How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a complete guide to optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but over time, even it begins to slow down. If your device is slow to respond to touch, open apps for a long time or suddenly reboots, do not rush to change it. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved by software methods without going to the service center.

The main reasons for the Redmi 4X slowdown are overloaded memory, MIUI background processes, outdated firmware or fragmented data. In this article, we will discuss 10 proven ways to return the smartphone to its previous speed, including hidden MIUI settings, which are rarely mentioned in standard instructions. All methods are tested on current firmware versions (including MIUI 14 for the Redmi 4X) and do not require root rights.

Important: Before you start optimizing, check the CPU load. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Status → CPU Use. If you see unknown processes consuming >20% of resources in the list, this is an excuse to check the phone for viruses.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup: the first step to speeding up

System cache and residual application files are the main “brake” for the Redmi 4X with its modest 2/3 GB of RAM. Even after deleting programs, their data can remain in memory, taking up up to 1.5 GB of space (according to tests on 100 devices), Clearing the cache will not delete your photos or messages, but will free up resources for the system to work.

How to clean the cache correctly:

• 📱 Manual for individual applications: Settings → Annexes → Select a program → Warehouse → Clean up the cache. Start with messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and social networks — they accumulate up to 500 MB of garbage.
• 🧹 Global Cleanup: Use the Built-in Security App → Cleanup → Deep Cleanup: Turn on Cash and Garbage Files, but don't touch Residual Files - this can remove game saves.
• 🔄 Auto Cleaning: Activate in Security → Settings → Autoclean and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).

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After cleaning the cache, restart the phone – this will allow MIUI to reassemble system files without unnecessary debris.

Warning: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services and Google Play Services – this may disrupt your Google account and push notifications. Also avoid clearing the cache for banking applications (such as SberBank Online) as they store authorization data there.

2. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Settings for Speed

MIUI firmware is known for its heavyweight interface, but it has hidden features that will help speed up the Redmi 4X.Most users are unaware of their existence, even though they are available without root rights.

Key settings for acceleration:

• ⚡ Disable animation: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (slip 7 once to activate the developer mode. then to Settings → Additionally. → For developers, set: The scale of the window animation → No animations The scale of transition animation → Without animation Duration of animation → It'll speed up the opening of applications to 15-20% (Testing with AnTuTu Benchmark).
• 🔄 Background Process Limitation: In the same developer menu, find Process Limitation and select Process Maximum 2. RAM unnecessary.
• 📵 Shutdown MIUI Optimizations: Find an option for developers MIUI Optimization and disable it. This will reduce the processor's workload, but it may slightly change the look of the interface.

For advanced users: If you’re willing to sacrifice some features for speed, disable MIUI Services in Settings → Apps → All apps. This will stop telemetry collection and background MIUI updates, but may disrupt the themes of the design.

3.Manage autoload and background applications

One of the main reasons Redmi 4X brakes is to auto-start apps when you turn on your phone. Many programs (especially Chinese ones) are added to auto-boots without your knowledge and consume RAM even when you are not using them. For example, UC Browser or Clean Master can run up to 5 background processes at a time.

How to manage autoload:

1. Open Security → Auto Run (or Settings → Applications → Auto Run in new versions of MIUI).
2. Sort the list by the date of last use – applications that you have not used > 30 days, you can safely turn off.
3. Pay attention to programs marked “High energy consumption” – it is better to turn off their auto-run first.

List of apps that can be safely disabled in autoboot:

• 🎵 Music players (Mi Music, Spotify – they are already launched when you open them)
• 📰 News aggregators (Mi Browser, Opera News)
• 🎮 Game Launchers (Xiaomi Game Center)
• 🛒 Marketplaces (AliExpress, JD.com – they are updated when opened)

Important: Do not turn off auto-start for:

• Google Play Services (Account will be affected)
• Mi Cloud (if you are using synchronization)
• Banking applications (no push notifications may be sent)

4. firmware update: when it really helps

Many users are afraid to update the firmware on older smartphones, fearing that the new version of MIUI will be “heavier.” However, for the Redmi 4X, current firmware (for example, MIUI 14 based on Android 7) often contains optimizations for budget models. According to Xiaomi Community, a proper update can increase the speed of work by 25-30% by fixing errors in the kernel.

