Why don’t the “Exit when time is over” feature and recent apps blocking work on my Xiaomi/Redmi phone?

Are you using a Xiaomi or Redmi device?

Does the “Exit when time is over” feature fail to close the app when the timer ends?
Can you still open blocked apps from the Recent Apps screen?

This is a very common issue on Xiaomi and Redmi phones.

Why it happens

Unfortunately, many Chinese manufacturers, including Xiaomi and Redmi, use a modified version of the Android OS, leading to compatibility issues with apps designed for the standard Android OS by Google.

To resolve this on your device, you need to manually enable an additional permission. Go to minimalist phone settings (gear wheel on the page with all apps) -> Device settings -> Apps -> find and select "minimalist phone" -> Other permissions -> enable "Open new windows while running in the background." This should allow the feature to function properly.

Enable missing permission - Open new windows while running in the background

Updated on: 16/02/2026

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