Game mode on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure for maximum FPS

Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are equipped with powerful processors and graphics accelerators, but even they can slow down in demanding games such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG. The reason for this is not always “weak iron” – most often the system is simply not optimized for gaming loads. Here comes the built-in game mode (or Game Turbo in new versions of MIUI), which reconfigures the priorities of the OS, blocks notifications and even accelerates the processor for smooth gameplay.

In this article, we will not only discuss how to turn on the game mode on Xiaomi (including models from 2023-2026), but also reveal hidden settings, which are silent even official instructions. FPS, And what you can safely turn off to save battery life? MIUI 14 and HyperOS – a new shell from Xiaomi, where the location of functions has changed dramatically.

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

Game mode (or Game Turbo) is a comprehensive system optimization that is activated when games are launched. Depending on the smartphone model and firmware version, it can include:

• 🔥 Overclocking of the processor - temporary increase in clock frequency CPU/GPU ramp up FPS (Not available on all models).
• 📵 Block notifications – prevents interruption of the game by pop-ups.
• 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption – balances battery performance and heating.
• 🎮 Additional game chips – for example, transparent navigation buttons or quick access to chats in instant messengers.

On flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra or POCO F6 Pro), the game mode can automatically adjust the screen resolution and refresh rate (up to 144 Hz), and on budget models (Redmi Note 13) it simply disables background processes. It is important to understand that on some devices the Game Turbo only works with supported games from the MIUI list (for example, Free Fire or Honor of Kings), and for the rest it requires manual adjustment.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MediaTek Dimensity processors (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The game mode can cause overheating in long sessions.°C, we recommend disabling acceleration CPU customized.

How to Enable Game Mode on MIUI 14 and HyperOS

The instructions vary depending on the firmware version, starting with the most current one, HyperOS (released late in 2023), which replaced MIUI.

For HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, POCO F6, Redmi K70 and later)

In the new shell, the path to settings has changed.

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select Special Permits → Game mode.
3. Activate the switch in the game mode.
4. In the Game Optimizations section, add the games you need manually (unless they are automatically determined).

HyperOS also has a feature called "Game Spatial Sound," which mimics surround audio through headphones, but only works with supported games (like Call of Duty Mobile) to enable it:

Settings → Sound → Sound Effects → Gaming spatial sound

For MIUI 14 (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and older)

Here's a more familiar path:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select Game Mode (or Game Turbo on some models).
3. Turn on the main switch.
4. In the Game Acceleration section, set priorities for specific games.

MIUI 14 also has a Quick Answers option, which allows you to respond to messages in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) directly on top of the game without folding it.

Settings → Game mode → Quick answers → Add applications

Hidden settings of the game mode: how to squeeze the maximum FPS

Few people know, but Game Turbo has hidden options that don’t show up by default, and can be enabled through developer mode or special commands.

First, activate the developer mode:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)

Now go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and find:

• 🔧 Limit background processes – install No background processes for maximum performance.
• 🔥 GPU-Acceleration – turn on for all applications (may reduce battery life).
• 📊 Show the download. CPU — useful for monitoring load during play.

For advanced users, there's another trick: forced 4x MSAA via ADB. This improves graphics, but can cause lags on weak devices.

adb shell settings put global force_4x_msaa 1 # include


adb shell settings put global force_4x_msaa 0 # turn off

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) forced on 4x MSAA This can lead to artifacts in Unreal Engine 5-based games.

Check the temperature of the processor (should be <40°C)

Close all background applications

Connect the charger (if you play for a long time)

Turn on "Do Not Disturb" mode.

Shut down. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, If you play through the mobile Internet-->

How to add the game mode manually

Sometimes Game Turbo doesn’t recognize a new or niche game automatically, so you have to manually add it to the list.

Method 1 (for HyperOS):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Game mode.
2. Press Add Game.
3. Select the desired application from the list.
4. Set up parameters (e.g. Performance or Balance).

Method 2 (for MIUI 14):

1. Start the game, then call the notification panel.
2. Swipe down twice to open quick settings.
3. Find the Game Mode icon (the icon with the gamepad) and tap it.
4. Select Add to the list of games.

If the game is not added anyway, try the following workaround:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [select game] → Battery → Without restrictions

Table: comparison of game mode on different models Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support the same features in Game Turbo. Below is a comparison of features for popular lines:

Note: on budget models (e.g. Redmi A2+), the game mode can be simplified to basic notification locking and battery optimization. CPU/GPU overclocking is only available on devices with Snapdragon 8 series or Dimensity 9000+ processors.

1. Install Game Booster 4x Faster from Google Play (powered by MIUI 12+).

2. Use L Speed to optimize the Linux kernel (root rights required).

3. Turn it on. GPU-Acceleration in the developer settings (see section above).-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the game mode is turned on, users encounter bugs.

1.The game is laying despite the Game Turbo being turned on

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔥 Overheating – Check the temperature in Settings → Battery → Battery status, if above 45°C, let the smartphone cool down.
• 🗑️ Cache clogged - clear the game data in Settings → Annexes → [play] → Warehouse.
• 🔋 Energy saving – turn off battery mode in game settings.

2. The game mode is not included

If the Game Turbo switch is inactive:

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS — on old firmware (below) MIUI 12) function may not be present.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes resetting temporary settings helps.
• 🛠️ Reset the Game Mode settings in Settings → Annexes → Resetting settings.

3.Fast answers don't work in games

If no pop-up notifications appear:

• 🔒 Check the permissions for the messenger: Settings → Annexes → [messenger] → Permits → Showing over other windows.
• 📵 Turn off Do Not Disturb in Game Mode - it can block notifications.

⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS smartphones, the quick response feature may conflict with Google Assistant. If notifications don't appear, turn off the assistant in the game settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

💡

Xiaomi’s game mode is not a magic wand for increasing FPS, but an optimization tool, which gives the maximum effect in combination with closed background processes, cooling the smartphone and the correct graphics settings in the game itself.