Why Redmi 9A is slowing down and how to fix it
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but over time even it begins to slow down, the reason lies in the hardware limitations: the MediaTek Helio G25 processor, just 2 GB of RAM and eMMC 5.1 drive are not designed for modern applications, but the right optimization can return the device to its former frolic.
The main bottlenecks are the background MIUI activity, which eats up to 40% of resources even in standby mode, and the overloaded cache. Fortunately, most problems are solved by software methods without attachment.
1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache
The first step to speed up is to free up memory. On the Redmi 9A, with factory-built MIUI, up to 1 to 1.5 GB of unnecessary files are accumulated in a month of active use.
- 🧹 Cleaning the application cache: go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select any one and click "Clear Cache." Repeat for top-10 the most "heavy" applications.
- 🗑️ Removal of unnecessary APK: In the same menu, find the Unused tab – here are collected programs that have not run for more than a month.
- 📁 Storage optimization: Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup. It'll find duplicate photos, large files, and remnants of deleted applications.
For deep cleaning, use third-party utilities like SD Maid (requires root rights) or Files by Google, which will find up to 500MB of “invisible” garbage that MIUI doesn’t show.
⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) – this can cause interface failures. Also avoid cleaners like Clean Master: they often delete important files and show false warnings.
☑️ Checklist for Redmi cleanup 9A
2. MIUI optimization: disabling unnecessary functions
MIUI 12/13 on Redmi 9A is overloaded with background processes, disabling redundant services will free up to 300-400 MB of RAM:
- 📡 Limitation of background activity: Settings → Battery → Battery mode → Limit background activity. Select Strictly Restricted for social media and instant messengers.
- 🎨 Turn off animation: activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI» About the phone" and then in the settings. → Additionally. → For developers, set: The scale of the window animation: 0.5x Scale of transition animation: 0.5x Duration of the animator: Off.
- 🔍 Removal of Mi-services: through ADB disable unnecessary system applications (instructions below in the section about root).
Another hidden resource eater is autosynchronization, disable it for unnecessary Settings Accounts → Accounts → Sync, especially Mi Account and Google Drive, which are constantly sharing data in the background.
3. Overclocking and optimizing productivity
The Helio G25 processor in the Redmi 9A can be slightly overclocked, but without root rights, the options are limited.
- ⚡ Change of scheduler CPU: Developer mode (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers, select I/O Planner: cfq and Planner CPU: interactive. This will reduce lags when multitasking.
- 🔧 Process Limitation: In the same developer settings, set the Background Process Limit: 2 Processes. This will prevent RAM overloading.
- 📉 Undervolting: requires root and Kernel Auditor. Carefully reduce voltage by 50 to 100 mV for cores Cortex-A53 — This will reduce heat and prolong battery life.
For gaming tasks, use Game Turbo (built into MIUI) which optimizes resource allocation, but turn off background music and notifications in it - they only slow down.
⚠️ Attention: Acceleration through frequency change CPU (SetCPU on Helio G25 The safest limit is to increase the frequency of large cores to 2.1 GHz (standard - 2.0 GHz), but only with good cooling.
| Optimization method | Root is required. | Productivity gains | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing the cache | ❌ No. | 5–10% | Low. |
| Cancel animations | ❌ No. | 15-20% (subjectively) | No. |
| Change of CPU scheduler | ❌ No. | 8–12% | Medium (possible lags) |
| Undervolting | ✅ Yes. | 10-15% (less heating) | High (risk of hanging) |
| Removal of Mi-services | ✅ Yes. | 20–30% | Medium (may break) MIUI) |
Update of firmware: official and custom options
The standard firmware Redmi 9A (MIUI Global) often contains bugs and redundant applications.
- 🔄 Official Update: Check the Version Relevance in Settings → The phone. → System Update: The latest stable version for Redmi 9A — MIUI 13.0.6 (Android 10).
- 🌍 Transition to MIUI EU: Download from Xiaomi.eu and run through Fastboot (instructions on the forum) 4PDA).
- 🐉 LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) or Pixel Experience are more stable MIUI, require the unblocking of the loader and TWRP.
To run through Fastboot, you will need:
- Unlocked bootloader (wait 7 days after requesting the Mi Unlock Tool).
- Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
- Firmware file in.tgz format.
What happens if you run the wrong version of MIUI?
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Custom firmware gives a performance increase of up to 40%, but it is deprived of warranty and can cause problems with the camera or modem.
5. Root rights: risks and opportunities
Getting root rights opens up access to deep optimization, but it's fraught with risks. On Redmi 9A, the most reliable way is through Magisk:
- Unlock the bootloader (as described above).
- Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9A (download from twrp.me).
- Sweep Magisk.zip through TWRP.
After obtaining root, you can:
- 🚀 Remove System Applications (Titanium Backup).
- 🔧 Change the kernel parameters (Kernel Auditor).
- 📱 Install Xposed Framework to fine-tune the interface.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A Google Pay and some banking applications (due to SafetyNet) are no longer working with root rights, and the risk of virus infection when installing applications from unknown sources also increases.
6 Hardware Improvements: What Can Be Replaced
If software methods don't help, consider hardware modifications. Redmi 9A has a removable battery and available parts:
- 🔋 Battery Replacement: Original Battery (LI4374T47P5H, 5000 mAh) loses up to 30% of capacity in 1.5-2 years — ~1500 ₽.
- 💾 MicroSD installation: cards up to 512GB (exFAT format) are supported. A2 speed up reading/write.
- 📶 Replacement of antenna module: if the network is lost, check the antenna contacts (a common problem after falls). ~800 ₽.
To replace the screen or motherboard, contact the service - self-repair can damage the plumes. The average cost of replacing the display is 3000-4000 ₽.
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Before you change the battery, calibrate the new one: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat 2-3 times to accurately display the charge level.
7.Alternative launchers and lightweight applications
The standard MIUI launcher consumes up to 200 MB of RAM even in simple.
- 🏠 Nova Launcher: Configure animations to “Fast”, turn off icon shadows and weather widgets.
- ⚡ Lawnchair 2: Pixel Launcher-based, gestures support, and 30% less memory.
- 📱 Smart Launcher 5: Automatically sorts apps and has built-in search.
To save resources, use the “light” versions of applications:
| Annex | Lightweight version | Saving RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Lite | ~150MB | |
| Instagram Lite | ~120MB | |
| Google Chrome | Chrome Lite (or Firefox Focus) | ~200MB |
8.Prolonging battery life
The Redmi 9A battery at 5000 mAh, when used actively, holds a charge of 1-1.5 days.
- 🔌 Limit charge to 80%: use AccuBattery app to control cycles.Full charge to 100% reduces battery life by 20% in a year.
- ☀️ Avoid overheating: do not play heavy games when charging. The optimum temperature is 20-35°C.
- 🌙 Activate the dark theme: AMOLED-screen-in-the-redmi 9A No, but the dark tones are on IPS also reduce the load GPU.
If your phone runs out in 4-5 hours, check background activity through Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Common culprits are Google Play Services and Mi Push.
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Charging more than 2A (fast charging) speeds up battery wear. The Redmi 9A is the best 10W adapter (5V/2A).