How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi 9A: from basic settings to deep optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but over time even it begins to โ€œslow downโ€: applications open for a long time, animation twitches, and the system hangs when multitasking. The reason is not always the โ€œweak hardwareโ€ โ€“ more often to blame for clogged memory, unnecessary background processes and unoptimized MIUI settings. In this guide, we will examine 10 proven ways to speed up the Redmi 9A, from simple tricks to deep cleaning of the system.

It's important to understand that the Redmi 9A is powered by a MediaTek Helio G25 processor and 2 to 3 GB of RAM is not a flagship, but even with this hardware you can achieve smooth performance. The main thing is to manage resources correctly. We won't advise "buy a new phone" or "install custom firmware" (although these are also options), instead focusing on safe and reversible methods that do not require root rights or risk "bricking" the device.

All instructions are valid for the Redmi 9A based on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions). If your phone runs on an older firmware, update it first through Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ System Update. This often solves half of the performance issues.

๐Ÿ“Š What's slowing down your Redmi 9A strongest?
Apps open long time
Games lay down
The system hangs when multitasking
Slow file loading
Another option

1. Cleaning up memory and cache: the first step to speeding up

The most common reason for brakes is clogged memory. Redmi 9A comes with 32 or 64 GB of internal drive, but is actually available to the user 5-10 GB less due to preinstalled applications and system. When less than 10% of free space is left, the phone begins to โ€œglutโ€: apps fly out, photos are not saved, and the system slows down when writing data.

How to clean your memory correctly:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Delete unnecessary files through Settings โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clean up. Pay special attention to the โ€œJunk Filesโ€ and โ€œBig Filesโ€ sections (video, APK, archive).
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Clear the app cache: go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Manage apps, select each of the most commonly used (e.g. YouTube, Chrome, Facebook) and click Clear cacheยป.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Use the built-in utility "Optimization": it is in Settings โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Optimize (or through a widget on the desktop) Run it - the system will automatically close the background processes and free up RAM.

If after cleaning free less than 3-5 GB - consider transferring data to a memory card (but remember: not all applications support microSD). For photos and videos, it is better to use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) with automatic download.

๐Ÿ’ก

Do not manually clean the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) because it can cause interface failures. MIUI.

2. Disconnect background processes and autoboot

Background processes are the main devours of RAM and batteries. Many applications (especially social networks and instant messengers) continue to work even after closing, updating data and sending notifications. On Redmi 9A with 2 GB of RAM, this is critical: the system has to constantly switch between tasks, which causes lags.

How to limit background activity:

  • โš™๏ธ Turn off Autostart: Go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Auto-run and deactivate unnecessary programs (e.g. games, stores, rarely used utilities).
  • ๐Ÿ”” Ban background activity: in the same application management menu, select โ€œPermissionsโ€ โ†’ Background activity and disable it for everyone except messengers and critical services.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Limit Notifications: Go to Settings โ†’ Notifications and disable alerts from unnecessary applications. Each notification wakes up the processor and wastes resources.

Important: Do not turn off background activity for system processes (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone) โ€“ this can disrupt your phone.

โ˜‘๏ธ Optimization of background processes

Done: 0 / 4

3. Customization of animation and visual effects

MIUI is known for its beautiful animations, but on the weak Redmi 9A, they only slow down the system. Disabling or reducing visual effects can give you speeds up to 15-20%. It does not require root rights and is reversible.

How to speed up the interface:

  • โšก Turn off animation via Developer Mode: Activate Developer Mode: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 times. Go back to Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers, look for window animation, transition animation, and animator duration, set the value. 0.5x Or offline.

Simplify wallpaper and themes

Turn off the "transition effects"

Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Effects of transitions

And with these changes, the interface will be less glamorous, but much faster, and if you don't like the result, you can always reset the settings.

What to do if there is no โ€œDevelopersโ€ item?
If after 7 clicks on "Version" MIUI" Developer mode is not activated, try: 1. Update the firmware to the latest version. 2. Reboot the phone. 3. Check if the item in Settings is hidden โ†’ In addition (sometimes it doesnโ€™t appear immediately).

4. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Functions for Acceleration

MIUI contains a few hidden features that can improve performance, which many users donโ€™t know about, but they work even on โ€œweakโ€ devices like the Redmi 9A.

Secret MIUI settings for speed:

FunctionWhere to turn it onThe effect
GPU accelerationSettings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers โ†’ Acceleration GPU-renderingReduces the load on the processor when drawing the interface
Limitation of processesSettings โ†’ For developers โ†’ Limit of background processesLeaves only 1-2 applications in memory, freeing RAM
Disconnect MIUI OptimizationSettings โ†’ For developers โ†’ Disable MIUI optimizationRemove unnecessary system checks (suitable for experienced users)
Performance modeSettings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Performance modeSacrifices battery for speed (only if necessary)

Be careful with Disabling MIUI Optimization โ€“ this can lead to unstable operation of some functions (for example, gestures or notifications). If after changes the phone started to glittle โ€“ return the settings back.

๐Ÿ’ก

The greatest speed gain comes from the combination: GPU acceleration + background process restriction to 2-3. This is safe and does not require rebooting.

5. Update firmware and reset to factory settings

If Redmi 9A brakes "out of the blue" - perhaps the fault of outdated firmware or accumulated errors in the system. MIUI Resetting and resetting often solve performance problems, but require caution.

How to properly update the firmware:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Through OTA: Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update system: download only Wi-Fi updates to avoid wasting mobile traffic.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Through Recovery (if) OTA Not working: Download the latest firmware for Redmi 9A From the official Xiaomi website (select the Global version or the official Xiaomi website). EEA). Rename the file to update.zip And put it in the root of the phone's memory. + Volume up to enter Recovery and select Install update.zip.

