How to improve the performance of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: the complete guide

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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 with MediaTek Helio processor G85 3-6 GB of RAM was originally marketed as a powerful device for gaming and multitasking, but over time, many users face slowdowns: apps open long, animations “poop”, and games appear friezes. The reasons for the brakes lie not only in the “iron”, but also in the features of the firmware MIUI.

The main factors affecting productivity:

  • 📱 Clogged memory: application cache, junk files and remnants of deleted programs take up space and load the processor.
  • 🔄 Background processes: MIUI aggressively keeps apps in your memory, even if you don’t use them.
  • 🔋 Worn-out battery: when the battery is degraded to 80% and below, the smartphone forcibly limits performance.
  • 📲 Outdated firmware: new versions MIUI Optimized better, but require clean installation.

12 proven ways to speed up the Redmi Note 9 without root rights and data loss, including hidden settings MIUI, And that's not what Xiaomi is saying. Let's start with the simplest and go to the advanced methods.

📊 How long have you noticed the brakes on the Redmi Note 9?
Less than a month.
1-3 months
More than 6 months
Immediately after purchase
Don't brake.

1. Cleaning up garbage and cache: the first step to dispersal

To start with, the basic procedure that 90% of users miss is that app cache and system temporary files can take up to 5-7 GB of memory, even if you regularly delete unnecessary programs. MIUI There's a built-in cleaning tool, but it doesn't work well. Here's how to do it right:

Open the Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning and performing the following steps:

  1. Click on “Deep Clean” (not to be confused with “Quick Clean”).
  2. Select the App Cache tab and delete the data for all programs.
  3. Go to “Junk Files” and clean up the Remains APK, Logs and Temporary files.

For more thorough cleaning, use a third-party application SD Maid (available on Google Play) finds dead files that are MIUI Run the scan in the CorpseFinder section and delete anything that the program will flag as unnecessary.

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Once the cache is cleared, some apps (like Instagram or Tinkoff) will take longer to load when they first run.

2. Optimization of background processes: how to stop the "eaters» RAM

MIUI It's known for aggressively keeping apps in RAM even when they're not in use, which causes the Redmi Note 9 to start hanging out when switching between tasks to limit background activity:

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start and:

  • 🚫 Disable AutoRun for all applications except messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and system services.
  • 🔄 In the Battery and Performance section, select Energy Saving mode for unnecessary programs (like games you rarely run).
  • ⚡ Enable the option “Limit background activity” for social networks (Facebook, VKontakte).

For advanced users: activate the developer mode (7 times click on "Version") MIUI» In Settings → About the phone, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and install:

  • Limit of background processes → Maximum 2 of the process.
  • Don't stay active → Enable (this will lead to a reboot of closed applications, but will free up) RAM).

Disable auto-start for unnecessary applications |

Set a limit of background processes (2-3)|

Enable energy saving mode for rarely used programs|

Clean the cache manually for messengers-->

3. Firmware Update: Why the New Version MIUI Can speed up the phone

Many users are afraid to update MIUI, Fearing that the new version will be "heavier" for the Redmi Note 9, however, in recent builds (starting with the release of the new version). MIUI 13) Xiaomi optimized the work with MediaTek Helio G85, adding:

  • 🔧 Improved Memory Management – Fewer Background Applications Kill.
  • ⚡ Optimization for games - reducing friezes in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty.
  • 📉 Reduced heating due to more efficient load distribution between processor cores.

To update without losing data:

  1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
  2. If the update does not come, download the latest version. MIUI Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) from Xiaomi official website.
  3. Install the file through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a firmware file.
What if the phone brakes even more after the update?
If after the update MIUI Performance has deteriorated, perform a cache reset via Recovery: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. + Volume up until the Mi. 3 logo appears. Select Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation). 4. Reboot the device.This procedure does not delete user data, but clears the system cache that may have been damaged during the update.

4.Reset to factory settings: when it really helps

If all previous methods failed, the last chance to return the Redmi Note 9 to factory speed is hard reset.

  • 📲 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
  • ☁ Sync contacts, photos and notes with Mi Cloud or Google Account.
  • 🔐 Write down Wi-Fi passwords (you can export them through the WiFi Password Viewer app).

For discharge:

  1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
  2. Select “Erase all data”.
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

  • ✅ Don’t restore data from a backup right away – check the performance of a clean phone first.
  • ✅ Install only the necessary applications (avoid junk programs like cleaners). RAM).
  • ✅ Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.

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Factory reset eliminates 90 percent of the software brakes, but only if you don't restore the old data. Use this method as a last resort.

5. Optimization for games: how to reduce lags in PUBG Genshin Impact

Redmi Note 9 with Helio processor G85 It is able to run modern games, but without the right settings you will get low. FPS And slowing down. Here's how to set up a gaming phone:

Play the game mode:

  1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Game Mode.
  2. Activate options: 🎮 «Improve touching" (reduces screen delay). 📶 «Network Priority (reduces ping in online gaming). 🔋 «Limit background activity (frees up resources for play).

For advanced users: Use Game Turbo (Hidden Function) MIUI):

  1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Search the com.miui.gameturbo list and run Game Turbo Settings.
  3. Turn it on «GPU Boost and High Performance Mode».

