How to improve Xiaomi Redmi Go: from overclocking to fine tuning

Xiaomi Redmi Go is one of the most affordable smartphones of the brand, but its modest characteristics (Snapdragon 425 processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of memory) often cause brakes and quick discharge. However, even a budget device can be turned into a more responsive and functional gadget, if you know where to “twist” the settings and what to optimize.

In this article, we will discuss 10 working ways to improve Redmi Go, from basic (cleaning the cache, turning off the background processes) to advanced (overclocking the processor, installing custom firmware). MIUI 12 and Android 8.1 Oreo (the original firmware for this model). Important: some tricks will require unlocking the bootloader or root rights - we will warn about this in advance and explain the risks.

If your Redmi Go is lagging, it's slowing down, or it's not pulling on a modern application, don't be too quick to write it off. It's probably not the hardware that's the problem, it's the system that's not set up correctly. Let's start with the simplest and safest ways.

1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache

The first thing to do is to free up memory and delete unnecessary data. Redmi Go has only 8 GB of internal memory, of which about 5 GB is available to the user. At this volume, even 1-2 GB of garbage critically affects performance.

Start with the built-in cleaning tool:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on Clean in the "Junk" section.
3. Select all categories (App Cache, Downloads, APK-files) and confirm deletion.

For deep cleaning, use third-party utilities:

• 🧹 SD Maid – deletes residual files after uninstalling applications.
• 🗑️ Files by Google – Finds duplicates and large, unnecessary files.
• 🔍 CCleaner – Clears the cache and history of system applications.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from folders /system or /data It can lead to a system crash and the need to flash it.

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After cleaning, restart the smartphone - this will allow the system to recalculate the free space and optimize the operation of flash memory.

2. Optimization of autoboot and background processes

Xiaomi Redmi Go suffers from excessive autoboot – many apps (including system ones) run when the phone is turned on and hang in the background, consuming RAM.

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the Auto Start tab.
3. Turn off autoload for all apps except instant messengers and critical services (e.g. Google Play Services).

Method 2: With the help of ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

These teams will disable analytics and unnecessary Mi Picks service.

Overclocking of the processor and GPU (root)

The Snapdragon 425 processor in Redmi Go is by default running at 1.4 GHz, but it can be overclocked to 1.6-1.8 GHz with the kernel and special utilities. This will give a performance increase of 15-20%, but increase heating and battery consumption.

The acceleration will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
2. Install a custom core (e.g., FrancoKernel).
3. Use Kernel Adiutor to adjust frequencies.

Recommended settings in Kernel Adiutor:

• 🔧 Set the maximum frequency. CPU 1600 MHz.
• 🔥 Choose the Governor of Performance (for games) or Ondemand (for balance).
• 🖥️ Spread it. GPU Adreno 308 to 500 MHz (standard – 400 MHz).

⚠️ Warning: Overclocking shortens processor life and can cause overheating (above 60)°C. Use only with quality cooling (e.g. radiator for smartphones).

4. Installation of custom firmware (MIUI or AOSP)

Stock firmware MIUI Redmi Go is overloaded with unnecessary services and advertising. MIUI (for example, MIUI Lite) or firmware based AOSP (For example, LineageOS 15.1).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 More free memory (deleted by Bloatware).
• 🔋 Lower battery consumption (optimized cores).
• 🛡️ No Advertising in System Applications.

Instructions for installing LineageOS:

1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock-go for Redmi Go).
2. Install. TWRP Recovery (Tiare version) is the code name for the model).
3. Download the firmware from the official website and Gapps (pico package for 1 GB of RAM).
4. Flow through TWRP: First the firmware, then the Gapps.

5. Battery Optimization: How to Extend Your Lifetime

The 3,000mAh Redmi Go battery paired with a weak processor doesn't last long, averaging 8-10 hours when used actively.

MIUI settings for savings:

• 🔋 Turn on Battery Mode. → Saving charge.
• ⚡ Turn off Auto Brightness and set the brightness to 40-50%.
• 📶 Put the network in mode 2G/3G (if not 4G).
• 🔄 Set the sync interval for 1 hour (in Google account settings).

Advanced methods (require root):

1. Delete com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice – it is responsible for the background activity of the modem.
2. Use Greenify to hibernate apps.
3. Turn it off. AOD (Always on Display, if it is enabled.

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The most effective way to save charge is to turn off background activity from Google Play Services, and to do so, select “Limit background activity” in your Google account settings.

6. Camera Improvement: Settings and Third Party Apps

Redmi Go Camera (8 MPP, f/2.0) It's not good at lighting or noise, but it can be improved:

Stock camera settings:

• 📸 Turn it on. HDR manually (do not leave on the "auto»).
• 🌄 Use Professional Mode with Settings: ISO: 100–400 (daylight), 800–1600 (At night: 1/1000 moving-object.
• 🔍 Turn off facial enhancement - it spoils details.

The best alternative cameras for Redmi Go are:

• 🎥 Google Camera (GCam) – Ported version with improved processing HDR. Download modifications for Snapdragon 425 (for example, from the BSG).
• 📷 Open Camera – supports manual settings and shooting in RAW.
• 🌃 Night Camera – a specialized application for night shooting.

For the installation of GCam:

1. Download. APK from Celso Azevedo (select the version for the ARM Android 8.1).
2. Install the file and give permissions to the camera and storage.
3. In GCam settings, disable Sabre (may cause crashes).

7. Increase internal memory by increasing internal memory SD-map

Redmi Go supports memory cards up to 128GB, but by default, apps are installed only in internal memory. SD-map:

Method 1: Adoptable Storage (converts) SD part of the internal memory)

1. Insert the card and format it as internal memory in the storage settings.
2. ⚠️ Note: After that, the card will work only on this phone!
3. Move apps through Settings → Apps → [Select App] → Storage → Change.

Method 2: Link2SD (root)

• 📁 Create a second section on SD-map (ext2/ext4).
• 🔗 V Link2SD Move the appendices to this section.
• 📱 This will allow you to install 2-3 times more programs.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap SD-Cards (class 4 or 10) slow down the system more than they help. UHS-I (class 10 or U1) from trusted brands (SanDisk, Samsung).

8.Alternative launchers and interface optimization

Stock launcher MIUI It consumes up to 200-300MB of RAM and often hangs:

Top.-3 Launchers for Redmi Go:

• 🏆 Nova Launcher – fast, with customization of gestures and icons.
• ⚡ Lawnchair 2 – Minimalist, with Android Go support.
• 📱 Smart Launcher 5 – automatically sorts applications by category.

How to reduce the load on the system:

• Turn off animations in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then in Advanced settings → Select window animations without animation).
• Set a dark theme (Settings) → Display. → Dark subject matter – this reduces the load on GPU.
• Remove widgets from the home screen (they are constantly updated in the background).

For maximum performance, use Lite mode:

1. Install Android Go versions of apps (e.g. YouTube Go, Facebook Lite).
2. Turn off Google Discover on the home screen (long tap) → Settings → Disable Discover).

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Lawnchair 2 launcher consumes 30-40% less RAM than stock MIUI, It supports adaptive icons.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving Xiaomi Redmi Go