When you need to reset to factory settings:

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ If the phone is slowing down even after cleaning the memory and updating.
  • ๐ŸŒ If the applications are opened longer than usual (more than 3-5 seconds).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If there are artifacts of the interface (flickering, missing icons).

โš ๏ธ Warning: Reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. pre-backup through Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Backup and reset or manually copy files to PC.

Once reset, the phone will work like a new one, but you'll have to reset your accounts and install your apps, which is a radical method, but it's guaranteed to help if other methods don't work.

6. Hardware tricks: memory card, battery and cooling

Sometimes the Redmi 9A brakes are not connected to the software, but to the hardware. Overheating, a weak battery or a slow memory card can significantly reduce performance.

Optimization of hardware:

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Control the temperature: if the phone is heated above 45ยฐC, Helio processor G25 Start trottling (automatic frequency reduction) Use ventilated covers and avoid direct sunlight.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Check the battery: a worn-out battery (capacity below 70%) can cause sudden performance drops. โ†’ Battery. โ†’ Battery status.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Use a fast memory card: If you store data on a microSD, take a class card A2 or UHS-I (Slow cards slow down writing and reading files.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Turn off "Fast Charging" (if on): it heats the phone more than it does. for Redmi 9A standard-charging 10W.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the phone turns off when loaded (for example, in games) - this is a sign of a malfunction of the battery or motherboard.

If youโ€™re actively using the Redmi 9A for gaming, consider buying a cooling stand or an external cooler.Even budget models (like Baseus) reduce temperatures by 5โ€“10ยฐC, which prevents trottling.

7.Alternative launchers and lightweight applications

The standard MIUI launcher is beautiful but heavy for the Redmi 9A. Replacing it with a lighter version can speed up the interface, and itโ€™s also worth using lighter versions of apps (like Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite) that consume less resources.

The best launchers for weak smartphones:

  • ๐Ÿš€ Nova Launcher โ€“ fast, with minimal animation and gesture support.
  • โšก Lawnchair โ€“ open launcher with the function โ€œAdaptive iconsโ€ and low RAM consumption.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smart Launcher 5 โ€“ automatically sorts applications and has built-in search.

Lightweight analogues of popular applications:

OriginalLightweight versionSaving RAM
FacebookFacebook Lite~50-70MB
MessengerMessenger Lite~40-60 MB
ChromeBrave or Opera Mini~30-50MB
InstagramPWA version (Progressive Web Application)~80-100MB

Installing an alternative launcher does not require root rights, but some features (such as gestures) may not work properly. Check for MIUI 12-14 compatibility reviews before installing.

8 Radical methods: root and custom firmware

If all the previous methods didn't work, there are radical measures: getting root rights or installing custom firmware, which gives you complete control over the system, but it takes away the warranty and can lead to a phone bribing, and we recommend these methods only to advanced users.

What's rooting on Redmi 9A:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Ability to remove system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, GetApps, Mi Video).
  • โšก Installing cores with optimization (such as KernelSU) to overclock the processor or improve power management.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Use of deep cleaning applications (e.g, SD Maids that can remove the cache of system processes.

The following are the best features for Redmi 9A:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ LineageOS โ€“ pure Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi.
  • โšก Pixel Experience โ€“ firmware with Google Pixel interface and optimizations for weak devices.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with support for GCam and other chips.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Unskillful actions with root or custom firmware can permanently disable the phone. 4PDA or XDA Developers, make a backup NANDroid and make sure you have access to the EDL-regime (in case of a โ€œbriqueยป).

If you are a beginner, it is better to consult a specialist or use the official acceleration methods described above. Root and custom firmware are justified only if you are willing to take risks and spend time setting up.

๐Ÿ’ก

For 90% of users, it is enough to clean up memory, turn off background processes and update firmware. Root and custom firmware are the last resort, not a panacea.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9A acceleration

Can I overclock the Helio G25 processor without root?
No, overclocking the Redmi 9A processor is only possible with root rights and custom kernel installation (for example, through KernelSU). Without root, the maximum you can do is turn on performance mode in the battery settings, but this has little effect on real speed.
Why do the applications slow down again after cleaning the cache?
If the applications keep lagging after cleaning the cache, the reason may be: Lack of RAM (on Redmi 9A with 2 GB this is critical), background activity of other programs (check Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Use), problems with the firmware itself (try updating MIUI).
How to transfer applications to a memory card?
On Redmi 9A, microSD application portability is only possible if: The map is formatted as internal storage (in Settings โ†’ Storage). The application supports this feature (many games and social networks do not). To transfer: Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management. Select the application and click on Storage. Click on Change and select the memory card. Important: The card must be fast (class A2 or UHS-I), otherwise the applications will slow down even more.
Will the factory reset remove MIUI?
No, the reset only deletes user data (applications, photos, settings), but MIUI will remain. Firmware and system files are not affected. Once reset, the phone will be like out of the box, but with the same version of MIUI.
What games do you normally play on Redmi 9A after optimization?
On the Redmi. 9A After cleaning and disabling background processes can be played in: ๐ŸŽฎ PUBG Mobile (Settings: Balanced or Low, 30) FPS). ๐ŸŽ๏ธ Asphalt 9 (graphics at minimum). ๐Ÿงฉ Brawl Stars, Clash Royale, Among Us (no lags). ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Nintendo Emulators DS (for example, DraStic and PS1 (For heavy games (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) Redmi 9A Not suitable โ€“ even after optimization, there will be strong friezes.