How to improve graphics on the Xiaomi phone: from overclocking GPU fine-tuning MIUI

Graphics on Xiaomi smartphones often becomes a stumbling block for users: some complain about low prices FPS In games, others are blurry when watching videos, and others are unhappy with the color rendering of the screen, and the reason is not only the hardware of the device, but also the software limitations. MIUI, And that's the default thing that saves battery life with graphics performance, and fortunately, most problems are solved without root rights -- you just have to know where to look for hidden settings and how to activate them correctly.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to improve graphics on Xiaomi โ€“ from basic screen settings to advanced tricks with the best of the best. GPU Turbo and Game Turbo. Particular attention will be paid to models on Snapdragon processors (Redmi Note series). 12/13, POCO F5/X5) and Dimensity (Redmi) K60, Xiaomi 13T), where the potential for optimization is maximum. All methods are tested on current versions. MIUI 14/15 hyperos (2026 year).

Warning: Some tweaks can increase power consumption 15-20% (Test data from the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Snapdragon on Snapdragon 7+ Gen 1). If autonomy is critical for you, skip the sections about overclocking. GPU and focus on screen and software settings.

1. Optimization of screen settings: color profile and refresh rate

The first thing to start with is calibrating the display, even Xiaomiโ€™s budget models (like the Redmi 12S). AMOLED-It supports multiple color profiles, but by default, it turns on "Standard", which often distorts colors:

Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Color mode

For most tasks, the optimal mode is "Saturated" (increases contrast by 12% compared to "Standard"), but if you work with photos or videos, choose "sRGB" - it is as close to natural colors. On flagships (Xiaomi 14, Mix Fold 3) an additional profile is available "DCI-P3", It extends the color coverage to 98% โ€“ perfect for viewing. HDR-content.

Equally important is the refresh rate of the screen. On models that support 120Hz (POCO F5, Redmi K70) The default is often "auto" or 60 Hz to save battery life:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Update frequency.
  2. Select 120Hz (or 90Hz for models like the Redmi Note 11 Pro)+).
  3. Activate the option "Adaptive frequency", if any - this will allow the system to dynamically reduce Hz in simple operation (for example, in instant messengers).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi with LCD-screens (e.g. Redmi) 10A) forced inclusion 90/120 Hz can flicker at low brightness. If you notice this effect, go back to the light. 60 Hz.

To check the actual refresh rate, use the Display Tester app (available on Google Play) to show the current Hz and help identify "drawdowns" when the device overheats.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of screen is your Xiaomi?
AMOLED 120 Hz
AMOLED 90 Hz
LCD 90 Hz
LCD 60 Hz
I don't know.

Inclusion GPU Turbo and Game Turbo for games and heavy-duty applications

Technology GPU Xiaomiโ€™s Turbo is a proprietary GPU acceleration solution that optimizes Adreno (in Snapdragon) and Mali (in Snapdragon) drivers. Dimensity/MediaTek), play down 30-40% (According to the GSMArena test data POCO F4 GT). To activate it:

Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ GPU Turbo

If the item is not on the menu, then your model does not support it (relevant for devices older than 2021).

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Open the Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Game Turbo.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Enable the "Acceleration" option GPU" (if available).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Add games to the list of "Game Apps" for automatic optimization.
  • โšก Activate Performance Mode (some firmware called Extreme Mode").

For maximum effect in games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, additionally configure:

ParameterRecommended valueThe effect
PermissionFHD+ (2400ร—1080)Balance between quality and productivity
Frequency of personnel60 FPS (90 FPS, if maintained)Smoothness of gameplay without overheating
Shadows.Low/MediocreReduces the load on GPU on 20-25%
Anti-aliasingFXAA or TAAFewer artifacts with minimal losses FPS

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors 7xx (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro) Long play sessions at maximum settings can cause trottling (automatic performance decline due to overheating). Use cooling stands or limit FPS before 45-60.

Turn on GPU Turbo in the settings

Add the game to the Game Turbo list

Set up a performance regime

Reduce the schedule to FHD+/60 FPS

Disable background applications-->

3. Hidden developer settings: overclocking GPU and shutdown of animations

For advanced users, Xiaomi offers hidden options that allow you to manually configure the GPU to activate them:

Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version (click 7 times)

Then you'll see a "Developers" item on the menu, and you'll go there and notice the following:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "Windows animation, transition animation, animation animation duration - install 0.5x Or turn it off. That'll speed up the interface's response to the 15-20%.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ "Debugging GPU" โ†’ "Debugging through the monitor โ€“ turn on to reduce delays in rendering.
  • โšก "Do not turn off the screen while charging" - useful for long gaming sessions.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง "Background processes" - limit to 2-3, to free up RAM for games.

