Xiaomi Redmi 4, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone thanks to reliable hardware and support for MIUI. However, over time, even this “unkillable” device begins to slow down: applications open for a long time, animation twitches, and sometimes the device will freeze for a few seconds.
In this article, we will discuss 7 key causes of Redmi 4 slowdown (including Redmi 4A/4X/4 Pro versions) and give step-by-step instructions for fixing them. We will focus on the specifics of the Snapdragon 430/435 processor, which is sensitive to overheating and unoptimized background processes. If your phone becomes “dumb” after updating MIUI or installing new applications, here you will find a solution.
1. Overloaded memory: when 16GB is not enough
Redmi 4 as a basic package came with only 16 GB of internal memory, of which the user is available about 10-12 GB. Over time, this space is clogged with cache, photos, application updates and system files. When there is less than 1 GB of free space, the system begins to actively use RAM (RAM) for temporary data, which leads to lags.
How to check the memory is full:
- 📱 Open Settings → Memory of the device.
- 📊 Pay attention to the Available section – if the value is less than 1.5 GB, it’s time to clean.
- 🔍 Check the Memory Analysis tab to see which apps take up the most space.
Typical memory eaters on Redmi 4:
- 📷 Google Photos and Gallery MIUI – automatically saves copies of each image.
- 🎵 Music services (Yandex Music, Spotify) – cache tracks for offline listening.
- 🎮 Games (especially PUBG Mobile, Free Fire) weigh 1-2 GB each.
- 📥 Telegram and WhatsApp download media files in the background.
⚠️ Warning: Don't delete the MIUI folder or Android manually through the file manager! This can cause system failure. Use only built-in cleaning tools.
2.Background activity: why apps are 'eating' RAM
Redmi 4 is equipped with 2 or 3 GB of RAM (depending on the modification). For 2026, this is critically small: modern applications (especially social networks and instant messengers) consume 300-500 MB of RAM each. If 10+ applications are running in the background, the system begins to force shut down processes, which causes hangings when switching between tasks.
How to check the use of RAM:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory state.
- Look at the RAM Usage chart, and if it's 80 to 90 percent, it's time to optimize.
The list of the most “gluttonous” applications (according to the tests on Redmi 4):
| Annex | RAM consumption (in the background) | RAM consumption (active) |
|---|---|---|
| 250–350MB | 500-700 MB | |
| 200-300 MB | 400-600 MB | |
| Telegram | 150–250 MB | 300-400 MB |
| YouTube | 100-200 MB | 350-500 MB |
| PUBG Mobile | — | 800-1200 MB |
Solutions to free RAM:
- 🚫 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary applications: Settings → Permissions → Auto-run.
- 🔄 Use Light Mode in MIUI: Settings → Special Features → Easy Mode.
- 🗑️ Remove or freeze system applications through Settings → Applications → Application Management → Disable (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, if you don’t use them).
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If the phone still brakes after cleaning the RAM, try restarting it in safe mode (press the power button → long tap on "Stop" → "Safe Mode"). This will turn off all third-party applications and help identify the culprit of the lags.
3.Old firmware: why MIUI updates are slowing down the phone
Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the Redmi 4, but not all of them are optimized for the old hardware.For example, the transition from MIUI 9 to MIUI 12 added new animations and features that overload the Snapdragon 430 processor.
How to check the MIUI version:
Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUIIf the version is newer than MIUI 11, but the phone began to slow down after the update, it is worth considering a rollback on the old firmware or installing a custom build (for example, LineageOS).
Signs that the problem is in the firmware:
- 🐢 Slow down animation when opening/closing applications.
- 🔄 Self-involved reboots.
- 📉 Dramatic reduction in battery life.
- 🎨 Artifacts of graphics (e.g. blurred icons).
Decisions:
- 🔙 Reverse to the old version MIUI via Fastboot (instruction below).
- ⚡ Installation of lightweight firmware (e.g. MIUI Lite or Pixel Experience).
- 🛠️ Cleaning the firmware cache: Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
How to Reverse MIUI on Redmi 4?
4.CPU overheating: why Redmi 4 'strangles' performance
The Snapdragon 430/435 processor in Redmi 4 is prone to thermal throttling, which automatically reduces the frequency when overheated. If the chip temperature exceeds 60-65°C, the system forcibly limits its power, which causes brakes.
