How to improve the performance of Xiaomi phone: from cleaning the cache to hidden settings MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their price-performance ratio, but even flagship models start to slow down over time. The reasons can range from overloaded memory to unoptimized background processes. Fortunately, most problems are solved without going to a service center - just know where to look.

In this article, we will discuss 12 working methods that will help you get your Redmi back, POCO Or Mi speed, from basic activities like cleaning the cache to hidden functions. MIUI, Importantly, all the tips are suitable for Android 10-14 devices with a shell. MIUI 12-15, but some of the instructions are universal for other versions.

Before you start optimizing, check if the slowdown is due to hardware problems. If the phone overheats, turns off when the charge is low or "gluts" after a fall, first diagnose the iron. Otherwise, follow our recommendations in order: from simple to complex.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup: the first step to speeding up

App cache and system debris are the main brakes for Xiaomi. Even if you regularly delete files, temporary data accumulates unnoticed. For example, 10-15 GB of cache from Telegram, YouTube or games can take up up to 30% of memory, slowing down the system.

How to clean:

• 📱 Manual Cleaning: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select a program (like Facebook) and click Clear Cache. Repeat for all commonly used apps.
• 🧹 System cleaning: In Settings → The phone. → Click on “Clean” (or “Optimize»). MIUI Automatically delete unnecessary files.
• 🤖 Third-party utilities: Apps like CCleaner or Files by Google will find garbage that the system missed. But beware: some cleaners themselves cause lags.

Tip: clean the cache at least 1 time a month. If after cleaning the application is loaded for a long time - this is normal: it recovers data. After 1-2 starts, the speed will return.

⚠️ Note: Do not clean the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) manually through ADB Or root access. This can cause a cyclical reboot of the phone.

2. Optimization of background processes and autoboot

MIUI It is known for aggressive memory management, but sometimes it becomes a source of problems. Background processes, app autoloads and Xiaomi’s smart services (such as Mi Cloud or Security) can eat up to 40% CPU 1-2 GB of RAM even in standby mode.

How to limit:

• 🔄 Turn off autoboot: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Autorun. Turn off autoboot for all applications except instant messengers and system services.
• 📵 Limit background activity: In the same app management menu, select “Background Limitation” and turn off background work for unnecessary programs (such as games or social media).
• ⚡ Set up the performance mode: In Settings → Special opportunities → Select “High Performance” mode (increases heat but speeds up work).

For advanced users: through ADB You can disable unnecessary system services, for example, the command below prohibits background activity for Mi Video:

adb shell cmd appops set com.miui.video RUN_IN_BACKGROUND ignore

⚠️ Caution: Disabling system services (e.g., com.xiaomi.midrop or com.miui.analytics) may disrupt the operation of the system. MIUI. Before experimenting, back up your Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Disable autoboot for unnecessary applications

Limit background activity in settings MIUI

Check the list of active processes in the Task Manager

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

3. Software Update: Why It Matters for Productivity

Many users ignore the updates as useless, but Xiaomi regularly releases patches that:

• 🐞 Fix errors in the Android kernel, which cause hangings.
• 🔧 Optimize memory consumption (e.g., in the MIUI 14 20% reduced use of RAM by background processes).
• 🔋 Improve battery management, which indirectly affects performance.

How to update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates." If a new version is available, download it.
3. For stable operation, choose stable firmware (not beta versions).

If the update does not come automatically, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection (updates weigh 1-3 GB).
• 🔒 Firmware region: Some updates are coming to China first ROM, and then Global.
• 📵 Server settings: C Settings → Additionally. → Choose “Russia” or “Europe».

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Updating your firmware is the safest way to speed up your phone, but check the reviews on the new version on forums before installing it (e.g., check for reviews on the new version, 4PDA Xiaomi Community).

4. Reset to factory settings: when necessary

If the phone slows down after a long period of use (a year or more) and cleaning the cache doesn’t help, it’s time for hard reset.

• 🗃️ Application settings and systems.
• 📂 Files in internal memory (photos, videos, documents).
• 🔑 Accounts and passwords (except those synced to Google).

How to reset:

1. Backup your important data (via Settings) → Additionally. → Backup or manually on PC).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Reset all settings” and confirm the action.

After discharge:

• 📱 Do not restore data from a backup right away – check the speed of a clean system first.
• 🔄 Install only the necessary applications (excess programs will slow down the phone again).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to 100% before first use – this will help calibrate the battery.

