Your Xiaomi is slowing down, apps are slowing down, animations are slowing down? That doesn't always mean it's time to buy a new phone. 90% of the time, slow work can be fixed by software without going to the service center. We tested all the ways on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Lite (2023-2026) and selected only those that actually work.
The reasons for slowing down fall into three categories: system load (cache, background processes), outdated software (firmware, drivers), and hardware limitations (weary memory, weak processor). In this article, step-by-step instructions for each case, including hidden MIUI settings that are not written in the official guides. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 14), the speed gain after optimization can reach 40% in benchmarks.
Important: If your phone brakes after a fall or moisture, check the hardware first. Software methods won't help here. Use the ##4636## test (Battery Information and Use) to diagnose it.
1.Cache and garbage cleanup: A quick way to free up 3–5GB
App cache and system debris are the main brakes for Xiaomi on MIUI 14/15. Even after removing programs, their temporary files remain in memory, occupying up to 20% of the total volume. Cleanup gives instant speed gains, especially on budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5).
How to clean the cache correctly:
- 🧹 System cache: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean. Click "Clean" (not to be confused with "Free space" - it will delete your files!) MIUI 15 Add the tick "Deep cleaning".
- 🗑️ Cache of individual applications: Settings → Annexes → App management. Select a program (e.g. Facebook or TikTok), click Storage" → "Clear the cache".
- 🔍 Hidden Files: Use Files by Google (download to Google Play). Under Cleanup, select App Files and Downloads, where gigabytes of unnecessary data are often accumulated.
Once cleaned, restart your phone. If your memory is less than 10% of your total, transfer your photos and videos to Mi Cloud or Google Photos. On models with 128GB of storage, 8-10GB of free space is considered the critical threshold.
⚠️ Note: Do not use Google Play memory optimizers (such as Clean Master or CCleaner) which often contain adware and do not clear the system cache deeper than the built-in tools. MIUI.
2. Disabling background processes and autostart
MIUI aggressively keeps apps in the background, even if you don't use them. This eats up to 30% of RAM and drains the battery. On Xiaomi with 4GB of RAM (like the Redmi Note 11), background processes can cause hang-ups when multitasking.
How to limit background activity:
- 🚫 Disable Autostart: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Autorun. Turn off autorun for all programs except messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) and system services (Google Play Services).
- ⏸️ Limit background activity: In the same application management menu, select the program → "Permits" → "Background activity" → "Limit".
- 🔄 Set up memory optimization: Settings → About the phone (click 5 times on "Version" MIUI", To open the developer menu, go back to the main settings, find more. → For developers → Limit processes and select "Maximum 2 process in the background".
For Android 13+ models (Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5 Pro), add exceptions for frequently used apps: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Select the application → No restrictions.
Disable Auto-Run for Unnecessary Applications
Limit background activity in each application settings
Enable developer mode and limit processes to 2-3
Add exceptions for messengers and navigators
Reboot your phone after the changes-->
3. firmware update: why it's critical for speed
Outdated firmware is one of the main causes of brakes. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize the processor and memory. For example, MIUI 15 (2026) added a feature called Smart Optimization, which automatically closes unnecessary processes when low RAM levels.
How to update the firmware correctly:
- Check the current version: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Update by Air (OTA): Settings → About Phone → System Update. If the update weighs >1.5GB, connect to Wi-Fi.
- For manual installation, download the firmware from Xiaomi’s official website (choose the version for your model!). Move the file to the root of the phone’s memory, then click three dots on the update menu → “Select the firmware file.”
If after the update, the phone began to brake even more - reset the cache through Recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- Select Wipe Cache Partition (Manage – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- Reboot the device (Reboot System).
| Xiaomi model | The last stable version of MIUI (2026) | Speed increase after update |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | MIUI 15.0.4 (Android 14) | up to 25% (AnTuTu benchmark) |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | MIUI 15.0.2 (Android 13) | 18% |
| POCO F5 | MIUI 14.0.6 (Android 13) | 12% |
| Xiaomi 11T Pro | MIUI 14.0.9 (Android 13) | 10% |
⚠️ Note: Do not install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) without experience. 13/14, Redmi K60) This will lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. 720 hours!).
