Why Xiaomi Redmi 7 is slowing down: the main reasons
Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget device due to its balanced characteristics: Snapdragon 632 processor, 2-4 GB of RAM and a battery of 4000 mAh. However, even reliable technology eventually begins to “hang”. If your Redmi 7 slows down when opening applications, slowly switches windows or “freezes” during games, the reasons can lie in both software failures and hardware limitations.
The main factors affecting productivity:
- 📱 Overloaded memory: less than 1 GB of free space on the internal drive leads to a slowdown in the system.
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: MIUI Requires regular updates to optimize the work with modern applications.
- 🧹 Background processes: autoloading unnecessary services and widgets eats up the resources of the processor.
- 🔋 Worn-out battery: When the battery degrades to 70% of its original capacity, the phone begins to forcely limit performance.
Before you start taking drastic measures (for example, resetting to factory settings), it is worth checking the device for viruses, clearing the cache and optimizing the MIUI settings. In 80% of cases, these actions return the Redmi 7 to normal operation without losing data.
Method 1: Cleaning up cache and garbage in MIUI
The MIUI system actively uses cache to speed up application launches, but over time, temporary files accumulate and begin to slow down.Cache cleaning is the first step to restore the speed of Redmi 7.
How to clear the cache:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the All Apps tab and sort by cache size.
- Click on the app (like Google Play Services or Facebook) → Clear the cache.
- For mass cleaning, use the built-in utility Security → Cleaning (broom icon).
Pay special attention to system applications: com.miui.home (launcher), com.android.systemui (interface) and com.google.android.gms (Google services), their cache can take up to 1-2 GB.
💡
If after cleaning the cache, the application began to work slower, restart the phone - MIUI will restore the necessary temporary files automatically.
Method 2: Optimizing Autoboot and Background Processes
Redmi 7 is often slowed down by the large number of applications that run when the phone is turned on. Disabling autoboot of unnecessary services will free up RAM and speed up work.
How to turn off autoboot:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start.
- 📵 Disable auto-run for instant messengers (except the main one), games and underused programs.
- 🔄 In the Battery and Productivity section → Battery Management Select Energy Saving Mode for Background Applications.
For advanced users, use ADB to disable system services that cannot be deactivated via menus.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analyticsDisables Xiaomi analytics collection (does not affect stability, but reduces the load on the processor).
List of safe to disable system applications
Method 3: Update the firmware and core of the system
The outdated MIUI is one of the main reasons for the Redmi 7 brakes. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that optimize the processor and correct errors.
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Update Checker and wait for the result.
- If a new version is available, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi) and install it.
If the automatic update doesn’t work, try manual installation via Recovery:
- 📥 Download the latest firmware for Redmi 7 (codename onc) from Xiaomi’s official website.
- 📁 Move the file. update.zip root.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone to Recovery Mode (Plug the Power). + Loudness up).
- 🖱️ Choose Install. update.zip and confirm installation.
💡
Update via Recovery resets network settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), but does not delete personal data.
Important: If your Redmi 7 runs MIUI 12.5 or higher but still slows down, try retracing MIUI 11 via Fastboot. Some users have noted that earlier firmware versions are better optimized for the Snapdragon 632.
Method 4: Reset to factory settings (hard reset)
If previous methods didn't work, it's time for a radical measure -- resetting the phone to factory settings -- that would delete all data, including apps, photos and accounts, so first:
- 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
- 🔐 Remember or save passwords from your Mi Account and Google accounts.
- 📎 Transfer photos and videos to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
Resetting instructions:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- After restarting, set your phone as new.
If the phone is so slow that it does not respond to touch, reset via Recovery:
- Turn off Redmi 7.
- Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Manage Volume and Power buttons).
Save Contacts in Google Account|Download photos on PC|Remember passwords from social networks|Untie the phone from your Mi Account (if you sell it)|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)-->
⚠️ Note: After a reset, Redmi 7 may require data from a previous Mi Account (protection) FRP). If you do not remember the password, unlocking will require contacting the Xiaomi service center.
Method 5: Checking for hardware problems
If software methods fail, the cause of the brakes may lie in the "hardware" Redmi 7 is particularly sensitive to:
- 🔋 Battery wear: With a capacity below 70%, the phone forcibly limits performance.
- 🔥 Overheating: If the processor is heated above 60°C, the system of trottlit (reduces) frequencies.
- 💾 Memory problems: damaged sectors of the drive cause lags when reading / writing.
How to check the hardware status:
| Problem. | Symptoms | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Battery wear and tear | Fast discharge, accidental shutdowns, brakes when charged below 20% | Replacement of the battery (original BM47 or BM48) |
| Processor overheating | Phone hot, lags in games, spontaneous reboots | Cleaning from dust, replacement of thermopaste (in the service) |
| Damaged memory. | Freezes when copying files, reading errors SD-map | Checking with ##6484## (memory test) |
| Faulty Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module | Constant communication breaks, brakes when downloading files | Flashing the module or replacing the antenna |
To diagnose, use the engineering menu: type ##4636## in the dialer, then select Battery Information and CPU Use. If the CPU Usage has 80-100% loading of all cores for no apparent reason, this indicates a hardware malfunction.
⚠️ Warning: If Redmi 7 stopped turning on after battery replacement, check that battery plume is properly connected.Unoriginal batteries without the thermistor can cause short circuit!
Method 6: Alternative firmware (for advanced)
If standard methods didn’t help and the phone is still slowing down, consider installing custom firmware. LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, often run faster than MIUI on older devices due to the lack of unnecessary background processes.
Advantages of custom firmware for Redmi 7:
- 🚀 Higher performance due to optimized core.
- 🆕 Up-to-date versions of Android (up to 12-13 instead of Android) MIUI Android-based 9-10).
- 🔒 Lack of built-in advertising and unnecessary Xiaomi services.
How to install custom firmware:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account).
- Install TWRP Recovery for onc (model Redmi 7).
- Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1) and GApps (Google Services Package).
- Using TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data, then run the firmware and GApps.
Cons of custom firmware:
- ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
- ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on build).
- ❌ Lack of official updates OTA.