Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in 2019, is still a popular smartphone due to the balanced characteristics: Snapdragon 660 processor, 3/4/6 GB of RAM and a battery of 4000 mAh. However, over time, even such a reliable device begins to “brake”: applications open for a long time, animation twitches, and the battery goes down in a few hours.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 proven ways to speed up the Redmi Note 7, from basic (cleaning the cache, turning off animations) to radical (resetting to factory settings, flashing). All methods tested on current versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and do not require root rights, unless otherwise stated. Important: some actions may lead to data loss – make a backup before you start optimizing.
If your smartphone is slower after updating or installing new apps, start with the first few things: If the lags appear suddenly (for example, after a fall or moisture), the problem may be in the hardware - in which case, contact the service center.
1. Clearing cache and unnecessary files
The most common cause of brakes is overcrowded memory. System cache, residual files of remote applications and debris from messengers (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) take up gigabytes of space, causing the processor to waste resources on their processing. On the Redmi Note 7 with 64 GB of memory, 80-85% of the filling is considered a critical threshold.
How to clean:
- 🗑️ Garbage files: use the built-in Security app → Cleaning (or Clean Master if installed).
After cleaning, restart your phone to help the system recalculate the free space. If less than 1 GB is free after the procedure, consider transferring files to a memory card (microSD up to 256 GB is supported) or the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
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Don’t clean the cache too often (once a week is enough) – this can lead to re-downloading data and increased traffic.
2. Disable animation and visual effects
MIUI is known for its colorful animations, but they consume CPU and RAM resources.Switching off or reducing these effects can speed up the interface by 10-15%, especially on the Redmi Note 7 with 3GB of RAM.
How to turn it off:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the sections: 🎨 The scale of window animation → Choose No Animation or 0.5x. 🔄 Scale of transition animation → equal. ⚡ Duration of animation → Off..
You can also turn off background animation in wallpaper: in Settings → Wallpaper, select a static image instead of live wallpaper. If you use MIUI themes, select a minimalist style (for example, "Simplicity" or "Dark Mode").
What does turning off animation do?
3. Optimization of autoboot and background processes
Many apps (especially social networks and instant messengers) run automatically when the phone is turned on and run in the background, consuming RAM. On the Redmi Note 7 with 3 GB of memory, this can lead to the forced closure of active programs (the so-called “killing processes”).
How to limit autoloading:
- 🚫 Turn off autostart: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Auto-start.
- 🔄 Limit background activity: Find Battery in the same app menu → Background activity and select Limit.
- 📵 Freeze Unnecessary Programs: Use the Built-in Security feature → Optimization → Application freeze.
Pay special attention to the following applications (they are most often guilty of brakes):
| Annex | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| It works in the background even if you don’t use it. | Turn off autostart and background activity | |
| Mi Video | Scan files and display notifications | Freeze or remove |
| Google Play Services | Updates and syncs without control | Limit background activity |
| Clean Master | They consume resources by cleaning up the garbage. | Remove and use the built-in MIUI cleaning |
Disable auto-start for social networks
Limit background activity of messengers
Freeze Unnecessary System Applications
Reboot your phone after the changes
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4. Update firmware and reset to factory settings
If the Redmi Note 7 started to slow down after the MIUI update, the problem may be the "raw" firmware.The latest stable version for this model is MIUI 14 based on Android 10 (for global firmware). Updates to Android 11/12 are informal and may contain bugs.
How to update correctly:
- Check the current version: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Download the latest firmware from Xiaomi’s official website (select the Redmi Note 7 model and region).
- Install through Settings → System Update → Three dots → Select a firmware file.
If the update didn’t help or the phone started to work even worse, reset to factory settings:
- Make a backup (via Settings → Additional → Backup).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Erase all data and wait for the reboot.
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Factory resets delete ALL data, including photos, contacts and messages, and if you don't back it up, you can't restore it.
Once reset, the phone will work as fast as it did after you bought it, but you have to remember that over time, if you don't keep track of your memory and background, the brakes will come back.
