How to Improve Xiaomi Phone: From Basic Optimization to Deep Customization

Xiaomi smartphones are some of the most flexible devices on the market, but even they eventually start to “brake”, quickly discharge or work unstable. MIUI, A cache or a poor energy saving setting eats up resources. Fortunately, most problems are solved without going to the service center - just know what levers to tighten up.

This article is not about the “magic” applications for acceleration (most of them are empty), but about the system methods that really work. We will analyze both the basic tricks for beginners (cleaning up memory, turning off animations) and advanced techniques for enthusiasts (unlocking the bootloader, installing custom cores).

1.Diagnostics: Why has Xiaomi gotten slower?

Before you fix something, you need to understand the root of the problem, because a smartphone can slow down for a dozen reasons, and not all of them are obvious.

• 🔄 Freezes when opening applications → lack of memory (RAM) cache.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge → background activity of applications, unoptimized settings MIUI Battery Saver.
• 📱 Overheating of the hull → clogged ventilation holes, heavy games at maximum graphics settings, a failure in the processor.
• 📶 Bad signal from the network → outdated modem firmware or hardware problems with antenna.

For accurate diagnosis, use the built-in tools Xiaomi:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the "Kerole" line - this will turn on the developer mode.
2. Go back to Settings → More → For developers and find the item Processor Statistics.
3. Check the download schedules CPU, GPU and RAM In real time, you will see which application loads the system.

If the statistics show that CPU constantly loaded 80-100% Even in simple, and the temperature exceeds 45°C is a reason to think about factory resets or virus testing. android.permission.REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS — They can drain the battery in the background.

2. Cleaning the system: remove garbage without harmful "cleaners"

Apps like Clean Master or CCleaner are not only useless, they are also dangerous – they often delete critical files, disrupting the work. MIUI. Instead, use the built-in tools:

Remove the app cache manually|Clean the Downloads folder|Disable the autoload of unnecessary applications|Check the storage for duplicate files-->

Step 1. Cleaning the app cache

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application Management, select any application and click Storage → Clear the cache:

Settings → Storage → Cleanup → App cache → Select everything → Clean (2-3 GB)

Step 2: Delete unnecessary files

Downloads folder and DCIM/.thumbnails It often takes up gigabytes of memory. Use the Mi File Manager (built-in) file manager. MIUI):

• 📁 Open the categories → Download and delete old files.
• 🖼️ B Images → Albums. →.thumbnails store miniature photos - they can be safely cleaned.
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin Files are stored for 30 days – empty it manually.

Step 3: Turning off the autoboot

Many apps are triggered when you turn on your phone, even if you're not using them, to turn off:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Autorun → Disable

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable auto-start for system processes called com.android. or com.miui. MIUI.

3. Performance optimization: disabling animations and speeding up the interface

Even on Xiaomi flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro MIUI It can be delayed by visual effects, and it can be slowed down by the speed of the switch. 15-20%.

Step 1. Turn off animations

Activate the developer mode (as in the first section) and do:

Settings → Additional → For developers → The scale of the animation window: 0.5x


Transition animation scale: 0.5x




The scale of the animation duration: Disable

Step 2: Accelerate transitions between applications

In the same menu for developers, find:

• 🔄 Don't keep up → Include (reduce consumption) RAM, but will close all applications when you leave).
• 🎯 Limit background processes → Choose "maximum" 2 process" (relevant to devices with 4-6 GB RAM).
• 🖥️ GPU-acceleration → Turn on (improving performance in games).

Step 3: Optimization for Games

If you play Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, or other heavy-duty games, use Game Turbo:

Settings → Special features → Game Turbo → Settings → Performance mode: Extreme

💡

Disabling animations and background processes gives the greatest increase in speed on devices with a 4-6 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Note) 11 POCO X3).

4.Prolonging battery life: settings that really work

Xiaomi’s battery is degrading faster than its competitors (such as Samsung or iPhone) due to aggressive charging policies and insufficient optimization. MIUI. Here's how to slow down wear:

Step 1: Optimizing charging

V MIUI 14+ And we got Smart Charge, which limits the charge to 80 percent to save capacity:

Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Smart Charge → Enable

For models without Smart Charge (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Use third-party apps like AccuBattery (but don’t let them get it). ADB!).

Step 2: Disconnect unnecessary background processes

Go to:

Settings → Battery → Energy Saving → Select applications → Limit background activity

• 🚫 Limit Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – they consume up to 20% of their charge per day.
• ⚡ Leave without restrictions messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and navigators (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps).

Step 3: Configure energy saving modes

V MIUI There are 3 modes:

💡

If your battery is running out at 10% or more overnight, check your phones for wake-up apps through Settings. → Battery → Battery utilization → Frequent culprits: Mi Fit, Xiaomi Cloud and Google Play Services.

