How to Improve Your Xiaomi: From Basic Optimization to Advanced Hacks

Xiaomi smartphones have long won the love of users due to the combination of powerful hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. But even flagship models eventually start to “brake” and budget devices often do not work at full capacity due to software constraints. Fortunately, Xiaomi’s eco-istema provides a host of tools for improvement, from standard settings to hidden features for power users.

In this article, we’ll break down the practical optimization techniques that work across all devices on the line – from Redmi Note. 12 Xiaomi 14 You will learn how to speed up the system without losing stability, extend the battery's autonomy. 20-30%, Unlock the hidden capabilities of the camera and even turn your smartphone into a smart home control center, and focus on safe ways that do not require root rights and do not deprive you of warranties.

Important: All recommendations tested on current versions MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14). If your device runs on an older firmware, some features may not be available – upgrade via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

1. Performance Optimization: How to Speed Up Xiaomi Without Root

The first thing that catches your eye when you're slowing down is animation delays and slow app openings, and 80 percent of the time, the problem isn't hardware, but the wrong system settings or application backgrounds, and let's start with the most efficient and safest methods.

The easiest way to do this is to activate the performance mode in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Performance mode
2. Select the “Maximum Performance” profile (on some models – “Game Mode”)
3. Activate the option “Optimization” MIUI» (Automatically closes the background processes)

This mode turns off unnecessary animations and allocates more resources to active apps. - Redmi Note tests 13 Pro+ This gave rise to 15-20% High speed of opening heavy applications (e.g. Genshin Impact or CapCut).

If your device supports virtual memory (RAM-expand, turn it on:

• 📱 For models with 6/8 GB RAM: Go to Settings → The phone. → Memory and activate "Expansion" RAM» (optimally +2-3 GB)
• ⚠️ For models with 4 GB of RAM: it is not recommended to include more +1GB – This Can Lead to Frequent Reboots
• 🔄 After activation: Restart the device to make the changes effective

⚠️ Warning: Virtual memory uses embedded storage as a buffer. If you have less than 10GB of free space, turn off this feature - it will only slow down the system.

2.System Cleaning: What to Remove to Make Xiaomi Fly

Over time, the system accumulates cache, residual files and duplicates, which take up space and slow down. MIUI There are built-in cleaning tools, but they often miss key points:

First, use the built-in utility:

1. Open Security. → Cleaning (icon with broomstick)
2. Click on “Deep Cleanup” and wait for analysis
3. Delete all files found except System Logs (required for diagnostics)

Then manually check the following folders (through any file manager, such as Mi File Manager):

• 🗑️ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — This is where the app caches are stored. Delete the application folders you haven't used in a long time.
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (you can safely clean up)
• 🎮 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb — Delete the game files. OBB-Game files you don’t play (they weigh in on the game) 1-2 GB)

For advanced users: if you notice that after cleaning the system still brakes, check the background processes:

1. Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version) MIUI» In Settings → The phone)
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Process Limit
3. Set a “Maximum 2 Processes in the Background” (this will limit the activity of unnecessary applications)

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from folders /system or /vendor — This can cause the device to break down. Use only safe cleaning methods.

Check the amount of free memory (should be) >10GB)

Backup of important data

Close all background applications

Disable cloud synchronization during cleaning-->

3.Battery: How to extend autonomy by 30% without Power Bank

One of Xiaomi’s biggest problems is the battery’s quick discharge, especially on budget models like the Redmi. 12C or POCO M6 Pro. The reason lies in aggressive optimization MIUI, This is a very common set of settings that often works against the user. Here are 3 key settings that will help to extend autonomy:

1️⃣ Turn off the “smart battery optimization»:

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery → Battery settings
• 🚫 Disable the “Adaptive Battery” and “Optimize Charging»
• ⚡ Turn on Power Saving Mode manually (it’s less aggressive than automatic optimization)

2️⃣ Limit background activity:

• 📵 B Settings → Annexes → App management select applications that shouldn’t work in the background (e.g. social media)
• 🔄 For each such application, select “Limit background activity” and “Disable autostart»

3️⃣ Set up the “Ultra-Energy Saving Mode»:

• 🛡️ Included in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Ultra
• ✅ Allow only key applications (calls, SMS, clockwork)
• 📴 This mode can extend the autonomy up to 48 hours at 10% charge

The critical point: if your Xiaomi is discharged 50% post 2-3 for an hour without active use, check the applications for viruses through “Security” → Scanning. Often the cause is a mining botnet (such as HiddenAds), which uses the resources of the device in the background.

