How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X 2026: From simple adjustments to radical methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (The codename mido is still one of the most popular budget smartphones thanks to its robust hardware and upgrade capabilities, but over the years, even this β€œunkillable” device begins to slow down: apps open long, animations twitch, and the battery goes down in half a day. The reason is not always wear β€” often to blame the debris system, outdated software or suboptimal settings.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to accelerate the Redmi Note. 4X β€” From basics (cache cleaning, animation shutdown) to advanced ones (custom firmware switching or thermal paste replacement) each method is tested on real devices and produces measurable performance gains. Some solutions require unlocking the bootloader or root rights – we will warn you of the risks in advance.

1.Diagnosis: Why your Redmi Note is slowing down 4X

Before optimizing a smartphone, you need to understand the root of the problem. - Redmi Note 4X Snapdragon 625 (or Helio) X20 The Chinese version originally wasn't a "weak man," but over time, even he can turn into a "brick:

  • πŸ“± Overloaded memory: Less than 1GB of free space on an internal drive leads to lags.
  • πŸ”„ Background processes: MIUI aggressively keeps apps in memory even when they are not in use.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Trash cache: temporary application files and systems can take up gigabytes.
  • πŸ”‹ Trottling of the processor: when the battery is overheated or worn, the frequency CPU artificially.
  • πŸ€– Outdated firmware: MIUI 8-10 on Android 6-7 is not optimized for modern applications.

To accurately identify the bottleneck, use built-in tools:

  1. Open Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version and tap 7 times on the β€œKerole” line – the developer mode will turn on.
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and find items: CPU statistics - will show the load of cores; Memory use - will display "gluttonous" applications; Battery temperature - if above 40Β°C, need cleaning or replacement of the heat paste.
πŸ“Š What’s the most common thing to do on your Redmi Note? 4X?
Apps open long time
Games lay down
The system hangs when multitasking
The battery goes down fast.

2. Basic optimization: cleaning and settings MIUI

Start with simple actions that don’t require root rights or technical skills, and these methods will increase productivity by 15 to 30 percent without risking data loss.

Cleaning up cache and garbage

MIUI It's known for actively cacheing data, but rarely cleaning it, and as a result, after a year of use, up to 3 to 5 GB of unnecessary files accumulate in memory:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Memory. β†’ Clean and press "CleanΒ».
  2. For deep cleaning, use Security β†’ Cleanup β†’ Deep Cleanup (remove the cache of system applications).
  3. Remove unnecessary APK-file β†’ Categories β†’ Installers.

Disabling animation and visual effects

MIUI It's overloaded with animations that eat up the CPU's resources to speed up the interface:

  1. Activate the Developer Mode (see Section 1).
  2. In For Developers Find: The Scale of Windows Animation β†’ Disconnect; Scale of transition animation β†’ Disconnect; Duration of the animator β†’ Shut down.

β˜‘οΈ Basic optimization MIUI

Done: 0 / 4

Limitation of background processes

MIUI By default, it allows applications to run in the background, which eats up RAM and battery power:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Autostart and disable Autostart for unnecessary programs.
  2. B Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Select the battery mode set "charge savings" (limit background activity).

The process is no more complicated than reinstalling Windows on a PC, but requires care. Below is a step-by-step instruction with nuances for the Redmi Note. 4X.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi officially lets you unlock the bootloader, but the process can take up to 72 hours due to account verification.

  1. Link the device to Mi-account (in Xiaomi account settings).
  2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
  3. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off, then press the Power) + Volume Down).
  4. Connect to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be reset! Backup in advance via Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

Step 2: Installation TWRP and custom firmware

For the Redmi Note 4X We recommend firmware based on Android 10–11:

FirmwareAndroid versionPlusesCons
LineageOS 18.1Android 11Stability, minimalist interfaceNo MIUI signature chips.
Pixel ExperienceAndroid 12Google Pixel interface, good optimizationSometimes camera bugs
HavocOSAndroid 10Maximum customization, high productivityIt's hard to set up a beginner.
MIUI ProAndroid 9–10Keeps the corporate design MIUI, without the BloatwareFewer updates

Firmware instructions:

  1. Download. TWRP for mido (e.g. from here).
  2. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_mido.img
  3. V TWRP Make a backup (Backup section).
  4. Sweep through firmware (like LineageOS) and GApps (Google services).
What happens if you make an inappropriate piece of paper?
The device can get stuck on the logo (bootloop) or stop turning on, and in 90% of cases this is fixed by re-running the correct version through the back of the back door. TWRP. If the bootloader is blocked, you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

4. Iron optimization: Thermopaste and battery

If software techniques didn't help, the problem could be "hardware." - Redmi Note 4X known for two typical malfunctions:

  • πŸ”₯ Overheating of the processor due to dried thermal paste;
  • πŸ”‹ Battery wear (capacity falls below 60% of nominal value).

Both factors lead to trottling, an artificial decrease in the frequency of the processor, which causes the phone to β€œbrake” even in simple tasks.

Replacement of thermopaste

Over time, the heat paste between the processor and the radiator dries up, leading to overheating.

  • The phone is heated even in a simple way.
  • When charging or playing, the temperature exceeds 50.Β°C;
  • Performance drops after 10-15 minutes of active use.

