Overclocking the processor on Xiaomi: real ways to speed up the smartphone and what not to do

You want to make the most of your Xiaomi, but standard settings don't deliver the performance you need? CPU overclocking may be the solution -- but it's not as easy as it sounds. Unlike a PC where overclocking has long been a routine, on Qualcomm's Snapdragon or MediaTek smartphones, the process requires caution. Mistakes can lead to overheating, reduced battery life, or even irreversible chip damage.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the working methods of overclocking a CPU on Xiaomi, from secure tweaks through developer settings to extreme ways with custom core firmware, which models support overclocking, which tools you’ll need, and why even a small 10-15% increase in frequency can give you a 30% increase in games and benchmarks, but remember: each method has its own risks, and we’ll be honest about them.

Can I overclock the processor on Xiaomi without root?

Yes, but with serious limitations, without the rights of a superuser, you can only:

• 🔧 Activate the Performance Mode in MIUI (covert).
• 📱 Use apps like Game Turbo for a temporary boost.
• ⚡ Disable background processes through Settings → Battery.

These methods will increase to 5-10% in synthetic tests, but will not change the real frequencies of the cores.

If your Xiaomi is on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (like Xiaomi 13 Ultra), then even without root you can try to activate hidden modes through ADB:

adb shell settings put global force_high_performance true

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This command can cause overheating over a long load. AIDA64.

Preparation for acceleration: what to do before the start

Before increasing the frequency, follow the following steps:

Check the processor model in CPU-Z>

Make a backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP>

Install AIDA64 to monitor temperature

Charge your phone at least 70%

Disable Mi Optimizations in the developer settings (if there is root)-->

Pay special attention to cooling. On non-liquid cooled models (like the Redmi 10C), acceleration of more than 10% will lead to thermal throttling, an automatic frequency reduction when heated above 85°C.

For stability testing, use:

• 📊 3DMark — for checking graphic performance.
• 🔥 Prime95 (via Termux - for a stress test CPU.
• 🎮 GFXBench – for evaluation FPS play.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone turns off when you're running, it's a sign of underpower. Try rolling back changes or zooming in. UV (undervolt).

Method 1: Overclocking through developer settings (without root)

This method is suitable for most models on MIUI 14+ and gives a minimum gain, but it is absolutely safe.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find options: Background Limitation → No Limits. Windows animations / Transitions → set 0.5x. USB debugging → turn on.

Snapdragon 888/8 Gen 1

Xiaomi 12 Pro

Force 4x MSAA

Effect:

💡

After activating the developer mode, install QuickShortcutMaker from APKMirror, which can help you find hidden MIUI options, such as Performance Mode.

Method 2: Acceleration with root and custom core (for advanced)

If you are willing to take risks, a custom core (such as FrancoKernel or Perseus) will allow you to overclock. CPU before +20-30% It's from standard frequencies:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Established custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 🛠️ Root access (Magisk).

Instructions for Snapdragon models:

1. Download the kernel for your model with XDA Developers (e.g. forum.xda-developers.com).
2. Run it through TWRP.
3. Install Kernel Auditor or EX Kernel Manager for frequency management.
4. In the app, find the CPU tab and increase Max Frequency for larger cores (Cortex-X2/A710) by 10-15%.

For MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro with Helio G99):

• Use the MTK Engineering Mode (code #36446337##).
• In the Hardware Testing → MTK Settings menu, find the Clock CPU options.
• Don't go overboard: 🔥 Helio G96: max 2.05 GHz (standard 2.0 GHz). ⚡ Dimensity 9000:max 3.25 GHz (standard 3.05 GHz).

Method 3: Undervolting – an alternative to overclocking

If overclocking seems too risky, try undervolting, which reduces the voltage on the cores, which reduces heat and increases battery life, sometimes giving you a performance boost by not having to trottling.

How to do this:

1. Install EX Kernel Manager (root required)
2. Go to CPU Voltage.
3. Reduce voltage by 10-25 mV for each core, starting with the small core (Cortex-A55/A510).
4. Check the stability in Prime95 for 15-20 minutes.

Example of safe values for Snapdragon 870 (e.g. POCO F3):

💡

Undervolting 10-15mV is usually safe, but a 30+mV drop can cause app crashes.Always test gradually!

Risks of overclocking: what can go wrong

Even with careful acceleration, there is a chance to face problems:

• 🔥 Overheating: At temperatures above 90°C is activated by thermal throttling and performance falls below standard.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Acceleration to 20% may reduce the time of work for 30-40%.
• 💥 Brick (inoperability): Incorrect core firmware or 30 frequencies overload%+ Could kill the phone.
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty if root or custom software is detected.

How to minimize the risks:

• 📉 Use Thermal Paste Mod (Thermopaste Replacement) for Passive Cooled Models.
• 🔄 Return to standard frequencies and check for stability.
• 📱 For gaming phones (Black Shark, POCO F5) use external coolers.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) acceleration is practically useless - the increase will be eaten by trottling after 5 minutes of load.

The best Xiaomi models for overclocking in 2026

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally overclockable. TOP-5 models where overclocking gives the maximum effect:

On budget models (Redmi 12C, POCO M5) acceleration is useless - weak cooling and low potential of processors (Helio G85, Snapdragon 680) will negate all efforts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the overclocking of Xiaomi