5.Use of light versions of applications and alternative launchers
Many popular apps have lightweight versions (Lite) optimized for weak smartphones. For example, Facebook Lite consumes 3-5 times less RAM than the main version. For Redmi Note 7, this is critical, especially if you have a modification with 3 GB of memory.
Which annexes should be replaced:
- 📘 Facebook → Facebook Lite (weighs 2MB instead of 100MB)+ MB).
- 💬 Messenger → Messenger Lite.
- 📷 Instagram → There is no official light version, but you can use the Web version through the browser (add a shortcut to the home screen).
- 🎵 Spotify → Spotify Lite (not available in all regions).
Also consider installing an alternative launcher: the standard MIUI launcher is beautiful but heavy.
- ⚡ Nova Launcher (configurable, gesture-supporting).
- 🔥 Lawnchair (minimalistic, no extra animations).
- 📱 Smart Launcher 5 (Automatically sorts applications).
After installing a new launcher, disable system: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Disable.
6. Battery optimization and processor cooling
Overheating and improper battery settings can lead to trottling (automatically lowering processor performance). On the Redmi Note 7, this manifests as abrupt slowdowns during games or video recording.
How to avoid trolling:
- ❄️ Refrigeration: Do not use your phone when charging (especially gaming) and avoid direct sunlight.Remove the case if the phone is heated.
- 🔋 Performance mode: c Settings → Battery → Battery mode select Performance (instead of Balanced or Charge Saving).
- 🔌 Turn off fast charging if it causes overheating: Settings → Battery → Fast charging.
- 📊 Check battery wear: enter in dial ##4636## → Battery information. If the wear level is over 30 percent, it's time to change the battery.
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If a game or app is heating your phone, try lowering your graphics settings. For example, in PUBG Mobile, select Balanced Mode over HD.
If the battery is swollen or the phone turns off at 20-30% charge, it must be replaced. The average cost of a new battery for the Redmi Note 7 is 1000-1500 rubles (with work).
7. Radical methods: acceleration, custom firmware and replacement of thermal paste
If all previous methods have failed, radical measures can be tried, requiring technical skills and may be ineffective (if they are still in place).
Installation of custom firmware:
- 📱 Popular firmware for Redmi Note 7: Pixel Experience (pure Android without a sleek Android experience) MIUI). LineageOS (stable but without Xiaomi's signature chips). Havoc-OS (lots of overclocking settings).
- ⚠️ Risks: data loss, brick (turning your phone into a brick), camera or sensor issues.
- 🔧 Instructions: Requires to unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock) and install TWRP.
Replacement of thermopaste:
Over time, the heat paste between the processor and the radiator dries up, causing overheating and trottling. Replacement costs 500-800 rubles in service. If you decide to do it yourself, buy an Arctic MX-4 or KPT-8 thermopaste.
CPU overclocking (requires root):
With apps like Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel, you can increase the clock speed of the Snapdragon 660, but this will shorten battery life and can cause overheating.
What is a brick and how to avoid it?
8. Hardware problems: when it's time to get into service
If the Redmi Note 7 is slowing down even after resetting and optimizing, the problem may be in the hardware:
- 🔋 Worn-out battery (swelling, quick discharge).
- 💾 Damaged flash memory (permanent read/write errors).
- 🔌 Faulty battery plume (phone turns off when driving).
- 🧠 Overheating of the processor due to dried heat paste or damaged radiator.
Symptoms of hardware problems:
| Problem. | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation of flash memory | Apps fly out, files are corrupted, phone "hangs" on logo | Replacement of memory chips (expensive, often impractical) |
| Faulty battery | Sudden shutdowns, swelling of the body, overheating | Battery replacement (1000-1500 rubles) |
| Problems with the motherboard | The phone does not turn on, does not charge, does not determine SIM-map | Diagnostics in the service (repair or replacement of the board is possible) |
If your Redmi Note 7 is older than 3-4 years, it may be wiser to consider buying a new smartphone.For example, the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 offer better performance for a comparable price.
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If the phone falls into the water or has been subjected to a strong vibration (for example, in a car), even after months, hidden damage can appear, in which case diagnosis in the service is mandatory.