Xiaomi Mi5, Released in 2016, it still remains in demand among enthusiasts thanks to the powerful hardware based on the Snapdragon 820 and the new model. AMOLED-But over the years, even flagship smartphones are starting to slow down, because of outdated software, clogged memory and background processes. Mi5 Become more responsive to touch, open apps for a long time or overheat when you're under load, don't be too quick to write it off. In this article, we'll look at 10 proven ways to speed up your device, from basic settings to deep firmware optimization.
It's important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which will void the warranty (if it's still valid) and carry risks. We'll give you the level of complexity of each method and warn you of the possible consequences. Start with the safest ones and end with heavy artillery for advanced users.
1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache
The first step to speed up is freeing up memory. On the Xiaomi Mi5, with 32GB of internal memory (of which ~25GB is available), each megabyte counts. Start with the built-in tools:
- 🧹 Cleaning the application cache: go to Settings → Annexes → All apps, select the hardest (like Facebook or Instagram) and click Clear Cache. Repeat for all apps where the cache is over 100MB.
- 🗑️ Remove Unnecessary Files: Use the Built-in Security App → Cleanup. Pay special attention to the sections “Junk files” and “Large files».
- 📂 Transfer of data to SD-If you have a microSD-enabled model (Mi5 It does not support memory expansion, but it can be used. OTG-drive), transfer photos, videos and music.
For deep cleaning, we recommend SD Maid (requires root) which finds residual files of deleted applications, empty folders and duplicates. On Xiaomi Mi5, after cleaning SD Maid, an average of 1.5-3 GB of space is freed up - this is the equivalent of 5-10 heavy games.
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) through third-party utilities without root. MIUI.
2. Optimization of background processes and autoboot
MIUI is known for aggressive background control, but even it doesn't always handle voracious applications to reduce the workload on the processor:
- Turn off autoboot: go to Settings → Apps → Autoboot and deactivate it for instant messengers, social networks and games. The exception is WhatsApp or Telegram if you are interested in notifications.
- Limit background activity: in the same application settings, select “Limit background activity” for unnecessary services (for example, AliExpress or Yandex.Maps).
- Use Performance Mode: In Settings → Additional → Performance Mode, select Balance or Performance (but note that this will reduce battery life).
For advanced users, root can disable system services via Titanium Backup or Greenify, for example, deactivating com.miui.analytics (computing Xiaomi statistics) gives an increase of 5-10% of free RAM.
☑️ Optimization of background processes
3. Update of firmware: official and custom options
Official updates for Xiaomi Mi5 have long been discontinued, but this does not mean that the device is doomed to outdated MIUI.
- 🔄 Last stable. MIUI: Even if updates don’t come by air, they can be manually installed through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a firmware file. Download the current version for Mi5 (codename gemini from the official website.
- 🛠️ Castom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS not only delivers fresh Android, but also an optimized kernel. Mi5 shows an increase of 20-30% compared to stock MIUI 12.
- ⚡ Cores and Mods: custom core firmware (e.g. FrancoKernel) allows you to overclock the processor to 2.3 GHz (versus standard 2.15 GHz) and optimize power consumption.
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI | Stability, OTA-update | An outdated version of Android, Bloatware | ⭐ (simple) |
| Castomic (LineageOS) | Fresh Android, no Bloatware, better performance | No Google Pay, there are possible camera bugs | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) |
| Core + mods | Maximum acceleration, fine tuning | Risk of overheating, complex installation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) |
⚠️ Attention: When installing custom firmware on Xiaomi Mi5 Make sure to check for compatibility with the gemini modem. Incorrect firmware can lead to network loss (IMEI).
How to check the IMEI after the firmware?
4. Overclocking and optimization of the processor (CPU/GPU)
The Snapdragon 820 in the Mi5 has hidden potential, and you can use an engineering menu or custom core to:
- 🔥 Disperse CPU: Standard frequencies are up to 2.15 GHz, but Kryo cores can withstand up to 2.3-2.4 GHz when cooled well. Use Kernel Adiutor (root required) for a gradual increase in frequency with temperature monitoring.
