How to improve the performance of Xiaomi phone: from basic optimization to hidden MIUI settings

Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most popular in the world due to their combination of price, performance and functionality. However, even the flagship Mi 13 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ models start to slow down, discharge quickly or overheat over time, and the reasons lie not only in the “aging” of iron, but also in the features of MIUI firmware, background processes and default settings, which are rarely optimal for the user.

In this article, we will discuss the system and hardware methods for improving the performance of Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi phones, from basic actions like cleaning the cache to hidden MIUI functions that are not written in the official instructions. All recommendations are tested on current firmware versions (MIUI 14/15) and adapted for the 2020-2026 models. Importantly, some tips will require administrator rights or unlock the bootloader - we will note these points separately.

If your phone is slower after an upgrade, warms up for no reason or the battery goes down in half a day, don’t rush to bring it to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved software without spending money on replacing the battery or flashing it.

1. Cleaning the system: what to remove first

Clogged memory is the main cause of lag at Xiaomi, and even if you have 10 to 15 GB of free space, background processes and app cache can slow down the system.

• 🗑️ Application cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, select frequently used programs (social networks, instant messengers, games) and click “Clear cache”. POCO The path may be different: Settings → Annexes → Cleanup.
• 📁 Garbage files: use the built-in Security app (shield icon) → «Cleanup» → «Deep Cleanup. Delete temporary files, installer residues APK and duplicate photos.
• 🚫 Unused applications: MIUI Often installs preloaded services (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) that can be turned off in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → All applications (click on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Systems»).

Pay special attention to the Download folder, where downloaded files from browsers and instant messengers accumulate. Move important documents to the cloud (Mi Cloud or Google Drive), and delete the rest. For convenience, use the Files by Google file manager, which automatically sorts files into categories and suggests removing unnecessary ones.

⚠️ Warning: Do not cache system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home, which can cause the interface to crash. MIUI Root directory: Themes and system data are stored here.

2. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Settings for Acceleration

MIUI firmware contains dozens of hidden settings that can be configured to improve performance, most of which are available without root rights:

• ⚡ Interface animation: Reducing or disabling animations will speed up transitions between screens. Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and install:
• 🔄 Background Limitation: In the same developer menu, find the Background Limit and select Process Maximum 2, which will reduce the RAM load, but some applications may reboot when you return to them.
• 📱 Easy mode: if you have a weak phone (like Redmi) 9A or POCO C31), set the settings on → Special facilities → Easy mode. The interface will become simpler, and the system will consume less resources.

For advanced users: MIUI has a hidden menu ##4636##, where you can check battery usage by component and reset battery statistics (useful after you change the battery).

3. Battery management: how to extend the life of the battery

Fast discharge is one of the most common complaints of Xiaomi owners, which is due to aggressive MIUI optimization, background processes and incorrect settings.

For phones that support adaptive charging (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro), enable this feature in Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Adaptive Charging. The system will automatically limit charge to 80% at night, extending battery life.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swollen or the phone is turned off at 20-30% charge, these are signs of physical wear and tear. No software settings will help: you need to replace the battery (cost for most models is 1,500-3000). ₽).

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To check the actual battery wear, type ##6484## (for some Redmi models) or use the AccuBattery app from Google Play.

4. Firmware Update: When and How to Do It Right

Regular MIUI updates not only add new features, but also fix performance-impaired errors, but improper firmware installation can make your phone worse.

• 🔄 Stable vs. Developer Version: If you want maximum stability, choose Stable Global Firmware (designated as Sustainable Global Firmware). V14.0.x.x). Developer versions (23.12.1, etc.) contain new features, but may be less optimized.
• 📥 Update methods: Through Settings → The phone. → Update system (the safest method) via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocked bootloader and PC). TWRP (For experienced users, the risk of “bricking»).
• ⚠️ Preparation for the update: before installing a new firmware:

If the phone gets worse after the upgrade (for example, the lags in MIUI 15 appeared), try resetting to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset). This will delete all data, but often solves performance problems. The alternative is to roll back to the previous firmware version via the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Communication optimization: 4G, Wi-Fi and GPS

Network problems are a common reason Xiaomi is slow, and the phone can “hang” due to weak signal, constant switching between 4G/3G or errors in the module settings.