In some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 12T) The option "Forced Use" is available GPU". Its inclusion will force the system to use the GPU even for simple tasks (for example, scrolling the tape in social networks), but this will increase battery consumption. 25-30% (Snapdragon tests 8+ Gen 1). Use only when connected to charging.

To disperse GPU on devices with Snapdragon 8xx (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, you can use the Performance Control app (requires root) to increase the clock speed of the graphics core. 10-15%, But it takes the device off the warranty and can cause overheating.

What happens if you include โ€œEnforcement of Useโ€ GPU"?
When you activate this option, all applications, including messengers and a browser, will use a GPU for rendering. 5-10 FPS in games, but reduce the battery life of 2-3 On weak chipsets (like Snapdragon). 6xx) It may cause overloading due to overloading GPU.

4. Software optimization: cleaning the cache and updating drivers

Clogged cache and outdated drivers are common causes of graphic artifacts (flickering, stripes, app crashes).

Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ [Select game/app] โ†’ Clear cache

For deep cleaning, use the built-in "Safety" application:

  • ๐Ÿงน Start the "Dumpster Cleanup" (removes until the 1-2 GB of unnecessary files).
  • ๐Ÿ” Do a "Deep Scan" - it will find the residual files from remote games.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ In the "Outload" section, disable unnecessary applications that load RAM.

Updating graphics drivers is critical for Snapdragon devices. Qualcomm regularly releases patches for Adreno that improve performance in new games.

  1. Check the relevance of the firmware in Settings โ†’ Updating the system.
  2. If there are no updates, download the latest version. MIUI for your model from the official Xiaomi website and install manually.
  3. For devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) additionally check the version of the Adreno driver via the DevCheck app (section) GPU). Up-to-date version of 2026 year โ€” 732.0 higher.

If after updating the drivers, the games began to fly out - reset the graphics settings in Game Turbo or roll back to the previous version of the firmware.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before clearing the game's cache, save progress to the cloud (e.g., through Google Play Games or Mi Account).Some titles (e.g., Honor of Kings) store data locally and can be reset.

5.Using third-party utilities for fine-tuning

If the built-in tools MIUI Not enough, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and important: some of them require root rights or unlocked downloader.

AnnexFunctionsRequirementsReference
GFX ToolOptimizing graphics in games (FPS, permission, shadows)No root.Google Play
CPU/GPU MonitorMonitoring the load on the processor and graphics in real timeNo root.Google Play
Kernel AdiutorDispersal GPU, nucleofrequency controlRootXDA
Game GuardianModification of game parameters (only for offline games!)RootOfficial website

For devices without root, the best choice โ€” GFX Tool, for example, in PUBG Mobile or Free Fire allows you to use it:

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Permits to be established HD instead of Ultra HD (Save up to 30% of resources GPU).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Block it. FPS at 60 (prevents drawdowns).
  • ๐ŸŒ‘ Enable the "Dark Theme" mode for AMOLED-screens (reduces the load on the pixels).

To monitor temperature and frequency GPU use CPU/GPU Monitor. Normal performance for Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 loaded:

  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Temperature: up to 45-50ยฐC (above - risk of trottling).
  • โšก Frequency GPU: 600-800 MHz (maximum โ€” 1000 MHz).

โš ๏ธ Note: Apps like Game Guardian can lead to account bans in online games (such as Genshin Impact or GIG). PUBG Mobile. Use them offline only.

6. Hardware improvements: cooling and replacement of thermal paste

If software methods don't work, the problem can be overheating. Even Xiaomi's flagships (like the Black Shark 5 Pro) suffer from trottling under prolonged loads.

  • โ„๏ธ Cooling cases (e.g. Black Shark Cooling Backclip) 2 Pro) reduce the temperature by 5-8ยฐC.
  • ๐Ÿ’จ External coolers with USB-Type C (suitable for use in the POCO F4 GT, Redmi K60).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Replacement of thermopaste (relevant for devices older than 2 years).

