How to turn on the FPS counter on Xiaomi: The complete guide

For any Xiaomi smartphone owner who is addicted to mobile gaming, knowing the real frame rate is a critical parameter. Often the claimed 120 Hz on the screen is incorrect due to system optimization or the limitations of a particular application, and visual smoothness becomes just a marketing hoax. It is at these moments that gamers wonder how to turn on the FPS counter on Xiaomi to get objective data about the performance of the device.

There are several proven ways to monitor performance, ranging from built-in MIUI or HyperOS shell features to advanced USB debugging techniques. Native tools are often hidden in the developer menu, access to which requires activation, but they provide the most reliable information without installing excess software. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the current methods available in 2026 and help you choose the best option for your model.

It's worth noting that different Snapdragon, MediaTek or Dimensity processors can react differently to activation of performance overlays. Some methods require root rights, while others run on standard firmware out of the box. We'll look at both safe ways for ordinary users and advanced techniques for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their gadget.

Activate the developer menu on Xiaomi

Before you start turning on any diagnostic tools, you need to unlock access to hidden system settings. On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, this section is closed by default to avoid accidental system failure by inexperienced users. The activation process takes only a few seconds and does not require a connection to a computer.

To start, open the standard Settings app and scroll down to About Phone, where you'll need to find the MIUI version or OS version, which is usually located at the top of the screen. The key is to tap this item more than once, but quickly and rhythmically tap it about 7-10 times in a row.

After a series of clicks is successfully completed, the system will issue a pop-up notification “You are a developer!” or “Additional features are activated.” From now on, a new option will appear in the main settings menu, usually in the “Advanced Settings” section or immediately in the settings list.

• 📱 Open "Settings» → «The phone».
• 👆 Press quickly. 7-10 once MIUI/OS».
• ✅ Wait for notification of activation of the developer mode.
• 🔍 Find a new section in the system settings menu.

It is important to understand that resetting the phone to factory status automatically disables the developer mode, and the procedure will have to be repeated, and you should also be careful when changing the settings inside this menu, as incorrect settings can lead to unstable operation of the operating system.

⚠️ Note: Do not change the interface or animation zoom settings unless you are sure of their purpose, as this can disrupt the touch screen and make navigation on the menu impossible.

Use of the built-in GPU debugger

One of the most reliable and lightweight ways to see frame rates is the built-in GPU debugger, which is designed for application developers, but does a great job of monitoring FPS in games and other heavy applications. It doesn't require additional software to be installed and has minimal impact on autonomy.

To activate this mode, go to the previously open menu “Developers” and find the option “Profiling hardware acceleration GPU” or “Show GPU view update”. In some versions of HyperOS firmware, this item may be called “GPU boot” or have a similar name associated with graphical rendering.

After selecting the "Show GPU view update" or analogue, the system will prompt you to select the display mode. You need to select the option "Show FPS" or "Display frame rate." The screen will appear a small floating window that shows the current value of the FPS in real time, the digital indicator will be updated dynamically, responding to the load in the game.

The Way to Setup: For Developers → GPU Profiling → Show FPS

Note that this method displays the refresh rate of the graphics pipeline, which may be slightly different from the actual refresh rate of the display in static scenes. However, to assess performance drawdowns in dynamic scenes, this is the most accurate tool available without root rights.

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If the counter shows 0 FPS or doesn’t appear, try restarting the device after the option is turned on, as GPU drivers may require a restart to display the overlay correctly.

Set up Game Turbo and Game Mode

Xiaomi has introduced a powerful Game Turbo game module into its devices that not only optimizes the CPU resources, but also provides basic performance information. In recent versions of the shells, the sidebar functionality has been expanded to allow you to display the frame counter directly during the game without complex manipulations.

To activate, you need to open the Security app (green icon with a shield) and find the Game Accelerate or Game Turbo section. In the game mode settings (usually a gear in the corner), you should find the Floating Window or Tools item. Here you can add a performance widget to the screen.