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If the battery is rapidly discharged in the cold (below) +5°C), turn on "Low Temperature Mode" in Settings → Battery. This will temporarily shut down some functions, but prevent a sudden shutdown.

4.Camera: hidden settings for professional photos

Xiaomi cameras are often criticized for over-processing, but there are professional modes hidden in the firmware that allow you to take pictures at the flagship level.

The first thing you need to do is turn it off. AI-improvement:

• 📸 Open the Camera app and tap on ⚙️ (setting)
• 🚫 Turn it off «AI-Camera, Scene Improvement and Auto-HDR»
• 🎯 Include Grid (rule of thirds) and Horizon Level for precise composition

For the filming in RAW (Unprocessed files with maximum dynamic range):

• 🖼️ In the camera settings, turn on "Save in format" RAW» (available on Xiaomi flagships 13/14 redmi K60)
• 📱 For processing RAW Use Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed

For videotaping:

• 🎥 Include Stabilization and Log Profile (if any) for professional color correction
• 🔊 Use an external microphone (e.g. Xiaomi Mi AIoT Bluetooth Mic) for clean sound
• 📊 In the video settings, set the bitrate to a maximum (e.g. 50 Mbps for the video). 4K)

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW Or with the maximum bitrate of video, memory is quickly filled. UHS-II (For example, SanDisk Extreme Pro for recording 4K/60fps.

5. MIUI: hidden functions that you didn’t know about

MIUI — One of the most customizable shells of Android, but most users use only 20% of its capabilities. Here are 5 hidden features that will make your Xiaomi unique:

1️⃣ Dual Apps (Dual Apps):

• 👥 Allows you to create a second account for instant messengers (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram)
• 🔄 Included in Settings → Annexes → Dual annexes
• 📱 It works without root rights (unlike similar features on Samsung)

2️⃣ “Second space” mode»:

• 🔒 Creates a completely isolated profile with separate applications and data
• 🛡️ Useful for separating work and personal life or for protecting sensitive data
• 📲 Included in Settings → Special facilities → Second space

3️⃣ Gestures "Quick Ball»:

• ⚪ Round virtual joystick for quick access to functions (screenshot, return, home)
• ⚙️ Configured in Settings → Special facilities → Quick Ball
• 🎯 Up to 5 frequently used applications can be added

4️⃣ Voice assistant XiaoAI:

• 🎤 Works offline (unlike Google Assistant) and understands Russian
• 🔊 Can manage Xiaomi smart devices, run apps and search for files
• 📢 Activated by long-holding of the Home button or voice command "Hello Siri" (yes, this is not a mistake!)

5️⃣ Hidden turbo game mode:

• 🎮 Optimizes performance for gaming by blocking notifications and allocating maximum resources
• 🔥 Swipe is enabled on both sides of the screen in landscape mode (in games)
• 📊 Shows. FPS, temperature CPU and occupied real-time memory

For lovers of experiments: in MIUI There's a hidden Lab mode where new features are tested:

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above)
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Laboratory
3. Enable "Super Wallpaper" (interactive) 3D-Wallpaper) and “Smart Assistant” (task automation)

⚠️ Note: Functions from the Lab may not work smoothly. If there are glitches (such as spontaneous reboots) after activation, turn them off and reset them via Settings. → System system → Resetting settings (without data loss).

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Second Space Mode is not just a second profile, but a completely isolated environment with a separate file system, and can be used to test beta applications or protect corporate data.

6. Updates and firmware: how to get new features first

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its devices, but they often come with a delay - especially for budget models. If you don't want to wait, you can install the firmware manually or become a beta tester.

