and check the launch log - if your application is in the list, autostart works.

4. For instant messengers, send a test message from another device and check if the notification has arrived without manually opening the app.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Why did notifications stop coming after updating to Android 9?

This is due to the new system App Standby Bucketswhich automatically limits the background activity of rarely used applications. To get notifications back:

  1. Disable battery optimization for. messenger.
  2. Enable autorun in the application settings.
  3. Add the app to the power saving mode exceptions.

If this does not help, check the notification settings in the application itself (section Chat → Notifications).

Is it possible to enable auto-start for all applications at once?

No, Android 9 there is no global switch for all applications. Each application is configured individually. However, you can speed up the process:

  • Use ADBscript to disable optimization in bulk (an example script can be found at GitHub).
  • In some firmware (for example, MIUI) you can enable autorun for several applications at once in the menu Manage applications.

Please note: mass disabling optimization can significantly reduce battery life.

Why don't Huawei autorun settings save after reboot?

This is a known problem EMUI 9. Solutions:

  1. After setting up autorun, immediately add the application to Protected applications (Settings → Battery → Protected applications).
  2. Disable the function Smart resolution in battery settings.
  3. Use the ADBcommand to force optimization to disable (see section above).

If the problem persists, try updating the firmware or resetting the settings to factory settings (while saving the data).

How to enable auto-start for system applications (for example, Calendar or Mail)?

System applications usually do not have an auto-start option in the settings, since they are already optimized for background work. If they do not sync:

  • Check the synchronization settings in Settings → Accounts.
  • Disable and re-enable the account Google (for Gmail and Calendar).
  • B Settings → Applications Find the system application, clear its cache and data (attention: this will delete local settings!).

For Samsung Email or Samsung Calendar Additionally check the settings c Settings → Notifications → Advanced.

Will autostart work if the phone is always connected to charging?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔌 On most devices, background activity restrictions are relaxed when connected to charging.
  • ⚡ However, some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) still block autostart to save resources.
  • 📱 To be guaranteed to avoid restrictions, enable Performance mode in the battery settings.

Please note that constant charging can shorten the battery life. It is optimal to use the original charger and avoid overheating.