Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often experience a sudden decline in performance when the interface starts to slow down and apps load longer than usual. This is a common problem associated with the features of the MIUI or HyperOS shell, which consumes significant system resources. Eliminating friezes is possible by software methods without the need to flash the device or contact a service center.
The main reasons for slowing down are crowded cache, background processes, overheating of the processor or incorrect operation of system services. In this article, we will discuss proven optimization methods that will help return your gadget to its previous speed, you will learn what hidden settings activate to speed up animations and how to properly manage memory.
Analysis of the causes of slowing down of the system
Before you start taking action, you need to understand the nature of the lags. Most often, the problem lies in the lack of free RAM, when background applications eat up all available resources. The MIUI shell is known for its aggression to background processes, but sometimes system services such as Mi Cloud or GetApps can create excess load.
Another common reason is to fill up internal storage: When the space is running out, the speed of writing and reading data drops, which causes delays when starting programs, and the physical wear of the drive on older models should also be considered, although software cleaning often helps to extend the life of the device.
- 📱 Cache of system applications and browsers.
- 📱 Active widgets and live wallpaper, loading the processor.
- 📱 Background downloading updates or data synchronization.
Importantly, overheating of the case also leads to trotting, a forced reduction in the frequency of the processor to protect components. If the phone is hot to the touch, let it cool first before applying acceleration methods.
⚠️ Note: If the lags appeared immediately after the firmware update, this is normal in the first few days. 2-3 The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background.
Basic Memory and Cache Cleanup
The first step to restore performance should be file system hygiene. Xiaomi’s built-in Security app provides convenient tools for removing junk files. However, for deep cleaning, it is recommended to manually check the folders with the messenger cache, as they can take up gigabytes of space.
Click on the desktop security icon, then select Cleanup. The system will analyze the device and suggest that you delete temporary files. Don't rely on automatic mode alone - be sure to go to the Files section inside the cleaner and check for large files that you no longer need.
Pay special attention to the cache of the apps you use daily. Go to Settings, select Apps, then All Apps. Find heavy programs (e.g. Telegram, Instagram, TikTok) and click Memory, and then Clear the cache.
☑️ Checklist for quick cleaning
Once you do this, restart the device, allowing the system to redistribute resources and start the processes again without the accumulated garbage.
Optimization of animations and interface settings
The visual smoothness of Android is largely dependent on system animations. They are set to standard values by default, but reducing or completely disabling them can significantly speed up the interface response.
Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). After the notification “You became a developer” appears, go back to the main settings menu, go to Additional → Advanced Settings → For developers.
In the list that opens, look for the section that deals with drawing, and you're interested in three things: window animation, transition animation, and animation duration. Change the value from 1x to 0.5x, or completely disable them, which makes switching between screens instantaneous.
- 🚀 Disabling animations reduces the load on GPU.
- 🚀 Reduced response time to touch the screen.
- 🚀 Visually, the interface seems more “lively” and faster.
Secret codes for diagnosis
Be sure to also disable unnecessary visuals, such as live wallpaper or permanent logo animation when downloading, if the phone model allows it to do so.
Managing Autoboot and Background Processes
Many apps aim to launch immediately after the phone is turned on and continue to run in the background, consuming RAM and battery power.The Xiaomi ecosystem has a built-in control mechanism that needs to be properly configured.
Open the Safety app, go to the Battery section (or click on the charge percentages at the top) and here you will see a list of apps. For programs you rarely use (such as taxis, food delivery, banks), set a background activity limit.
Select the strategy No restrictions only for messengers, so as not to miss messages. For all other applications, it is better to set Background Activity Limit or Freeze. This will prevent them from running arbitrarily.
| Type of application | Recommended status | Impact on RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Messengers | No restrictions. | High. |
| Social media. | Limit | Average. |
| Games | Freeze. | Low (into plain) |
| Utilities. | Limit | Low. |
⚠️ Note: Do not limit the operation of system processes marked with an Android icon or MIUI, Otherwise, the phone may start to work unstable.
Disabling Advertising and System Services
One of the hidden reasons for the slowdown is the built-in MSA (MIUI System Ads) advertising, which is not only annoying, but also consumes Internet traffic and CPU resources to download ad units.
To turn off ads, go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to personal data. Find msa in the list and turn off the switch. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds, then click “Cancel.” If you fail the first time, repeat the procedure 3-5 times.
It is also recommended to disable personalized recommendations. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Advertising Services and remove the box from “Receive personalized recommendations”.
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Useful tip: After disabling the MSA, completely remove the app GetApps if you are not using Chinese services.
These actions will significantly relieve the network stack of the device and remove unnecessary requests to the servers, which is especially noticeable on models with a small amount of RAM.
Reset network settings and reset to factory
If software methods didn’t work, it could be deep system errors or conflicts after updates, in which case a network reset or a complete device reset helps.
Network reset does not affect your personal files (photos, contacts), but deletes saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. To do this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
The radical but most effective method is a full reset (Wipe Data).Be sure to back up all the important data in the Mi Cloud or on your computer before you do it, and when you reset, the phone will be like new, without any accumulated debris or errors.
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A full reset eliminates 99% of software lags caused by file system errors or update conflicts.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase all data. The process will take a few minutes, after which the device will restart.
Additional acceleration methods
There are a few other things that power users know about, like the use of Turbo Mode in the Safety → Acceleration app, which forcefully closes the background processes before launching a game.
It's also worth checking for system updates. Sometimes the lags are known bugs of the current firmware version that are patched in the patch. Go to Settings → About the phone and click on the system version.
Remember to reboot your phone periodically, at least once every 2-3 days, this clears the RAM from hanging processes and resets temporary errors.
- 🔋 Use the original charger for stable operation of the power controller.
- 🔋 Avoid installing Play Market cleaners, they often do more harm than help.
- 🔋 Monitor the temperature of the device when using navigation.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party launchers can both speed up and slow down your phone.Test them carefully as they can conflict with system gestures MIUI.