How to Speed Up Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide to Optimizing MIUI

Your Xiaomi has slowed down, apps have been slow to open, and animations are twitching? These are typical symptoms of an overloaded system that can be fixed without being reset to factory settings. Unlike iPhones or Samsungs, MIUI smartphones have unique optimization features, from hidden settings to proprietary tools like the Security App and Game Turbo.

The reasons for the slowdown fall into two categories: software (clogged cache, background processes, outdated firmware) and hardware (wear-out memory, overheating). 80% of the time, the problem is solved at the software level - to properly configure the system and remove digital debris. In this article, you will find current methods for MIUI 14/15, including little-known tricks for the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13 models.

Important: if the phone slows down after an upgrade, it's not always a bug. Newer versions of MIUI often require more resources, but they can be tamed with fine-tuning, start with the easiest and safest ways, and then move on to deep optimization.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup: the first step to speed

App cache and system debris are the main brakes for Xiaomi. Unlike Android in its pure form, MIUI aggressively caches data, which eventually leads to freezes.

  • ๐Ÿงน Cleaning the application cache: go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ App management, select the most "heavy" application (such as Facebook or TikTok) and click Clear Cache. Repeat for top-10 place-of-place applications.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Disposal of garbage through Security App: Open the Security app (shield icon), select Cleanup โ†’ Deep cleaning. MIUI find out 1-3 GB of unnecessary files, including remnants of deleted applications.
  • ๐Ÿ” Manually clean Download folder: Files from this folder are often duplicated and take up space. Use Google or Mi File Manager files to sort by size.

Hidden Life Hack: MIUI has a built-in MIUI Optimization cleanup tool that is not visible in the basic settings.

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ The phone.
  2. 5 times quickly tap the MIUI version.
  3. Return to the main settings โ€“ a new item will appear Additional โ†’ Optimization MIUI.

โš ๏ธ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home through ADB โ€” This can lead to a cyclical reboot. MIUI.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you clear your cache on Xiaomi?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when it's slowing down.
Never clean.

2. Disconnect background processes and autoboot

MIUI is known for aggressively holding apps in memory -- even those you don't use -- that eats up to 30 percent of RAM and drains your battery. Here's how to limit background activity:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Disabling Autostart: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Autorun. Turn off autoruns for instant messengers, games, and social media (except for notifications).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Background activity restriction: in the same app settings, select Battery โ†’ Background activity and set Limit for unnecessary applications.
  • โšก Power saving mode for individual applications: c Settings โ†’ Battery and productivity โ†’ Select Battery Mode: Set Energy Saving for applications like AliExpress or Wildberries.

For advanced users: you can turn off background activity of system services through ADB, but this is risky. The safe option is to use the Greenify application (requires root or special settings for MIUI).

AnnexRecommended background activity regimenPotential savings of RAM
Facebook/InstagramLimit150-300MB
Google Play ServicesAllow (critically for the system)โ€”
Mi Video/MusicDisable autostart80-120 MB
Telegram/WhatsAppAllow (for notification)โ€”

Disable Auto-Run for 10+ Unnecessary Applications

Set energy saving mode for "gluttonous" applications

Check the list of active processes in Settings โ†’ Memory

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

3. Optimization of animation and visual effects

MIUI is famous for its beautiful animations, but they eat up the processor's resources, and turning off or speeding up these effects can increase speeds by up to 20 percent.

  • โšก Accelerate animation: activate Developer Mode (7 taps by Build Number in About Phone), then in Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers, install:
  • ๐ŸŽจ Shutdown MIUI-effects: in Settings โ†’ Display. โ†’ Select System Animation Without Animation or System by Default (instead of System) MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Switching to Performance Mode: In Settings โ†’ Display. โ†’ Resolution and refresh rate choose 90 Hz instead of 120 Hz (if you have such an option) โ€“ this will reduce the load on the processor.

For models with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5) Additional Increment Will Give You a Disabled Always On Display in Settings โ†’ Lock screen. This feature constantly uses the processor to update time and notifications.

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 and older), disabling animations can cause a black screen bug when unlocked.If this happens, return animation settings to default values.

4. Update firmware and core: hidden speed reserves

Outdated firmware is one of the main reasons for the slowdown. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize the processor and memory.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Checking for Updates: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update the system. If you have an update, install it even if it weighs 2.+ GB.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Manual installation of firmware: if OTA-Update does not come, download the full firmware package for your model from the official Xiaomi website and install through Settings โ†’ Updating the system โ†’ Threefold โ†’ Select a firmware file.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Linux kernel update: in new versions MIUI (14+) The kernel updates automatically, but older models (Redmi Note 9) may require manual firmware through the TWRP.

For enthusiasts, if your Xiaomi supports Custom ROM (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), installing them can give you up to 30% speed gain.

ModelThe Last Stable MIUI (2026)Recommended Custom ROM
Redmi Note 12 Pro+MIUI 15.0.4Pixel Experience 14
POCO X5 ProMIUI 14.0.6LineageOS 20
Mi 11 UltraMIUI 14.0.9Evolution X
What to do if the update is suspended?
If the upgrade process has stalled on the MI logo for longer than 20 minutes: 1. Force the phone to restart (press the power button for 10+ seconds). 2. If the phone does not turn on, press Power + Volume up to log into Recovery. 3. Select Wipe Cache Partition, then restart. 4. If it does not help, you need to flash through Fastboot (instructions on the XDA-Developers forum).

