Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release. However, over time, its performance inevitably declines: applications begin to “slow down”, the battery goes down faster, and the camera ceases to please the quality of images. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to return the device to its previous “drive” – from simple settings to deep optimization of the system.
In this article, we will analyze 15 proven methods to improve the Redmi 9 in 2026: from basic tricks (cleaning the cache, turning off the background processes) to advanced ones (overclocking the processor, installing custom firmware).
Important: All instructions are adapted to the current versions of MIUI 14 and Android 12, which supports Redmi 9. If your device runs on an older firmware, first update it through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and speed up work
The first step to improving Redmi 9 is cleaning up, and over the years, up to 5 to 7 GB of unnecessary files accumulate in memory: app cache, duplicate photos, remnants of deleted programs, and removing them will free up space and reduce the load on the processor.
Start with the built-in Cleanup tool:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
- Slip the Clean button (usually at the bottom of the screen).
- Select file categories to delete: App Cache, Downloads, Unnecessary APKs.
For deep cleaning, use third-party utilities:
- 🧹 SD Maid – Remove System Garbage and Empty Folders.
- 📸 Files by Google – Finds duplicate photos and large files.
- 🗑️ CCleaner – clears the cache and browser history.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete files in the folder /system or with the.odex extension, which can disrupt the work MIUI.
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Once cleaned, restart the phone, which will allow the system to recalculate the free space and optimize the work of the background processes.
Battery Optimization: How to Extend Your Lifetime
The Redmi 9 (5,020 mAh) battery loses capacity over time, especially if the phone has often run low. It won't be possible to return the original 100%, but you can slow down the degradation and increase the time on a single charge.
The main settings of energy saving:
- 🔋 Include “Adaptive Battery” in Settings → Battery. → Battery mode.
- ⚡ Turn off the “Quick Charging” (if you use a non-original power supply) – this will reduce battery heating.
- 🌙 Activate the Dark Theme (in Settings) → Screen) — AMOLED-Redmi 9 doesn’t have screens, but darker colors still save up to 10% of the charge.
For advanced users:
| Parameter | Recommended value | The effect |
|---|
| Max. brightness. | 60–70% | +1.5-2 hours of work |
| Screen auto-disconnect time | 15-30 seconds | +10-15% charge per day |
| 5G Disconnection (if not in use) | Off. | −20% processor heating |
| Limitation of background activity | For all applications except messengers | +25% of the time in standby mode |
⚠️ Warning: If your phone suddenly shuts down at 20 to 30 percent charge, it's a sign of battery wear. Use the AccuBattery app to check the actual capacity. If it's below 70 percent of the original capacity, replace the battery.
📊 How often do you charge the Redmi 9?
Every day.
In a day.
2-3 times a week
Less
3. Overclocking and optimization of the processor
The Redmi 9 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, which is not the most powerful, but with potential for improvements, and can only be overclocked on an unlocked bootloader and requires root rights, but even without them, performance can be optimized.
Methods of acceleration without root:
- 🚀 Enable “Performance Mode” in Settings → Special facilities → Performance mode.
- 🎮 Turn off "Windows animation" in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → The scale of the animation and expose 0.5x).
- 🧠 Use Game Turbo not only for games, but also for resource-intensive applications (includes through the notification panel).
For users with an unlocked bootloader:
How to Overclock the CPU through the kernel (root required)
- Install Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel from Google Play.
- In the CPU section, select governor performance (for maximum performance) or ondemand (for balance).
- Increase the maximum core frequency by 10-15% (e.g., from 2.0 GHz to 2.2 GHz).
- Important! Watch the temperature through AIDA64 -- if the CPU is heated above 70°C, lower the frequency.
