Certain embodiments generally relate to background inter-frequency measurement, such as, but not limited to a method and apparatus of background search of small cells. For example, the method may include limiting UE performance/capability to find small cells by relaxing UE performance. The method may also include indicating to the UE as to which carrier to relax performance. The method may further include determining gap configurations in measurement gaps for a plurality of inter-frequency/RAT measurements. The method may also include providing new UE performance requirements and providing autonomous gap configurations by configuring UE to cease listening to serving cell for short time periods. The method may still further include providing new gap configurations.