Method 1: Manual installation of stable firmware

1. 🌐 Download the latest version MIUI For your model from the official website: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index

.zip

Settings → About the phone → System update

Select a firmware file

🔄 Wait for the check and confirm the installation (the phone will restart automatically)

Method 2: Participation in beta testing

• 📝 Sign up for the Xiaomi Community forum (c.mi.com)
• 🔍 Find a beta test topic for your model (e.g, «MIUI 15 Beta for Redmi Note 12»)
• 📋 Fill out the questionnaire and wait for approval (usually) 1-3 day-day)
• 📲 After approval, you will receive OTA-beta-refresh

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for experienced)

• 🔓 Requires bootloader unlock and may deprive you of warranty
• 📌 Popular firmware for Xiaomi: Pixel Experience (pure Android) LineageOS (stability and long-term support) Xiaomi.eu (MIUI China-bound)
• ⚠️ Before installation, make a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware can lead to loss IMEI (Serial number of the communication module on some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with Snapdragon 680 processor). 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

7.Smart Home: How to Turn Xiaomi into a Control Center

Xiaomi smartphones perfectly integrate with the Mi Home ecosystem, allowing you to control smart devices directly from the lock screen.

1️⃣ Connecting devices:

• 🏠 Install the Mi Home app and log in
• 🔌 Press «+» → «Add a device" and select your device (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Plug or Roborock)
• 📶 Make sure your phone and device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz)

2️⃣ Voice control:

• 🎤 Set up XiaoAI or Alice (if you use Yandex.Station)
• 🗣️ Examples of commands: "Switch on the light in the living room" "Start the robot vacuum cleaner" "Set the temperature at 22 degrees»

3️⃣ Automation (scene):

• ⚙️ At Mi Home, go to Automation» → «Add a scene»
• 🌅 Example of the scene "Morning": Time: 7:00 Actions: turn on the light, start the coffee maker, read the weather summary
• 🔄 You can adjust triggers by time, location, or actions of other devices.

For advanced users: If you have a Xiaomi Gateway, you can connect Zigbee devices (like door opening sensors or Aqara buttons).The gateway also allows you to create local scripts that work even without the internet.

Integration with Google Home/Alexa:

• 🔗 At Mi Home, go to Profile → Settings → Smart home. → Third-party accounts»
• 🌍 Select Google Home or Amazon Alexa and log in
• 📱 Now you can control Xiaomi devices through voice assistants from other brands.

⚠️ Note: When you set up a smart home via Mi Home, all data (including voice commands) is transmitted to Xiaomi servers in China. If this is critical for you, use alternative hubs like Home Assistant with local management.

8 Repairs and upgrades: what can be improved physically

If the software methods don't work, you can physically modify the device. Here's what you can do to make it better in Xiaomi without risking damage to it:

1️⃣ Replacement of thermopaste:

• 🌡️ Relevant for devices that overheat (for example, POCO F5 or Black Shark 5)
• 🔧 Use the Arctic Thermopaste MX-6 Or the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
• 📉 After the replacement, the processor temperature will decrease by 5-10°C under load

2️⃣ Installation of additional cooling:

• 💨 For gaming smartphones (Black Shark, RedMagic) you can buy an external cooler (for example, Black Shark FunCooler Pro)
• 🎮 Cooler connects through USB-C and reduces the temperature by 15-20%

3️⃣ Battery replacement:

• 🔋 If the battery capacity has dropped below 70%, replace it with the original one (the article can be found on the old battery)
• 🛠️ Replacement will require: Plastic mediator (so as not to damage the screen) Suction cup to remove the back cover of Thermoclei or bilateral tape to fix the new battery
• ⚠️ Do not use cheap analogues - they may swell or not hold the charge.

4️⃣ Memory upgrade (for supported models):

• 📱 Some models (Redmi) K50 Gaming, Black Shark 4 support replacement UFS-storage
• 💾 You can install a larger module (for example, from 128 GB to 512 GB)
• 🔧 This requires a soldering station and experience with microelectronics.

If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a service center: the average cost of replacing a battery in official Xiaomi services is 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the model), you should only trust authorized workshops to replace your screen or camera.

Critical: when self-repairing, use only original parts labeled Xiaomi Genuine Parts. NFC-tags) may cause the system to fail to charge or even to ignite.

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Replacing thermopaste is one of the most effective ways to improve the performance of hot smartphones. POCO F4 GT afterward FPS play-up 10-15% by reducing trottling (automatic reduction of processor frequency during overheating).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions