Xiaomi’s Acceleration app: Hidden features, settings, and myths about its work

If you’ve ever looked into the list of installed apps on a Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone POCO, You may have noticed a strange system application called Speed Booster or Security Speed Boost, which doesn't have a desktop shortcut, doesn't show up in the app menu, but it takes up memory and sometimes appears on the active process list. What kind of software is it? Why does the manufacturer need it? And most importantly, can it be safely removed or disabled to free up the resources of the device?

Many users mistakenly think of Acceleration as a virus or an unnecessary block that only slows down the system, but it is actually a built-in performance optimizer developed by Xiaomi to manage background processes, clean up the cache and speed up the interface, and in this article we will take a detailed look at how this application works, what functions it actually performs, and whether it is worth fighting with.

What is the “Accelerator” app on Xiaomi and why you need it

Acceleration (com.miui.boost) is a system component MIUI, It's part of Xiaomi's Security App, which is closely integrated with the Android kernel:

  • 🔄 Background Process Management – Limits the activity of unnecessary applications to free up RAM.
  • ⚡ Cache Clearing – Automatically deletes temporary files that slow down the system.
  • 📱 Optimizing the interface – reduces delays when opening menus and switching between screens.
  • 🔋 Battery savings – blocks energy-consuming processes when the device is in standby mode.

It is important to understand that Acceleration is not a separate utility, but part of an embedded mechanism. MIUI, It works in tandem with other system services, such as com.miui.securitycenter and com.miui.cleanmaster. Without this component, some optimization functions will simply stop working.

For example, when you click the Clean button on recent apps, Acceleration is responsible for closing the background processes, and when you use your smartphone for long periods without rebooting, it automatically resets unnecessary data from RAM to prevent “suspending”.

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If your Xiaomi is slowing down, try manually running optimization: go to Settings → Annexes → Clean up and press Accelerate. This will force the Acceleration module to work».

How Acceleration Works at System Level: Technical Details

Technically, Acceleration is a service demon that works in the background and interacts with the Android kernel through low-level devices. API. It uses several key mechanisms:

  1. Loading control CPU — Limits processor consumption to underutilized applications.
  2. Swap file management – optimizes the use of virtual memory (if enabled in the developer settings).
  3. Task Prioritization – allocates resources between active and background processes.
  4. Temperature monitoring – when the device overheats, it forcibly reduces the load on the processor.

Fun fact: on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Or Xiaomi 13 Ultra) Acceleration is also responsible for dynamically changing the refresh rate of the screen. If the system detects that the user is actively interacting with the interface (for example, flipping through the feed on social networks), then the frequency rises to 120 Hz. When standing by or reading text, it automatically drops to 60 Hz, saving battery power.

FunctionHow it worksImpact on productivity
Cleaning up RAMCloses unused processes and frees up memoryReduces lags when multitasking
Optimization CPULimits background tasks, reducing the load on the processorIncreases the Autonomous Work Time
Cache managementDeletes temporary application filesFrees up space in the internal memory
Temperature monitoringReduces productivity during overheatingPrevents trottling (forced slowing)

But there is a downside to this mechanism, with some users complaining that Acceleration is too aggressive in closing down background processes, causing applications (such as instant messengers or music players) to stop working in the video. BACKGROUND. This is especially true for devices with 4GB of RAM or less.

📊 How often do you clean up? RAM on the Xiaomi?
Every day.
Once a week.
Only when it's slowing down.
Never clean.

Can I remove or disable Acceleration on Xiaomi?

Technically, it is not recommended to remove or disable Acceleration, as it can cause unstable operation of the system, but there are several ways to minimize its impact or temporarily suspend it.

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If you are confident in your actions, you can disable the application using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). For that:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
  2. Activate Debugging by USB in the developer menu.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.boost

⚠️ Attention: After disabling Acceleration, you may have problems with multitasking, increased battery consumption and overheating of the device:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.boost

Method 2: Limiting activity through settings

If it is dangerous to completely disable the application, it is possible to reduce its impact:

  • 🛑 Disallow Auto Start: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Acceleration → Auto-start (turn off).
  • 🔄 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management → Choice of applications → Acceleration (select “Limit»).
  • 🗑️ Clean the cache manually: Settings → Annexes → Acceleration → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

☑️ What to do before turning off "Acceleration»

Done: 0 / 4

Method 3: Removal through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

On devices with unlocked loader and installed TWRP You can completely remove the application, but this will lead to the inoperability of some functions. MIUI, including automatic cleaning RAM and optimize the battery:

  1. Download to TWRP.
  2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
  3. Find the file. /system/priv-app/SpeedBooster and remove it.
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: After removing the "Accelerator" may stop working:

  • 🔄 Quick cleaning. RAM menu of recent applications.
  • ⚡ Automatic optimization during charging (Fast-track Charging function»).
  • 📉 Monitoring the processor temperature in real time.

Myths and misconceptions about the “Acceleration” app

There's a lot of rumors going around this system component, and we're going to look at the most popular ones.

Myth 1: “Acceleration” is a virus or spyware

❌ Reality: This is Xiaomi's official security-checking app, and it doesn't collect personal data or send it to the company's servers.

