How to Speed Up Xiaomi Poco X3: From Software Optimization to Hardware Improvements

Xiaomi Poco X3 even years after its release remains a popular smartphone due to the balanced characteristics: Snapdragon 732G processor, 6-8 GB of RAM and a screen with a frequency of 120 Hz. However, over time, many users face brakes, hanging and slowing down animations. The reasons are diverse: from an overloaded system to outdated firmware or physical wear of the drive.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 effective ways to speed up the Poco X3, from basic MIUI settings to advanced methods like overclocking the processor or replacing the thermal paste. All recommendations are tested on current firmware versions (including HyperOS) and do not require root rights unless otherwise stated.

1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and optimize background processes

The first step to speed up is freeing up resources, and MIUI is known for its heavy interface, which accumulates cache, temporary files and duplicates over time, starting with basic cleaning:

• 🧹 Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management, select any application and click Clear Cache. Use the built-in Optimizer (Broom icon on your desktop) for mass cleaning).
• 🗑️ Removing unnecessary files: C Settings → Click Clean – the system will automatically find garbage (logs, APK-Remains, duplicate photos).
• 🚫 Disabling Autoboot: In Settings → Battery → Autorun disable autoboot for underutilized applications (especially instant messengers and social networks).

Important: Do not clear the cache of system applications (for example, com.android.systemui) - this can lead to interface failures. If the application is slower after cleaning, restart the phone.

💡

After mass clearing the cache, restart the smartphone to recovery mode (press Power + Volume up) and select Wipe Cache Partition.This will remove the system cache without losing data.

For deep cleaning, use third-party utilities like SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google, which often find up to 1-3 GB of “invisible” garbage that MIUI does not remove.

2. customize MIUI for maximum performance

MIUI offers hidden options that make the interface work faster, most of which don't require root rights:

• ⚡ Turn off animations: Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers install: Animation windows: 0.5x Animation of transitions: 0.5x Duration of the animator: 0.5x This will speed up the opening of applications by 15-20%.
• 🎯 Switching to "Easy Mode": In Settings → Special opportunities → Light Mode: Turn on this option. It simplifies the interface by turning off unnecessary visuals.
• 🔄 Reset graphics settings: In For developers, find Disable hardware overlays and Forced GPU-Accelerate – experiment with these parameters (on some firmware they give an increase) FPS play).

Warning: If the phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly after a change in Developer, return the settings to factory settings. Some options (such as Do not turn off the screen) can lead to thermal throttling, an automatic performance decline due to overheating.

3. Battery optimization and background process management

The battery settings are one of the main causes of brakes. MIUI aggressively restricts background processes, but sometimes does so suboptimally.

1. Turn off Adaptive Battery: In Settings → Battery → Battery settings Deactivate this option. It often mistakenly blocks the desired processes.
2. Add games to exceptions: In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, select All apps and install No Limits for games (e.g. PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact).
3. Set up “High Performance Mode”: In Settings → Battery → Performance Mode, select High Performance (reduces battery life, but eliminates lags).

⚠️ Warning: If the battery runs out in less than 4 hours after the changes, return the settings to Balanced Mode. X3 With a worn-out battery (capacity below 80%) high-performance mode can cause sudden shutdowns.

4. Update firmware and kernel: why it's critical

Outdated firmware is a common cause of brakes. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize the Snapdragon 732G and fix memory leaks.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If you have an update, install it. Use a gradual roller (not a beta version) for stability.
3. After the update, run Wipe Cache in Recovery (see Section 1).

For advanced users, consider installing a custom core like Perseus or FrancoKernel, which optimizes clock control and reduces heat, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is running slower after the upgrade, reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting: This eliminates conflicts between old and new configurations.

5. Overclocking and hardware improvements: for power users

If the software methods didn't work, consider hardware modifications that require skill and can void warranty but maximize performance:

• 🔧 Thermopaste replacement: Over time, the thermopaste between the processor and the radiator dries up, leading to overheating and trottling.Use a high-quality paste (e.g. Arctic) MX-6) and clean the radiator of the dust.
• 🔄 Dispersal GPU: Kernel Auditor (requires root) can increase the frequency of Adreno 618 by 10-15%, but this reduces the life of the chip.
• 💾 Replacement of the drive: Poco X3 use UFS 2.1, but some models came with slow memory chips.Samsung replacement UFS 2.1. for example, KLUDG4U1EM-B0C1) Speeds up reading/writing by 20-30%.

Warning: CPU overclocking on the Snapdragon 732G is inefficient due to the limitations of the architecture, and it is better to focus on optimizing cooling and frequency management through the custom core.

Check the CPU temperature in plain (should be below 40°C)

Create a backup through TWRP

Install a monitoring application (e.g. CPU Monitor)

Disable automatic updates MIUI-->

6.Alternative firmware: When MIUI brakes too much

If standard MIUI is slow even after optimization, consider installing custom firmware.The best options for Poco X3 are:

• 📱 Pixel Experience: Clean Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi. supports 120 Hz and gives an increase in autonomy.
• ⚡ LineageOS: Stable firmware with minimalist interface, perfect for weak devices.
• 🎮 Crdroid: Optimized for gaming, supports overclocking GPU and thermothrottle tuning.

The installation will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP (POCO X3 — twrp-3.7.0_12-0-surya.img).
3. Switch firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Warning: Custom firmware can disrupt Widevine L1 (downgrad L3), What is blocking Netflix and Disney viewing?+ into HD. Before installing, check compatibility on the forum XDA Developers.

💡

Custom firmware can increase productivity by up to 40% by removing MIUI background services, but requires technical skills and lacks warranty.

7 Hardware Limitations: When It's Time to Think About Upgrades

If neither method helped, the problem may be the physical wear and tear of the components.Poco X3 has the following hardware limitations:

• 🔋 Battery: After 500-600 charging cycles, the capacity drops below 80%, causing sudden shutdowns and trottling.
• 🖥️ Drive: Cheap memory UFS 2.1 degrades over time, especially with frequent use (read/write speed drops by 30–50%).
• 🔥 Cooling system: A dust-clogged radiator or dried thermal paste leads to constant overheating.

In such cases, it will help:

• Replacement of the battery (original part code - MBJ4257).
• Replace the drive with a faster one (see section 5).
• Cleaning the cooling system (disassembly requires experience!).

If performance is not good after that, consider upgrading to a newer model (for example, the Poco X5 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

💡

The average lifespan of the Poco X3 in heavy use is 2.5-3 years, and then the hardware constraints become critical, and software optimization has minimal effect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the acceleration of the Poco X3