How to Overclock Xiaomi Redmi 4X to the maximum: from software tweaks to hardware hacks

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Mi 4X

Snapdragon 435

In this article, only proven methods that actually work on Redmi are available. 4X (No universal “advice for all Xiaomi” that is either useless or harmful in practice. We will analyze software optimizations (for beginners), and deep system tweaks (for advanced users), and even hardware improvements - from replacing the thermopast to overclocking the processor through the engineering menu.

⚠️ Important: some methods require unlocking the bootloader and root rights, which cancels the warranty (if it is still valid) and can lead to a device blink if you do not act correctly!

Why Xiaomi 4X slowing down: main causes

Redmi 4X

1. MIUI Even in the lightweight version for weak devices, the system continues to load RAM with unnecessary services: mipush, msa, analytics and others. RAM, But they are constantly turning to the network, using up the battery.

2. Impressions lost. Redmi. 4X 16 GB of internal memory after installing 10-15 applications, problems begin: the system cannot use the cache effectively, and the file system F2FS (If it is installed, it will degrade with time.

3. Thermodrosselling Snapdragon 435 processor at heat above 60°C automatically lowers the frequency, leading to jerks in games and delays in multitasking. at Redmi 4X This is especially noticeable due to the weak cooling system.

4.Outdated Software: The last official updates for the santoni were released in 2019-2020. MIUI There are a lot of bugs and the Linux kernel is outdated, and custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can give you performance gains of up to 30%.

Method 1: Cleaning the system without root (for beginners)

If you’re not ready to unlock a bootloader or get root rights, start with these steps. They don’t require technical knowledge, but they can speed up a smartphone by 15-20%.

Step 1. Turn off the autoloading of applications

MIUI By default, it allows most applications to start when the system starts:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select AutoRun.
3. Turn off auto-run for all applications except system (e.g. Phone, Messages).

Step 2. Clean up the cache and garbage

Built-in utility Cleaning in MIUI It only removes surface debris:

• 📱 Install CCleaner or Avast Cleanup.
• 🔍 Run analysis and delete temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and duplicate photos.
• 🗑️ Manually check the folders. /DCIM/.thumbnails and /Download — There are often a few gigabytes of unnecessary data.

Step 3: Move the applications to SD-map

If you have a 16GB model, even after cleaning, you'll run out of space.

1. Insert a class 10 microSD (UHS-I) 32GB.
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Default memory and select SD-map.
3. B Settings → Apps for each application tap Move to SD (It does not work with all programs).

⚠️ Attention: do not use SD-The card is an internal memory (Adoptable Storage function). 4X This leads to slowdown due to low read/write speed of memory cards.

Method 2: Developer Setup and Hidden Tweaks

MIUI It hides a lot of useful options that you can activate through the developer menu. 4X:

How to turn on the developer menu:

Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the MIUI version. After that, the main settings menu will appear section For developers.

Top.-5 speed-up:

• ⚡ Windows animation, transition animation, Animator duration → set 0.5x Or turn it off altogether (Off.) That will remove the delays when you open the applications.
• 🔄 Don't keep up → This will limit the number of background processes to 4, but some applications (such as music players) will close when folded.
• 📶 Limit background processes → Choose a Maximum 2 process. Suitable if you don't multitask.
• 🔋 Shut down. MIUI Optimization → Turn on (reboot required) This disables unnecessary system services, but can break some features MIUI (for example, a dark topic).
• 🎯 GPU-acceleration → Enable compulsory use GPU. Helps in gaming, but increases battery consumption.

Additional bonus: if after these changes the smartphone began to overheat, return to limit background processes in the value of the Standard Limit.

💡

After changing the developer's settings, restart the smartphone. Some settings (such as turning off animations) apply only after the reboot.

Method 3: Optimization MIUI through ADB (rootless)

If you are ready to connect to Redmi 4X You can turn off the system applications and services that slow down the device without getting root permissions:

- Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS,

- Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools,

- Included Debugging by USB developer-setting.

Step 1: Connect your smartphone to your PC

Enter the command in the terminal (or command line):

adb devices

If the device is determined, move on.

Step 2: Disable unnecessary system applications

List of safe packets to disable (do not delete them, only deactivate!):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.ab




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.bugreport




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.hybrid




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.joyose




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miservice




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

Step 3: Set a limit on background processes

This command will limit the number of background processes to 3 (similar to manually configuring the developer menu, but it works more stable):

adb shell settings put global background_process_limit 3

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable packages called com.android. or com.qualcomm. - this can lead to bootloop:

adb shell pm enable com.name.packet

Method 4: Firmware custom software (for advanced)

Redmi 4X

LineageOS 16

Havoc-OS

What will be required:

• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Backup data (firmware erases everything!).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Step 1. Unlock the bootloader

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additional → Unlock OEM.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (turn off, then press Volume down + Power).
4. Connect to your PC and in Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. It takes 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Install Custom Recovery (TWRP)

Download the official TWRP For santoni and run it through Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_santoni.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_santoni.img

Step 3. Sweat the custom firmware

Recommended builds for Redmi 4X:

Download the firmware (for example, with XDA Developers, transfer it to your smartphone and install it through TWRP:

1. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
2. Press Install and select downloaded ZIP-firmware.
3. After installation, run GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root).
4. Reboot.

