How to speed up Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: from cleaning to deep optimization

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the most popular smartphones of 2023, but even it is slowly slowing down, for reasons ranging from overloaded memory to failed MIUI updates. In this article, we’ll look at 10 proven ways to get back to speed, from basic actions to advanced settings that only experienced users know.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 12 came in several versions (Note 12 4G/5G, Note 12 Pro, Note 12 Pro+), and some methods may vary depending on the firmware version. We’ll focus on universal solutions that work on all device variations. If you have questions after reading, check the FAQ at the end of the article, where you’ll find answers to typical problems.

Before you start optimizing, make sure your smartphone doesn't overheat or discharge too quickly. These symptoms may indicate hardware malfunctions, not software brakes. If there's no improvement after all the manipulations, it may be time to diagnose iron.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup: the first step to speeding up

So, to start with, the simplest thing is to delete temporary files. The cache of applications and systems grows over time to a few gigabytes, taking up valuable space and slowing down. MIUI has a built-in cleanup tool, but it doesn't always work 100 percent.

How to clean the cache correctly:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean up and click "Clean up." This will remove garbage from standard apps.
• 🧹 For deep cleaning, use the settings → Annexes → Manage apps, select each of the most commonly used (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Telegram) and click Clear cache».
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary files manually through Files → Categories → Multimedia/Documents: Pay special attention to the Download folder, which often accumulates gigabytes of unnecessary data.

If there is still not enough space after cleaning, check the Storage section in the settings. Sometimes the system shows the occupied space as "Other" - this can be residual files after updates or deleted applications, in which case resetting the partition cache (we will talk about it in the section on hard methods) will help.

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After cleaning the cache, restart the smartphone - this will help the system recalculate the free space and speed up the launch of applications.

2. MIUI optimization: disabling unnecessary functions

MIUI is known for its abundance of built-in services, many of which run in the background and consume resources, and turning off some of them can significantly speed up the Redmi Note 12, especially if you have a version with 4/6 GB of RAM.

What can be safely disabled:

• 🔄 Auto-Update Apps: Google Play → Settings → Network settings → Auto-update of applications → Never.
• 📡 Background data transmission: Settings → Mobile network → Transfer of data → Background gear → Limit.
• 🎵 Mi-Sound (if you do not use Xiaomi wireless headphones): Settings → Connections and sharing → Mi-Sound → Shut down.
• 🔍 Device Search (if you’re not looking for other Xiaomi gadgets): Settings → Xiaomi Cloud → Searching device → Shut down.

We also recommend disabling the animation interface, which will visually speed up the transitions between the screens:

1. Activate Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the items “Scale of animation”, “Change animation” and “Duration of animator”, set the value to Disable animation or 0.5x.

3. Memory management: closing the "chewing" applications

The Redmi Note 12 in the base version has only 4 GB of RAM, which by modern standards is not enough. If a smartphone starts to "suppress" when switching between applications, the problem is precisely the lack of RAM. Here is how to fix it:

Method 1: Manual cleaning of RAM

• 🔄 Press and hold the Home button (or swipe up and hold your finger), then swipe up all unnecessary apps.
• 📊 For detailed analysis, go to Settings → The phone. → Memory. → RAM. Here you'll see which apps consume the most resources.

Method 2: Limiting background processes

In Developer Settings (how to turn on — see the previous section), find Process Limitation and set a value to "Maximum 2 Process in the Background." This will reduce the load on RAM, but some applications will reboot more often.

Method 3: Using Light versions of applications

Replace heavy social networks with their lighter versions:

• 📘 Facebook Lite instead of Facebook;
• 📷 Instagram Lite instead of the standard Instagram;
• 💬 Messenger Lite instead of the main messenger.

Close all background applications | Disable animation in the developer settings |Install light versions of social networks |Limit background processes to 2-3|Reboot smartphone-->

4. Firmware Update: Why It Matters

The slowdown may be due to an outdated version of MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize performance and fix bugs.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates."
3. If a new version is available, download and install it (preferably via Wi-Fi, so as not to waste mobile traffic).

If the update doesn't work or the smartphone gets worse after it, try to roll back to the previous version.

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website (choose the version for your model!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots (menu) → Select a firmware file.

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Updating with Recovery is the last resort if your smartphone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo. Use it only if you're confident in your actions!

5. Resetting: When nothing helps

If all previous methods failed, it's time for a crackdown, which would bring the smartphone back to factory status by removing all user data, a radical but often the most effective way to get it back to speed.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Save all important data (photos, contacts, messages) to Google Drive or your computer.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new, but don’t restore data from the backup – this can bring back old issues.

If the smartphone is slowing down and does not respond to commands, try resetting via Recovery:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot.

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After reset, don't install all the applications at once. Add them gradually, watching the performance, so you can identify the "braking" software.

6. Advanced methods: overclocking and optimization for experienced

If you’re willing to go beyond standard settings, here are a few advanced techniques that take longer but give you a noticeable boost in performance.

Method 1: Optimization of Dalvik cache

Dalvik cache is a temporary file that speeds up the launch of applications, sometimes it gets corrupted and starts to slow down the system, to clear them:

1. Go to Recovery (see previous section for how to enter).
2. Select the Wipe Cache Partition.
3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

Method 2: Change the CPU scheduler

It requires root rights, but it gives you a big boost in productivity, if you're willing to take a chance.

1. Install Kernel Adiutor from Google Play.
2. Go to section. CPU → Planner.
3. Choose Performance (for maximum speed) or Interactive (for speed and power balance).

Method 3: Disabling MIUI Optimization

Some MIUI firmware has a hidden feature that limits performance to disable it:

1. Activate Developer Mode (see Section 2).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find MIUI Optimization and turn it off.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

7. Hardware problems: when the "iron" is to blame

If the software didn't work, maybe the problem is the hardware, and here are the most common "iron" causes of brakes:

To diagnose hardware problems, use:

• 🔧 CPU Throttling Test (Trottling Test – artificial performance reduction due to overheating).
• 📊 AIDA64 or CPU-Z to analyze the temperature and load of the processor.
• 🔋 AccuBattery to check the status of the battery.

If the Redmi Note 12 processor temperature exceeds 60°C in plain or 85°C under load, this is a critical overheating that requires immediate repair!

8.Alternative firmware: When MIUI is too heavy

If you’ve exhausted all the optimization options, but your smartphone is still slowing down, consider installing custom firmware. It’s a radical step, but it could breathe a second life into your Redmi Note 12.

The following are the Redmi Note 12 firmware:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without shell MIUI, maximum productivity.
• 🔄 LineageOS - stable and fast firmware with a minimalist interface.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between functionality and speed.

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services) from the XDA Developers website.
4. Using TWRP, make Wipe (Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) and install the firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Installing custom firmware will void warranty and may result in a smartphone breeze (completely inoperable) only if you are confident in your actions and prepared for the risks!

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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Redmi Note 12 model (for example, tapas for the global version or ruby for the Chinese version).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions