Why Xiaomi Redmi 9A is slowing down and how to fix it: the full guide 2026

Why even the new Redmi 9A is starting to “glue”

Xiaomi Redmi 9A has gained popularity due to its affordable price and balanced characteristics: MediaTek Helio G25 processor, 2-3 GB of RAM and a battery of 5000 mAh. However, over time, many users are faced with the fact that the device begins to hang, slowly open applications or suddenly reboot. The reasons can lie in software failures and hardware limitations of the budget device.

It's important to understand that Redmi 9A isn't designed to multitask with heavy games or a dozen background processes. Its hardware is optimized for basic tasks like calls, instant messengers, and social media. Even so, the brakes are often caused by memory clogs, outdated firmware, or viruses. In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes of slowdowns and give step-by-step instructions for fixing them, from simple to radical.

Before you start setting up, ask yourself: when did the lags come in? When did the new app come in? When did the MIUI update? Or did the smartphone slow down since you bought it? This will help you diagnose the problem more accurately.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup: the first step to speeding up

The most common cause of brakes is a crowded cache of system and user applications. Cache speeds up program re-runs, but over time takes up gigabytes of memory, slowing down the smartphone. In Redmi 9A, cleaning can be done in two ways: manually or using built-in MIUI tools.

For manual cleaning:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like YouTube or Facebook) and click Clear Cache.
3. Repeat for all “heavy” programs (messengers, browsers, games).

For automatic cleaning:

• 🧹 Use the built-in Security app (shield icon). Run garbage cleanup and delete unnecessary files.
• 🗑️ In the Storage section (in the settings) find Clean - the system itself will offer to delete temporary files.
• 🔍 Check the Download folder – often there accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary files.

After cleaning, restart your smartphone. If the brakes are still there, move on to the next step.

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Do not clear the cache of system applications (such as Settings or Phone) – this can cause MIUI to malfunction.

2. Optimization of RAM (RAM)

The Redmi 9A comes with just 2-3 GB of RAM, which is extremely small by modern standards. The MIUI system itself consumes up to 1.5 GB, and the remaining memory is only enough for 2-3 background applications. If you notice that the smartphone “chokes” when switching between programs, try:

• 🚫 Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an application (e.g. TikTok) and disable Autorun.

Cleaning up RAM

Settings → Special features → Cleaning memory when blocking

Facebook Lite

Messenger Lite

If even after that the smartphone slows down, check the use of RAM in real time:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and include Process Statistics.
3. Now, in the multitasking menu (swipe up), you will see how much memory each application consumes.

3. MIUI Update: Why it's Critical for Performance

Slowdowns are often associated with outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that correct errors and optimize the performance of iron. For example, in versions of MIUI 12.5 and later, improved work with RAM, and in MIUI 13 added the function of Smart Balancing, which automatically allocates resources.

To update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and wait for the download.
3. If the upgrade weighs more than 1GB, connect to Wi-Fi and charge your smartphone up to 50%.

If the update is not available, check:

• 🌍 Firmware region (should match your model, for example Global or Russia).
• 🔌 Internet connection stability (switch to mobile data if Wi-Fi is weak).
• 📅 Last Check Date (sometimes Xiaomi servers are overloaded – try later).

Attention! Do not interrupt the upgrade process if the MI logo or progress bar is on the screen. This can lead to a device blink (breakdown).

4. Factory reset: a radical solution

If previous methods failed, it would be hard reset, which would delete all data, including apps, photos and accounts, but would return the smartphone to factory speed.

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔐 Remember the Mi Account (linked to your phone).
• 📱 Make sure the battery is charged at least 30 times%.

Resetting instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
3. After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

If the smartphone does not respond to touch or hovers on the logo, reset via Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds.
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).

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Factory reset deletes all data without recovery, and use this method only if other methods have not worked.

5. Virus and malware check

The brakes can be caused by viruses or adware that consumes resources in the background, for example, some applications from third-party sources install cryptominers that use the processor to mine cryptocurrency.

How to check your smartphone:

• 🛡️ Use the built-in Security Scanner in the Security app (shield icon).
• 🔍 Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web Light or Kaspersky Mobile) and perform a deep check.
• 📊 Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Remove suspicious programs (especially those that consume a lot of traffic or memory).

Signs of infection:

Attention! Don't install antiviruses from unknown sources, they may contain malicious code themselves. Only download them from high-ranking Google Play.

Hardware problems: when iron is to blame

If software methods did not help, the cause of the brakes may lie in hardware malfunctions:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery: When the battery is degraded below 70% of capacity, the smartphone begins to trottl (limit performance) to reduce the load.
• 💾 Damaged flash memory: If the internal drive has broken sectors, the system spends time trying to read again.
• 🔥 Overheating of the processor: due to dust in the connector or damaged thermal paste.

How to diagnose:

1. Battery check: Install AccuBattery and check battery health. If capacity is below 80%, replace the battery (cost) ~1500–2000 ₽).
2. Memory test: Dial in the dialer ##4636## → Testing → Memory check If the test shows errors, contact the service center.
3. Dust cleaner: Turn off your phone and gently blow the connectors with compressed air (don't use wet wipes!). If the smartphone warms even in a simple one, you may need to replace the thermopast (only in the service!).

Warning: Don’t disassemble the Redmi 9A yourself, it will result in a loss of warranty. For battery replacement or cleaning, contact Xiaomi’s authorized service centers.

7. Alternative firmware: whether to switch to caste

If standard methods don’t work, some users are considering installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that can boost performance by:

• ✅ No extra software from Xiaomi (bloat).
• ✅ A newer version of Android (for example, Android 12 instead of Android 10 Go).
• ✅ Optimized core for weak iron.

However, there are risks:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs (not working) NFC, camera trouble).
• ❌ Installation difficulty (requires unlocking the loader).

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unblock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you will need a Mi Account).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot.
3. Download the firmware for Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) from the XDA Developers forum.
4. Sweat through TWRP, having previously made a backup.

Important! Inept firmware can turn a smartphone into a brick. If you're not sure about your skills, you better consult a specialist.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9A brakes