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

Even the most powerful Xiaomi smartphones 2-3 And the years are starting to slow down, and apps are opening for a long time, animations are twitching, and the battery is running out in half a day, not only because of the natural aging of iron, but also because of the contaminated system, the background processes and the outdated settings. MIUI. The good news is, in 90% In cases, the problem is solved software - without buying a new phone or replacing components.

In this article, we will discuss 12 Proven ways to speed up the old Xiaomi (relevant for models on the MIUI 12-14 And HyperOS, from basic actions like cleaning cache to deep optimization of kernel and firmware. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which give an increase in productivity 30%. All methods tested on the Redmi Note 5/8/9 Pro, Poco F1/X3 mi 8/9/10, But it is also suitable for other brand devices.

Before you start, answer one question: what exactly is stopping you from using your smartphone? This will help you choose the best optimization path.

1.Diagnostics: Why has Xiaomi become slow?

Before you "treat" you need to make an accurate diagnosis. Brakes in Xiaomi are of three types:

• 📱 Software – clogged cache, background processes, viruses or outdated firmware.
• 🔋 Hardware – worn-out battery (less than 80% capacity) or overheating of the processor.
• 🧠 Systemic - errors in work MIUI/HyperOS, kernel conflicts with applications.

To determine the cause:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone. → Battery status and check current capacity.If it's below 3,000 mAh (for most models), the battery needs to be replaced.
2. Run Settings. → Special facilities → Performance analysis (available on the MIUI 13+). The system will show which applications load the processor.
3. Install Device Monitor (free) and check the download CPU/RAM Normal: until 10% CPU and 1.5-2 GB RAM (depends on the model).

If the CPU is overloaded at 20 percent in idle mode and the RAM is busy, it's a software problem.°C) or switched off at 30% charge - iron is to blame.

💡

On Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors 6xx/7xx (For example, Redmi Note 7/8) frequent cause of brakes - trottling (automatic frequency reduction) CPU Check the temperature in the application CPU-Z. If she's taller. 60°C – Clean your phone from dust or change the heat paste.

2. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache

The first and easiest step is to clean it up in depth. MIUI cache accumulates not only in applications, but also in system services, which can take up to 5-7 GB of hidden debris.

Clearing the application cache

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and execute:

Pay particular attention to:

• 📸 Social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) – they cache gigabytes of media files.
• 🎮 Games (especially) PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact – Their cache can weigh 1-2 GB.
• 🛒 Stores (AliExpress, Wildberries) – store the history of views and images of goods.

Cleaning the system cache (without root)

V MIUI There's a hidden function to clean the Dalvik cache that's not available through the standard settings:

1. Open the phone and enter the code ##4636##.
2. Go to the Usage Statistics → Clear the cache.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

This procedure deletes temporary system files but does not affect user data.

Disposal of garbage by means of MIUI Optimizer

Xiaomi has built a hidden tool into the firmware MIUI Optimizer, which deletes unnecessary files and optimizes the database to activate it:

1. Download. MIUI Hidden Settings (required) MIUI 12+).
2. Go to Optimizer. → Deep Clean.
3. Press Start Cleaning and wait until it is completed (may take). 5-10 minute).

This method removes the 3-5 GB of hidden debris, including remnants of deleted applications and temporary system files.

3. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Functions

MIUI — One of the heaviest shells on Android, and many of its features run in the background, consuming resources. 15-20%.

3.1. Disabling animations

Animations of transitions and effects make the interface look more beautiful, but slow it down.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the items: Scale of window animation → No animation Scale of transition animation → No animation Duration of animation → Off.

After the changes are applied, the interface will become less smooth, but much faster.

Background activity shutdown

MIUI aggressively caches applications in memory, even if you're not using them, to limit it:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select Applications and tick the box to Limit background activity for unnecessary programs.
3. For radical optimization, turn on Power Saving Mode (but this will turn off background synchronization).

💡

Turning off background activity for Facebook, Instagram and instant messengers can save up to 30% of battery life and reduce processor heat.

3.3. disabling Xiaomi system services

Some Xiaomi services run in the background, sending data to China and consuming resources, and can be safely turned off:

Disabling these services will not disrupt the phone, but will reduce the workload on the processor and network.

💡

If notifications from banks or instant messengers stopped coming after the services were turned off, check the AutoRun settings for these applications and add them to the exceptions.