To replace the thermal paste will require:

  1. Disassemble the device (see instructions for your model on YouTube or XDA).
  2. Remove old paste from the chipset and radiator (use isopropyl alcohol).
  3. Apply a new thermopaste (I recommend Arctic MX-6 or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut).
  4. Build the device, check the temperature in AIDA64.

The effect of replacing thermopaste with Redmi K50 Gaming (NotebookCheck tests):

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Temperature drop by 10-15ยฐC in load.
  • โšก Increased operating time at maximum frequencies 20-25%.

If you are not sure of your abilities, contact the service center. The cost of replacing the thermopaste in the official centers of Xiaomi is from 1500 to 3000 rubles (2026).

๐Ÿ’ก

Replacing thermopaste gives a noticeable increase in performance only on older devices 1.5-2 On new smartphones, the effect is minimal.

7. Alternative firmware: custom ROM for maximum productivity

If you're willing to take drastic measures, consider installing custom firmware. They're free of restrictions. MIUI and often include optimized drivers for GPU. Popular options:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Pixel Experience โ€“ pure Android with improved graphics subsystem.
  • โšก LineageOS โ€“ stable firmware with support for most Xiaomi models.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Havoc-OS โ€“ is aimed at gamers (includes overclocking) GPU "box").

Installation process:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7 days).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
  3. Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

Advantages of custom ROM:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ No restrictions MIUI frequency GPU.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Possibility of overclocking via Kernel Adiutor.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Improved optimization for games (for example, Havoc-OS has a built-in Game Mode).

Disadvantages:

  • โš ๏ธ Loss of guarantee.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Possible battery problems (some firmwares are not optimized for energy saving).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Not all camera functions can work, for example, AI-Xiaomi modes).

For models POCO F5 Xiaomi 13 recommends Pixel Experience Plus firmware โ€“ it retains all the camera features and adds optimizations for the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving graphics on Xiaomi

Can you improve graphics on a budget Xiaomi (like Redmi 12)?
Yes, but the effect will be limited. 12 (Helio G88) real: ๐Ÿ”ง Enable Game Turbo and reduce the graphics in games to HD/60 FPS. ๐ŸŽจ Switch to the color profile "saturated" for the best picture. ๐Ÿงน Clean the cache regularly (especially after updates) MIUI). Dispersal GPU or the installation of custom cores on budget chipsets MediaTek usually does not give a noticeable increase, but increases heating.
Why did the game start to play after the MIUI update?
This is a typical problem after major updates (for example, when switching to a new one). MIUI 15 Or HyperOS. Causes: ๐Ÿ”„ Unoptimized drivers for the new core. ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Clogged cache of old versions of applications. ๐Ÿ”‹ New energy-saving algorithms that limit GPU. Solutions: Clear the Game Turbo cache and data. roll back to the previous firmware version (if the lags are critical). Wait for a patch from Xiaomi (usually released within a few minutes). 2-3 Weeks after Major Update).
How to check if it works GPU Turbo on my Xiaomi?
There are two ways: ๐Ÿ“Š Through Game Turbo: Open the game, swipe right to call the Game Turbo panel "GPU" โ€” If it's green, the technology is active. ๐Ÿ”ง Through ADB: adb shell dumpsys gputurbo If the answer is "enabled: true", then GPU Turbo is on. Some models are on (POCO X5 Pro) GPU Turbo only works in Game Turbo's "Performance" mode.
Should you use a cooling stand for Xiaomi?
Yes, but with reservations: โœ… Effective for metal housing devices (Black Shark, Redmi) K60) โ€” lower the temperature 8-12ยฐC. โŒ Little help on plastic models (Redmi) 10, POCO M5) owing to poor thermal conductivity. โš ๏ธ Can damage a Type-C port if the stand with an active cooler and is poorly secured.Best options for Xiaomi: Black Shark Cooling Backclip 2 Pro (magnetic mount, silent). Baseus Magnetic Cooler (budget option, ~1500 ruble.).
Can I return standard graphics settings after tweaks?
Yes for this: Reset Game Turbo settings in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Game Turbo โ†’ Reset. In the Developer menu, return the standard animation and debugging values. GPU. If you have a custom core, run the stock through TWRP. For a complete reset, perform Hard Reset (but it will delete all data!). GPU Turbo or acceleration artifacts (strips, flicker) - perform reset via: Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting all settings