How to turn on the game mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide with settings

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 with its MediaTek Helio processor G85 4 GB of RAM is able to confidently pull modern mobile games - from PUBG Mobile to Genshin Impact. But without the right settings, even powerful hardware can let you down: friezes, overheating or sudden notifications at the most critical moment. Here comes the built-in game mode, which optimizes the system for high loads.

In this article you will find not just the instructions โ€œwhere to pressโ€, but a full guide to fine-tuning the game mode on the Redmi Note 9, taking into account the features of the game. MIUI 12-14. We'll look at how to turn on the function through the menu and quick settings, what parameters really affect the function. FPS, We also reveal little-known features, such as how to prioritize resources for a particular game or disable automatic performance restriction when heated.

Important: on different versions MIUI The menu layout may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. If you have a Redmi Note 9 Pro or other model of the series, the instruction will fit with an iron correction (for example, the Note 9 Pro Snapdragon processor). 720G, What gives additional optimization options).

What is a game mode on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

In-game mode MIUI โ€” It's not just a marketing tool, it's a set of optimizations that are activated when a game is launched:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Hardware: increases the clock speed of the processor and graphics accelerator, blocks the decrease in performance due to overheating (within reasonable limits).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Software: Disables background processes, limits notifications, and blocks random touches on the screen (for example, when you hold your smartphone in a horizontal position).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gaming: Adds floating panels for quick access to brightness settings, FPS-counter-record.

On the Redmi Note 9, game mode is especially important due to the features of the Helio processor. G85: It is prone to trottling (automatic frequency reduction) when heated above 45.ยฐC. Without activation, the game can begin to lay after 15-20 minutes of intense session. With the mode on, the threshold of trolling shifts to 50-55ยฐC, and background apps don't steal precious resources.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Continuous use of game mode in resource-intensive games (for example, Call of Duty Mobile at maximum settings) reduces battery life by 20-30.

Interesting fact: in MIUI 14 Game Turbo, which analyzes game behavior and adjusts settings in real time, is available. On the Redmi Note 9, it doesn't work as efficiently as on flagships, but it still gives you stability gains. FPS 5-10%.

Where is the game mode: 3 ways to open the settings

Depending on the version MIUI The path to game mode may be different, and regional firmware. We've collected all the current ways for the Redmi Note 9:

Method 1: Through the main settings

The most reliable method, works on all versions. MIUI:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the section Special features (in some firmware - additionally).
  3. Select Game Mode (or Game Turbo) MIUI 14).
  4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.

Method 2: Through the notification panel

Quick access if the game is already running:

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the Game Mode icon (the icon with the gamepad) and tap it.
  3. If there is no icon, click Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add it to the panel.

Method 3: Through the game menu

Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire automatically prompts you to turn on the game mode when you first start:

  1. Start the game.
  2. If a pop-up comes up with a suggestion to optimize performance, click Enable.
  3. After that, in the upper right corner of the screen will appear floating panel with settings of the game mode.
๐Ÿ“Š How do you usually start the game mode?
Through the basic settings
From the notification panel
Automatically when starting the game
Not using.

If none of these methods worked, check the version. MIUI: in old firmware (below) MIUI 12) the game mode could be called Performance Mode and be in the Battery and Performance section.

Step-by-step setting up the game mode for maximum FPS

Just turning on the game mode is not enough โ€“ to get a real performance boost, you need to adjust it to a specific game.

Insert โ€œOptimization of productivity"|Deactivate "Limitation" FPS"|Activate "Blocking Notifications"|Insert "Tactile recoil" for shooters|Set the screen brightness to 80-90%-->

1. Optimization of productivity

In the section Game mode โ†’ Performance settings:

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Performance Mode: Choose High (for Genshin Impact) or Balanced (for Genshin Impact) PUBG Extremely incremental. FPS, but the processor is warm.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Limitation FPS: Disable if the game supports a high frame rate (for example, Call of Duty Mobile at 60). FPS).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Memory Cleanup: Turn on automatic background cleaning when you start the game.