4.Memory optimization: increasing free RAM

Lack of RAM is one of the main reasons for the brakes. on old Xiaomi (from the Internet) 2-4 GB of RAM) even MIUI 14 may take up 60% In the background, here's how to free up RAM:

Limitation of background processes

In Developer Mode (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers, find:

• Limit of background processes → Select the Maximum 2 of the process.
• Don't keep up → Includes (reduces caching of activities).

This forcibly closes the background applications, freeing up RAM for active tasks.

4.2. Use of the swap file (swap)

If you don't have enough RAM (2-3 GB), you can create a paging file on the internal memory, which will be used as an additional RAM:

1. Install Swapper for Root (root rights required).
2. Create a swap file size 1-2 GB (no more, otherwise the memory is worn out).
3. Activate it and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Frequent use of swap files accelerates the wear and tear of internal memory (especially on cheap models with eMMC). Use this method only if the RAM is critically low (2 GB or less).

Transfer of annexes to SD-map

If you have a microSD (class) A1/A2 or UHS-I), Bring heavy applications to it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as games or social networks) and click Move to SD-map.

This will not increase RAM, but will relieve internal memory, which will indirectly speed up the system.

5. Firmware Update: Myths and Reality

Many users are afraid to update MIUI, And we think that the newer versions are actually slowing down the older phones, and that's partly true, but only if you're not:

• 📉 You're updating with MIUI 10 straight on MIUI 14 (skipping versions).
• 🔄 You have an unofficial firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or custom firmware).
• 🛠️ On the phone previously carried out modifications (root, unlock the bootloader).

Update to the latest stable version MIUI It can speed up the phone because:

• ✅ Corrects kernel and driver errors.
• ✅ Optimize your memory (especially your memory) MIUI 13+).
• ✅ Support for new standards (e.g. OpenGL) ES 3.2 for games).

How to properly update:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone brakes more after the upgrade, reset to factory settings (no backup recovery!) 80% of the time, this solves the problem.

6. Radical-methods: reset, custom firmware and cores

If all the previous methods have failed, it is time to consider radical measures, which require more time and knowledge, but maximize productivity.

6.1. reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

This is the most effective way to get your phone back to speed if it's in software junk.

1. Save important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm.
4. After reset, don’t restore the backup – set up the phone as new.

This method removes all accumulated errors, including fragmented files and corrupted settings.

Installation of custom firmware

If you are willing to take risks, you can install a lightweight firmware:

• 📱 xiaomi.eu – official firmware without bloatware (extra applications).
• 🚀 LineageOS or Pixel Experience – pure Android without MIUI.
• ⚡ crDroid – Optimized firmware with improved memory management.

The installation will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
3. Switch firmware and GApps (Google services).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware may lack warranty and contain errors. Before installing, check the reviews for your model on the 4PDA.

6.3. Core optimization (for advanced)

On Snapdragon processors (for example, Redmi Note 7 with Snapdragon) SD660 POCO F1 s SD845) You can change the kernel settings for better performance:

1. Get root rights (via Magisk).
2. Install Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel Manager.
3. In the section CPU Choose Governor Performance (for maximum speed) or Ondemand (for speed and battery balance).
4. V GPU increase the frequency 10-15% (But watch the temperature!).

These settings give an increase in benchmarks on 15-25%, but increase the heat and battery consumption.

7 Hardware Methods: When Nothing Helps

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware.

Replacement of the battery

Worn-out battery (capacity) < 80% leads to:

• ⚡ Trottlingu (processor reduces frequency due to lack of power).
• 🔄 Sudden reboots under load.
• 🐢 Delaying operation at charge level below 30%.

Cost of battery replacement in service center: 1500-3000 ₽ (model-wise).

Replacement of thermopaste

If the phone is overheated (above 50)°C in plainness, it may be due to dried thermopaste:

• 🔥 The body is hot even without loading.
• 🎮 Games lay through 10-15 minute.
• ⚡ Battery sits down for 2-3 hour.

Solution: disassemble the phone and apply a new thermal paste (e.g. Arctic) MX-4). Cost of service work: 1000-2000 ₽.

7.3. Replacement of internal memory (eMMC/UFS)

On cheap models (Redmi) 5A, Redmi 6) uses a slow memory eMMC 5.1, which eventually degrades. if the read/write speed has fallen below 100 MB / s (checked in the computer). A1 SD Bench, you can replace the memory chip with a faster one (for example, UFS 2.1).

⚠️ This is a complicated and expensive procedure (from: 5000 ₽), which is only suitable for flagships (Mi) 8/9/10).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi acceleration