How to Optimize Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro for Maximum Performance in 2026

Why Redmi Note 9 Pro is slowing down and how to fix it

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, released in 2020, is still a popular choice due to the balance of price and features: Snapdragon processor 720G, It's up to 6GB of RAM and a 5020mAh battery, but over time, even that hardware starts to slow down -- apps take a long time to open, animations twitch, and the battery goes down in half a day -- not so much hardware constraints, but clogged firmware. MIUI, background processes and incorrect settings.

In this article, we’ll look at 12 proven optimizations, from basic (cache cleaning) to advanced (CPU core settings and system services shutdowns). All of them have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and don’t require root rights unless otherwise stated. Importantly, optimization won’t turn your smartphone into a flagship in 2026, but it will bring back smoothness at the “box-like” level.

Before you start, answer the question: what exactly is it that you are not happy with in the operation of the device?

1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache

The first step is to get the files cleaned up in depth, and in a year of use, you can get 5 to 10 GB of junk in your memory: app cache, temporary update files, duplicate photos and remnants of deleted programs. MIUI has a built-in tool, but it only deletes some of the data. We'll go further.

Open Settings → Memory → Cleanup and click “Deep Cleanup.” The system will analyze the files and prompt you to delete:

• 🗑️ Application cache (can take up to 3-4 GB)
• 📁 Downloads (APK, archives, old documents)
• 🖼️ Duplicate photos (especially relevant for Telegram and messengers)
• 🔄 Remnants of Remote Applications (Folders in the /Android/obb/)

For more thorough cleaning, use third-party utilities like SD Maid (requires root for full functionality) or Files by Google. The latter is free and finds up to 1-2 GB of “invisible” debris that MIUI misses.

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If less than 10% of the memory is free after cleaning, the smartphone will slow down even on simple tasks, and it is optimal to keep 15-20% of the total volume free.

2. MIUI optimization: disabling unnecessary functions and animations

MIUI firmware is known for its abundance of background processes and “chips” that eat up resources. For example, the second spatial sound (Settings → Sound → Sound Effects) is constantly running in the background, and MIUI auto-optimization often fails to close the desired applications.

• 🎵 Sound effects (Settings) → Sound. → Sound effects → Off.) - saves up to 5% CPU.
• 🔄 Auto-optimization (Settings) → Battery → Optimization → Off. – often kills background tasks (such as music in headphones).
• 📊 Usage statistics (Settings) → Confidentiality → Usage statistics → Off. – collects data about your actions.
• 🌐 MIUI Optimization (for experienced users only) ADB): adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0 This command disables some of the system restrictions, but can cause bugs with gestures.

Also, reduce or turn off animations, which will visually speed up the work.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Set the window animation scale, transition animation scale and animator duration scale at 0.5x or off.

3. Application management: what can be removed or frozen

MIUI installs dozens of system applications, many of which duplicate Google features or are not used at all, and can be removed (if there is root) or frozen through ADB. Below is a table of safe services to disable:

Warning: Do not remove applications called com.miui.home, com.android.settings or com.miui.securitycenter, which will cause the system to fail. Before mass removal, backup through Settings → Additional → Backup.

Backup data | Check the list of safe applications to remove | Install ADB on PC | Connect your phone in debugging mode (USB Debugging) | Record the commands to roll back changes-->

4. Battery optimization: how to extend the operating time

The Redmi Note 9 Pro's 5020mAh battery should hold a charge for a day, but in practice many users face a discharge in 10-12 hours.

• 📡 Mobile network 4G/5G Standby (especially with a weak signal).
• 📍 Geolocation services (Google, Yandex, social networks).
• 🔄 Background synchronization (mail, messengers, clouds).
• 🎮 Games and heavy applications (e.g. Genshin Impact drains battery in 3-4 hours).

To optimize your spending, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play (Settings → Auto Update → Never).
2. Limit background activity for unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Battery → Limit background activity
3. Enable the power saving mode (Settings → Battery → Power saving mode → On). In extreme cases, use Ultra mode (disables background data).
4. Adjust adaptive brightness: set a limit of 60-70% in Settings → Display → Brightness.