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Overclocking shortens the life of the processor and can lead to overheating. - Redmi 9 Safe limit: increase in frequency by no more than 15%. Exceeding this value is fraught with accidental reboots. 4. Firmware update: MIUI vs Custom Builds Official Updates for Redmi 9 It is rarely published, but the latest version MIUI 14 There are two ways to install fresh firmware: through Fastboot (the official method) or custom recavery (for example, by using a customized recavery, TWRP). Official update via Fastboot: Download the latest firmware for Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) from Xiaomi Firmware. Unpack the archive and connect the phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down) + Power with your phone turned off. Start the script flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac). Castom firmware (requires an unlocked loader): 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without “Miuevo” garbage. 🔄 LineageOS – stable build with long-term support. ⚡ Corvus OS — It's optimized for gaming smartphones: ☑️ Preparation for firmware Completed: 0 / 1 Make a backup through TWRP or Xiaomi Backup|Check the battery charge (minimum) 60%)|Download the firmware and OrangeFox/TWRP lancelot|Disable encryption in Settings → Security → Encryption ⚠️ Attention: Firmware custom Recovery (TWRP) on the Redmi 9 With the bootloader locked, you'll get a "brick." First, unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account link). 5. Camera Improvement: Settings and Third Party Apps Redmi Main Camera 9 (13 MPP, f/2.2) It's capable of more than the standard Camera app shows, and the secret is the right settings and the alternative software. Optimization of the standard camera: 📸 Turn it on «HDR» and «AI-camera" in the application settings. 🌄 For night photography, use Night Mode mode. 2.0» (Hold your phone still. 3–5 seconds). 🔍 Turn off "Face Improvement" - it spoils the details in the portraits. Best third-party camera apps: GCam's disadvantages app (Google Camera) Best processing HDR, Night mode Requires manual configuration of Open Camera Configuration (ISO, Extract) Weak autofocus in the dark Footage Professional color correction Paid version for 4K To install GCam on Redmi 9: Download the version from BSG or Urnyx05 (Go to the Celso Azevedo forum. lancelot_X3.xml (for Helio G80). In GCam settings, turn off Sabre and turn on HDR+ Enhanced. ⚠️ Note: When shooting a video in 1080p/60fps Redmi 9 It's hot, it's hot. 30 using the frames or using an external cooler. 6. Optimization of memory and storage Redmi 9 was released with 3-4 GB of RAM and 32-128 GB of ROM. Over time, even 4 GB becomes not enough for multitasking: 📱 Insert “Extension” RAM» In Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Expansion RAM. Choose. +1 GB or +2 GB (due to internal memory). 🔄 Use App Assignment (hold the app icon in multitasking) → Secure. Clean the vault: 🗃️ Move the files to SD-map (exFAT format for files) >4GB). 🧹 Delete the Google Play Services cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services → Memory. → Clear the cache. 📂 Use Google Files to find large and unnecessary files. For advanced users: How to disable unnecessary system applications (without root) ADB AppControl on PC. Connect the phone in Debugging mode USB (This is included in the Developer Settings. Run the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2 (substitute com.miui.weather2 to a package of unnecessary applications, for example, com.miui.videoplayer for a standard video player.--> 7. Network and Internet setup Problems with mobile Internet or Wi-Fi on Redmi 9 This is often associated with incorrect settings or module overload, and you can fix this without going to the service. 📶 Switch to "Only" 4G» In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network. 🔄 Reset the settings. APN: Settings → SIM-map → Access points (APN) → Reset to factory. 📡 Use the NetMaster app to pick the fastest tower.WI-Fi optimization: 🔌 Turn off Smart Switch (automatic transition to mobile data with weak Wi-Fi). 📶 Turn on the "Mode" MOD» in router settings (if supported) to reduce ping. 🛡️ Change. DNS at 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) in connection settings. ⚠️ Warning: If Internet speed drops when your phone is heated, the problem is in the MediaTek Helio module G80. Try to disable "VoLTE" in the settings SIM-If the software methods don't work, consider hardware improvements. Redmi 9 has a modular design that allows you to replace or upgrade some components. What you can do yourself: 🔋 Replacement of the battery - original BM4B (5020 mAh costs ~1500 RUB When replacing, choose a battery with a controller NTC thermistor. 💾 Installation SSD-drive-through adapter USB-C → M.2 You can connect an external NVMe disk (up to 1 TB). 📶 Antenna booster – Signal amplifiers (such as Sticker Signal Booster) will improve reception 4G. What's better to trust the service: 🔧 Replacement of speaker or microphone (requires rationing). 🖥️ Flip-flashing EMMC-Memory (for reading/writing errors). 🔥 Replacement of the network module (if the phone does not catch the network at all). ⚠️ Warning: When disassembling the Redmi 9, it is easy to damage the display plume - it is attached with fragile latches. Use a plastic mediator and monitor the temperature of the hair dryer (no higher than 300).°C when the battery is soldered off). FAQ: Frequent questions about improving Xiaomi Redmi 9 Can I put Android 13 on Redmi 9? Officially - no, the last supported version for lancelot is Android 12 (MIUI However, unofficial LineageOS 20 or Pixel Experience 13 ports are stable, but may have camera or Wi-Fi bugs. How to check battery wear? Install AccuBattery and charge your phone from 0% to 100%. The app will show the actual capacity. If it's below 3,500 mAh (70% of the original), it's time to change the battery. Also note the internal resistance - a value above 200 mOhms indicates degradation. Why does Redmi 9 heat up in games? Reasons: The thermopast is dry (requires replacement). Background processes overload the processor (check out Developer Options) → Running services) Unoptimized firmware (try Corvus OS Solution: Use a smartphone cooler (like Black Shark FunCooler Pro) and reduce the graphics in games to Medium. SD-The settings? → Annexes → Application Management Select Program and Tap Storage → Change. → SD-Note that not all apps support portability (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services). App2SD (root). Can you overclock the Mali-G52 GPU in Redmi 9? Technically, but the gain will be minimal (5-10% in synthetic tests), and the risks of overheating are high. Overclock: Get root rights. Install Kernel Adiutor. In the GPU section, increase the frequency by 50-100 MHz (maximum to 950 MHz). Warning: GPU in Helio G80 warms up stronger than the CPU. Overclocking reduces the life of the chip.