To replace the thermal paste, you will need:

  • A cross screwdriver;
  • Plastic mediator (for accurate opening of the body);
  • Thermopaste (recommended by Arctic) MX-4 or KPT-8);
  • Alcohol and cotton swabs for cleaning.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
  2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature 60–70)Β°C. This will soften the glue.
  3. Carefully tuck the cover with the mediator, starting at the corner near the volume buttons.
  4. Unscrew 10 screws on the board and remove the metal screen.
  5. Clean the old paste with alcohol, apply a new (thin layer!) and collect the phone.

πŸ’‘

If the heater is still warming after you change the heat, check the integrity of the heat pads on the memory chips and the communication module, which can also be replaced or supplemented with a drop of the heatpad.

Battery replacement

Redmi Note battery 4X (model BM47 or BD47) It's designed for 500 charging cycles, and after 2-3 years, the capacity drops to 60 to 70 percent, which leads to a high-speed charge:

  • Fast discharge (less than 4 hours of screen time);
  • spontaneous reboot at low charge;
  • Trottling the processor due to insufficient voltage.

The cost of a new battery is 500-1000 β‚½ (original or qualitative analogue ZMI You can make the replacement yourself:

  1. Buy a battery with pre-applied glue (for example, here).
  2. Remove the back cover (as in the instructions above).
  3. Turn off the battery plume and remove the old battery.
  4. Install a new one, plug in the plume and assemble the phone.

⚠️ Warning: When replacing the battery, do not use metal tools - risk short circuit! If the battery is swelling, do not puncture it - this can lead to fire.

5. Alternative methods: kernels, Magisk and Xposed

If you have already unlocked the bootloader and stitched custom firmware, but want to squeeze the maximum out of the Redmi Note 4X, try:

Installation of the custom core

The core is responsible for controlling the hardware. Xiaomi's stock core often limits the processor's potential. Popular alternatives for mido:

  • πŸ”§ FrancoKernel – Balanced Core with Good Battery Optimization;
  • ⚑ HellScore Kernel – Performance-focused (better for gaming);
  • πŸ”‹ Battery Kernel - Maximum charge savings (but a small drawdown over the FPS).

Installation through TWRP After installing the kernel, we recommend using Kernel Adiutor for fine-tuning:

  • Install governor for performance (for games) or ondemand (for balance)
  • Turn off Thermal Throttling (if you are sure of cooling)
  • Activate. ZRAM (Increase virtual memory).

Magisk and Modules for Optimization

Magisk is a tool for obtaining root rights without changing the system partition.

  • πŸš€ Install Greenify for aggressive background management;
  • πŸ—ƒοΈ Use App Systemizer to transfer applications to the system partition (saves space);
  • πŸ”’ Turn off the adverts in MIUI via AdAway.

Installation of Magisk:

  1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from GitHub.
  2. Flow through TWRP (section).
  3. Restart and check root in the Magisk Manager app.

πŸ’‘

Castomic nucleus + Magisk can give performance gains of up to 30%, but require Android experience.Inept actions will lead to bootloop!

Radical measures: dumping and reflashing on runoff

If all methods are tried, but Redmi Note 4X It still slows down, there are two options:

  1. Hard Reset – will return the phone to the factory settings;
  2. Flip-to-stock MIUI β€” It is important if the custom firmware is unstable.

Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

It will delete all the data, but it will clean up the system.

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power + Volume Up before the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data. β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action and restart.

Flip-to-stock MIUI

If after custom firmware there are bugs, go back to the official MIUI:

  1. Download the latest stable firmware for mido from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
  2. Unpack the archive and place the *.tgz file in the folder downloaded_rom phone-on.
  3. Open the Update app, tap on three dots β†’ Select a firmware file.
  4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Note: When refashioning on stock MIUI The bootloader will be blocked via Fastboot (fastboot flash all command!) and it will take a re-unblock (72 hours waiting) to flash the caste again).

7. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can we speed up the Redmi Note? 4X rootless?
Basic methods (cleaning the cache, turning off animations, limiting background processes) will increase by 15-30% without root, and resetting to factory settings or firmware of the latest official firmware will also help. MIUI via the Update app.
What is the most stable custom firmware for Redmi Note 4X 2026?
According to user reviews, the best work: LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) – minimalistic and fast; Pixel Experience (Android 12) – if you need a modern interface; MIUI Pro – if you want to keep your design MIUI, Avoid firmware on Android 13.+ β€” They may be unstable due to outdated iron.
Should I change the thermopaste by myself?
If you've had experience disassembling the equipment, yes, for beginners, the risk of damage to the plumes or the fee is higher than the potential benefit. Alternatively, take the phone to service (cost of work). ~500–800 β‚½). The main thing is not to use cheap thermal paste (for example, CBT).-8 Better than Chinese non-commodity counterparts).
How to check if the battery is worn out?
There are several ways: Enter the code ##4636## in the engineering menu, select Battery Information. If your health is below 70%, it's time to change the battery. Use the AccuBattery app to show real capacity and wear. Pay attention to the behavior of the phone: if it turns off at 20 to 30% charge or quickly discharges into idleness, the battery needs to be replaced.
Can you play Genshin Impact on Redmi Note? 4X?
Technically yes, but with reservations: You will have to install a custom core (e.g. HellScore) and disable trottling; the game will work at minimum settings (20–30). FPS); The phone will warm up a lot - we recommend playing with a connected cooler or after changing the thermal paste. For comfortable gaming, it is better to consider upgrading to the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3.