Hidden life hack: If the battery is rapidly draining even in standby mode, check the consumption of mobile data in the background. Some applications (such as Facebook or TikTok) can spend up to 500 MB / hour on background tasks. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.

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The most effective way to save battery is to turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi at night, and even in sleep mode, the smartphone spends up to 10% of its charge on background checks.

5. Overclocking and fine tuning of the processor (for experienced)

The Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro has hidden potential: by default, the cores operate at frequencies up to 2.3 GHz, but they can be accelerated to 2.5-2.6 GHz without the risk of overheating.

• 🔧 Root rights (for example, through Magisk).
• 📱 Application for kernel control (Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel).
• 🌡️ Temperature monitoring (annex) AIDA64).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Kernel Adiutor and provide root access.
2. Go to the CPU section and set: Max. frequency of big cores (Cortex-A76) at 2550 MHz. Max. frequency of small cores (Cortex-A55) at 1950 MHz. Governor (Governor) - choose performance for maximum performance or ondemand for balance.

GPU

Adreno 618

850 MHz

750 MHz

Save the settings and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: overclocking increases the heat of the processor.°C in plain or 80°C under load, return the standard frequencies, and accelerate reduces battery life by 10-15% when used intensively.

For those who don't want to take risks, the alternative is heat optimization. Install Coolify (requires root) and activate Balanced mode. The app will limit heating without losing performance.

6.Memory optimization: how to free RAM

The Redmi Note 9 Pro comes with 4/6GB of RAM, but after a year of free memory use, less than 1GB remains. This leads to forced application closure and hang-ups.

• 🧹 Cleaning RAM manually: in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Press "Clean" on RAM. Do this 1-2 times a day.
• ⚙️ Limitation of background processes: Settings → For developers → Process limit → Maximum 3 Processes in the Background This Will Reduce Multitasking, But Reduce RAM Load.
• 📱 Using the Light versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) takes 2-3 times less RAM.
• 🔄 Disabling “Recent Applications”: in Settings → Home screen → Select “No recent” or reduce it to 3.

A common mistake is that many users install RAM boosters from Google Play (like Clean Master), which not only fail to help, but consume up to 200MB of memory themselves, creating the illusion of optimization, instead use built-in MIUI tools.

7. Update firmware: should I switch to custom?

The official updates to the Redmi Note 9 Pro stopped in 2023 (the latest version is MIUI 14 based on Android 12).However, the development community continues to support the device through custom firmware, such as:

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) - stable, without Blaatware.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – pure Android with Google Pixel chips.
• 🔧 ArrowOS – Optimized for Performance.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Security updates to 2026-2026.
• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Services.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the kernel and interface.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” when installed incorrectly.
• ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (especially in the first builds).

If you decide to reflash, follow this checklist:

Backup all data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool|Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services)|Check the compatibility of the firmware with the model (joyeuse/curtana)|Charge your phone at least to 70%-->

⚠️ Warning: Before unlocking the bootloader, link your Mi Account to the device. Without this, after resetting, the smartphone will require entering a username / password, even if you are selling it!

8 Hardware Improvements: What Can Be Physically Replaced

If software optimization doesn't work, consider hardware upgrades. In the Redmi Note 9 Pro, you can replace:

• 🔋 Battery: The original 5020 mAh loses up to 30% of its capacity in 2-3 years, and it will cost 1500-2500 to replace it. ₽.
• 💾 Memory – the model supports microSD up to 512 GB (UHS-I). To speed up work, use class cards. A2 (for example, Samsung EVO Plus).
• 🔄 Thermopaste - over time, dried paste leads to overheating.Replacement with Arctic MX-6 lower the temperature by 5-10°C.
• 📶 Antenna module – if the network reception deteriorated, the contact may have gone away or the antenna worn out (repair) ~1000 ₽).

Battery tip: If your smartphone turns off at 20 to 30 percent charge, it's a sign of battery wear. You can check the status through AccuBattery. If the capacity drops below 3,500 mAh, it's time to change.

To replace components, contact service centers with original spare parts. Self-repair is fraught with damage to the plumes (especially the Redmi Note 9 Pro thin tape display and camera).

FAQ: Frequent Optimization Questions