How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide to optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, launched in early 2018, has long been considered a benchmark for the budget segment due to its large screen and autonomy. However, with the release of new versions of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell, as well as the advent of heavier applications, owners are beginning to notice a slowdown in the interface.

In this article, we will discuss proven methods that will help breathe a second life into your gadget without the need to replace equipment. System optimization is not magic, but the consistent execution of actions to free up the resources of the processor and RAM. Even after years of operation, the device can work smoothly if you eliminate software congestion.

Before embarking on radical measures such as a full reset, less aggressive acceleration methods should be tried. 15-20 You can have a lot of time, but the results can be overwhelming. Performance depends on a lot of factors, and often the problem is the trivial overflow of cache or the background processes.

Analysis and cleaning of internal storage

The first and most critical factor affecting the speed of any Android smartphone is the internal memory filling. When the free space runs out, the system has no place to create temporary files for swaps, which leads to severe lags.

Regularly audit installed apps and media files, often forgetting downloaded instant messenger files that can take up gigabytes of space, and removing unnecessary content is the easiest way to free up resources for system processes.

• 🗑️ Remove long-unused games and apps you haven’t run for more than a month.
• 📸 Move photos and videos to your computer or cloud storage to unload the main partition.
• 🧹 Clean the Downloads folder, where browser debris often accumulates.
• 💬 In the settings of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) limit auto-save media files.

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Use the built-in Security → Cleanup app to quickly remove system debris, but don’t rely on it entirely – manually checking folders is more effective.

Once the space is freed, the system will automatically redistribute resources, which can immediately have a positive impact on the responsiveness of the interface, and free space should be at least 15-20% of the total volume for comfortable work.

Disabling MIUI System Advertising and Services

MIUI is known for its functionality, but also for having built-in advertising that consumes traffic and processor resources. MSA (MIUI System Ads) advertising modules run in the background, periodically loading content, which can cause micro-freezes, and turning off these services is a must-have step to improve performance.

First, you need to disable personalized recommendations. Go to settings and find the password and security section where ad settings are often hidden, and check the settings of the apps themselves, such as Music, Themes and Explorer.

⚠️ Warning: When disabling system services, be careful not to remove components that are not sure of their purpose, so as not to disrupt the basic functions of the phone.

The next step is to turn off unnecessary services in the Advanced Settings section, where you can find options that are not used in everyday life, but continue to hang in RAM. Background processes take away precious megabytes of RAM, which the Redmi 5 Plus does not have much by modern standards.

• 🚫 Turn off msa service in the “Authorization and Security” menu» → «System services».
• 📉 In the settings "Theme" turn off the display of widgets and recommendations on the home screen.
• 🔕 In the “Conductor” application, go to the settings and remove the tick from the “Receive recommendations” item».
• 🛑 Turn off Game Turbo if you don’t use its functionality because it’s in your memory.

Setting up animation and interface

The visuals of MIUI are often overwhelmed with animations that create the illusion of smoothness, but on older devices can cause delays. Accelerating or completely disabling transition animations allows apps and menus to be opened instantly, which creates the feeling that the smartphone is running much faster.

To access these settings, you need to activate the developer mode. This is a standard procedure for Android, which opens access to hidden system settings. Don't be afraid to change the values, as it is safe and reversible at any time.

You need to find the item "Scale of animation", "Scale of transitions" and "Duration scale", and changing these parameters from 1x to 0.5x or "No animation" dramatically changes the perception of the speed of the device, the system's response becomes almost instantaneous.

Managing Autoboot and Background Applications

Many applications tend to run with the operating system and continue to run in the background even if you don't use them, resulting in constant battery consumption and CPU load. In the Redmi 5 Plus, controlling this aspect is critical.

MIUI has a built-in startup management tool that allows you to prevent selected programs from running on their own, but be careful: disabling system services or messengers can cause notifications to stop arriving on time.

It is recommended to analyze the list of applications and leave in the autoload only what you really need constantly.Social networks and email clients often require background work, but games or stores can safely start manually as needed.

• 🚦 Go to the Security Appendix» → «Permits» → «Auto-start».
• 🛑 Turn off autoplay for all heavy games and rarely used utilities.
• ⚙️ In battery settings, limit background activity for applications that don’t require constant communication.
• 🔋 Use the “Energy Saving” mode only when it is really necessary, as it can limit performance.

Resetting settings and flashing the device

If the software cleaning didn’t work, a more radical method is a complete data reset: Factory Reset returns the device to factory status by removing all the registry errors and file conflicts that have accumulated over the years.

Before you do this, make sure you back up all your important data, and reset will delete all your photos, contacts, and apps, which is a last resort, but oftentimes it makes your old smartphone work faster.

⚠️ Warning: Before resetting, make sure the battery level is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off in the process, which can damage system files.

You might also consider installing custom firmware if official support has already stopped. Lightweight versions of Android (like LineageOS) run much faster on older hardware than heavy versions of MIUI. However, this requires certain technical skills.

adb reboot recovery

This command is used to enter recovery mode via your computer if you can't log in with the buttons. After you log in to Recovery Mode, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm the action. After you restart, you'll get a clean system.

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Complete data reset is the most effective software method of removing the brakes caused by accumulated software debris and update conflicts.

Hardware restrictions and physical maintenance

The physical side of the matter is also not to be forgotten: Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is equipped with a Snapdragon 625 processor, which, although considered legendary, has its limits. Modern applications are becoming heavier, and even a perfectly optimized system may not cope with new tasks.

Also, over time, the battery degrades, which can lead to trottling (reduced processor frequency) to protect against sudden shutdown. If the battery is worn out, the phone can run slowly even when fully charged. Physical wear of components is an objective factor.

It's also worth checking the cooling system. Dust stuffed inside the housing degrades the heat sink. The processor, when it heats up, resets the frequencies. Careful cleaning of speakers and ports from dust can improve thermal regime.

• 🌡️ Watch the body temperature when loaded; heavy heating signals cooling problems.
• 🔋 Check battery wear in the engineering menu or through special applications.
• 🧹 Blow the speakers and compressed air charging connector to improve ventilation.
• 📱 Use lightweight versions of applications (Lite) that less load the processor.