Also, reduce the graphical settings in the game itself:

Game.Recommended settingsExpected FPS
PUBG MobileGraphics: Balanced, Frame / s: High, Style: Colored30–40
Call of Duty: MobileGraphics quality: Low, frame / s: Maximum, Shadows: Retraction.45–55
Genshin Impact60 FPS: Respond. Permission: 720p, Shadows: Low25–30
Free FireGraphics: Ultra, Frame / s: High, Effects: Low50–60

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If the game still slows down, try to disable VSync in the developer settings (Debugging by USB → Disable control FPS). It can increase. FPS, but slightly increase energy consumption.

6.Replacement of the launcher: why the standard MIUI launcher

Standard launcher MIUI It’s beautiful but extremely voracious: it consumes up to 15% of RAM and constantly reboots widgets. Alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) run 2-3 times faster.

How to install and configure Nova Launcher:

  1. Download the app from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, select “Import the layout” to move shortcuts from the standard launcher.
  3. In the Nova settings, turn off: 🔄 «Animation of applications" (section "Animation»). 📱 «Scrolling Desktop (unless you use multiple screens). 🔍 «Google Search in the search bar (replace with QuickSearchBox for savings) RAM).

For maximum productivity:

  • 🎨 Use minimalist wallpaper (no animation and live wallpaper).
  • 🗑 Remove all widgets except the most essential ones (such as weather or calendar).
  • 🔄 Turn off “Auto-Update widgets” in the launcher settings.

7.Battery status check: why a discharged battery brakes the phone

If the Redmi Note 9 is slower after 1-2 years of use, battery degradation may be to blame. When battery capacity drops below 80%, the smartphone automatically limits performance to extend the life.

How to check the status of the battery:

  1. Install the AccuBattery app from Google Play.
  2. Charge your phone to 100% and wait for the app to collect data (you need 2-3 charging cycles).
  3. Check out the “Battery Health” parameter»: 🟢 90-100% battery normal. 🟡 80–90% – Significantly reduced productivity. 🔴 Below 80% – Replacement is required.

If the capacity is below 80%:

  • 🔋 Buy the original Xiaomi battery (article) MB-J10B For the Redmi Note 9).
  • 🔧 Replace the battery at the service center (a self-replacement will result in a loss of warranty if it is still valid).
  • ⚡ Before replacing, use the “Energy Saving” mode in Settings → Battery.

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A degraded battery not only reduces performance, but it can cause sudden shutdowns at 20 to 30 percent of the charge, and if the phone turns off in the cold, it's a sure sign of battery wear.

8. Disabling unnecessary functions MIUI: safe-off

MIUI It's overloaded with functions that most users don't need, but consume resources:

FunctionWhere to turn offThe effect
🎵 Mi-sound (sound effects)Settings → Sound. → Mi-soundReducing the load on the processor by 5-7%
📡 Second spaceSettings → Special Opportunities → Second SpaceFrees up to 1 GB of memory
📊 Analytics MIUISettings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → AnalyticsReduces network traffic and background activity
🔍 Search for applications (swipe down on the desktop)Long press on the desktop → Launcher settings → Search for applicationsAccelerates the opening of the menu
🌐 Auto-update MIUISettings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-updatePrevents background loading of updates

Also, turn off the system animation for instant response:

  1. Activate the Developer Mode (as described above).
  2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
  3. Find the settings: Window animation scale → Disable the transition animation scale → Disable the animator duration → Disable

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If after disabling animations, the phone seems “sharp”, return the scale of the animation to the 0.5x — It is a trade-off between speed and smoothness.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note performance 9

🔹 Why Redmi Note 9 is warming up and slowing down in games?
Causes: 🔥 Thermodrosselling: when heated to 45°C processor automatically reduces the frequency. 🎮 High graphics settings in the game (see table above). 🔋 Background processes that consume resources (close messengers before playing). Solution: Use a cooling stand, reduce graphics in the game and turn on game mode in the settings.
🔹 Can you overclock the Redmi Note 9 processor without root?
No, MediaTek Helio. G85 It doesn't support overclocking through standard means. The only way is to run the custom core firmware (requires unlocked bootloader and root), but it's a custom kernel: 🚫 Deprives you of security. 🔥 Increases heat and reduces the life of the processor. ⚠️ It can cause a phone to break down, and it's better to optimize existing settings, as described in the article.
🔹 How to check which application loads the processor?
Use the built-in performance monitor: Activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Monitor CPU. Enable the display of use CPU Or install an app in real time. CPU Monitor from Google Play – it will show what processes are loading the Helio kernels G85.
🔹 Should you install custom firmware (such as LineageOS) to speed up?
Pluses: ⚡ Cleaner system without “garbage» MIUI. 📱 Ability to upgrade to the latest Android (like Android 13: 📸 Brand functions do not work (Camera) MIUI, IR Blaster). 🔋 Possible battery problems (unoptimized core). 🚫 Loss of warranty and risk of brick.Conclusion: If you are not an experienced user, it is better to stay on MIUI and optimize it.
🔹 Why After Updating MIUI phone stopped?
It's because of this: 📦 Conflict of old data with new firmware (will help reset cache via Recovery). 🔄 Background indexing after the update (wait 12-24 hours). 📱 New functions MIUI, If the brakes are not gone after a day, reset to factory settings if you have more resources (turn them off as described in section 8.