Why screen refresh rates are important β and when to change them
The refresh rate of the screen (measured in hertz, Hz) determines how many times a second the picture on the display is updated. On Xiaomi smartphones, this parameter can range from the standard 60 Hz to 144 Hz on flagship models. But why change the hertz at all - and in what cases is it justified?
High frequency (90 Hz, 120 Hz or 144 Hz) makes animations smoother, reduces delays in scrolling and improves responsiveness in games. However, this has the flip side: increased battery consumption (up to 15-20% in some scenarios) and potential CPU overheating during prolonged load. For example, on the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the difference in autonomy between 60 Hz and 120 Hz can reach 3-4 hours of screen time.
On the other hand, low hertz (60 Hz) saves charge, but can cause discomfort for users accustomed to a smooth picture. The optimal option is an adaptive frequency, where the system automatically adjusts to the content (for example, 1 Hz for static images and 120 Hz for games). Unfortunately, not all Xiaomi models support this feature out of the box.
What Xiaomi models support the change in hertz
Not all Xiaomi smartphones allow you to manually adjust the refresh rate of the screen, but here are the key series and models where this feature is available:
- π± Flagship series: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12S Ultra, Mi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra (support to the 120 Hz or 144 Hz).
- π± Gaming smartphones: Black Shark 5/4/3, POCO F5/F4 GT (before 144 Hz with support for adaptive mode).
- π± Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+/11 Pro+/10 Pro, POCO X5 Pro/X4 Pro (usually) 90 Hz or 120 Hz).
- π± Budget models: Redmi Note 12/11/10, POCO M5/M4 Pro (most often fixed) 90 Hz without the possibility of change).
To find out exactly if your model supports the hertz change, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the display settings menu. If the option is missing, this can mean:
- π§ Hardware limitations (the display does not physically support other frequencies).
- π§ Software lock (sometimes unlocked after update) MIUI).
- π§ Regional restrictions (on some firmware for China/India available additional modes).
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In the models with AMOLED-With a display (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), a high refresh rate can cause flickering at low brightness. DC Dimming in screen settings.
Step-by-step: how to change hertz to Xiaomi
If your smartphone supports the change in refresh rate, you can do this through the standard MIUI settings. Instructions are relevant for the firmware versions MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Display section (or the Screen on some models).
- Find the screen refresh rate (may be called Refresh rate in English firmware).
- Choose one of the available values: 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 120 Hz or 144 Hz (depending on the model).
- Some devices (such as the POCO F4 GT) have Adaptive Frequency mode available β turn it on for automatic optimization.
If the update frequency is not on the menu, try the following:
- π Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Sometimes the option appears after the update).
- π Switch to global firmware (if you use Chinese or Indian version).
- π Install custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), but this voids the warranty.
Check the current version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Battery charge of at least 30% (in case of failure)
Close all background applications
Make a backup copy of important data-->
Table: optimal hertz settings for different scenarios
The frequency of refresh depends on how you use your smartphone, and below are recommendations for tasks:
| Use case scenario | Recommended frequency (Hz) | Reason. | Expected impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading, messaging, calling. | 60 | Minimum load on the processor | Maximum autonomy |
| Social media, web surfing | 90 | Balance between smoothness and battery consumption | Comfortable scrolling without strong discharge |
| Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile) | 120 or 144 | Maximum responsiveness of management | Higher FPS and competitive advantage |
| Watching videos (YouTube, Netflix) | 60 or Adaptive | Most of the video was shot at 24-60 FPS. | Saving the battery without loss of quality |
| Working with documents, editing photos | 90 | Smooth scroll without excessive load | Convenience without excessive energy consumption |
Important: on models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), at 144 Hz, trottling (performance restriction) can be triggered due to overheating, in which case it is recommended to use 120 Hz or turn on the adaptive mode.
What to do if there are problems after the change of hertz
Sometimes, changing the refresh rate can lead to unexpected consequences, such as screen flickering, lags or a quick battery discharge.
β οΈ Warning: If after the change in hertz the screen began to flicker at low brightness, this may be due to technology PWM-adjustment (pulse-latitudinal modulation) AMOLED-Xiaomi displays are particularly noticeable. Solution: turn on DC Dimming in screen settings or go back to 60Hz.
Problem 1: The screen twitches or "poops" when scrolling.
- π Check if the app supports high frequency (for example, Instagram may not be optimized for 120Hz).
- π Turn off animations in Settings β Special facilities β Delete animations.
- π Restart your phone β sometimes the crash happens due to conflict with background processes.
Problem 2: The phone is very hot and discharges quickly.
- π₯ Reduce the frequency to 90 Hz or turn on the adaptive mode.
- π₯ Close down unnecessary apps in multitasking (especially games and social media).
- π₯ Turn off Ultra-Economic Mode in Battery Settings β It Can Conflict with High Hertz.
Problem 3: The frequency is reset by 60 Hz after rebooting.
- π Update the firmware - this is a well-known bug in MIUI 13 for some models.
- π Reset the screen settings to factory (Settings) β Display. β Resetting settings).
- π Install a third-party hertz fixing app (like SetEdit), but that requires root rights.
Why are some Xiaomis not using adaptive frequency?
Hidden settings: how to unlock additional hertz modes
Some Xiaomi models (especially developer firmware or Chinese versions) have hidden refresh rate options available, and youβll need to use an engineering menu or third-party utilities to activate them.
Method 1: Using the Engineering Menu (without root).
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- Go to the Testing tab (or Phone Information).
- Find the Refresh Rate and select a previously unavailable value.
Warning: Not all combinations work on newer versions of MIUI, and incorrect actions can cause the system to crash.
Method 2: ADB (for advanced users)
adb shell settings put global peak_refresh_rate 120
adb shell settings put global min_refresh_rate 60These commands are enforced to set the maximum and minimum frequency.
- π₯ Included Debugging by USB developer-setting.
- π₯ Installed drivers ADB computer-based.
- π₯ Knowing the command line (an error can cause resetting of settings).
β οΈ Note: Change of hidden parameters through ADB or engineering menus can cause a loss of warranty. MIUI 14 and newer Xiaomi blocks such interventions, and after the update the settings will reset.
Top.-5 Applications for monitoring and management of Hertz
If standard settings aren't enough, you can use third-party utilities to not only change the frequency, but also track its impact on performance and battery.
| Annex | Functions | Need root? | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SetEdit | Manual installation of hertz, fixing values | β Yes. | Download |
| Refresh Rate Changer | Switching between predefined modes | β No. | Download |
| CPU Monitor | Tracking the load on the processor at different hertz | β No. | Download |
| AccuBattery | Analysis of battery consumption depending on frequency | β No. | Download |
| Game Booster 4 | Optimizing Hertz for gaming (Automatic FPS boost) | β No. | Pre-installed on most Xiaomi |
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AccuBattery will help you to determine how much a high refresh rate affects battery wear. If the discharge exceeds 10% per hour at 120 Hz, it is worth returning 90 Hz or 60 Hz for everyday tasks.
FAQ: answers to frequent questions about changing hertz to Xiaomi
Can you burn the screen if you use 120Hz all the time?
Why is my POCO X3 Pro not having a hertz change option?
How to return the adaptive frequency after the MIUI update?
Does the refresh rate affect the quality of the camera?
Can you change the hertz to Xiaomi without settings?
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If your Xiaomi model doesnβt support manual hertz change, but you want to save battery, use dark themes. AMOLED-Disable animations in the developer settings, which will reduce the load on the processor and compensate for the lack of adaptive frequency.