5. Firmware Update: When and How to Do It Right

Updates MIUI They can both improve and degrade the performance of the phone. MIUI 13 on MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 11T Pro has led to problems with autonomy in 15% of users (according to the forum) XDA Developers. Here's how to upgrade securely:

Step 1. Check the current version

Find out your version. MIUI firmware:

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

If the end of the title is RU (Russia), EU (Europe) or Global is the official firmware. CN — Chinese version, which is better not to update OTA (The risk of blocking Google Services).

Step 2: Update methods

• 🔄 OTA (Airborne – the safest method, but updates come with a delay.
• 📥 Manual installation – download the firmware from the official site and install through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a firmware file.
• 🛠️ Fastboot – for power users (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Step 3: What to do if there are bugs after the update?

⚠️ Warning: If Xiaomi starts to overheat or discharge quickly after the update, reset the cache via Recovery: Turn off the phone. + Loudness up before the logo appears MI. Select Wipe Cache (manage volume buttons, confirm power button). If that doesn't work, you can only roll back to the previous version via Fastboot.

6. Unlock the bootloader and custom firmware: for advanced users

If standard methods didn't work, and the phone is still slowing down, you can go further and install custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or KernelSU.

• ⚡ Increased productivity by 20-40% (through optimized code).
• 🔋 Better autonomy (no unnecessary services) MIUI).
• 📱 More recent versions of Android (like Android 14 on Xiaomi Mi 10, which is not officially supported).

Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader

This is a must before installing custom firmware. Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader officially, but with restrictions:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down) and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data will be reset and the Xiaomi warranty will be cancelled.In addition, some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

Step 2: Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)

You will need to install the firmware TWRP — Alternative recaveri:

1. Download TWRP for your model from twrp.me.
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-alioth.img (Replace alioth with the codename of your model, such as Vili for Xiaomi 12 Pro).
3. Boot in. TWRP (clamp down on power. + Volume up) and back up the current firmware.

Step 3: Selecting and Installing Custom Firmware

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

Install custom firmware on a model with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Poco) M5) It requires additional steps because of the locked bootloader at the chip level, and they often need special utilities like this. MTK Bypass.

7.Camera Optimization: How to Make a Photo Better Without a New Phone

Xiaomi cameras are often criticized for aggressive handling (blurring parts, unnatural colors). X4) You can get good results if you know a few tricks.

Step 1: Use of GCam

Google Camera (or GCam) is a modified camera app from Google Pixel that significantly improves the quality of photos on Xiaomi.

• 📱 Download the GCam version for your model from Celso Azevedo.
• 🎛️ In the GCam settings, turn on: HDR+ Enhanced → Including Night Sight. → Noise level: High Lib Patch → AWB (white-balance)
• 📸 For night photography, use Night Sight mode instead of the standard night mode. MIUI.

Step 2: Set up a standard camera MIUI

Even without GCam, you can improve the quality of:

Open the → Settings (⚙) → Enable:


- AI camera: Off (reduces processing)




- Contrast: +2




- Saturation: -1




- Sharpness: +1




- Save originals in RAW: On (for post-processing)

Step 3: Post-processing

To edit the photo, use:

• 🖼️ Snapseed – for color correction and sharpness.
• 🎨 Lightroom Mobile – to work with RAW-file.
• 🔍 Topaz Gigapixel AI — Increase resolution without loss of quality.

Bitrate: 100 Mbps


Profile: H.265 (HEVC)




Stabilization: Included (if there is an OIS)

This will reduce compression artifacts and improve detailing.-->

8 Hardware Improvements: What Can Be Done Physically?

If the software is exhausted and the phone still doesn't work, consider hardware improvements, and it's important that most require disassembling the device and can lead to loss of warranty.

Step 1. Replace the thermopaste

Overheating is a frequent problem Xiaomi on Snapdragon 888/8 Gen 1 (for example, Xiaomi 11 Ultra or Black Shark 4). Over time, the thermopaste dries up, and the temperature of the processor rises:

• 🛠️ Buy a thermal paste with high thermal conductivity (for example, Arctic). MX-6 Or the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut).
• 🔧 Disassemble your phone (use plastic shoulder blades to avoid damaging the plumes).
• 🧴 Apply a new layer of paste to the processor and graphics chip (thickness) ~0.3 mm).

⚠️ Note: On models with liquid cooling (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Black Shark 5 Pro) replacement of the thermopaste requires complete disassembly of the cooling system.

Step 2: Installation of additional cooling

For gamers or users who often edit videos, suitable:

• 🧊 Smartphone cooler (for example, Black Shark FunCooler Pro) – reduces the temperature by 5-10°C.
• 🔋 External battery with cooling (for example, ZMI Cool Pad – Powers the phone and cools it at the same time.

Step 3: Replace the battery

If the battery is discharged for 2-3 hour, and in Settings → Battery → The battery state shows wear more 30%, The original Xiaomi batteries can be found by the articles:

Replacing the battery will require:

1. Unplug the old battery (use isopropyl alcohol to soften the glue).
2. Disconnect the plume and install a new battery.
3. Check the contacts with a multimeter (voltage should be ~3.8B).

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving Xiaomi