- 🎮 During games (especially in hot weather).
- 📱 With long-term charging + use.
- 🔄 When updating a system or application.
How to check the temperature of the processor:
- Install the AIDA64 or CPU Monitor app.
- Open the Temperature tab. Norm for the Snapdragon 430 is up to 50°C in plain and up to 70°C under load.
Causes of overheating:
- 🔋 Failed battery – a bloated battery presses on the motherboard, worsening heat sink.
- 🧴 Dried thermopaste - after 3-4 years of operation, it loses its properties.
- 📱 Cover or film - blocks ventilation.
- 🚫 Run heavy applications (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
Decisions:
- 🧊 Cooling: Remove the case, put the phone on a cold surface (not in the fridge!).
- 🔧 Replace the thermopast (requires disassembly of the device).
- 🔋 Battery check: If it is swelling, replace it (battery cost for Redmi 4 ~1000-1500 ₽).
- ⚙️ Performance Limit: in Settings → Battery → Performance Mode, select “Energy Savings”.
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If the phone heats up even in a simple (no games or charging), it is a sign of hardware malfunction, most often the battery or power controller is to blame.
5. Memory Fragmentation: Why the Phone Stutters When Opening Files
Over time, the file system on Redmi 4 is fragmented, breaking data into small blocks scattered throughout memory, causing the processor to spend extra resources assembling files while reading, causing hangovers, especially when:
- 📷 View photos in the gallery.
- 🎵 Playing music.
- 📁 Copy/move files.
How to check for fragmentation:
- Install SD Maid or Files by Google.
- Start the memory analysis – the application will show the level of fragmentation.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Defragment: Transfer all files to your PC, format your phone’s memory, and return the data back.
- 🗑️ Waste Cleanup: Use the built-in Cleanup utility in MIUI.
- 📁 Transfer data to SD-maps (if supported). In Redmi 4, this only works for media files, not for applications.
Make a backup copy of important data|Close all applications|Connect your phone to charge.|Use the original cable-->
6 Viruses and Malware: Hidden 'Breaver'
Even Xiaomi, with its MIUI Security protection, can get viruses, especially if you install applications from unverified sources.
- 🕵️♂️ Mining cryptocurrency in the background, loading the processor.
- 📊 Send statistics to servers, consuming traffic and RAM.
- 📱 Replace ads in other apps.
Signs of infection:
- 📈 Unexplained traffic consumption (check in Settings → Data Transfer → Traffic Use).
- 🔋 Quick battery discharge even in standby mode.
- 📱 Appearance of unfamiliar apps on the menu.
- 🚫 Screen locking with ads.
How to check and remove viruses:
- Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.
- Run a full scan.
- Delete the threats you've detected.
- Check the list of installed apps in Settings → Apps and remove suspicious ones.
⚠️ Warning: Some "optimizers" (e.g., Clean Master or DU Speed Booster) are malicious or useless in themselves. Use only proven antiviruses!
7 Hardware malfunctions: when software methods do not help
If you’ve tried all the tips, but Redmi 4 still slows down, the problem may be in the “hardware”:
- 💾 Worn flash memory (eMMC) After 3-4 years of heavy use, memory cells degrade, causing reading/write delays.
- 🔋 Failed battery: If the battery is inflated, it can push the motherboard, causing malfunctions.
- 📡 Module problems Wi-Fi/Bluetooth An unstable connection causes the system to constantly reconnect, loading the processor.
- 🔌 Oxidized contacts (for example, after moisture is ingested).
How to diagnose hardware problems:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone accidentally reboots. | Failed battery or power controller | Battery replacement (~1000–1500 ₽) |
| Apps open long, but RAM is free | Depreciation of flash memory (eMMC) | Replacing the motherboard or switching to a new phone |
| The phone warms even in plain | Failure of the processor or thermopaste | Cleaning + Thermopaste replacement (~500–800 ₽ in service) |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth shuts down on its own | Failure of the antenna module | Module soldering or replacement |
If you suspect a hardware malfunction:
- 🛠️ Contact the service center (Redmi 4 repairs cost 1,000–3,000 ₽ depending on the problem).
- 📱 Consider buying a new phone — repairing an old phone may not be cost-effective.
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If the phone starts to brake after falling or getting moisture, don't try to repair it yourself! this can lead to short circuit and complete failure.