How to overclock Xiaomi Redmi 9: 7 proven ways to increase the speed of the smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi 9

Disperse

Redmi 9

MIUI 12–14

Android 10–12

Many users mistakenly think that overclocking is only about increasing the clock speed of the processor, but in fact performance depends on a set of factors: free RAM, background activity of applications, state of the drive and even the temperature of the chipset, we will analyze all methods, from basic to advanced, so that you can choose the best option for your tasks.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Any manipulation of system files or firmware can result in loss of warranty, device brik or unstable operation, especially with methods that unlock the bootloader and install custom cores. If you are not sure about your actions, limit yourself to the β€œsoftware” methods of the first three sections.

1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and optimize memory

The first and safest step is to free up memory. Redmi 9 is equipped with 3-4 GB of RAM and 32-128 GB of ROM, but even this is not long enough if you do not follow the tails of applications. MIUI:

Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Cleanup. This will show the cache volume, unnecessary files and duplicates. Click Clean to free up 1-3 GB of space. Also check the Warehouse β†’ Analysis section where you can manually delete large files (such as uploaded videos or unused APKs).

βœ… Checklist before cleaning:

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for optimization

Done: 0 / 4

Pay special attention to background processes. In Settings β†’ Battery and Performance β†’ Battery Management, turn off auto-start for instant messengers, games and social networks that you don’t use daily, which will reduce the load on the Helio G80 processor and increase the time without recharging.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) – this can cause interface failures. Also avoid Google Play cleaners: many of them consume resources themselves and display false notifications of β€œcritical errorsΒ».

2 Developer Settings: Hidden Opportunities for Acceleration

Hidden in MIUI are features that allow you to improve performance by turning off visual effects and optimizing animations, so you can activate them:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification β€œYou became a developer” appears.
  3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Now key changes can be made:

  • πŸ”„ Turn off animation: Find the window animation scale, transition animation scale, and animator duration scale. Set an animation value to everyone. 0.5x β€” This will speed up the opening of applications by 15-20%.
  • πŸ“± Limit background processes: In the "Limit of background processes" option, select "No background processes" or "Maximum 2" process. This will reduce the load on RAM, but some applications will have to restart more often.
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off the check. USB: Parameter Debugging by USB You can leave it on, but deactivate the check. USB-Configuration – This will speed up PC connection.

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If after changes in the developer settings, the smartphone began to overheat, return the background process limit parameter to the default value (Standard limit).

⚠️ Warning: Do not activate the option Do not turn off the screen, this will lead to rapid battery discharge and overheating. GPU-acceleration if you don’t understand its impact on the chart.

3. firmware update: why it's important for overclocking

The performance of Redmi 9 is directly dependent on the version of MIUI and Android. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize the work of the Helio G80 chipset and fix the errors that slow down the system.

  1. Open Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. Click on "Check Updates."
  3. If a new version is available, download and install it (preferably via Wi-Fi).

πŸ“Š Comparison of performance on different versions MIUI for Redmi 9:

MIUI versionAndroidAverage score in AnTuTuNotable improvements
MIUI 12.0Android 10~185 000Basic optimization, lots of bugs
MIUI 12.5Android 11~205 000Improved memory management, fewer lags
MIUI 13.0Android 12~215 000New caching algorithms, better multitasking
MIUI 14.0Android 12~220 000Optimization for games, reduced energy consumption

If official updates are not available, you can try regional firmware (e.g. MIUI EU or Global Stable) via Fastboot. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss.

πŸ“Š What kind of firmware are you using on Redmi 9?
Official Global
MIUI EU (castom)
Chinese (CN)
Another custom
I don't know.

Installation of the custom core: a risky but effective method

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a way to overclock the processor by installing an alternative core, which allows you to increase the clock speed of the Helio G80 (standard 2.0 GHz) and optimize power consumption. Popular cores for Redmi 9:

  • πŸ”₯ KernelSU: Supports root access and fine-tuning frequencies through apps like Kernel Adiutor.
  • ⚑ Perseus Kernel: Optimized for gaming, reduces trottling (automatic frequency reduction when heated).
  • πŸ› οΈ FrancoKernel: Improves the balance between productivity and autonomy.

πŸ”§ Step-by-step instructions (for experienced users only!):

How do you install a custom core?
1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you will have to wait). 7–14 days). 2. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP). 3. Download. ZIP-forum-file XDA Developers (check compatibility with your Redmi model) 9!). 4. Reboot to TWRP, Make a backup of the current core (partition Boot). 5. Sweep a new one. ZIP via Install β†’ select the file β†’ swipe. 6. Clear the cache (Wipe) β†’ Dalvik/Cache) and reboot.

⚠️ Warning: An incompatible core can lead to bootloop (loop loading) or overheating. XDA or 4PDA And remember, unlocking the bootloader resets all the data!

πŸ’‘

Castom cores can increase performance by 10 to 30 percent, but require deep firmware knowledge, and for most users, optimization through system tuning and cleaning is enough.

