Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is one of the most popular smart TVs on the market due to its combination of price and functionality. However, over time, even this model begins to slow down: apps open more slowly, freezes when switching channels, long loading of the interface. If your TV gets worse, don't be in a hurry to write it off - in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved by software methods.
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to speed up the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, from basic (cache cleaning, garbage removal) to advanced (hand-held firmware, disabling background processes). All methods are tested on 43, 50 and 55" inches with MIUI TV 2.0-3.5 firmware. Importantly, some actions require caution - improper manipulation of system files can lead to failures.
So let's start with the simplest and safest ways that don't require technical skills, and if they don't work, we'll move on to deeper optimization.
1. Clearing cache and temporary files
The most common cause of brakes is cache-filled apps and systems. Unlike smartphones, MI TV doesn't have a built-in garbage cleanup feature, so you'll have to do it manually. Cache accumulates in two places: in the apps themselves (like YouTube, Netflix) and in the system folders.
To clear the cache for a separate application:
- Select the app you want (e.g. Google Play Store).
To completely clean the system cache:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Internal memory.
- 🗑️ Select Cache Data and Confirm Clearance.
- 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → On TV. → Reboot).
💡
If the app is unstable after cleaning the cache (for example, YouTube is constantly restarting), try reinstalling it. To do this, uninstall the app, then reinstall it through the Google Play Store or Mi App Store.
Note that MI TV 4S with firmware older than MIUI TV 3.0 may not have Cache data in the storage menu, in which case use an alternative method - factory reset (more on this below).
2. Removal of unnecessary applications and widgets
By default, the Xiaomi Mi TV 4S comes with pre-installed apps, many of which are never used but consume resources, including: Mi Home (if you don’t have smart home devices), Xiaomi Video, Game Center, and home screen weather or news widgets.
How to remove unnecessary applications:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes.
- 🔍 Select the app you want to uninstall (e.g. Mi Game Center).
- 🚫 Click Remove (if the button is inactive – the application is system, it can only be disabled).
- 🔄 For widgets: Press and hold the widget on the home screen, then drag it to the basket.
System applications (such as Google Play Services or MIUI Launcher) cannot be removed, but they can be disabled:
- In the app menu, click Disable.
- Confirm the action (this will stop the background processes).
What apps can be safely removed?
After removing unnecessary apps, restart the TV, which will free up RAM and speed up the interface, and if you notice that after removing some applications, functions (such as voice search) are lost, they can be returned through the Google Play Store.
3. Optimization of RAM (RAM)
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S is equipped with 2 GB of RAM (on the 2018-2020 models), which is enough for basic tasks, but not enough for the simultaneous operation of several “heavy” applications (for example, Netflix + YouTube + game).
Ways to optimize RAM:
- 🛑 Close background apps: press the Home button on the remote, then close unnecessary apps in the multitasking menu (swipe up).
- ⚙️ Turn off auto-start: in Settings → Annexes → Auto Start Disable Autoboot for Unnecessary Programs.
- 🔄 Reboot TV every 2-3 days: long-term work without rebooting leads to fragmentation of memory.
- 📉 Limit the number of widgets: each widget on the home screen consumes up to 50–100 MB RAM.
For advanced users, there's a way to manually clean memory through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the TV to a computer, but allows you to manually kill processes.
adb shell
su
Killall com.xiaomi.mitv.tvhome # Closing the launcher (main screen)
Killall com.google.android.youtube.tv #Closes YouTube⚠️ Attention: use ADB It can cause the TV to run in an unstable way if you remove critical processes..
4. Update the firmware to the latest version
The slowdown of MI TV 4S is often due to outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that optimize performance, fix bugs, and close vulnerabilities. Check the current firmware version in Settings → About TV → MIUI TV version.
How to update firmware:
- 🌐 By air (OTA): Go to Settings. → On TV. → Update system. Click Check for updates. If you have an update available, download it and install it.
Manually via USB
- Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi Support website.
- Unpack. ZIP-file and copy it to the root USB-storage device (format) FAT32).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV, then in the update menu, select Install from USB.
Download the firmware from the official website|Check the version. MIUI TV|Connect USB-accumulator (FAT32)|Do not turn off the TV during the update|Connect to a power source (do not update from the battery!)
-->
If the TV gets slower after the upgrade, it might have bugs in it, so you can roll back to the previous version, but that requires unlocking the bootloader and can cancel the warranty.
Critical: When upgrading via USB, never pull out the flash drive or turn off the TV. Interrupting the process can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device.
5. Reset to factory settings
If previous methods didn't work, the last safe way to do this is to completely reset your settings, which will bring the TV back to its "out of the box" state by removing all apps, accounts and settings.
- 📝 Record or take pictures of important settings (e.g. network, sound, image settings).
- 🔐 Make sure to remember your Google and Mi Account details (autonomy will be required after resetting).
- 💾 Transfer important files (such as screenshots or TV recordings) to an external medium.
After discharge:
- 🔧 Reset your TV, but don’t install unnecessary apps.
- 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (see previous section).
- 📱 Only install the apps you are actually using.