How to speed up Xiaomi smartphone: from cleaning cache to deep optimization MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI And even flagship models are slowing down over time, and the reasons range from overloaded memory to unoptimized background processes, but 90 percent of the time, you can fix the problem without resetting to factory settings or buying a new device.

We tested all the current acceleration methods on models from Redmi Note 12 Xiaomi 14 Ultra (2023–2026 The article is based on step-by-step instructions based on the features of the latest versions. MIUI 14/15 HyperOS and warnings about potential risks (e.g. when system services are disabled).

Important: If your smartphone is older than 2020 (Redmi 9, Mi 10, etc.), some methods may not work due to hardware limitations.

1.Diagnostics: Why is Xiaomi slowing down?

Before optimizing, you need to identify the bottleneck. MIUI There are built-in tools for analysis:

1. Performance Monitor: Go to Settings → The phone. → System monitor. This is the loading graphs. CPU, RAM and heating. CPU constantly loaded at 80%+ — the problem is process or overheating. RAM clogged to the end - you need to clean the background applications.
2. Battery Analysis: C Settings → Battery. → Using the battery, see which apps use the most energy, often using "gluttonous" instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or games.
3. Storage Speed Test: Use the App A1 SD Bench (free on Google Play) If the read speed is below 150MB/s, memory may be worn out (relevant for budget models with eMMC instead of the same as the one on the other). UFS).

Typical causes of brakes:

• 🗑️ Cracked cache (especially after updates) MIUI).
• 🧹 Background Processes from Mi Account, Mi Cloud and Advertising Services.
• 🔄 Memory fragmentation (if you have never reset).
• 🛠️ Unoptimized animation settings (transition speed).
• 🔋 Worn-out battery (at charge below 80% capacity) CPU trottling).

⚠️ Note: If you see a high-load com.miui.analytics process in the System Monitor, this is Xiaomi’s statistics collection service. It can be disabled (instruction in Section 3), but this violates the user agreement.

System Cleanup: Cache, Garbage and Unnecessary Files

The first step is to free up space and delete temporary files. MIUI There are tools built in, but they don't always work 100 percent. We recommend combining them with manual cleaning.

Integrated cleaning MIUI

Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean and execute:

• 🧹 Delete unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, empty folders).
• 🗑️ Clear the app cache (especially Google Play Services, Facebook, Instagram).
• 📁 Delete duplicate photos (the function “Search for duplicates” in the same menu).

Manual cleaning (for experienced)

Some files are not touched by the built-in utility. To delete them, you will need a guide with root permissions (for example, to delete them, FX File Explorer or ADB. Dangerous ways to clean up:

/data/log/


/cache/




/data/system/package_cache/

⚠️ Don't delete files manually unless you're sure they're intended! This could lead to system crashes.

Optimization of the storage facility

If you have an eMMC model (e.g. Redmi). 9A), Over time, the read/write speed drops due to fragmentation:

• 🔄 Move frequently used applications to a memory card (if supported by Adoptable Storage).
• 📱 Backup and reset (Section 5) This is the only way to defragment the eMMC.
• 🛒 Replace the memory card with a faster one (class) A2 or UHS-I).

Backup of important data|Close all applications|Connect the charger (the process may take place) 10-30 minute)|Check the vacant space (at least) 1 GB)|Disable synchronization with Mi Cloud during cleaning-->

3. Optimization MIUI: disable unnecessary services

MIUI It's known for its abundance of background processes, many of which can be safely turned off. CPU and RAM, and extend the battery life.

3.1. Disconnecting analytics and advertising

Data collection and personalized advertising services consume resources even when you're not using your phone.

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Autorun and disable Autoplay for: com.miui.analytics (analytics) com.xiaomi.midrop (file sharing) com.miui.player (music player if not used)

Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Synchronization

Magisk

root

Disable_Miui_Ads

Customization of animation

And the reduction of animation time makes the interface visually faster.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and install: Animation windows: 0.5x Or Response. Transition animation: 0.5x Or, Response. Duration of animation: 0.5x

⚠️ Attention: Disabling animation completely (Offline) can make the interface less intuitive — 0.5x.

