How to improve the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: from cleaning to firmware

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment even 4 years after the release. However, over time, many users face brakes, rapid battery discharge and overheating. The reason is not the “weak hardware” – the Snapdragon 720G processor still drags on modern tasks, if you configure the system correctly.

In this article, 10 proven ways to improve performance, from basic (cache cleaning) to advanced (bootloader unlocking and custom cores). All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 12/13. No universal “tips from 2020” – only working solutions for 2026.

Important: Before any manipulation of the system, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup. Some methods (such as factory reset) erase user data.

1.Diagnosis: Why the Redmi Note 9 Pro is slowing down

Before optimizing, you need to identify bottlenecks. Redmi Note 9 Pro most often brakes for 4 reasons:

• 📱 Overloaded memory: less than 10% of the free space on the internal drive
• 🔋 Degraded battery: capacity below 80% of the original (checked in Settings) → Battery → Battery status)
• 🤖 Outdated firmware: MIUI older than 2023 or custom build with bugs
• 🔥 Thermal Trottling: CPU reduces frequency due to overheating (relevant for gaming)

To pinpoint the problem precisely:

1. Install CPU Monitor – monitors the processor load in real time.
2. Check the temperature through the Temp CPU. Norm for the Snapdragon 720G - up to 45 ° C in the simple, up to 70 ° C under load.
3. Run AnTuTu Benchmark – compare the results with the reference for your model (about 270-290 thousand points for stock firmware).

⚠️ Note: If AnTuTu scores below 200,000, the problem is more hardware (battery wear, motherboard damage). Software optimization won't help here - you need a diagnosis in the service center.

2. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache

The first step is to free up memory. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with 64/128 GB of storage, it is critical to keep at least 15% of the free space. Here's how to do it effectively:

• 🧹 Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select the “heaviest” app (such as Facebook or TikTok) and click Clear Cache.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary files: Use the built-in cleaner (Settings) → Storage) or Clean Master (only for garbage removal, not for "acceleration"!).
• 📁 Transfer of files to SD-Map: Photos, videos and music can be moved to an external drive via Files → Categories → Choose. → Move it.

For deep cleaning:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "com.miui" | awk -F= '{print $2}' | xargs adb shell pm clear

This command will reset the cache of all MIUI system applications (ADB and USB debugging enabled are required).

⚠️ Note: Do not use "optimizers" RAM" from the Play Market, for example, DU Speed Booster. They only impair performance by constantly killing background processes. MIUI You control your memory – trust the system.

Check the free space in the Settings → Storage

Remove the cache top-5 heavyweight

Transfer media files to SD-map

Clean Download folder from unnecessary files

Remove duplicate photos through specialized software-->

3. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Functions

MIUI is overloaded with background processes that eat up resources, and here's what you can safely turn off:

• 📡 Auto-Update Apps: Play Market → Settings → Auto-update → Never.
• 🔍 Search by device: Settings → Additionally. → Search → Disconnect (saves up to 10% of charge).
• 🎵 Mi-music and Mi-video: These apps work in the background even if you're not using them. → Permits → Auto-start.
• 📊 Analytics MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Reviews and analytics → Shut down.

For advanced users:

Turn off the interface animation to speed up navigation:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps for Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and install:

Critical setting for games: disable "Game Turbo Mode" (Settings → Special Opportunities → Game Turbo).Despite the name, it often impairs performance in heavy games due to aggressive resource management.

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If the interface seems sharp after disabling animations, zoom back to 0.5x instead of completely shutting it down, which will give +20% smoothness without visual discomfort.

4. Overclocking and control of the processor

The Snapdragon 720G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro has hidden potential.Without the root, you can improve performance through:

• 🎮 Performance mode: Included through Settings → Battery → Performance mode. Increases clock speed. CPU/GPU on 10–15%, It reduces the time of autonomy.
• ⚡ Force 90 FPS: For games that support high frame rate (for example, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty. Included through Settings → Screen. → Frequency of update → 90 Hz.
• 🔧 Undervolting: Lower voltage at processor cores to reduce heat (requires Magisk and Kernelsu module).

For rooted devices:

Install Joyeuse Kernel - custom core with:

• Optimized Governors (e.g, blu_sched Balance performance and battery).
• Support KCAL to adjust the color reproduction of the screen.
• Ability to overclock the Adreno 618 GPU to 850 MHz (stock 750 MHz).

⚠️ Attention: Custom core acceleration removes the device from warranty. Before firmware check compatibility with your version MIUI on XDA Developers.

5. Firmware update: stock vs caste

Up-to-date firmware is the key to stable operation. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, there are 3 options:

1. Official MIUI (recommended for most users):
2. Global ROM → EEA ROM (for better optimization):

Custom firmware

• Pixel Experience is a pure Android without MIUI.
• crDroid is a balance of customization and stability.
• Requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP.

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Switching from Global to EEA ROM does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not erase user data (if the MIUI version matches).

Battery Optimization: How to Recover 8+ Screen Hours

The Redmi Note 9 Pro (5,020 mAh) battery loses capacity over time to extend its life.

• 🔌 Battery calibration: Discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat 2-3 times.
• ⚡ Charge Limitation: Enable Settings → Battery → Battery status → Optimized charging (limits charge to 80%).
• 🌙 Dark subject. + AMOLED: Switch to the dark theme in Settings → On the screen. IPS-Redmi Note 9 Pro screen saves up to 15% of charge.
• 📵 Shutdown 5G: If your operator does not support you 5G, switch over 4G (LTE) In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

For deep optimization:

Install CPU Sleep - the application pauses background processes when the screen is off.

• Activate Aggressive Doze.
• Add messengers (for example, WhatsApp, Telegram) to the white list.
• Turn off Wake Locks for unnecessary applications.