How to improve Xiaomi performance: from basic optimization to advanced hacks

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their price-performance ratio, but even flagship models are starting to slow down over time. The reasons range from overloaded memory to unoptimized system settings. This article isn’t about standard tips like “clean up the cache” – here you’ll find system solutions, including hidden MIUI features, gamer settings, and methods to combat thermal throttling.

We’ll cover both software and hardware aspects, from turning on Game Turbo mode to physical cleaning of the device, with a focus on Snapdragon processor models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13T) that have a higher overclocking potential than budget MediaTek chips, all of which have been tested on current MIUI 14/15 and adapted to Google’s new restrictions on application background activity (Android 13+).

1. Diagnostics of the current state: Xiaomi tools

Before you optimize, you need to understand what exactly is slowing down your smartphone. MIUI has built-in tools for analysis:

• 📊 Security App → Speed Boost: Shows the boot CPU, Memory and temperature. Pay attention to the applications that consume >15% CPU background.
• 🔍 Settings → The phone. → All characteristics → Battery condition: if the capacity has fallen below 80%, it has a critical impact on performance (power saving mode is activated).
• 📉 Dev Check (an app from Google Play): displays the real CPU frequency. Compare it to passport values (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 must hold 3.2GHz under load).

The key is thermal status. If you see a warning on the Security App, "Temperature abnormal," it's throttling. It's an artificial power restriction to avoid overheating.

⚠️ Note: If the processor temperature exceeds 60°C to simple (checked through AIDA64), Do not start overclocking. First replace the heatpaste or check the cooler (relevant for Black Shark and other game models).

2. MIUI optimization: hidden settings and modes

MIUI has a lot of hidden features that aren’t enabled by default, such as Ultra Battery Saver aggressively restricting background activity, but it can be customized to specific apps.

How to enable advanced options:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🚀 Limiting background processes (select "Maximum 2 process") 🔄 Window animation and transition animation (set the value) 0.5x or turn it off) 📱 Do not turn off the screen while charging (useful for testing)

Game Turbo

Settings → Special Opportunities → Game Mode

An important nuance: MIUI 15 has Memory Extension, which uses a portion of the internal drive as a virtual RAM. However, on budget models (e.g. Redmi 10A), this can reduce performance, as the read/write speed of the eMMC is lower than that of LPDDR4X. Disable it if you notice lags when multitasking.

3. Fighting thermal throttling: how to avoid throttling

The main reason for the fall in FPS in games is overheating. Snapdragon and MediaTek processors automatically reduce the frequency when a critical temperature is reached. For example, the Snapdragon 888 loses up to 40% of performance at 75 ° C.

Decisions:

• ❄️ Refrigeration: Use radiator stickers (e.g. Arctic Cooling for the use of radiator stickers) POCO F5). For gaming sessions, plug in an external cooler (supported on Black Shark 5 Pro). Avoid direct sunlight and don't play when charging (especially on fast chargers). 120W+).
• ⚙️ Software Tricks: In Game Turbo, Set a Limit FPS 1-2 frames below the maximum (for example, 118 instead of 120). GPU. Turn off Adaptive Brightness – Lighting sensors warm up and affect the SoC temperature. Install ThrottleStop (root required) to manually control CPU voltage.

On liquid-cooled models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), never drop the device – this can lead to depressurization of the system and irreversible overheating.

4. Cleaning up the system: what really works

Many people advise clearing the cache, but this only helps with a single slowdown.

• 🧹 System garbage disposal: Use the Security App → Cleaner → Deep Clean. APK-Remains and empty folders. SD Maid (requires root for full access).
• 🗑️ Cleaning Dalvik cache (advanced only): adb shell su -c "rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*" This command reassembles the cache of the applications, and when it runs, the device will restart!
• 📦 Debloating (removing pre-installed applications): No root: disable unnecessary services through Settings → Annexes → Application management → From root: use Titanium Backup to completely remove com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop and other background services.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications (e.g. com.android.cts.ctsshim) may result in loss of functionality NFC Or Google Pay errors. Always back up before debloating.