Unlike the GPU debugger, the Game Turbo shows not only FPS, but also CPU temperature, memory load and game time. This makes it more convenient for comprehensive monitoring of the state of a smartphone. However, it is worth remembering that in some global firmware versions, the functionality of the FPS counter in the Game Turbo can be reduced or absent.

• 🎮 Launch the Security app on the home screen.
• ⚙️ Go to the section "Game Turbo.
• ➕ Add the games to the list via the “Add” button».
• 📊 In the running game, swipe from the corner of the screen to call the panel and enable monitoring.

If the standard functionality does not offer FPS display, you can try updating the Game Turbo component through the GetApps app store. Often new features and patches come with an update of system services, not the firmware itself.

⚠️ Warning: Activating too many overlays at the same time (e.g, GPU debugger + Game Turbo + third-party recorder) may cause a fall FPS due to the increased load on the graphics processor.

Application of ADB team for extended monitoring

For users who want to get the most detailed statistics and are not afraid of working with the command line, a great option is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method allows you to turn on hidden meters that are not available through the standard settings menu, and works on most Android devices, including Xiaomi.

You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux), USB-cable and installed set of platform tools ADB. First, on the phone in the menu “For developers” you need to turn on “Debugging by” USB». Then connect the smartphone to the PC and enter a command to check the connection.

adb devices

Once you've confirmed your connection on your phone, you can activate advanced performance monitoring, using a command that includes a system overlay, and depending on the Android version and the type of processor, the commands may vary, but the basic principle remains the same.

One effective way is to run a command to enable demo mode or specific debugging flags. MIUI a team is working to activate detailed logging, which can then be displayed on the screen through third-party logging. ADB-Applets installed directly on the phone without root rights.

The main advantage of this method is that you don't have to build heavy applications into the system, you get a clean interface with minimal resource consumption, which is critical for testing the device's limits, but when you turn off the cable or reboot the settings can reset, and you have to repeat the procedure.

Third-party applications for FPS measurement

If the built-in tools seem too complex or not informative enough, you can always turn to third-party software. There are many applications in the Google Play Market that specialize in monitoring the system, which can display the frame meter on top of any other windows.

One of the most popular and proven solutions is the FPS Monitor app, or analogues like DevCheck, which asks permission to display on top of other windows ("Draw on top of other applications") and then starts streaming data in the corner of the screen, and they often show not only the FPS, but also the load on each CPU and GPU core.

When using third-party applications, it is important to monitor their permissions, some of them may request access to an application list or usage history, which is not always necessary for the meter to work, read the terms of use carefully and choose software with a good reputation.

Analysis of indicators and problem-solving

When you access an FPS meter, many users are faced with incomprehensible numbers: why is there 120 frames in the menu and 60 in the game, or why does the meter jump? Understanding these processes will help to set up the smartphone correctly. The refresh rate of the screen and the actual frame rate are different parameters that are often confused.

If you see FPS unstable and plummeting in certain scenes, it could indicate trottling (a decrease in CPU frequency due to heat) or unoptimized play, in which case it’s worth lowering the graphics settings inside the app itself or checking to see if power saving mode is on, which limits performance.

Also worth considering is MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology if it is present in your smartphone, which can artificially improve the smoothness of video, but in games it can lead to input lag (input lag), so for shooters, it is better to turn off such functions.

• 📉 Sharp falls FPS often associated with overheating of the body.
• ⚡ Energy saving regime may be forced to limit FPS before 30-40.
• 🎨 High shadow settings and smoothing are the most burdensome GPU.
• 🔄 Background processes can steal CPU resources while playing.

For stable performance in games, it is recommended to use Performance mode in the battery balance, which will allow the processor to work at maximum frequencies, ensuring a stable frame flow, although it will increase energy consumption.

⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation of the smartphone at maximum frequencies with the meter turned on FPS high brightness of the screen can lead to significant heating, which will accelerate the degradation of the battery.

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FPS stability is more important than maximum values: even 50 frames are better than jumps from 90 to 40, which cause jerks and discomfort when playing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)