- 🎮 Optimize GPU: The Adreno 530 can be overclocked by 10 to 15 percent through the kernel settings, which is especially noticeable in games like this. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact (FPS grows from 30 to 40-45).
- ❄️ Improve cooling: Replace thermopaste with Arctic MX-4 or Kryonaut. Mi5 This reduces the temperature under load by 8-12°C.
Warning: Overclocking reduces the life of the chip, critical temperature for the Snapdragon 820 - 85 ° C. Exceeding this threshold leads to trottling (automatic frequency reduction) and the risk of damage.
💡
Before overclocking, check the current temperatures in AIDA64 or CPU Monitor. If the CPU is heated above 45°C, replace the thermopaste first.
5. Memory optimization: swap file and zRAM
The Xiaomi Mi5 was released with 3 or 4 GB of RAM. Today, this is not enough for multitasking, but the situation can be improved:
- 🔄 Turn on zRAM: this is RAM compression technology. Activated via root command: echo "1" > /sys/block/zram0/reset echo "512M" > /sys/block/zram0/disksize mkswap /dev/block/zram0 swapon /dev/block/zram0 Optimal size — 50% physical RAM (for example, 1.5 GB for the model with 3 GB RAM).
- 💾 Swap file on internal memory: if you have 2-3 GB free, create a swap partition. This is not as efficient as zRAM, but will help with memory shortage.
The effect of zRAM on Mi5 is noticeable when you run 5+ applications at the same time: the system kills background processes less often, and switching between tasks is faster.
6. Disable animations and visual effects
MIUI is known for its beauty, but it eats up resources to speed up the interface.
- Turn off window animation: in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version tap 7 times in version to activate Developer Mode. Then in Settings → Additional → For developers, install: Windows animation → No animation transitions → No animation Duration of animation → 0.5x
Settings → Screen → Effects of animation
Dark Mode Pro
These changes accelerate application opening by 15-20% by reducing CPU load, especially on weak MIUI builds (such as the global version).
💡
Turning off animations is the safest way to speed up the interface without rooting or risk, and the effect is noticeable immediately after application.
7. Hardware improvements: battery and cooling
Over time, lithium-polymer batteries degrade and the cooling system gets clogged with dust. - Xiaomi Mi5 relevant:
- 🔋 Battery Replacement: Original Battery Mi5 (3000 mAh) after 3-4 years of operation loses up to 40% of capacity. Replace it with a new one (for example, from Baseus or Remax) – this will not only increase the time of operation, but also reduce the trottling of the processor due to low voltage.
- 💨 Dust cleansing: disassemble the device (or contact the service) and clean the radiator and vents. Dust increases the temperature by 10-15°C, which causes a forced frequency reduction CPU.
- 🧊 Heat pads: replacing the standard gaskets with copper (thickness 0.5 mm) improves heat sink by 20-30.
The cost of replacing the battery with the Mi5 in 2026 is about 1,500-2,500 rubles (with work), which is cheaper than buying a new smartphone, and returns the device to its former performance.
8.Alternative launchers and lightweight applications
MIUI Launcher is not the most optimized interface.
- 🚀 Lightweight launchers: Nova Launcher (set up animations, disable background processes); Lawnchair (based on Pixel Launcher, minimalist design); Smart Launcher 5 (automatic app sorting, low consumption) RAM).
- 📱 Lightweight versions of apps: Facebook Lite instead of the main Facebook (saves 50% RAM). Messenger Lite instead of the standard messenger. YouTube Vanced (without advertising and background playback, but requires root or MicroG).
Replacing launchers and applications with lighter versions gives you 10-15% more free RAM and reduces the heat of the device, for example, Nova Launcher consumes 30-40 MB less RAM than MIUI Launcher.