Optimization RAM

V MIUI 14/15 There's a function called "Extension." RAM», It uses a piece of internal memory as a virtual RAM to configure it:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Memory. → Expansion RAM.
2. Select volume: 1 GB (for models with 4 GB) RAM), 2 GB (for 6 GB), 3 GB (for 8 GB)+ GB).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Important: Virtual RAM It works slower than the physical, so don’t allocate too much (maximum 3GB).

💡

If push notifications (e.g. Telegram) are no longer working after the services are disabled, return auto-run for the com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) application.

4. Update of firmware and core

Slowdowns are often due to outdated firmware or an unoptimized core. Xiaomi regularly releases updates, but they don't always install automatically.

Checking for current updates

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and click "Check Updates." If a new version is available MIUI or HyperOS, install it.

⚠️ Warning: Updates “over the air» (OTA) Sometimes weigh up to 3GB. Make sure you have enough space and a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Manual installation of firmware

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to upgrade to a more recent version (e.g., with a new version). MIUI 13 by 14), download the firmware from the official website:

1. Go to the MIUI download page.
2. Select your model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G).
3. Download the.zip file for your region (e.g. Russia or Global).
4. Move the file to the phone’s root folder and go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.

5.1 How do you do the reset?

Method 1 (via settings):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).

Method 2 (via Recovery if the phone is not turned on):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe all data.
4. Confirm and wait for completion.

5.2 What to do after discharge?

To avoid re-deceleration:

• 📱 Don’t restore data from Mi Cloud backup – it’s better to manually transfer files.
• 🚫 Do not install apps that have previously caused brakes.
• 🔄 Disable unnecessary services immediately (Section 3).

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to fully defragment eMMC memory and return the original read/write speed.

6. Alternative methods for older models

If your smartphone is released before 2020 (Redmi 5, Mi 8, Poco) F1 And so on, the hardware constraints won't allow it to be much faster in standard ways:

Installation of light firmware

Castom firmware based on Android Go or LineageOS are optimized for weak iron.

• 📱 Pixel Experience Go for models with 2-3 GB RAM).
• 🐉 Havoc-OS (more customizable but requires a powerful processor).
• ⚡ DerpFest (balanced firmware for old Xiaomi).

⚠️ Important: You need an unlocked bootloader to install and TWRP.

Disengagement of one core CPU

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 7 with Snapdragon 660 processor) you can disable one of the cores. CPU It reduces the performance of games, but it makes the interface smoother.

For this:

1. Install Kernel Adiutor (requires root).
2. Go to the CPU section.
3. Disable the last core (CPU 7 for 8-core processors).
4. Save the settings and restart.

Use of lightweight applications

Replace the “heavy” applications with their lighter versions:

7 Hardware methods: when software does not help

If all software methods are exhausted and the smartphone is still slowing down, the problem may be hardware. Consider the most common hardware causes and how to fix them.

Replacement of thermopaste

Overheating causes trottling, a forced processor frequency reduction. If your Xiaomi heats up even under light load (like WhatsApp), the thermopast may have dried up.

🔧 How to replace:

1. Buy a thermal paste with high thermal conductivity (for example, Arctic). MX-6).
2. Take the phone apart (you need a set of screwdrivers). T3–T5 mediator).
3. Clean the old paste from the processor and radiator with alcohol.
4. Apply the new paste in a thin layer and assemble the device.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your smartphone will void warranty.If you're unsure of your skills, contact your service center.

Replacement of the battery

A worn-out battery (capacity below 80%) causes the power controller to limit performance. → Battery → Battery status.

🔋 Signs of wear and tear:

• The phone turns off at 20-30% charge.
• Charging occurs in jerks (for example, from 50% immediately to 70%).
• The device warms up strongly when charging.

💰 Replacement cost in the service center: from 1,500 to 4000 rubles (depending on the model).

Replacement of memory (eMMC by UFS)

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) you can physically replace the memory chip eMMC faster. UFS 2.1 This is a complex procedure that requires a soldering station and experience, but gives a speed increase of 2-3 times.

🔍 How to check the type of memory:

1. Install the DevCheck app.
2. Go to the Hardware tab.
3. Look at the Storage type line.

💡

If after replacing the battery, the phone began to discharge faster than before, perform a calibration: completely discharge the device (before turning off), then charge to 100% without interruptions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi acceleration