⚠️ Note: On models with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware through Fastboot), a reset can result in a phone lock (requires re-unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool).

5.Memory optimization: what to do if RAM is constantly clogged

Lack of RAM is one of the main reasons for lags. Xiaomi saves on RAM even in mid-budget models (for example, the Redmi Note 11 has only 4 GB), so memory management is critical. Here's how to free RAM:

Method 1: Manually through Task Manager

• 📱 Open Recent Apps (Swipe Up with a Delay).
• 🔄 Close all unnecessary programs with swipe up.
• 🚫 For forced cleaning, click on the Close Everything (or Clean) icon at the bottom of the screen.

Method 2: Settings MIUI

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Special opportunities → Memory.
• 📊 Enable the option “Memory Optimization” (if available).
• 🔄 Activate “Car Cleaning” when blocking the screen.

Method 3: For advanced users

Through ADB You can change the memory management settings, for example, the command below reduces the number of background processes:

adb shell settings put global settings_enable_multitasking_limit 1

On models with a Snapdragon processor 6xx/7xx (for example, POCO X3 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) there may be a short-term hang-up after cleaning the RAM, which is normal.

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If your Xiaomi supports virtual memory, for example, POCO F4 Xiaomi 12T), Include it in Settings. → Additionally. → Memory. → Virtual RAM. This will add 1-3 GB of internal storage, but reduce the available space for files.

6. Disable animations and visual effects

MIUI It's known for beautiful animations, but they consume resources. Turning off visual effects will speed up the interface by 10 to 15 percent, especially on weak models (Redmi). 9A, POCO M3).

How to remove animations:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find parameters: Window animation scale → Off. Transition animation scale → Off. Animator duration → Off.

In addition, it is possible to deactivate:

• 🌈 Topics and Wallpaper: Go to Settings → Design and choose a standard theme without animations.
• 🔄 Transition effects: In Settings → Screen. → Select the system animation "Without animation».
• 📱 Gestures: In Settings → Screen. → Navigation Turn off animations when swiping.

In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T or POCO F3) Turning off animations will also save battery power, as the screen will be updated less frequently.

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Turning off animations makes it especially quicker to launch apps and return to the home screen, but the interface will become less lively — choose the balance between speed and comfort.

7.Store problems: why a full memory is slowing down your phone

When your internal memory is 90 percent full or more, your system starts to run slower.

• 📁 File fragmentation: The system spends more time searching for data.
• 📥 Lack of cache space: Apps can’t create temporary files.
• 🔧 Swap Limitation: On some models, Xiaomi uses part of the memory for virtual RAM.

How to make room:

• 📸 Move photos/video: Use Google Photos or Mi Cloud to automatically upload media files.
• 🎮 Remove the game cache: In Settings → Applications select the game (for example, PUBG or Genshin Impact) and clear the cache (can release 1–5 GB).
• 🗑️ Remove duplicates: Apps like Files by Google or Duplicate Files Fixer will find duplicate files.
• 📁 Use it. SD-Map: On models with microSD support (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) transfer applications to the memory card.

To check the status of the storage:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. See which files occupy the most space (usually Media, Applications, or System Data).
3. If the "System Data" section is 10+ GB – perform reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Do not use memory cleaner applications like Clean Master or DU Speed Boosters, which often contain ads, collect data, and cause lags themselves. MIUI.

8.Battery problems and their impact on performance

A worn-out battery not only discharges quickly, it also slows down the phone. When the charge drops below 20%, the processor automatically reduces the frequency (trottling) to save energy. On older batteries, this happens even at 50-60% charge.

How to check the status of the battery:

1. Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
2. Select “Battery Information” and look at the level and health settings.
3. If the health is bad or below 80%, it’s time to change the battery.

How to extend the life of the battery and maintain productivity:

• 🔋 Avoid full discharge: Charge your phone at 20–30%, disconnect from the network at 80–90%.
• 🌡️ Control the temperature: Do not use your phone when charging for games or videos - this heats up the battery.
• 🔌 Use original charging: Cheap adapters can damage the power controller, leading to constant trottling.
• ⚡ Turn off fast charging: On models with support 33W/67W (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) disable accelerated charging in Settings → Battery, if you don't hurry.

If the battery is already worn out, it will cost 1,500–3,000 to replace it. ₽ (On new phones (e.g. Xiaomi 13), the battery is often soldered – replacing requires professional skills.

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In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g., screens, POCO F5) Include a dark theme in Settings → It'll reduce battery load and reduce trottling.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi performance