Myth 2: Removing Acceleration Will Speed Up Your Phone

❌ Reality: On the contrary, without this component, the system will take longer to process background tasks, which can lead to freezes. 9A, POCO M3).

Myth 3: The app is constantly consuming battery

⚠️ Part of the truth is that Acceleration does use up charge, but in minimal amounts (about 0.5-1 percent per day), offset by energy savings by optimizing other processes.

Myth 4: “Acceleration” can be replaced by third-party optimizers

❌ Reality: Third-party utilities (e.g. CCleaner or CCleaner) DU Speed Booster does not have access to the system API, And they're less efficient, and they can actually brake the device themselves.

What happens if you remove the “Accelerator” completely?
Without this component MIUI It will lose the ability to automatically control memory and processor, as a result: - Increase the opening time of applications. - More often will be forced reboots due to lack of RAM. - The battery will go down faster due to uncontrolled activity of background processes. - The function "Game mode" will stop working (if it was used).

How to Check if Acceleration Works on Your Xiaomi

If you are in doubt whether the app is active, you can check its status in several ways:

Method 1: Through the active process menu

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find the "Speed Booster" (Speed Booster).
  3. See the Memory Use section – if there are active processes, the app works.

Method 2: Through ADB (advanced)

Follow the command:

adb shell dumpsys meminfo com.miui.boost

If the answer contains lines from TOTAL or PSS, This means that the application is actively using resources.

Method 3: Through Battery Monitoring

  1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Use.
  2. Find Acceleration on the list. If it's more than 0.1%, it runs in the background.

If the application does not appear in the active list, it may have been disabled earlier or replaced with an alternative module (for example, in the firmware Xiaomi.EU).

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«Acceleration” is an integral part of MIUI. Disabling it can lead to unstable system operation, especially on devices with low RAM (3-4 GB).

Alternatives to Acceleration: Can we do without it?

If you are not satisfied with the work of the built-in optimizer, there are several alternative solutions:

1. Manual process control

You can manually control background applications:

  • 🔧 Use the settings. → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start to disable unnecessary programs.
  • 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse.
  • 🔄 Reboot your phone every 2-3 days to reset RAM.

2. Third-party optimizers (with caution!)

Some applications can partially replace the Acceleration functions, but their effectiveness is limited:

  • 🛡️ Greenify – suspends background processes (requires root rights for full operation).
  • 🧹 SD Maid – Clears cache and unnecessary files.
  • 📊 AccuBattery helps control battery consumption.

⚠️ Attention: Most of the "cleaners» RAM Google Play is not only useless, it's also harmful. They force the shutdown of processes that the system will soon reboot, which leads to increased battery consumption and wear and tear of flash memory.

3. Castom firmware without "Acceleration"

If you are ready for experiments, you can install an alternative firmware where this component is not:

  • 🌍 LineageOS – “clean” Android without SEOs Xiaomi.
  • 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality.
  • 📱 Xiaomi.EU – modified MIUI Chinese services are disabled (but Acceleration usually stays there).

However, keep in mind that to install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader, which will lead to a reset of all data and loss of warranty (on new Xiaomi models, unlocking takes up to 7 days of waiting).

FAQ: Frequent Questions About the “Acceleration” App on Xiaomi

❓ Why Acceleration is constantly appearing on the list of active apps?
This is normal behavior, because the app is in the background, and it activates when you use your phone for long periods without rebooting, run resource-intensive games or apps, charge your device (optimizes the charging process), and if it consumes too much battery (more than 2-3% per day), check your phone for viruses or reset your settings.
❓ Can you transfer the "acceleration" to the SD-card?
No, it's a system application, and it doesn't support external media portability, and even if it were possible, the optimizer would be disrupted because the read speed of the optimizer would be very slow. SD-cards are lower than internal memory.
❓ Does 'Acceleration' Affect Performance in Games?
Yes, but indirectly: 🎮 Closes background processes before starting the game, freeing up RAM. 🔥 Controls the temperature of the processor, preventing trottling. ⚡ In some cases, it activates Game Mode (if it is enabled in the settings), but if the game still slows down, the problem may be the lack of performance of the device itself (for example, on Redmi). 8A with a Snapdragon 439 processor).
❓ Why the phone became faster after the “Accelerator” shutdown?
This is a temporary effect associated with: 🔄 Freeing up resources that the application itself previously occupied. 🗑️ By stopping the background optimization (the system stops wasting time analyzing processes), but after 1-2 days you will notice that you are not going to be able to see the results: ⚠️ Increased opening time of applications. 🔋 Faster battery discharge. 🔥 Overheating in multitasking.
❓ Is there an “Accelerator” on Xiaomi TVs and smartwatches?
No, this app is only available on smartphones and tablets running MIUI. Other Xiaomi devices use alternative optimization mechanisms: 📺 Mi TV — Has a built-in “Performance Optimizer” in the settings. ⌚ Mi Band/Xiaomi Watch – controlled through the Mi Fitness app, where there is no analogue of Acceleration».