Why Xiaomi Redmi is slowing down: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

Your Xiaomi Redmi is slowing down, apps are slowing down, and animations are twitching? This is a common problem that can appear even on relatively new models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the Redmi 12. 90% of the time, the slowdown is not due to hardware, but to software factors: overloaded memory, background processes or outdated firmware.

We analyzed hundreds of user complaints and identified 12 key reasons why Xiaomi Redmi is starting to “lag”: In this article, step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and removing brakes, including hidden MIUI settings that the manufacturer does not advertise, you will learn how to return the phone to the factory settings (and when a reset is still necessary).

1. Overloading of RAM (RAM)

Xiaomi Redmi based on MIUI are known for aggressive optimization of RAM, but even it does not save from the brakes if you run too many applications. Especially relevant for models with 4-6 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi Note 8 Pro).

The system automatically kills background processes, but some applications (messengers, games, social networks) are able to block the cleanup and continue to consume resources.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Memory and see the schedule of RAM use.
• 🔄 If it is free less than 1 GB, this is a critical level.
• 🚫 Pay attention to applications marked “Blocked” in Task Manager.

Decision:

1. Manually close unnecessary applications through recent tasks (swipe up).
2. Turn off auto-run for unnecessary programs: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Auto-run.
3. For advanced: activate the performance mode in Settings → Additional → Performance mode (not available on all models).

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If you still don't have enough free RAM after you close all the apps, try restarting your phone. On Xiaomi Redmi, this often frees up to 30% of memory.

2. Completed storage (internal memory)

Critical memory filling (over 90%) is the most common reason for brakes on Xiaomi Redmi with 64-128 GB of drive. MIUI system begins to “glutch” when there is less than 5-7 GB free: file writing slows down, applications open for a long time, and it becomes impossible to update the firmware.

The problem is compounded by the fact that Xiaomi defaults to:

• 📸 Photos and videos in maximum resolution (up to 50 MB per shot on Redmi Note 11 Pro)+).
• 🎵 Cash of music services (Spotify, Yandex Music) – up to several gigabytes.
• 🗑️ Temporary application files (especially games and social networks).

How to clean up your memory without losing important data

1. Go to Settings → Storage and click “Clean” next to the “Junk” section.
2. Delete the app cache: Settings → Apps → [Select the app] → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Move your photo/video to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or to a memory card (if supported).
4. Use the built-in storage analyzer: Settings → Storage → Storage analysis – it will show which files take up the most space.

Delete the cache of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)|Clean up the downloads (Download folder)|Transfer the photo to the cloud|Remove unused items APK-file|Disable auto-save media in chat rooms-->

3.Outdated version of MIUI or Android

The slowdown is often due to a lack of updates. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to optimize performance, but many users ignore installing them.For example, MIUI 14 has fixed more than 200 bugs affecting the smoothness of the interface.

How to check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If you have an update, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
3. Once installed, reboot – many optimizations are only applied after the reboot.

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is less than 50% dead, the update may be interrupted. Charge the device or connect to the network before installing it.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models older than 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 8), large updates (change Android version) may increase the brakes due to lack of resources. MIUI.

Once a month |Only when the phone starts to brake |Never update |Only critical security updates-->

4. Processor overheating

Xiaomi Redmi on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, Snapdragon 660 in Redmi Note 7 or Snapdragon 732G in Redmi Note 10 Pro) are prone to overheating under intense load. When the chip temperature exceeds 60-65 ° C, the system forcibly reduces performance (trottling), which causes brakes.

Causes of overheating:

• 🎮 Long-term gaming sessions (especially in Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 📽️ Video recording in 4K streaming.
• 🔋 Charging during use (especially fast charging) 33W+).
• 🌡️ High ambient temperature (e.g., phone in the sun).

How to diagnose and eliminate:

1. Install the AIDA64 or CPU Monitor app to monitor the temperature.
2. If the temperature is above 70°C, close the application immediately.
3. Remove the case (especially silicone) - it can block the heat sink.
4. For games: activate the game mode in Settings → Special features → Game mode and enable the option “Limit performance to reduce heat”.

5. Viruses and malware

Even Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI can catch a virus, especially if you have installed applications from unverified sources (outside of Google Play).

• 🕵️‍♂️ Working in the background, consuming processor and memory resources.
• 📤 Send your data to the servers of attackers.
• 🔄 Substitute advertising in the browser or applications.

Signs of infection:

• The phone slows down even after resetting.
• Unknown apps appear on the menu.
• The battery is discharged in a few hours without active use.
• Mobile traffic is consumed in the background (check in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic).

How to check and clean:

1. Install an antivirus (Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light) and perform a full scan.
2. Check the list of installed apps: Settings → Apps → App management. Delete suspicious ones (especially with names like System Update, Flash Player).
3. Disable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Install unknown applications.
4. If the virus is not removed, reset to factory settings (more on this below).

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The most vulnerable to viruses model Xiaomi Redmi unlocked bootloader (bootloader). If you install custom firmware, the risk of infection increases 5 times.

6. Memory fragmentation and storage wear

Over time, the file system on the phone fragments, as data is scattered across different memory sectors, and the system takes longer to read it, especially on Redmi’s budget models with eMMC memory (as opposed to the faster UFS in flagships).

How to check the state of memory:

• 📊 Use the DiskInfo app to analyze read/write speeds.
• 🔍 If the write speed is below 50 MB / s, the drive is worn out.
• 🛠️ For defragmentation, perform a full reset (see section below) - this is the only effective way to do this. MIUI.

Additional signs of memory wear:

• The phone will freeze for 1-2 seconds when you open applications.
• Photos/videos are delayed.
• When connecting to a PC, file transfer is jerky.

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If your Xiaomi Redmi is older than 3 years (like the Redmi 6 or Redmi Note 5), the memory wear is likely the problem. In this case, even a reset will help temporarily - consider replacing your phone.

7. Reset to factory settings: when and how to do

If all of these methods didn't work, the last thing you can do is reset the factory settings, which will delete all the data, but it will return the phone to the stock performance. There are two ways to reset the Xiaomi Redmi:

Instructions for resetting through settings:

1. Backup: Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm.
4. After a reset, do not restore data from the backup immediately – check the performance of the “clean” system first.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Redmi models with MIUI 12+ You may need to link to your Mi Account after the reset. Make sure you remember your login and password!

8. Hardware malfunctions: when it's time to go to service

If the phone brakes even after resetting, the problem may be in the iron:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery (capacity below 70%) – the phone forcedly reduces performance.
• 🖥️ Damaged motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
• 💾 Faulty memory (e)MMC/UFS-chip fails).

How to diagnose:

• Check the battery status in AccuBattery (if the capacity is below 2000 mAh on the Redmi Note 9 - it's time to change).
• Look at stains or bloating on the back cover - a sign of battery damage.
• If the phone reboots itself when loaded - this is a symptom of problems with the fee.

Cost of repair (approximately for Xiaomi Redmi Note 10):

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself! contact an authorized Xiaomi service center - repair warranty can be free (for example, if the battery is bloated).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi brakes