Can you play Genshin Impact on a budget Redmi 9A?
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most affordable smartphones on the market, but its modest specs often call into question the possibility of running modern games. Genshin Impact, with its open world and advanced graphics, requires much more resources from the device than the budget chipset Helio G25 and 2-3 GB of RAM can offer. However, this does not mean that the game is completely unavailable.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to install Genshin Impact on Redmi 9A, including official and alternative methods, optimizing settings to increase FPS, as well as solving common errors like “insufficient memory” or “device is not supported”, you will learn what sacrifices will have to be made for the stable operation of the game, and whether it is worth trying to run it on this smartphone at all.
Spoiler: The game will work, but with serious limitations on schedule and performance. If you're willing to compromise, read on.
Genshin Impact vs. Redmi 9A Features
The official system requirements for Genshin Impact for Android are as follows:
- 📱 Processor: ARM v8a 64-bit (4 cores, 1.8 GHz+) — Redmi 9A Helio G25 (8 cores, but weak Cortex-A53).
- 🔋 RAM: 3 GB+ – the base version of Redmi 9A has only 2 GB, which is critically low.
- 💾 Memory: 8GB of free space – the game weighs ~4GB, but after installation, you will need another ~3-5GB per cache.
- 🎮 GPU: Mali-G71 MP2 or better, Redmi 9A PowerVR GE8320, which is 30-40% weaker.
- 🔄 Android: 7.0+ — Redmi 9A has Android 10 (MIUI 12) out of the box, which is a good fit.
As you can see, Redmi 9A doesn't meet even the minimum requirements for processor and RAM, but the game can still start if:
- Use the lowest graphics settings (30 FPS, minimum resolution).
- Close all background applications before launch.
- Install the game on a memory card (if any) to free up internal memory.
- Apply tweaks for Android (disable animations, reduce graphics buffer).
How to download Genshin Impact on Redmi 9A
There are three main ways to install a game on your device, each with its pros and cons:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Google Play | ✅ Automatic updates✅ Security | ❌ May not support the device❌ Large file weight | Try it first thing. |
| APK + OBB from the official website | ✅ Works on incompatible devices✅ Version selection | ❌ Manual Update❌ Risk of Downloading a Fake | Best Option for Redmi 9A |
| Third-party stores (APKMirror, TapTap) | ✅ Alternative builds✅ Ability to download older versions | ❌ Virus risk❌ No guarantee of stability | Only if other methods have not worked. |
We recommend starting with the official Genshin Impact site, as this is the most reliable source. APK side can contain modifications or viruses, and Google Play often blocks installation on weak devices.
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Download APK and OBB- files ONLY from the official site hoyoverse.com or trusted sources like APKMirror. Do not use pirated builds - they can block your account!
Step-by-step: installation via APK + OBB
If Google Play refuses to install the game due to “device incompatibility,” follow this guide:
Release 8+ GB memory|Connect to Wi-Fi|Battery charge >50%|Turn off optimization MIUI play-->
- Download APK and OBB- files: 🌐 Go to the official download page. 📥 Select the Android version (APK + OBB). 🔗 Download both files: genshinimpact_*.apk and com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact_*.obb (weight ~4 GB).
Start the game and wait for the files to be checked:
- ⏳ The first run can take 10-15 minutes (the game checks file integrity).
- 🔄 If a boot error appears, restart the phone and try again.
What if the OBB- file is not recognized?
Once installed successfully, the game should start, but don’t expect high performance. On the Redmi 9A, even at the minimum settings, the FPS will sag up to 15-20 fps in combat.
Genshin Impact Optimization for Redmi 9A: How to Boost FPS
To improve the gameplay, use these settings and tweaks:
1.Graphics settings in-game
- 🎨 Graphics quality: Select the lowest.
- 🔄 Frame rate: Limit to 30 FPS (60 FPS will not pull).
- 🌄 Environmental effects: Turn off shadows, reflections, and motion blur.
- 📱 Resolution: Set 720p (even if the screen supports HD+).
2. Android System Optimizations
- 🚫 Turn off animations: Turn on Developer Mode (click 7 times on Build Number in Settings → About Phone), then set: Settings → System → For Developers → Window Animation Scale = 0.5x Transition Animation Scale = 0.5x Animator Duration Scale = 0.5x
- 🧹 Memory Cleanup: Before starting the game, close all applications through Recent → Close everything.
- ⚡ Performance MIUI: Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode and select High Performance.
3. Additional Tweets (for Advanced)
- 🛠️ Change GPU- renderer: In Developer Settings, enable Forced GPU- rendering (can help or make things worse - test!).
- 🔋 Disable background restriction: In the same settings, disable background process restriction.
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If the game is slowing down in combat, try to minimize the quality of special effects, which will reduce the load on the processor at critical moments.
⚠️ Warning: Some tweaks (e.g. forced GPU- rendering) can cause the game to overheat or crash.If the phone starts to get very warm (above 50°C), immediately close the game and let it cool down.
Common mistakes and their solutions
When installing and running Genshin Impact on Redmi 9A, you may encounter the following issues:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Device not supported" | Google Play blocks installation on weak devices | Download APK + OBB from the official website |
| "Not enough memory." | On internal storage less than 8 GB free | Transfer the game to the SD- card or delete unnecessary files |
| The game flies off when downloaded | OBB- file damaged or missing RAM | Download OBB, close all background apps |
| Black screen after logo | Conflict with MIUI shell or drivers | Restart your phone, try turning off MIUI Optimization for the game |
| Strong lag in battle | The processor is not able to handle the load. | Reduce resolution to 720p and turn off all effects |
If the game doesn’t start, try:
- Install the older version (e.g. 1.0 or 1.5) – they are less demanding.
- Use the Game Turbo in MIUI (if available for your model)
- Reset your phone settings to factory (extreme case).
⚠️ Warning: On Redmi 9A with 2GB of RAM, the game may accidentally close due to a lack of memory, especially when switching between applications. Save progress more often!
Alternative ways to play Genshin Impact on a weak phone
If Redmi 9A doesn’t pull the game even after all the optimizations, consider these options:
- 🖥️ Cloud Gaming: Services like Boosteroid or GeForce NOW allow you to play on weak devices via streaming. Minus - you need stable Internet connection (from 15 Mbps).
- 🎮 PC emulator: If you have a computer, install BlueStacks or MuMu Player and play from the keyboard. You can twist the settings to the maximum.
- 📺 TV connection: Some users connect their phone to a TV via a HDMI- adapter and play from a gamepad. This won't improve FPS, but it will make it easier to control.
- 💰 Phone Upgrade: If Genshin Impact is a big deal for you, consider switching to Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 — they’re pulling the game on mid-range settings.
Cloud gaming is the most realistic option for the Redmi 9A, but keep in mind:
- 📶 Wi-Fi 5 GHz or 4G/5G low-ping will be required.
- 💳 Most services are paid (from 300-500 ₽/month).
- 🕹️ Control over the touch screen can be uncomfortable - it is better to connect the gamepad.