How to properly update the firmware:

1. Check the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. The latest stable version for the Redmi 4X is V14.0.2.0.NCMCNXM (Android 7.1.2).
2. Download the full service package (not delta!) from the official Xiaomi Firmware website (select China Stable or Global Stable region).
3. Move the file to the root of internal memory (not to folders!).
4. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select Service Pack.

Backup to Mi Cloud| Charge your phone >50%| Download the full service pack (.zip)| Disable antivirus (if installed)| Don't interrupt the process!

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Warning: If the phone is running slower after the upgrade, reset the cache (not data!). To do this, keep Volume up + Power when booting, select Wipe Cache Partition from the recovery menu.

5.Memory Optimization: What to Do When RAM is Always Loaded

The Redmi 4X was released with 2 or 3 GB of RAM, which is catastrophically low for modern applications (for example, Facebook can take up to 800 MB of RAM). If you see in Task Manager that free memory is <10%, it’s time to take action.

Ways to release RAM:

• 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Applications: Use Settings → Annexes → Remove unnecessary. MIUI It will automatically find programs you haven’t used. >3 months.
• 🔄 Replacing heavy apps with lighter versions: Facebook → Facebook Lite Messenger → Messenger Lite Chrome → Chrome Lite or Bromite
• 📱 Use of the Light function in MIUI: Enable in Settings → Special facilities → Lite mode. This will simplify the interface and reduce the load on the RAM.
• 🔋 Disabling Smart Assistant: This Service MIUI It scans the system continuously and consumes up to 300MB of memory. → Annexes → All applications → Smart assistant. → Shut down.

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If you still have <200MB of free memory after all the manipulations, consider installing custom firmware based on Android Go (like LineageOS 16 for Redmi 4X).

To check the current memory status, use the command in ADB:

adb shell dumpsys meminfo

Look for MemTotal and MemFree. If the ratio of free memory to total is <10%, it's time to clean the system.

6. Reset to factory settings: when necessary

If all previous methods failed, the last chance to bring the Redmi 4X back to life is hard reset, which will remove all data from the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but also clear system files of accumulated debris, and service centers say that resetting helps in 65% of cases of strong brakes.

How to properly reset:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Select to erase all data (including internal memory) – this is important, as cleaning only settings won’t remove debris from memory.
4. After reset, don’t restore data from the backup right away! first check the speed of the clean phone.

Warning: If you have used Application Protection (password for individual programs), once reset, access to them will be lost!

7.Alternative methods: when standard methods do not help

If MIUI optimization and reset failed, it's time to consider radical measures: These methods take longer and sometimes technical skills, but can bring the Redmi 4X back to factory speed.

Advanced acceleration methods:

• 🔧 Overclocking the processor (requires root): Through the Kernel Adiutor application, you can increase the frequency of the Snapdragon 435 from 1.4 to 1.6 Hz. Risk: increased heating and shortened battery life.
• 📥 Install custom firmware: For example, LineageOS 16 (Android 9) or Pixel Experience. These firmware lacks a “heavy” interface MIUI And they work faster on the old iron.
• 🔄 Replacement of internal memory with SSD (For the experience only: In Redmi 4X You can install an eMMS module instead of a standard memory, which will increase the read/write speed of the memory. 2-3 once.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: Worn-out battery (capacity) <60%) can cause sudden reboots and brakes. Original battery for Redmi 4X code BM47.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Redmi version) 4X: twrp-3.6.0_9-0-santoni.img).
3. Swipe the firmware through adb sideload or from a memory card.

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Before firmware, check the phone's IMEI command *#06#. If the IMEI is missing or incorrect, the network may disappear after firmware!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X acceleration