For models with dynamic memory (e.g., POCO X5 Pro with virtual RAM), regularly check the state of the drive via *AIDA64 → Storage → Health status. If the value of the Reallocated Sector Count increases, this is a sign of memory wear and tear and needs to be replaced.

5. Customization for gamers: FPS, response and stability

For games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, the standard MIUI settings are not optimal.

• 🎮 Game Turbo Mode: Enable Settings → Special facilities → Game mode → Select Extreme Performance Profile (available on Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 1 and later Activate Touch Sampling Rate 240Hz (enhances screen response).
• 🖥️ Setting up permission and graphics: In games, set permission 1080p native 4K (On Xiaomi 13 Pro, it gives you that. +20% FPS). Turn off VSync and Anti-Aliasing in the graphics settings. Use GFX Tools for forced inclusion of Vulkan API (Improves productivity by 10-15%).
• 🔌 Power during the game: Connect charging with power not lower 33W, To avoid voltage drawdowns. Turn off Charging Optimization in Settings → Battery.

For the POCO F4 GT and other magnetic trigger models, adjust the touch zones in Game Turbo → Magnetic buttons. This will reduce input delay by 20-30 ms.

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If you see jerks in the game, try turning on Forced GPU Rendering in the developer settings, which can eliminate artifacts, but will increase battery consumption.

6 Hardware Improvements: What Can Be Done Physically

If software optimization doesn't work, consider hardware modifications, which require skill but yield a noticeable boost:

• 🔧 Replacement of thermal paste: On Redmi K60 Pro and other flagships use Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut paste. for budget models (Redmi) 12C) Arctic is fine MX-6. After the replacement, check the temperature in AIDA64 — fall°C real real.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: If capacity falls below 80%, battery limits performance. for Xiaomi 11T Choose batteries with labeling MBJ4 (original).
• 🛠️ Memory upgrades (only for supported models): POCO M6 Pro and some Redmi Note models allow you to replace the eMMC with UFS Increase in read/write speed to 300%.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembly of the device voids warranty. IP53 (For example, Xiaomi 13 Lite) after opening lost dust protection.

For owners of Black Shark 4/5, official accessories are available:

Black Shark FunCooler Pro external cooler (reduces temperature by 18°C)

Controller Black Shark GamePad (reduces the heating of the screen due to the transfer of control to the gamepad).

7.Alternative firmware: when MIUI brakes

If optimization doesn't work, consider switching to custom firmware.The best options for Xiaomi are:

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (download only from the official website).
3. Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. For proper camera operation, install the ANX Camera or GCam.

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Switching to custom firmware gives performance gains of up to 30%, but it deprives of warranty and can disrupt some functions (for example, wireless charging on Xiaomi 13 Pro).

8 Extreme methods: acceleration and undervolting

For advanced users, overclocking and undervoltage are available, which are risky but can be a good thing. +15-20% productivity.

Instructions for Snapdragon 865/870/888:

1. Get root rights through Magisk.
2. Install Kernel Auditor or FrancoKernel Manager.
3. In the CPU section: Increase the maximum frequency of the large core by 100–200 MHz (e.g., from 2.84 to 3.0 GHz). Reduce the voltage by 25–50 mV for each core (start with the small core).

GPU

• Increase the frequency by 50–100 MHz (for example, from 840 to 900 MHz on Adreno 650).
• Turn off Thermal Throttling (testing only!).
• Test stability in 3DMark or Geekbench 6.

Warning: Incorrect settings can lead to:

Overheating and burnout of the processor (especially on the Snapdragon 888, known for problems with overheating).

Bootloop (cyclic reset) if the voltage is too low.

- Lose the warranty.

For MediaTek (e.g., Dimensity 1200 in POCO F4), overclocking is only possible via the engineering menu (#36446337##), but it is unstable and not recommended.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi optimization

For gamers: In Game Turbo, enable Network Priority for games.