4. Optimization of animation and visual effects
MIUI is known for beautiful animations, but they eat up CPU resources. Shutting down or reducing animation speed can speed up work by 10-15%, especially on weak models (Redmi 9A, POCO M4 Pro).
How to speed up animation:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → 5 times press "Version" MIUI".
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the settings: Windows Animation Scale → Set 0.5x or turn off (Animation disabled). Transition animation scale → 0.5x. Animator Duration Scale → 0.5x.
For models with AMOLED-screen (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F4 GT) Also turn off "Smooth transitions" in Settings → Display. → Additional settings. This will reduce the load on the GPU.
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If the interface seems too sharp after disabling the animation, set the value 0.75x – this is a trade-off between speed and smoothness.
5. Transfer applications to a memory card (the right way)
On phones with 32-64 GB of storage (Redmi 10C, POCO M5s), space shortages slow down the system.Moving apps to a microSD helps, but only if the A2 or UHS-I card (otherwise applications will lag).
How to transfer applications without losing data:
- 📱 Standard method: Settings → Annexes → Application management → select the program → "Warehouse" → "Change" → "Memory card. Not all applications support portability!
- 🔧 Through ADB (For experienced: Connect the phone to the PC, turn on debugging USB Open the command line and type in: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 (this will force the system to install new applications on the device). SD-default-card).
Cache transfer
AppMgr III
Google Play
Important: After transferring, do not remove the memory card without first returning the applications to internal memory!
What applications cannot be transferred to SD-map?
6.Reset to factory settings: when it really needs to
If all previous methods didn't work, it's time for hard reset, which is a radical way to get the phone back to "clean" by deleting all user data.
- 🐢 Strong brakes after firmware update.
- 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware.
- 📱 Frequent errors such as "The app has stopped".
After discharge:
- Do not restore data from a MIUI backup, it may contain the same errors.
- Install applications selectively (only necessary).
- Turn off auto-start and background activity (see Section 2).
⚠️ Note: On models with encryption (Xiaomi) 12T Pro, POCO F4) After reset, you may need to enter a password from the Mi Account associated with the phone. If you forget it, unlocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service (cost) ~1500–30 rubles.).
7. Alternative firmware: should I switch to AOSP?
If standard methods didn't work and the phone is still slowing down, consider installing custom firmware based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), which lacks the heavy MIUI interface and often works faster.
- 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android with Google Pixel features.
- ⚡ LineageOS - stable firmware with minimalist design.
- 🎯 ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- No advertising and unnecessary services Xiaomi.
- More frequent security updates.
- Ability to fine-tune performance (e.g., change the scheduler of the processor cores).
Disadvantages:
- Loss of warranty.
- The risk of a “brick” (breakdown) of the phone in case of installation error.
- Some functions may not work, for example, NFC or IR-blaster).
If you decide to install, follow the instructions from the XDA Developers forum. First, unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
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Custom firmware gives you a speed gain of 20 to 30 percent, but it's only suitable for advanced users, and for most, it's enough to optimize a standard MIUI.
8 Hardware methods: when software does not help
If the phone is slowing down even after all the optimizations, the problem may be the hardware.
- 🔋 Worn memory: On phones older than 3 years (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro 2020), flash memory loses read/write speed.
- 🔥 Processor overheating: At temperatures above 60°C triggers trottling (automatic productivity decline).
- 🔄 Battery discharge: When worn out >60% of the power controller limits performance.
What can be done:
- 🛠️ Thermopaste replacement: Relevant for flagships (Xiaomi 11 Ultra, Black Shark 5 — ~2000 RUB Speed increase up to 15% due to better cooling.
- 🔋 Battery replacement: If capacity falls below 80% (checked in AccuBattery), the battery begins to limit the processor.The original battery for Xiaomi costs 1500-3,000 rubles.
- 💾 Flash memory replacement: The last measure for phones 2018–2020 (Redmi Note 7, POCO F1). The cost is from 4000 rubles, but it is often cheaper to buy a new phone.