Stop Android from killing your important apps. Learn how to set Don’t optimize/Unrestricted, add to Never sleeping apps on Samsung, pick No restrictions on Xiaomi, and keep background data on.
Quick take: If an important app (messaging, navigation, VoIP, call screening, fitness tracker) keeps pausing or missing notifications, set it to Don’t optimize / Unrestricted, and make sure Background data and Unrestricted data are enabled.
Method A — Via Battery Optimization (fastest)
Open Settings → Apps → Special app access → Battery optimization.
Change the filter to All apps.
Select your app → choose Don’t optimize → Done.
When to use: Most reliable fix for delayed notifications and background stops.
Method B — Per-app battery mode
Go to Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery.
Choose Unrestricted (instead of Optimized or Restricted).
Tip: If you don’t see these exact options, look for Allow background activity or an OEM-specific equivalent.
Brand-specific paths
Samsung (One UI 6/7)
Settings → Battery → Background usage limits → Never sleeping apps → add your app.
In Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery, allow background activity if shown.
Xiaomi / HyperOS (recent MIUI)
Settings → Battery → Battery saver → Apps → select app → set No restrictions.
Menus vary slightly by model/region, but the principle is the same: exclude the app from aggressive battery saving.
Keep data alive in the background
For messaging and navigation, also check:
Settings → Apps → [App] → Mobile data & Wi-Fi → Background data = ON, Unrestricted data usage = ON (bypasses Data Saver).
When should you not disable optimization?
For apps you rarely use or that don’t need real-time updates.
If battery life is already tight, consider optimizing everything except your critical apps.
Troubleshooting
Notifications still delayed?
Update the app and Google Play services in the Play Store.
Disable Battery Saver temporarily and re-test.
Ensure the app has Notification permission and any in-app notification categories are enabled.
The switch won’t stay off, or the option is missing
Your device might be work-managed (MDM/EMM) or under parental controls; admins can enforce restrictions.
Widgets/service keep dying.
Add the app to any OEM “whitelists,” such as “Never sleeping apps” (Samsung) or “No restrictions” (Xiaomi/HyperOS).
FAQs
Is “Unrestricted” safe?
Yes for trusted, critical apps. It allows normal background activity but doesn’t bypass Android’s core security.
Do I need both 'Don't Optimize' and 'Unrestricted'?
They’re similar routes. Using either is usually enough; some OEMs expose only one of them.
Will this drain more battery?
A bit, depending on the app’s background activity. Start with your most important apps only.