5.Memory optimization: from formatting to replacing with faster memory

Over time, Xiaomi's file system fragments, slowing down the read/write of data, and this is how to get the memory back to speed.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Formatting internal memory: it is important to do once in a while 6-12 Move all the data to your PC, then to Settings. โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Threefold โ†’ Format. Attention: it will delete ALL data!
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Using microSD as internal memory: If your model supports Adoptable Storage (like the Redmi Note 11), insert a quick card. UHS-I And format it as internal memory in Settings. โ†’ Memory.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Disabling memory compression (ZRAM): into MIUI By default, RAM compression is enabled, which can slow down weak processors. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers โ†’ Memory compression.

For models with UFS 2.2/3.1 (Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4 GT), the additional gain will be to disable Background defragmentation in Settings โ†’ Memory โ†’ Three-point โ†’ Memory settings. This feature is useful for eMMC, but only interferes with modern drives.

โš ๏ธ Note: Formatting internal memory on Dynamic models RAM Expansion (like Redmi Note 12) will reset virtual memory. After formatting, re-activate it in Settings. โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Expansion of RAM.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before formatting, check your memory speed with AndroBench. If your read speed is below 200MB/s, itโ€™s time to consider replacing the drive (for models with removable memory).

6. factory reset: when nothing helps

If all the previous methods fail, there's a last chance, hard reset, which is a radical method, but it brings the phone back to factory status, eliminating all the software brakes.

  1. Save data: Use Mi Mover or Google Drive to back up your contacts, photos and apps.
  2. Reset: Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Settings Reset โ†’ Erase All Data OR (if the phone doesnโ€™t turn on): Press Power + Volume Up โ†’ Recovery โ†’ Wipe Data
  3. Set up your phone as new: Donโ€™t restore backup โ€“ install apps manually to avoid carrying old bugs.

After discharge:

  • Do not install applications immediately โ€“ let the system stabilize for 1-2 days.
  • Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.
  • Use Easy Mode in Settings โ†’ Special features if the phone is still braking.

๐Ÿ’ก

Factory reset removes all data, including hidden system files that can slow down the phone, and it's the only way to get the speed back to the stock without the firmware.

7 Hardware methods: when iron is to blame

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

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery wear: if the battery is discharged 2-3 It can slow down the processor, check the wear and tear at AccuBattery. >50% battery replacement.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Overheating: If the phone is heated above 45ยฐC, processor trottlites (reduces frequency). Clean the charger connector from dust and replace the thermal paste (for models with removable back cover).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Memory problems: If the phone accidentally reboots or โ€œflys outโ€ of apps, check the memory for broken sectors using the phone. MemTest86 (demand TWRP).

For POCO F1, Redmi K20 Pro and others with removable battery, you can try reconnecting the battery plume - sometimes oxidation of the contacts leads to voltage drawdowns and brakes.

8 Hidden MIUI settings for maximum performance

MIUI hides a few powerful optimization tools that few people know about:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Turbo 5.0: Even if you donโ€™t play, activate it in Settings โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Game Turbo. Enable Performance Mode and Network Optimization โ€“ This will speed up the loading of all applications.
  • โšก Super Wallpaper: beautiful but resource-intensive wallpaper. Turn it off in Settings โ†’ Wallpaper. โ†’ Super wallpaper and select a static image.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Optimization MIUI for developers: in Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers, activate: Forced GPU-acceleration HW-Overlays (reduces lags) Limit background processes (maximum) 2-3)

For Redmi and POCO with Snapdragon processors (such as the POCO X4 Pro), activation of Qualcomm Performance Mode via the engineering menu will give an additional boost:

##4636## โ†’ Battery Information โ†’ Menu (three-point) โ†’ Performance Mode

How to return factory settings of the engineering menu?
If you have a glitch after experimenting with the engineering menu (#4636##) reset your settings: 1. Enter ##36446337##. 2. Select Factory Reset (Full). 3. Reboot your phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi acceleration

My Xiaomi is slowing down after the MIUI update.
This is a typical problem when you upgrade to a new version. Try: Clear cache through Settings โ†’ Memory โ†’ Clean. Reverse animation to 0.5x in the developer settings. If it doesn't work, reset (but don't restore backup!). For Redmi Note 11 and later: after upgrading to MIUI 15, disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings can help.
How to speed up Xiaomi with 2 GB of RAM (like Redmi 9A)?
For budget models: Turn off all animations (Settings โ†’ Developer). Use Easy Mode in Settings โ†’ Special Features. Install Lite versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite). Activate RAM Extension 1-2 GB to Settings โ†’ Memory (if supported). Radical method: Swipe Custom ROM on Android Go (e.g. LineageOS Go).
Does replacing a memory chip with a faster one?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice: For models with eMMCs (e.g. Redmi 8), replacing with UFS 2.1 will give an increase of up to 40%, but it is a difficult repair (you need to solder). For models with UFS 2.2 (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), replacing with UFS 3.1 is only possible in the service center and costs ~50% of the phone price. The warranty will be lost, and the result is not guaranteed due to the limitations of the processor. It is more profitable to sell an old phone and buy a model with UFS 3.1 (e.g. Xiaomi 12T).
How to check what is stopping my Xiaomi?
Use these tools: CPU Throttling Test (checking processor trottling due to overheating). DevCheck - shows boot CPU/GPU Real-time. AccuBattery -- monitors battery power drawdowns. Built-in Performance Monitor in Settings โ†’ Battery and performance. If the System UI consumer >10% CPU โ€” shell-problem MIUI. If kswapd0 CPU loads โ€“ there is not enough RAM.
Can Xiaomi be Speeded Up With Root Rights?
Yes, but with caveats: Pros: you can disable system applications (bloatware), change the CPU scheduler, use Kernel Adiutor to overclock. Cons: Loss of warranty; risk of "bricking" if you fail to set up the kernel; some banking applications will stop working (due to SafetyNet); For beginners, it is better to use Magisk + modules like Universal Debloater or Disable Flags.