1. Autostart
On your child’s phone open Settings, then Apps, then Manage apps. Find the child app (Geopapa Kids or Funfriend) and turn on Autostart. On some versions the same switch lives in the Security app under Permissions, then Autostart. Without it the app will not come back after a restart or after the system closes it.
2. Battery saver: No restrictions
Still in the child app’s page under Manage apps, open Battery saver (on HyperOS it may be called Battery) and choose No restrictions. Battery saver (recommended) is the default and it is what closes the app when the phone is idle.
3. Other permissions
Open Other permissions on the same page and turn on Display pop-up windows while running in the background, Show on Lock screen and Permanent notification. These let the app keep its status notification and wake up when the phone is locked.
4. Location: Always allow
Go back to App permissions on the child app’s page, or Settings, then Location, then App access. Set the child app to Always allow and turn on precise location. Only while in use is not enough for a background location app.
5. Lock the app in Recents
Open the recent apps screen, find the child app card, long-press it and tap the padlock. A locked app survives Clear all and the memory cleanup MIUI runs on its own. Show your child how to do it, because they will need to repeat it if the app is reinstalled.
6. Battery and performance
Open Settings, then Battery and performance (on HyperOS, Battery). Turn off Battery saver and Ultra battery saver, or keep them off while the phone is away from home. Open the settings gear and set Clear cache when device is locked to Never; on older MIUI this is the setting that silently removes background apps every few minutes.
7. Background data
In Manage apps, open the child app, then Restrict data usage, and make sure both Wi-Fi and Mobile data are allowed. If your child uses Data saver, add the child app to its exceptions. GPS without data means the phone knows where it is but cannot tell you.
Check that it worked
Reopen the child app once, lock the phone and wait ten minutes. Then open the parent map and look at the time on the location card. If it keeps moving forward while the phone stays locked, MIUI is leaving the app alone.
Device setup instructions