2. Screen and sensor settings

In the section Game mode โ†’ Display and control:

  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Brightness: set 80-90%. Too high brightness increases the load on the processor.
  • ๐Ÿ‘† Random touch lock: turn it on if you play horizontally (e.g. Asphalt 9).
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Sensor sensitivity: for shooters (such as Free Fire) increase to 120-150%.

3. Additional chips

Little-known features that give an advantage:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Sound effects: turn on 3D-sound for better positioning of enemies in shooters.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Network: Activate Network Priority to Reduce Online Ping.
  • ๐Ÿ“น Screen recording: set up hotkeys to quickly save key moments.
Setting upRecommended valueThe effect
Performance modeTall.+10โ€“15 FPS, more heat
FPS LimitationDisconnected.Unlocks maximum. FPS game
Blocking notificationsIncluded.No pop-up windows during the game
Sensor sensitivity120โ€“150%Faster reaction to swipes in shooters
Network priorityIncluded.Reduces ping by 10 to 20 ms

โš ๏ธ Warning: if after activation of the game mode, the smartphone begins to warm up strongly (above 50)ยฐC), return to the settings and turn on Temperature Limit at 45ยฐC. This will reduce performance by 5-10%, but save the battery from degradation.

How to add a game to the list of game mode (if it is not there)

Sometimes. MIUI It does not recognize the game as such (e.g., emulators or obscure projects) to manually add the app to the list of game modes:

  1. Open the settings โ†’ Game mode.
  2. Tap on Add the game (or Select the applications in the MIUI 14).
  3. In the list, find the desired application and tick next to it.
  4. Save the changes.

If the game is not on the list (for example, you have installed the game). APK manually):

  1. Run the game at least once.
  2. Close it and repeat the steps above โ€“ it should now appear on the list.
What to do if the game is not added?
If the app never appeared in the list, try: 1. Reinstall the game from the official store (not through the official store). APK). 2. Clear the cache Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Game mode โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache. 3. Update. MIUI up to the latest version (some firmware has bugs with game recognition).

For emulators (e.g, PPSSPP or Dolphin, the game mode doesn't always work efficiently, in which case it's better to manually adjust the performance through the engineering menu (more on this in the next section).

Hidden settings: an engineering menu for advanced users

If standard game mode settings are not enough, you can use hidden settings through the Engineering Mode, which gives you access to fine-tuning the processor, graphics and cooling. Be careful, if you make the wrong changes, you can make the smartphone unstable.

How to Open an Engineering Menu

Enter the combination in the phone application:

##4636##

After that:

  1. Select Phone Information.
  2. Scroll down to the Battery Settings section.
  3. Slip on the Engineering Settings Menu (could be called Engineer Mode).

Useful settings for gamers

In the engineering menu, pay attention to the following parameters:

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Thermal Engine: You can increase the trottling threshold from 45ยฐC to 50-55ยฐC (but it will shorten the life of the processor).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š GPU Rendering: Enable Force GPU Rendering to speed up graphics (can increase battery consumption).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Background Process Limit: Install No background processes to free up maximum RAM.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before changing the settings in the engineering menu, back up the settings in Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Backup. It'll help restore the system if something goes wrong.

โš ๏ธ Attention: parameter changes CPU Frequency or Voltage Control in the engineering menu can cause overheating, sudden reboots or even damage to the processor.

For Redmi Note 9, the optimal settings in the engineering menu:

  • Install Minimum CPU Frequency at 1.6 GHz (for Helio) G85).
  • Turn it off. CPU Hotplug (this will prevent the cores from turning off when heated).
  • Turn on Force. 4x MSAA to smooth out graphics (not work in all games).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set up your game mode correctly, you can have a lot of problems, and we've collected some of the most common problems on the Redmi Note 9 and how to fix them:

1.The game lays despite the game mode on

Possible causes and solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Low battery charge (less than 20%): MIUI It automatically reduces performance.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Overheating: if the temperature is above 50ยฐC, even the game mode won't help. Let the smartphone cool down for 10-15 minutes.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Clogged cache: clear the game's cache in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ [play-name] โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache.

