Fixing WhatsApp Web / Multi-Device Instant Disconnect on Xiaomi MIUI (MI 10i & Similar Devices)
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22 Feb 2026
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This Knowledge Base article provides a technical analysis and remediation steps for WhatsApp Web / Linked Devices sessions that connect and immediately disconnect on Xiaomi MIUI devices, including MI 10i.
Target audience:
IT professionals, system administrators, mobility support teams, helpdesk engineers.
Problem signature covered:
Product / Feature Overview
WhatsApp Multi-Device / Linked Devices Architecture
WhatsApp Web / Desktop operates via:
-
Persistent encrypted session
-
Continuous background data exchange
-
Independent device session tokens
-
TLS + WebSocket communication
Critical dependency:
Mobile device must maintain stable background network + active sync process.
Technical Explanation
Why Xiaomi MIUI Causes Instant Disconnect
MIUI implements aggressive resource management, including:
| MIUI Behavior | Impact on WhatsApp |
|---|
| Background process killing | Session termination |
| Network suspension in idle state | Handshake failure |
| Data restriction policies | Token sync drop |
| Smart network switching | TLS/WebSocket interruption |
WhatsApp Web requires:
β Persistent socket connection
β Background process continuity
β Unrestricted network access
MIUI frequently violates these conditions.
Typical Symptoms
-
QR scan successful
-
βConnectingβ¦β β Disconnect
-
Device briefly appears under Linked Devices
-
Repeated pairing required
Affected Environments
Most common on:
-
Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco devices
-
MIUI 12 / 13 / 14
-
Devices with Battery Saver / Data Saver active
-
Devices with Wi-Fi Assistant enabled
Example devices:
-
MI 10i
-
Redmi Note Series
-
Poco X Series
Troubleshooting & Resolution
β
Step 1 β Disable MIUI Battery Restrictions (CRITICAL FIX)
Path:
β Select:
Technical reason:
Prevents MIUI from killing WhatsApp background sync thread.
β
Step 2 β Enable Autostart (MIUI-Specific Requirement)
Path:
β Enable:
Technical reason:
Allows WhatsApp to relaunch sync services when suspended.
β
Step 3 β Lock WhatsApp in Recent Apps
Procedure:
-
Open WhatsApp
-
Tap Recent Apps
-
Long-press WhatsApp
-
Tap Lock icon ?
Technical reason:
Overrides MIUI task manager termination logic.
β
Step 4 β Remove Data Restrictions
Path:
β Enable:
-
Mobile Data
-
Wi-Fi
-
Background Data
-
Unrestricted Data Usage
β
Step 5 β Disable Data Saver
Path:
β Turn OFF
OR
β Whitelist WhatsApp
β
Step 6 β Disable Wi-Fi Assistant (Hidden Instability Cause)
Path:
β Disable:
Technical reason:
Prevents network interface switching mid-session.
β
Step 7 β Disable VPN / Private DNS
Path:
β VPN β OFF
β Private DNS β Automatic / Off
Technical reason:
Avoids TLS/WebSocket handshake rejection.
β
Step 8 β Test Using Mobile Data
Disable Wi-Fi temporarily:
β Use mobile data only
β Re-scan QR code
Technical reason:
Eliminates unstable Wi-Fi latency / packet drops.
Common Errors & Root Causes
Error Pattern: Connect β Immediate Disconnect
Primary Root Causes:
| Root Cause | Explanation |
|---|
| Battery Optimization Active | MIUI kills sync |
| Autostart Disabled | Process not resumed |
| Background Data Blocked | Token refresh fails |
| Wi-Fi Assistant Active | Socket interruption |
| VPN / DNS Interference | TLS failure |
Error Pattern: Repeated QR Pairing
Likely Causes:
Security Considerations
Background Restrictions vs Security
Disabling restrictions:
β Improves stability
β Does NOT reduce WhatsApp encryption security
However:
β Autostart increases background activity
β Slight battery impact expected
VPN / DNS Impact
Corporate VPN / DNS filtering may:
Best Practices & Recommendations
For Enterprise / IT Support Teams
β Preconfigure MIUI exceptions for WhatsApp
β Disable Battery Saver policies for messaging apps
β Avoid aggressive MDM battery enforcement
For Stability
β Prefer stable mobile data / reliable Wi-Fi
β Avoid Smart Network Switching
β Maintain correct system time
For Persistent Multi-Device Sessions
β Log out stuck linked devices periodically
β Update WhatsApp regularly
Conclusion
Instant disconnect issues on Xiaomi MIUI devices are not WhatsApp failures, but rather MIUI resource management conflicts.
Applying:
β No Restrictions
β Autostart Enabled
β App Lock
resolves the majority of cases.
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