5.Using Overclocking Apps: What Really Works

There are hundreds of Google Play utilities that promise to "overclock your smartphone 2 times," but 90% of them are empty. We tested real-life tools for Redmi 9:

  • πŸš€ Game Turbo (built-in to the game) MIUI): Optimizes game performance by blocking notifications and allocating maximum resources. Activated via Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Game mode.
  • βš™οΈ CPU Tuner (requires root): Allows you to manually set the CPU frequencies and GPU, It's also power profiles, and it's fine-tuning.
  • 🧹 SD Maid: Deep cleaning of the system from residual files and duplicates (works without root, but with it is more efficient).
  • πŸ”„ Greenify: Freezes background apps, preventing them from spontaneously running.

πŸ“Œ Example of Game Turbo customization for maximum performance:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Special Opportunities β†’ Game Mode.
  2. Turn on the switch Game mode.
  3. In the Game Settings section, select Performance.
  4. Activate the options to Disable Auto Brightness and Block Notifications.
  5. Add the games to the list by adding games.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like CPU Tuner can damage the system if you set the wrong frequencies. G80 β€” This will lead to overheating and trolling.

Hardware methods: cooling and replacement of thermal paste

If Redmi 9 starts to "brake" when loading (games, video editing), the cause may lie in overheating. Helio G80 chipset is prone to trottling at temperatures above 70 Β° C, which leads to a forced frequency reduction.

  • ❄️ External cooling: Use cooling stands with fans or gel pads (such as Baseus Cooling Pad).Β°C.
  • πŸ”§ Thermopaste replacement: Over time, the factory thermopaste dries up, replaced with a high-quality one (e.g., Arctic). MX-4) heat-producing.
  • πŸ“± Removing the back cover: If the phone warms even in plain, check if the battery is swelling (it is dangerous!).

πŸ”§ How to Replace Thermopaste by Yourself:

Instructions for replacing thermopaste
1. Turn off the phone and remove SIM-2. heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature 60-70)Β°C) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula. 3 Unscrew the screws holding the board (use a screwdriver). T3). 4. Remove the old thermopaste from the processor with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. 5. Apply the new paste with a thin layer (a drop the size of a rice seed). 6. Collect the phone in reverse order, check the health of the new paste.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your phone is not warranty-free! If you're not sure about your skills, contact the service center. Also, don't use metal tools - they can damage the plumes.

πŸ’‘

Cooling the processor to 60–65Β°C avoids trolling and increases performance by 10–15% without software interventions.

7.Alternative firmware: LineageOS and others

If standard MIUI doesn’t suit you, you can install custom Android firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or Havoc OS) that lacks Xiaomi’s heavy interface and often runs faster.

πŸ”„ The pros and cons of custom firmware:

FirmwareAdvantagesDeficiencies
LineageOSClean Android, stable operation, regular updatesNo Xiaomi features (like Game Turbo)
Pixel ExperienceGoogle Pixel-like interface optimized for weak devicesThere may be bugs with the camera or sensors
Havoc OSMaximum customization, support for cores and modulesComplicated setup, possible lags

πŸ”§ How to install custom firmware:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (see section 4).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery.
  3. Download firmware (for example, with XDA) and GApps (Google service package).
  4. In TWRP, run Wipe β†’ Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
  5. Sweep through the firmware and GApps, then restart.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support data encryption, making your phone vulnerable to data theft, and some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) refuse to work on uncertified builds.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 overclocking

❓ Can you overclock Redmi 9 without root rights?
Yes, but there will be limited options. You can: Clear cache and background processes; update the firmware to the latest version; use Game Turbo for games; disable animations in the developer settings; For deep overclocking (change CPU frequencies, install custom core), root is mandatory.
❓ How much productivity will increase after the overclocking?
The increase depends on the method: Clean the system: +5-15% (through freeing RAM); Developer settings: +10-20% (disabling animation and background processes); Cast core: +20-30% (when you set the frequencies correctly); Cast firmware: +15-25% (due to optimized code); The combination of methods gives the maximum effect, but do not wait for miracles - the Helio G80 remains a budget chipset.
❓ Is it safe to increase the frequency of the processor?
No, it's always a risk. Exceeding standard frequencies (2.0 GHz for the Helio G80) results in: Overheating (above 80Β°C, you can shut down the device), reduced battery life, unstable operation (app departures, random reboots). If you decide to overclock, use temperature monitoring applications (for example, CPU Monitor) and do not exceed 2.2 GHz.
❓ Why the phone has become faster after overclocking?
Performance increases always increase power consumption. The main reasons are: Increased CPU/GPU frequencies require more power; background constraints are turned off - applications consume resources even in simpler times; Overheating - the battery degrades faster at high temperatures; To balance performance and autonomy, use power profiles in settings or applications like Kernel Adiutor (requires root).
❓ Can you bring it all back if something goes wrong?
Yes, but the ways depend on what you've changed: Developer settings: Just return the settings to the original state. Castom core/firmware: Refuse the original boot.img or official MIUI via Fastboot. Root access: Remove Magisk and reset to factory settings. In extreme cases, a full reset via Fastboot (fastboot erase userdata command). Important: Before experimenting, do a backup via TWRP or Mi Cloud!