2. The game mode is not included

What to do:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot your smartphone โ€“ sometimes a banal rebut helps.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: in old firmware there are bugs with game mode.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Reset the game mode settings: Settings โ†’ Game mode โ†’ Three dots in the upper right corner โ†’ Reset the settings.

3. The battery goes down fast.

How to reduce charge consumption without loss FPS:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Reduce the brightness of the screen to 70-80%.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Turn off Network Priority if you play offline.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Turn it off. 3D-sound and vibration โ€“ they consume a lot of energy.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after activating the game mode, the smartphone began to restart, return the settings of the engineering menu to the factory. G85.

Alternatives to the built-in game mode: is it worth using

If the standard game mode MIUI You don't like it, you can try third-party utilities, but remember, they require root rights or at least permission to overlay windows, which may not be safe.

1. Game Booster 4x Faster

A popular application for optimizing games:

  • โœ… Pros: Increases FPS 10-20% clears the memory in one tap.
  • โŒ Cons: Shows aggressive advertising, requires a lot of permissions.

2. GFX Tools

For fine-tuning graphics in games:

  • โœ… Pros: allows you to set a permit, FPS and detail above standard.
  • โŒ Cons: Not working with all games, can cause bugs.

3. 4x Speed Booster

Utility for overclocking the processor:

  • โœ… Pros: Increases clock frequency CPU/GPU.
  • โŒ Cons: strongly warms smartphone, reduces battery life.

โš ๏ธ Note: Using third-party boosters can lead to bans in online games (e.g., in the online game). PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. Developers see them as cheating utilities.

Our verdict: for Redmi Note 9 built-in game mode MIUI Third-party utilities are worth trying only if you are an experienced user and are willing to risk the stability of the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I play the game mode on Redmi Note 9 without MIUI (for example, on custom firmware)?
On most custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) built-in game mode MIUI No. However, you can: Use third-party utilities like Game Booster. Set up performance through Settings. โ†’ For developers (enable Force) GPU Rendering and disable animations. Install Game Turbo module via Magisk (requires root). MIUI Some games (like Genshin Impact) may be worse off due to a lack of optimizations from Xiaomi.
Why did the game become more slow after the game was turned on?
It's paradoxical, but it happens. Possible causes: Overheating: the game mode overclocks the processor, but if the cooling system doesn't cope, the trottling begins. CPU Monitor. Conflict with other optimizers: If you have Clean Master cleaners installed, they may interfere with game mode. Remove them. Lack of RAM: Redmi Note 9 has only 4 GB of RAM. Close all background apps before playing. Solution: Try to reduce the graphics settings in the game by one step (for example, with the HDR on Balanced) and disable the Restriction FPS play-play.
How to turn off the floating panel of the game mode - it interferes with the game?
Floating panel (with brightness setting icons, FPS And so what happens is, "Start the game and wait for the panel to come up. Tap the gear (Settings) on the panel. Turn off the toolbar slider Show the toolbar. Alternatively, turn off the game mode completely for a particular game in Settings." โ†’ Game mode โ†’ Select games and uncheck the box.
Will the game mode work on the Redmi Note 9 after the update to the MIUI 15?
Probably, but with changes. MIUI 15 (if it comes out for Redmi Note 9) game mode can get: Automatic recognition of scenes in the game (for example, fights) and dynamic optimization; Integration with Xiaomi Game Center for cloud storage; More aggressive temperature management (which can limit overclocking). The Redmi Note 9 is unlikely to be available. MIUI 15 - Xiaomi typically supports budget models with 2-3 years of updates โ€” MIUI 14.
Can I use the game mode for non-gaming applications (for example, for video editing)?
Technically yes, but the efficiency will be lower. GPU (Low input delays (important for shooters); Notification blocking; Video editing (e.g. CapCut or KineMaster) better: Enable Performance Mode in battery settings; Disable background processes manually through Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Autorun. Use a cooling stand (especially in rendering).