Why Redmi Note 7 is slowing down and how to fix it
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its balanced characteristics: Snapdragon 660 processor, 3/4 GB of RAM and a battery of 4000 mAh. However, over time, even this “iron monster” begins to slow down, the reason for this is the accumulation of digital debris, outdated MIUI firmware or suboptimal system settings.
The main reasons for the decline in productivity:
- 🗑️ Cluttered memory: application cache, residual files after deleting programs, duplicate photos.
- 🔄 Background processes: autoloading unnecessary services, synchronizing accounts, push notifications.
- 📱 Outdated software: no security updates or switch to unofficial firmware.
- 🔋 Battery wear: When the battery is degraded below 80%, a protective performance limitation is triggered.
In this article, we will discuss software and hardware optimization methods that will return your Redmi Note 7 to its previous speed. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI 12-14 and do not require root rights (except for one exception, which we will discuss separately).
1. Cleaning up the system: removing digital garbage
The first step to speed up is freeing up internal memory. The Redmi Note 7 has only 32/64GB of internal storage, and even 10-15GB of occupied space can critically affect speed.
Open Settings → Memory → Clean up and start scanning. Delete:
- 📁 Temporary application files (cache).
- 🗃️ Unnecessary APK-Files (remains after installing programs).
- 🖼️ Duplicate photos and screenshots (use Gallery) → Albums. → Duplicate).
For deep cleaning, use third-party utilities, such as SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google (works without superuser rights).
Remove the cache manually for each application|Check Downloads folder for unnecessary files|Clear the history in the browser|Transfer the photo/video to SD-map|Remove unused applications-->
A critical error of many users: Clearing the cache through the “Master of Optimization” in MIUI deletes data only for system applications, but does not affect user programs. To clear the cache for all applications, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and select the “Clear Cache” option for each of them.
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the application data (the “Delete Data” button) without need – this will lead to resetting settings and logging out of accounts.
2. MIUI optimization: disabling unnecessary functions
MIUI is known for its abundance of background processes that eat up resources.
Autoloading of applications:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Autorun.
- Turn off autoload for instant messengers (except the main one), games and underused programs.
Animation and visual effects
- 🎨 Enable the Settings mode → Screen. → Reading mode to reduce the load on GPU.
- 🔄 Turn off animation in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the version, then on the Developer Settings → Select the scale of animation "Without animation»).
| MIUI function | Impact on productivity | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary space | Creates duplicate applications, takes up memory | Disable (Settings → Applications → Secondary Space) |
| Smart Help (Game Turbo) | It is useful for games, but works in the background. | Leave but disable auto-start |
| Synchronization of Xiaomi Cloud | Constantly uses the Internet and CPU | Disable or limit (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync) |
| Smooth crossings | Additional load on the processor | Disable in the developer settings |
💡
If the interface seems “sharp” after disabling animation, return the animation scale to 0.5x – this is a trade-off between smoothness and performance.
3. Application management: what to remove and what to leave
The list of installed applications is the main brake of the system.
Applications that can be removed without consequences:
- 🎵 Mi Music, Mi Video – replaced by Google Play Music and YouTube.
- 📰 Mi Browser – Use Chrome or Firefox.
- 🛒 GetApps, Mi Pay – Unnecessary outside of China.
- 📊 Clean Master (if installed) — MIUI It has built-in cleaning tools.
How to remove system applications without root
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Select the unnecessary application → Remove updates → Disable.
⚠️ Note: Do not disable system services called com.android., com.miui. or com.qualcomm.* – this will lead to unstable operation of the phone.
For games and heavy applications (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile: Activate Game Turbo Mode (Settings) → Special facilities → Game Turbo: It optimizes resource allocation, but remember to close games after use - they continue to work in the background!
List of safe for removing system applications
Update of firmware: official and custom options
The Redmi Note 7 officially supports MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11, but unofficially you can install MIUI 13/14 or custom firmware like LineageOS.
How to update the official firmware:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on “Check Updates” and install the latest version.
- If the update does not come, download Recovery ROM from en.miui.com and install it through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
Risks of custom firmware
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
- ⚠️ Possible bugs with camera or sensors.
- ⚠️ The need to unlock the bootloader (the procedure takes 7-14 days).
💡
Upgrade via Recovery is the safest way, but requires at least 50% battery life and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
If you decide on custom firmware, choose LineageOS 19 (Android 12) or Pixel Experience for pure Android. For installation instructions, look for the XDA Developers forum (Redmi Note 7 section).
5. Hardware tricks: acceleration and cooling
The Redmi Note 7 has a Snapdragon 660 processor that can be slightly overclocked or limited to save power, which requires root access and a Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel Manager app.
Safe settings for overclocking (only for power users!):
- 🔥 Increase the maximum frequency CPU up to 2.2 GHz (standard - 2.0 GHz).
- ❄️ Set a performance profile for the governor (frequency regulator).
- 🔋 Limit the minimum frequency to 300 MHz to save charge.
Cooling
- 🧊 Use heat sink covers or cooling stands for games.
- 🌡️ Monitor the temperature through the app AIDA64 — heat-up°C performance automatically decreases.
⚠️ Attention: Overclocking reduces the life of the processor and increases heat.°C phone can turn off to prevent damage.
The alternative to overclocking is to roll back to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset) This is a radical method, but it removes all accumulated system errors. Remember to back up through Settings → System and Device → Backup.
6.Battery Optimization: Why a Slow Phone Is Drying Faster
A degraded battery (capacity below 80%) causes the system to artificially limit performance, and you can check the status of the battery through the AccuBattery app or built-in statistics (Settings → Battery → Battery Status).
How to extend the life of the battery and return the speed:
- 🔌 Avoid charging to 100% – optimal range of 20–80%.
- ⚡ Use the original power supply unit (5V/2A or 9V/2A).
- 🌙 Enable a dark theme (Settings) → Screen. → Dark subject) — AMOLED-Redmi Note 7 screen consumes less energy.
- 📵 Turn it off. 4G/LTE, If the signal is weak (transition to the 3G reduces the load on the modem).
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone brakes when charging | Quick charging mode activated | Turn off the settings → Battery → Quick charging |
| Low charge lags (<15%) | System limits the CPU | Connect charging or activate saving mode |
| Overheating during games | High load on the GPU | Limit FPS in the game settings or use a cooling stand |
If the battery capacity fell below 70%, its replacement will cost 1500-2500 rubles (depending on the service center), but will return the original performance.
7.Alternative launchers and lightweight applications
The standard MIUI launcher consumes up to 300-400 MB of RAM, replace it with lighter ones:
- 🏠 Nova Launcher – minimalist, with gesture settings.
- 🚀 Lawnchair 2 – Open source, themes support.
- ⚡ Smart Launcher 5 – Automatic Application Sorting.
To save resources, use lightweight versions of applications:
- 📱 Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite.
- 💬 Twitter Lite (via Twitter Lite) PWA Chrome).
- 📷 Google Go instead of Google Assistant.
⚠️ Note: Some lightweight apps (such as Instagram Lite) may not support all features of the main version.
If you use your browser frequently, ditch Chrome in favor of Bromite (no ads) or Firefox Focus (no trackers) which will reduce the CPU load and save traffic.