How to Improve Xiaomi: From Software Optimization to Hardware Upgrade

Xiaomi devices are some of the most popular on the market due to the price/quality ratio, but even they eventually begin to “brake”, discharge faster or lose functionality. Fortunately, Xiaomi can be improved both software (free or for pennies) and hardware (with minimal investment).This article covers all the current ways - from hidden settings. MIUI Replacement of components that actually work in 2026.

We won’t advise “turning off animation” or “cleaning the cache” — these basic guidelines have long been known, but instead we’ll look at deep optimization, which gives you a noticeable increase in performance, extends battery life and reveals hidden functions. Did you know that on some Redmi models, POCO Can you unlock Performance Mode through an engineering menu? Or that replacing the thermal paste in the processor reduces trottling by 15 to 20%?

Important: All methods tested on current firmware MIUI 14/15 HyperOS, if you have an older device. 2020 Some features may not be available – check compatibility before action.

1. Overclocking and optimization of the processor through the engineering menu

The engineering menu (#4636## or #36446337##) is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the hardware, not only to see the hardware details, but also to manually control the clock speeds of the processor, which is especially useful for gamers or users working with heavy applications.

For example, on smartphones with Snapdragon chipsets 7/8 series (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 pro POCO F5) Performance Mode is available, which unlocks additional cores and increases the limit TDP. To activate it:

1. Enter the dial number ##36446337##.
2. Go to section. MTK Engineer Mode → Hardware Testing → CPU (for MediaTek or Qualcomm Settings → CPU (for Snapdragon).
3. Select a Performance profile or manually set the maximum frequencies for all cores.

⚠️ Warning: Long-term overclocking increases heat and battery consumption. Use only when necessary and monitor the temperature through the app AIDA64.

For owners of devices on MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 12) an additional trick is available: activation GPU Turbo via the same menu, which speeds up graphics rendering in games by 10 to 15 percent without a noticeable increase in power consumption.

💡

If the engineering menu does not open, try using the app. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or Shortcut Master for Hidden Features.

2. Thermopaste replacement: reduce trottling by 20%

Thermopaste on Xiaomi processors dries on average for 1.5-2 years of active use, which leads to overheating and forced performance decline (trottling). MX-6 Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut reduces temperature by 8-12°C and extends the life of the chipset.

The procedure requires care, but it is possible at home.

• 🔧 Setting screwdrivers T3/T5 (hull-breaker).
• 🧴 Alcohol napkin to clean old pasta.
• 💊 A new thermopaste (1-2 grams is enough).
• 📱 Plastic blade for careful putting of the cover.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (heating with a hair dryer or using suction cups).
2. Unscrew the screws holding the board, and gently disconnect the battery plume.
3. Remove the metal radiator from the processor, clean the old paste with alcohol.
4. Apply the new paste in a thin layer (the size of a rice seed) and assemble the device in reverse order.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the device will void the warranty. If you're not sure about your skills, contact the service center. Also avoid using metal tools - they can damage the plumes.

3. Optimization MIUI: Disable unnecessary services and unlock hidden functions

MIUI — One of the heaviest shells on Android, but it can be accelerated by disabling background processes and unnecessary system applications, such as the Mi Cloud notification service, which consumes up to 5% of the battery per day, even if you don’t use the cloud.

List of safe services to disable (via ADB App Manager):

• 📱 com.miui.analytics – Analytics collection (can be turned off without consequences).
• 🔄 com.xiaomi.mipicks – Mi Apps advertising service.
• ☁️ com.miui.cloudservice sync with Mi Cloud (if not used).
• 🎵 com.miui.player is a standard music player (can be replaced by Spotify or Spotify) VLC).

To disable via ADB, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Also in MIUI Hidden useful features that can be unlocked:

• 🔍 Developer mode with advanced options: activated by 7-fold tap on the version MIUI It gives you access to animation settings, debugging by USB and include Force 4x MSAA (Improves graphics in games).
• 📊 Real-time data usage monitoring: Enable in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Showing the use of traffic.
• 🔋 Adaptive charging: limits the charge to 80% Extending battery life (available on Xiaomi) 13/14 series).

4. Upgrade memory: how to add RAM or replace the drive

Many Xiaomi devices (especially the budget Redmi series) suffer from a lack of RAM, and fortunately, on some models it can be expanded software or replaced physically.

Method 1: Virtual RAM (RAM Expansion)

The function is available on smartphones with MIUI 12.5+ And it allows you to use part of your internal memory as a RAM:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Select Extension RAM and set a value of 1 to 3 GB (recommended 2 GB for balance).
3. Reset the device.

