How to accelerate the screen to 90 Hz on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways with explanations

Can you turn on 90 Hz on Redmi 9 and is it worth it?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 officially supports only the standard 60Hz display, as confirmed by both the model specifications and the manufacturer’s documentation. However, many users are looking for ways to accelerate the screen to 90Hz, motivated by smoother animation, comfortable scrolling and “premium” interface feel.

First, the Redmi 9 hardware platform (MediaTek Helio G80 processor + IPS LCD display) is not initially optimized for high refresh rates. Second, even if you can activate 90 Hz programmatically, it can lead to overheating, accelerated battery drain and image artifacts. However, enthusiasts have found workarounds — and we will go through each of them in detail, assessing the risks and benefits.

Importantly, if you're not prepared for potential performance or warranty issues, you'd better stick to standard settings. But if you're not alien to experimenting, read on.

Why doesn’t Redmi 9 support 90Hz out of the box?

The reasons for the frequency restriction are rooted in the iron stuffing and Xiaomi strategy:

• 🔧 Helio processor G80 It does not have built-in support for dynamic frequency change (unlike the flagship Snapdragon chips). 8xx Or Dimensity 1200.+).

However, there are hidden parameters in MIUI firmware that can be changed through engineering menus or modified cores, and this is discussed in the following sections.

Method 1: Activate 90 Hz through an engineering menu (no root)

The safest method is to use the hidden MTK engineering menu (available on all MediaTek-based smartphones), which does not require superuser rights, but is temporary, and the settings will reset once you restart.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (code for MTK Engineer Mode).
2. Go to Hardware Testing → Display → LCD NT36672C (the name may vary depending on the firmware version).
3. Find the Dynamic FPS or Refresh Rate and set the value to 90Hz.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: If after applying the settings, the screen began to flicker or stripes appeared - immediately return the value to the 60Hz. Long-term use in this mode can damage the matrix.

Method 2: Change frequency through ADB (for advanced)

A more reliable but technically sophisticated method is the use of ADB commands (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to force the update frequency, but requires a PC connection and basic knowledge of working with the console.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Turn on USB debugging in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type:

adb shell settings put global peak_refresh_rate 90


adb shell settings put global min_refresh_rate 90

Once you've done the commands, restart the device. To get it back, use the same commands, but with a 60 instead of a 90.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI (13+) These commands may not work because of manufacturer restrictions, and you'll need to unlock the bootloader and install a custom core.

Method 3: Castom firmware and cores (maximum acceleration, but risky)

If standard methods do not help, the last option is to install a modified firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or a kernel with support for 90 Hz. This gives the greatest freedom, but deprives of warranty and can lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the device.

The following are the best solutions for Redmi 9:

To install custom firmware, it is necessary:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9 (the version must match the device’s code name – lancelot).
3. Sweep ZIP-firmware-box.

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Before you run the firmware, check the compatibility of the kernel with your version of MIUI. Some versions work only on Android 11, others on Android 12+.

Problems After Turning On 90 Hz and How to Solve Them

Even if you've managed to activate a high refresh rate, be prepared for side effects, and here are the most common ones and ways to address them:

• 🔥 Overheating: Install the Coolify app or limit background activity in battery settings. avoid games at 90Hz.
• 🔋 Fast discharge: Turn off 90Hz manually when charge is below 30%.Use power saving modes.
• 🖥️ Image artifacts: Return to 60Hz and check the display cable (it may have moved away).
• 🐢 Lags in the interface: Turn off animation in Settings → Special facilities → Delete the animations.

Critical information: On some Redmi 9 instances (especially those with early matrix revisions), a forced 90Hz turn on results in irreversible display damage after 3-6 months.

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If the screen flickers even 60 Hz after overclocking, it's a sign of hardware damage.

Alternatives 90 Hz: how to make the interface smoother without overclocking

If the risks of overclocking the screen scare you, but you want a more responsive interface, try these methods:

• ⚡ Enable "Increase Sensitivity" in Settings → Display. → It'll speed up the response to touch.
• 🎮 Activate the game mode (Settings) → Special opportunities → Game mode that optimizes performance.
• 🗑️ Clear the system cache: go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI to the latest version - in new builds improved animation optimization.

It’s also worth trying out lightweight launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which reduce delays when opening apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about screen overclocking on Redmi 9