How to improve the performance of Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to smart gadgets

Why Xiaomi is starting to slow down and how to fix it

Even Xiaomi’s most powerful devices lose speed over time, not only due to the natural aging of iron, but also due to the features of MIUI firmware, which actively uses background processes for analytics and optimization. According to internal tests, up to 65% of users experience slowdowns after 18 months of operation due to overloaded memory, fragmented storage or outdated cache files.

Fortunately, most problems are solved by software without going to the service center, and in this article, we'll look at 12 working ways to improve performance, from basic (clean up garbage) to advanced (fine-tuning the CPU core). Special emphasis will be placed on the model 2022-2026 (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5), But most of the tips are universal for the entire line.

It’s important to understand that if your Xiaomi smartphone is released before 2019 (like the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9), some methods may not work due to hardware limitations, and alternative solutions ranging from custom firmware to hardware upgrades are worth considering.

1. Cleaning the system of garbage and cache

The first step to speed up is to remove temporary files that take up space and slow down, and MIUI has a built-in Cleanup tool to do that, but it doesn't delete everything.

• 🧹 System Cleanup: Go to Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Cleanup. You can delete the cache of apps that are unnecessary. APK-Note: After cleaning up, some applications (such as Google Maps) will take longer to load when you first run.
• 🗑️ Manual cache cleaning: for individual applications, go to Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Clear cache. Especially important for instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and social networks, which can take up to 5-10 GB.
• 📂 Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google (available on Play Market) to find repetitive photos, videos and documents. On average, users find 1-3 GB of unnecessary duplicates.

Once cleaned, reboot the device, allowing the system to reassemble the cache from scratch. If less than 10% of the memory is available, consider extending it to microSD (for models with support) or using cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party cleaners like Clean Master or CCleaner, which often delete critical system files and can disrupt your work. MIUI. In the extreme, give preference to the official Mi Security.

2. Optimization of autoboot and background processes

One of the main reasons for lags is excessive background processes, and many applications (especially Chinese ones) are added to the autoload by default and continue to work even after closing, to turn off unnecessary ones:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Autorun.
2. Sort the list by last use date and disable auto-run for underutilized programs.
3. For critical applications (such as Google Play Services), leave the autoboot on.

Additionally, limit background activity:

• 🔄 Data limitation in the background: Settings → Connections → Use of data → Data transmission in the background → Disable for unnecessary applications.
• 🛑 Stopping processes: c Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Battery → Background activity select Limit.

After disabling the startup for 10+ applications, battery life can increase by 15-20% (tests were conducted on the Xiaomi 12 Pro with MIUI 14). However, some features, such as notifications in messengers, can come with a delay.

3. Updating the firmware and core of the system

Regular MIUI updates not only add new features, but also fix performance-impairing bugs. For example, MIUI 14.0.5 for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ eliminated the critical slowdown of animations when multitasking.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and wait for the latest version to download.
3. If the update doesn’t come, try changing the firmware region through Settings → Additional → Region (for example, from Russia to Global).

For advanced users, manual updates are available via Fastboot or Recovery, which is true if:

• 🔧 Your device is not officially supported (for example, POCO F1 after 2023).
• 🐢 Updates come with a delay (typical for regional firmware).
• 🛠️ You need to roll back to a stable version after a failed update.

⚠️ Note: When manually updating via Fastboot, always check the firmware compatibility with the device model.Install firmware from Redmi Note 12 on the POCO X5 (Even if they are on the same chipset, it will lead to a hard brick – the device will stop turning on.

4. Customization of animations and visual effects

MIUI is known for its colorful animations, but they consume processor and battery resources. Disabling or accelerating visual effects can give you performance gains of up to 10-15% (based on tests on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1).

• 🎨 Turn off animations: activate Developer Mode (7 times tap on the version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and install:
• 🖥️ Make your desktop easier: remove weather, news, and other dynamic widgets that are constantly updated in the background, consuming RAM.
• 🌗 Dark theme: Include it in Settings → Display. → Dark subject. AMOLED-This reduces the load on the screens. GPU and saves charge.

If you don't like the naked interface without animations, try reducing the animation to 0.5x instead of completely shutting it down, which will give you a balance between performance and visual comfort.

💡

For models with 120Hz screen (POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12T Pro), set a fixed frequency of 90Hz in Settings → Display → Upgrade Frequency. This will reduce heating and extend the running time without noticeable loss of smoothness.

5. Battery optimization and power management

The weak battery not only reduces the operating time, but also slows down the device due to performance limitations. MIUI has a few hidden features to optimize:

• 🔋 Adaptive charging: Enable in Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Adaptive charging: This feature limits charge to 80% at night, extending battery life.
• ⚡ Fast charging: for models with support 120W (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Turn off accelerated charging in Settings → Battery → Charging settings, if you don't hurry, it'll lower the heat.
• 📉 Background Limitation: C Settings → Battery → Select applications set for underused programs Strictly limit.

For devices older than 2 years (such as the 2021 Redmi Note 10 Pro), battery calibration is recommended:

1. Discharge the phone before automatically shutting down.
2. Charge up to 100% without interruptions (use the original adapter).
3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

If the battery capacity has fallen below 70% (checked in Settings) → Battery → The cost of the original battery for most Xiaomi models is 1,500-3,000 ₽.

💡

Use only original or certified chargers, and cheap ones can damage the power controller, causing the system to run unsteady.

6. Resetting and flashing

If all the previous methods didn't work, the last step is hard reset or flashing.

• 🐌 Critical slowdowns after update.
• 🔄 Constant reboots or drop-offs of applications.
• 📱 Suspicion of viral infection (for example, after installation) APK unverified).

How to reset:

1. Back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup or Mi Cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. After reset, restore only the necessary data (photos, contacts), avoiding transferring system files.

For advanced users, the alternative is to install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

• ✅ Clean Android without unnecessary services MIUI.
• ⚡ Faster security updates.
• 🛠️ Ability to fine tune the kernel (e.g. via Kernel Auditor).

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void warranty and may result in brick if you do not follow the instructions. XDA Developers.

7. Hardware Improvements (for Advanced)

If the software methods are exhausted, hardware modifications remain, requiring disassembly of the device and are suitable only for models where this is technically possible:

• 🔧 Replacement of thermopaste: Relevant for gaming smartphones (Black Shark 5, POCO F4 GT), where overheating leads to trottling. Use Arctic paste. MX-6 Or the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
• 💾 Memory enhancement: Some models (Redmi) K50 Ultra supports replacement UFS-It's expensive, but it's expensive. 5,000. ₽) and requires soldering.
• 📶 Installation of external antenna: To improve the network signal in Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3, you can solder an external antenna to the connector MIMO.

Before any hardware interventions, assess the risks:

For most users, hardware improvements are not warranted; it is much more efficient to spend the budget on a new device (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ instead of repairing the Redmi Note 9 Pro).

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving Xiaomi