Method 2: Replace the drive with a faster one

In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40) It can be replaced with the built-in storage UFS 2.1 on UFS 3.0/3.1, which will speed up the loading of applications on 30–40%. It's gonna take a while:

• 🛠️ Soldering station with a thermal air nozzle (for welding the chip).
• 💾 New memory chip (such as Samsung) KLUDG4U1EB-B2D1 128GB).
• 🔧 Programming for firmware of a new drive (for example, EasyJTAG).

⚠️ Warning: Replacing the drive is a complex procedure that requires experience in soldering BGA-An error can result in complete loss of data or device failure.

5. Modification of the camera: ported GCam and XML-profiles

Stock camera app on Xiaomi often loses in quality shooting even budget flagships of other brands. XML-Profiles optimized for a specific model.

First, determine which GCam port is right for your device:

• 📷 For Snapdragon: versions from developers BSG or Shamim (for example, GCam_8.1.101_BSG.apk).
• 📷 For MediaTek: ports from LMC8.4 or Arnova8G2.
• 📷 For older models (until 2020): GCam 7.3 with patch Camera2API.

After installing GCam download XML-profile for your model (e.g. Xiaomi) 12 Lite is a good profile. Mi12Lite_V3.xml). Place the file in a folder GCam/Configs7 and download it in the application with a double tap on a black field next to the down button.

Calibrate the camera through the engineering menu for maximum effect (#36446337## → Camera → This will eliminate possible artifacts and improve focus.

6. Alternative firmware: from MIUI before AOSP and custom kernels

If the stock MIUI If you don't like it, consider installing custom firmware.The best options for Xiaomi in 2026:

• 📱 LineageOS: pure Android without unnecessary services, ideal for weak devices (for example, Redmi) 9A).
• ⚡ Pixel Experience: Firmware with Google Pixel features including GCam and Now Playing.
• 🔧 ArrowOS: Balance between performance and customization, supports MicroG (replacement of Google Services).
• 🎯 HyperOS (official): Xiaomi’s new Android 14-based shell, lighter MIUI 15-20%.

The installation will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting 7-14 days for new accounts).
2. Install custom Recovery TWRP Or OrangeFox.
3. Switch firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: on devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 Before the firmware, you must execute the command fastboot delete-logical-partition. product_a, Otherwise, there will be an error. INVALID ARGUMENT.

1. make a backup of data through TWRP Titanum Backup

2. Check firmware compatibility with the device model

3. charge the battery at least 70%

4. Download the full firmware package (not an incremental update)

5. disable encryption in settings (if used)

-->

7.Improving autonomy: from battery calibration to battery replacement

The battery is one of the most vulnerable parts of Xiaomi devices, and over time, the capacity drops and the controller starts to show the wrong percentage of charge, and you can fix this by calibrating or replacing the battery.

Battery calibration (suitable for devices older than 1 year):

1. Charge your phone to 100% and keep charging for another 1 hour.
2. Turn off the charging and discharge until it is automatically turned off.
3. Connect the charger and, not including the phone, hold 3-4 hours.
4. Turn on the device and check the actual capacity through AccuBattery.

If calibration didn't help, consider replacing the battery.Original batteries for popular models:

• 🔋 Xiaomi 11T Pro: MBJ4066 (4780 mAh).
• 🔋 POCO X3 Pro: MDY11EF (5160 mAh).
• 🔋 Redmi Note 10 Pro: MBJ4058 (5020 mAh).

When replacing, use quality analogues (such as Baseus or Remax) as the original batteries are often faked. After installing the new battery, perform 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles to stabilize the controller.

💡

Replacing the battery on L-shaped battery devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 11) requires special glue to lock. B-7000 double-sided 3M 9448A.

8 Hardware modifications: cooling, speakers and buttons

For enthusiasts willing to go beyond software improvements, there are a few hardware upgrades:

Installation of additional cooling

Heatable devices (e.g. Black Shark 5 or Black Shark) POCO F4 GT) You can modify it by adding:

• 🧊 Copper plate between the processor and the radiator (improves thermal conductivity).
• 💨 External cooler (for example, Black Shark FunCooler Pro reduces the temperature by 10-15)°C).
• 🔥 Thermopads instead of thermal pastes (longer serve, but more difficult to install).

Replacement of speakers

Weak speakers on Redmi or POCO You can replace them with more powerful ones. POCO X3 NFC install speakers from Xiaomi Mi 10T (model 15121-0003), which improves the volume on 30%.

3. Additional physical buttons

Some models (such as Black Shark) have Shoulder Buttons, which can be plugged in by buying a module on AliExpress (search on request for Black Shark trigger module).

💡

Before buying spare parts, check their compatibility by model number on the GSMArena website or in the Xiaomi service manuals.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving Xiaomi