💡

Castom firmware requires regular updates! Watch out for new versions on the forum XDA, To avoid security vulnerabilities.

Method 5: Hardware Improvements (for enthusiasts)

If software methods don't add enough, you can try physical modifications, which require disassembling the smartphone, so they're only suitable for advanced users.

1. Thermopaste replacement

Over time, the heat paste between the processor and the radiator dries up, leading to overheating and thermothrottle. -- For Redmi 4X fit:

• 🛠️ Thermopaste Arctic MX-4 kryonaut.
• 🔧 Plastic blade for disassembly.
• 🧴 Alcohol to clean old pasta.

Instructions:

1. Remove the back cover (it is on the latches, but glued - carefully tuck the shoulder blade).
2. Unscrew the screws and remove the metal plate covering the motherboard.
3. Clean the old paste from the processor and radiator with alcohol.
4. Apply a new paste with a thin layer (no more rice grain!).
5. Put your smartphone back together in reverse order.

2. Overclocking the processor through the engineering menu

⚠️ Warning: This method is risky - it can overheat and cause your smartphone to fail! Use only if you are sure of cooling.

For acceleration:

1. Install Hardware Info and check the current CPU frequency (usually 1.4GHz).
2. Download Engineering Mode for Snapdragon 435
3. In the engineering menu, go to Hardware Testing. → CPU.
4. Increase the frequency by 10-15% (e.g., to 1.6 GHz).
5. Check the stability in AnTuTu Benchmark. If the smartphone overheats or turns off, return the settings.

Installation of additional cooling

For extreme cooling, you can:

• 🧊 Stick graphene film (0.05 mm thick) inside the case onto the processor and memory.
• 💨 Use an external cooler (for example, from a laptop) for long loads.

Method 6: Alternative launchers and lightweight applications

Even on a weak iron, you can achieve smooth operation if you replace standard applications with lightweight analogues.

1. Launchers

Standard launcher MIUI It consumes up to 300 MB of RAM:

• 🚀 Lawnchair 2 – Lightweight Launcher with Gesture Support.
• ⚡ Nova Launcher (Tune animations to Quick).
• 🟢 Rootless Launcher – a minimalist version without unnecessary functions.

2. Lightweight applications

Replace heavy programs with their light versions:

3. disable Google Play Services (for experienced)

If you do not use Google services (Gmail, Maps, Play Market), you can disable Google Play Services via Google Play Services. ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms

⚠️ Warning: This will turn off notifications in many applications and may break some features (e.g. geolocation).

Method 7: Battery and power optimization

On the Redmi. 4X We have a weak battery (3500-4100 mAh, depending on the modification), and its degradation over time aggravates the brakes:

1. Battery calibration

If the smartphone suddenly turns off at 20-30% charge, perform the calibration:

1. Charge your phone to 100% and keep charging for another 2 hours.
2. Turn off and discharge until automatically turned off.
3. Charge again to 100% without interruption.
4. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

2. Battery replacement

If the battery is swollen or holds a charge for less than 2-3 hours, it's time to change it. 4X fit:

• 🔋 The original Xiaomi battery BM47 (3,500 mAh).
• 🔋 Larger Baseus 4000mAh battery (requires cover modification).

Cost of replacement in the service: ~1500–2500 rubles.

Setting up the feeding regimen

V MIUI There's a hidden mode called Ultra Battery Saver, which turns off background processes and lowers the CPU frequency:

1. Enable Developer Mode (see Method 2).
2. Enter the code ##4636## in the engineering menu.
3. Go to Battery Information → Menu (three dots) → Ultra Battery Saver.

💡

If the battery is swollen, replace it immediately! A bloated battery can damage the motherboard or even ignite.

Method 8: Games and graphical settings

Redmi 4X

PUBG Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile

Genshin Impact

1. Optimal graphics settings

For most games on Snapdragon 435, you can:

• 🎮 Permission: 720p (HD) or 640×360 (if the game supports).
• 🔧 Graphics Quality: Low or Balanced.
• 🔄 Frequency of frames: 30 FPS (60 FPS It'll slow down a lot).
• 🌿 Shadows and Effects: Turn Off Completely.

2.Use of GFX Tools

Annex GFX Tool allows you to forcibly reduce the load of the processor:

1. Select the game from the list.
2. Set the permit. 1280×720 and graphics on Smooth.
3. Activate the Force option 4x MSAA (Improves the image without a lot of loss FPS).
4. Enable Disable Shadow and Disable Reflection.

3.Colding during play

To avoid thermodrossing:

• 🧊 Use an external cooler or play in a cool room.
• 🔋 Close all background applications before launching the game.
• 📴 Turn off mobile internet and play over Wi-Fi (modem heats up processor).

⚠️ Warning: If the game starts strong lags, check the temperature of the processor in the AIDA64. If it's above 70.°C – Take a break for 10-15 minutes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X acceleration