How to speed up the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: from simple settings to deep optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (also known as Redmi Note 5 in some regions) is still a popular budget smartphone, despite the release of newer models, but over time, even this reliable device begins to slow down: applications open long, animation twitches, and the system hangs when multitasking, the reasons can be different from overloaded memory to outdated firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 effective ways to speed up Redmi 5 Plus, from basic settings to radical measures like factory resets or firmware replacements. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 for custom firmware) and don’t require special skills. Importantly, some actions can affect warranty or data — so make a backup through Settings before any manipulation of the system → Additional → Backup and Reset.

If your smartphone is slow after updating or installing new apps, start with the first points. If the lags appear out of the blue and are accompanied by overheating or rapid discharge, the problem may be in the hardware (wear-out battery, thermal paste), in which case contact the service center.

1. Cleaning up memory and cache: removing digital garbage

The first thing to do is to make room for the device. Redmi 5 Plus is equipped with 3/4 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of ROM, and over time, even 64 GB can get clogged with unnecessary files. MIUI actively uses cache to speed up work, but if it is not cleaned, it turns into a brake.

Start with manual cleaning:

• 📂 Remove Unused Applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management and size-sorting: Remove games and programs that haven't been used in more than a month.
• 🧹 Clear the cache: In the same app management menu, select any app (like YouTube or Facebook) and click Clear the cache. For mass clearing, use Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Delete downloads: The Download folder often contains gigabytes of unnecessary files. Check it through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
• 📸 Optimize your photos and videos: Move your media files to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or computer, and leave only the latest pictures on your phone.

To automate the process, install SD Maid (available on Google Play) and it will find and remove:

• Residual files after uninstallation of applications;
• Empty folders;
• Duplicate photos;
• Cache system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).

⚠️ Note: Do not manually clean the cache of system applications through Settings → Warehouse → Other applications – this can lead to malfunctions MIUI. Use only proven utilities or built-in cleaning function.

2. Optimization of autoboot and background processes

MIUI is known for aggressive optimization of background processes, but sometimes it works against the user: applications spontaneously start when the phone is turned on or constantly hang in memory. This eats up RAM and CPU resources, which causes the Redmi 5 Plus to “suppress”.

To limit autoloading:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or AliExpress) and click AutoStart.
3. Turn off the auto-start permit.

For a mass shutdown, use the Security App (built-in Security app):

• 🔒 Open Security. → «Optimization» → «Auto-start».
• 📱 Turn off auto-run for all unnecessary apps (especially instant messengers and social networks).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

It is also recommended to limit background activity:

• In the application management menu, click “Battery” → “Background Limitation”.
• Select “Limit background activity” for applications that don’t need to run in the background (such as games or stores).

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable auto-run for system applications (e.g. Miui Daemon or SecurityCenter) This can lead to unstable work MIUI or complete loss of functionality (e.g. fingerprint).

3. Firmware Update: Why It Matters

The Redmi 5 Plus slowdown is often due to an outdated version of MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize resource consumption and fix bugs. For example, MIUI 12.5 has improved memory management for devices with 3-4 GB of RAM, and MIUI 14 has added features to reduce background activity.

To update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates."
3. If you have a new version, download it and install it. Importantly, before upgrading, connect your phone to charge and ensure a stable Internet connection (preferably via Wi-Fi).

If official updates are no longer coming out (for example, for the global version of Redmi 5 Plus after 2022), you can consider the option with custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary services MIUI;
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface;
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with improved performance.

Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and may be warranty-free. Detailed instructions for Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) can be found on the XDA Developers forum.

4. Resetting to factory settings: a radical method

If previous methods didn’t work and the phone is still slowing down, it’s time to do a hard reset that will delete all data but return the smartphone to its original speed. The Redmi 5 Plus is particularly prone to slowdowns due to memory fragmentation after long use.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Select “Reset your phone settings” and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes) and set your phone up as new.

After discharge:

• 🚫 Do not restore data from backup MIUI — It can bring back old errors. You'd better migrate the files selectively.
• 📥 Install applications gradually, watching the performance.
• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.

💡

After reset, turn off the interface animation for additional acceleration: go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the "Version" MIUI», To activate Developer Mode. Then to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, set “Scope of Window Animation,” “Scope of Transition Animation,” and “Duration of Animator” on 0.5x or shut it down completely.

⚠️ Note: If the phone still brakes after reset, the problem may be in the hardware. For example, worn flash memory (eMMC) on the Redmi 5 Plus often causes lags after 3-4 years of use.

5. Battery optimization and performance

The Redmi 5 Plus battery (4,000 mAh) degrades over time, leading not only to fast discharge, but also to trottling, an artificially limited performance due to overheating or low charge. If the phone starts to “brake” when it’s under 20%, this mechanism is to blame.

To minimize trolling:

• 🔋 Replace the battery if its capacity has dropped below 70% (check through the AccuBattery app).
• ❄️ Avoid overheating: Do not use your phone while charging for games or videos.
• 🔄 Turn off the “Adaptive Battery” in Settings → Battery → Battery settings – this feature sometimes mistakenly limits performance.
• 📉 Install Greenify (requires root) to force "freeze" unnecessary apps.

Also check the performance settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above).
2. In the Developer Menu, find the “Background Limitation” option and set “No Limits” for critical applications (such as a launcher or phone).
3. Turn off MIUI Optimization in the same menu, which will reduce aggressive background closure.

💡

Replacing the battery with the Redmi 5 Plus costs 1500-2500 rubles (2026) and returns up to 30% of performance due to the elimination of trottling.

6.Using lightweight alternatives to standard applications

MIUI comes with heavy system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) that consume a lot of resources, and can be replaced with lighter ones:

To install GCam (Google Camera) on Redmi 5 Plus:

1. Download the GCam version for vince (e.g. from BSG or Urnyx05 developer).
2. Install the.apk file manually (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security).
3. Configure the config for better performance (turn off HDR+ in the settings if the camera is braking).

It is also recommended to disable unnecessary system applications (if root-access is available):

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


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




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

These commands will disable Mi Video, Mi Music and MIUI background services, which are often hanging in memory.

7. Overclocking and modifications for advanced users

If you're willing to take risks, you can try overclocking the processor or optimizing the core. The Redmi 5 Plus is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset that has the potential to overclock.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader;
• 📥 Installed custom core (e.g. FrancoKernel);
• 🛠️ Root access.

Instructions for acceleration:

1. Install a custom core with overclocking support (e.g. Perseus Kernel for vince).
2. Download the Kernel Adiutor or EX Kernel Manager app.
3. In the CPU section, set the maximum frequency at 2.0–2.2 GHz (standard – 2.0 GHz).
4. In the GPU section, increase the frequency by 10-15% of the standard.
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

You can also optimize the task scheduler:

• In Kernel Adiutor, choose the cfq or maple scheduler for better multitasking.
• Activate ZRAM (memory compression) to increase the available RAM.

⚠️ Attention: Overclocking reduces the life of the processor and can lead to overheating. On the Redmi 5 Plus, without replacing the thermopaste, acceleration above 2.1 GHz can be trottling after 10-15 minutes of intense load. Use a cooling case or stand.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi acceleration 5 Plus