Why Xiaomi Redmi is slowing down: all the reasons and ways to solve it

Your Xiaomi Redmi is slow to open apps, scroll or suddenly reboot? This is a common problem faced by owners of Redmi smartphones — from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Redmi Note 12 Pro+. The brakes can be due to software failures and hardware constraints. 80 percent of the time, the slowdown is due to the accumulation of digital debris, application conflicts or outdated firmware — all of these problems are solved without going to the service center.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes of brakes, from the commonplace memory shortage to the hidden viruses in the system. You'll learn how to diagnose a problem yourself, what settings to optimize in MIUI, and when to really think about replacing the battery or cleaning the connector. Spoiler: 9 out of 10 times, it takes 3-4 simple steps to get the smartphone back to its previous speed.

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1. Overloading of RAM (RAM)

The most common reason for brakes is a lack of RAM. Xiaomi Redmi (especially budget models like Redmi 8A or Redmi 9C with 2-3 GB of RAM) actively use RAM for multitasking. If 10+ applications are open at the same time, the system begins to “hang” as it constantly switches between tasks.

How to check RAM boot? Go to Settings → About Phone → System Status → Memory. If free less than 20% is critical, models with 4 GB of RAM or less require manual cleaning every 2-3 days of use.

• 🔄 Close the background applications: in MIUI Swipe up the screen and swipe away the unwanted programs, but don't get carried away, the system optimizes itself. RAM.
• ⚙️ Turn off autostart: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Auto-run. Leave only messengers and system services.
• 📱 Use the “Lite” versions of applications: Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite or Twitter Lite take 2-3 times less RAM.

⚠️ Note: Do not install "cleaners" RAM» They're just making the problem worse by constantly taking up resources themselves.

2.Clogged internal memory

If Xiaomi Redmi has less than 10% of the available space, the system starts to slow down, because there is not enough space for caching and temporary files, especially critical for models with 32-64 GB of memory, where users store photos, videos and heavy games.

Check the space in Settings → Storage. If it is less than 5 GB, clean it immediately!

• 📸 App cache: Settings → Warehouse → Application data → Cash.Delete the cache for YouTube, Instagram and games.
• 🗑️ Downloads: The Download folder often contains unnecessary content APK-Delete anything older than 3 months.
• 🎮 Unused Games: Games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact take up to 10GB. Remove them if you're not playing.
• 🔍 Use Google Photos or Gallery Doctor (built-in) MIUI), Find and remove repeated images.

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Move photos and videos to Google Photos or the Mi Cloud cloud – this will free up to 10-15 GB of space without data loss.

3.Outdated version of MIUI or Android

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for MIUI that optimize performance and close vulnerabilities. If your Redmi runs on the old version, this can be the cause of the brakes. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro on MIUI 12 brakes more than on MIUI 14, due to unoptimized code.

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. After installation, restart the device.

Important: If the update weighs more than 1 GB, before installing:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 50%.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi.
• ⏳ Set aside 20-30 minutes (updating may take time).

⚠️ Warning: If Redmi is getting more slow after the update, reset the cache via Recovery. + Volume up, select Wipe Cache.

4. Processor overheating

Xiaomi Redmi (especially with Snapdragon 6xx/7xx or Mediatek Helio processors) tends to overheat when the chipset temperature exceeds 45-50°C, the system automatically reduces performance (trottling) to avoid damage, leading to sharp brakes in games, slow charging and even spontaneous reboots.

Causes of overheating:

• 🔥 Games or heavy applications (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile).
• 🌡️ Background activity: synchronize Google Account, download updates.
• ☀️ External factors: direct sunlight, a case of dense material.
• 🔋 Charging. + Playing at the same time is the most dangerous combination.

How to lower the temperature:

1. Close all background applications.
2. Remove the case and place the phone on a flat surface (not on the pillow!).
3. Activate Battery mode → Energy saving (limits background activity).
4. If overheating is constant, check the heat paste (at the service center).

Close all games and applications

Remove the cover and put the phone on a hard surface

Turn off charging (if connected)

Reset the device

Check the temperature in AIDA64 (should be below 45°C)-->

5. Viruses and malware

Yes, even Xiaomi can get viruses, and they get in most cases through:

• 📱 Third-party APK (downloaded from Google Play).
• 🔗 Phishing links in messengers or email.
• 🎮 Hacked games (repucks from torrents).

Signs of infection:

• A sharp increase in traffic consumption.
• Appearance of unfamiliar apps on the menu.
• Advertising in the status line or screen lock.
• Overheating and battery discharge in 2-3 hours.

How to check and remove viruses:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light from Google Play.
2. Scan the system (full check will take 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove any threats you find.
4. Check the list of installed applications (Settings → Apps) for suspicious programs.

⚠️ Warning: If the virus blocks the installation of the antivirus, go to Safe Mode (press the power button). → long tap on "Switch off» → «Safe Mode) and remove malware from there.

Battery wear and tear

Xiaomi Redmi battery is designed for 300-500 charging cycles, and then its capacity drops, and the phone starts:

• 🔋 Fast discharge (from 100% to 0% in 3-4 hours).
• 🐢 Brake at a charge level below 20%.
• ⚡ Turn off when connected to charging.

How to check the status of the battery:

1. Install AccuBattery from Google Play.
2. Charge your phone to 100% and see the real capacity (for example, if it was 5000 mAh, and it became 3500 mAh – it’s time to change).
3. Check the number of charging cycles (Settings → Battery → Battery status).

If the capacity has fallen below 70% of the original, the battery needs to be replaced.

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Don't use cheap battery analogues! Unqualified replacement can cause the battery to bloat and damage the motherboard.

7. Hardware problems: from the connector to the motherboard

If all software methods did not help, the cause of the brakes can lie in the "iron":

• 🔌 Connector problems USB/Type-C: oxidation of contacts leads to poor charging and unstable operation.
• 🛠️ Damage to the motherboard: after falls or moisture.
• 🖥️ Flash memory wear: If the phone often writes “Memory is damaged,” it’s a sign of chip resource production.
• 📡 Antenna malfunction: weak network signal makes the processor work at its limit, trying to catch the connection.

Diagnosis:

• Check the charging connector for dirt (clean carefully with a toothpick).
• If the phone falls - inspect the case for cracks or bloating of the battery.
• Run the equipment test through AIDA64 (Tests section).

⚠️ WARNING: If the Redmi overheats without a load, spontaneously reboots or doesn't turn on - don't try to repair yourself.

8. Conflicts after updating or resetting settings

Sometimes the brakes appear after:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI (especially in beta).
• ⚙️ Resetting to factory settings.
• 📱 Transferring data from another phone.

What to do:

1. If the brakes appear after the update, reset the cache via Recovery (see spoiler section 3).
2. If you reset, don't restore your data from the backup. Install the applications again.
3. Disable interface animation: Settings → Special features → Remove animation

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If Xiaomi Redmi began to slow down immediately after purchase, check if it is installed custom firmware. Official Xiaomi devices are sold only with MIUI.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi brakes