• 📶 Network Selection: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Select a network and manually select an operator (automatic search sometimes connects to congested towers).
• 🌐 Wi-Fi optimization: Turn off Autoconnection to open networks in Wi-Fi settings. Turn on modem modem only when necessary - it puts the battery down hard. If Wi-Fi is constantly off, try fixing the 5GHz band (in the router settings).
• 📍 GPS geolocation: disable High Accuracy in Settings → Location → Mode, if you don't use navigation, it saves up to 15 percent of your charge.

For support phones 5G (for example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO F4 GT): if 5G In your area, you are weak, and you have to switch to 4G In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network → 4G. This will reduce heat and prolong the working time.

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If the phone is not catching the network indoors, try to disable VoLTE in the settings SIM-This feature improves call quality but may conflict with some operators (e.g. Tele2 in regions).

6. root rights and custom firmware: when to take risks

If standard methods didn't work and the phone is still slowing down, it might be time to consider advanced optimizations that require root rights or custom firmware installation, which is risky (you can lose warranty or brick your device), but gives you full control over the system.

What can be done with root:

• 🛠️ Remove System Applications: Titanium Backup or Root Explorer can be used to remove Mi Browser, Mi Video and other Blaatware without a trace.
• ⚡ Core and governor: apps like Kernel Adiutor can change CPU frequency, voltage and power saving mode, such as switching to governor ondemand or conservative will reduce heating.
• 🗃️ Transfer of applications to SD-map: even if MIUI It does not support this function out of the box, and root can be used Link2SD or App2SD.

Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi:

• LineageOS is a pure Android without Blaatware, but with a minimal set of features.
• Pixel Experience is a firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• crDroid or Evolution X – Balance between performance and customization.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on new Xiaomi models (released after 2022) requires waiting 7-15 days after the Mi Account is tied. Also, after unlocking, anti-recoil protection will work - you will not be able to return to the official firmware older than the current one.

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Before unlocking the bootloader, check if your model supports official unlocking on en.miui.com/unlock.Some phones (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for the Chinese market) may not support this feature.

7 Hardware methods: when software does not help

If all the software has been tried, and the phone is still braking, warming, or discharged quickly, the problem may be in the hardware.

• 🔋 Battery: If the phone shuts down at 20-30% or the case is swollen, the battery needs to be replaced. The average life of the original Xiaomi battery is 2-3 years (400-500 charging cycles).
• 🔥 Thermopaste: overheating (above 50)°C in plain) can be caused by a dried heatpaste on the processor, and the service will replace it for 1,000-1 500 ₽.
• 💾 Storage (eMMC/UFS): If the phone is severely slowed down when reading / writing files, check the memory health through the application AIDA64. Reallocated Sector Count Critical Values – Reason to Replace the Chip.
• 📡 Antenna module: poor network or Wi-Fi reception can be associated with damage to antenna tracks (often after falls.

For liquid-cooled models (Xiaomi Black Shark, POCO F4 GT), check the integrity of the heat pipes. If the cooling doesn't work, the phone will overheat even under minimal stress.

8. Alternative launchers and shells

Not everyone likes MIUI, with users complaining about over-animation, ads in system apps and an uncomfortable menu, and the solution is to install an alternative launcher:

• 🏠 Nova Launcher: lightweight, fast and flexible, supports gestures, icons and hiding unnecessary elements.
• 🎨 Lawnchair: Open-source launcher mimicking Google Pixel: Minimalist design and no advertising.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher: Optimized for gaming and performance, supports dark theme and adaptive icons.

To get rid of MIUI completely, you can install Google Camera (for better photography), Simple Gallery (instead of Mi Gallery) and VLC (instead of Mi Video) to reduce the system load and eliminate unnecessary background processes.

For phones from AMOLED-screen (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite or POCO X5 Pro) it is recommended to use dark themes and wallpaper – this will reduce the power consumption of the display by 15-20%.

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If after changing the launcher there are lags, clear its cache in the application settings and turn off animations in the launcher settings (usually in the "Advanced" or "Effects" section).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi optimization