How to speed up the processor on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from cleaning the cache to overclocking cores

Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MediaTek Helio G80 processor is a budget smartphone that eventually starts to slow down even on normal tasks. The reasons may lie in an overloaded system, background processes or suboptimal power saving settings. But the good news is that you can speed up the processor without root rights and complex manipulation.

In this article, 7 proven methods, from basic (cleaning cache, turning off animations) to advanced (overclocking through the engineering menu, optimization of cores). We also analyze which MIUI 14+ settings artificially limit the performance of the Redmi 9 and how to get around them. All methods have been tested on V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM firmware and later.

Important: some methods require precision, for example, changing the parameters in the engineering menu can lead to overheating if you don't monitor the temperature, so we added a safety table and risk warnings.

1.Diagnostics of current performance

Before you speed up the processor, you need to understand what exactly is slowing down the Redmi 9.

• 📊 CPU Throttling Test (from Google Play) - shows whether the system reduces the frequency of the processor due to overheating. Normal: up to 5% of trottling under load.
• 🔍 Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additional settings → This is the processor information. This is the current core frequency.
• 📉 AIDA64 — It displays the loading of each core in real time. Cortex-A75 (They're responsible for productivity).

If the tests show that the processor is operating at a frequency below 2.0 GHz under load (for example, in games), then the system artificially limits it.

• ⚠️ Trottling – automatic frequency reduction due to overheating (often occurs when the case is clogged with dust).
• 🔋 Energy saving regime — MIUI Default limits performance at charge level below 20%.
• 🗑️ Background processes – messengers, auto updates and widgets eat up to 30% of power CPU.

⚠️ Attention: If in AIDA64 nucleus Cortex-A55 It's 100% loaded, and Cortex-A75 It's a sign that the task scheduler is not working properly, and it's solved by resetting the settings or updating the firmware.

System Cleanup: Cache, Background Processes and MIUI “Junk”

The first step to speed up is to free up the CPU resources from unnecessary tasks. Redmi 9 has built-in tools on MIUI, but they don't work well. Here's what to do:

1. Clean App Cache: Go to Settings → Apps → App Management. Sort by cache size (slip three dots at the top). Clear the cache from Google Play Services, MIUI System and instant messengers (they take up to 1-2 GB).
2. Disable AutoRun: In the same Application Management menu, select AutoRun. Turn off AutoRun for all applications except system applications (e.g. Phone, Messages).

Systemic debris disposal:

• Use SD Maid (from Play Market) to clean up the remnants of remote applications and temporary files.
• Manually check folders: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ and /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ – gigabytes of unnecessary data are often accumulated here.
• 🔄 Resetting graphics settings: Sometimes MIUI Resets the graphics settings for games after the update. To return maximum settings: Open Settings → Special facilities → Graphics settings. Select Standard rendering (not Energy Savings!).

These changes will immediately remove delays when opening apps and increase FPS in games by 10-15%, for example, in PUBG Mobile frame rates will go from 30 to 40 FPS in medium settings.

4. Overclocking the processor through the engineering menu (without root)

The MediaTek Helio G80 in Redmi 9 has hidden reserves: its Cortex-A75 cores can run at frequencies up to 2.2 GHz instead of the standard 2.0 GHz.

1. Open the engineering menu: Dial the phone app combination: ##36446337## or ##4636###
2. Go to MTK Settings → CPU Frequency. Here you will see the current core frequencies. To overclock: Set the maximum frequency for the CPU 7-8 (Cortex-A75 cores) at 2200 MHz. For the CPU 1-6 (Cortex-A55 cores), leave 1800 MHz - their acceleration will not increase, but will increase heating.

Save the settings.

After overclocking, check the stability in the Throttling Test CPU. If the trottling is above 10%, reduce the frequency to 2100 MHz.

⚠️ Attention: Overclocking leads to an increase in the temperature of the processor by 5-10°C. If the phone is heated above 50°C to simple, return the standard settings. Also, acceleration is reset after the firmware update.

5. Optimization of processor cores with applications

If the engineering menu is not available, you can control the cores through third-party utilities.

• 🛠️ CPU Tuner (requires) ADB): Allows you to record the frequency of the cores, turn off unnecessary cores in the simple and configure governor (mode). G80 Optimal settings: Governor: performance (for cores) A75), powersave A55) Minimum frequency: 1400 MHz (A75), 1,000 MHz (A55)
• ⚙️ Kernel Adiutor (for root): If you have root rights, this app gives you complete control of the processor, including the core voltage (undervolting!
• 🎮 Game Booster 5 (For games: Automatically optimized CPU/GPU When you start games, select Extreme Mode and tick Disable Thermal Throttle.

When using these applications, monitor the temperature via AIDA64. Normal values for Redmi 9:

• In plain: 30-38°C.
• Under load: 45-55 ° C (maximum - 60 ° C).
• Critical temperature: 65°C (when this value is reached, the processor will automatically reduce the frequency).

💡

If after optimizing the cores, the phone has become discharged faster, return the governor for Cortex-A55 cores to the ondemand value - this will balance performance and power consumption.

6. Firmware and Updates: How They Affect Processor Speed

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the Redmi 9, but not all of them are optimized for performance.

• 📥 Latest versions MIUI (14+) They often contain limits on the frequency of the processor to save power. V13.0.4.0.SJCMIXM maximum Cortex-A75 was reduced to 1.8 GHz.
• 🔄 A rollback to old firmware could bring back lost performance.Best versions for Redmi 9: V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM — stable, no trottling. V12.0.10.0.QJCMIXM — Best Optimization for Games.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) gives an increase of up to 20%, but require unlocking the bootloader and can deprive you of warranties.

To upgrade or roll back:

1. Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (select the Global region).
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Click on three points → Select an update package.
3. After the update, reset settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset).

⚠️ Note: When rolling back on the old firmware, be sure to make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. Otherwise, you will lose data in applications (for example, save in games).

💡

V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM is the best choice for gamers on Redmi 9.It has no artificial limits on the processor frequency and consistently works with acceleration up to 2.2 GHz.

Physical methods: cooling and replacement of thermopaste

If all software methods are exhausted and the processor is still trottling, the problem may be overheating. In Redmi 9, two hardware defects are common:

• 🔥 Dried thermopaste - after 1-2 years of operation, it loses its properties, and the processor heats up by 10-15°C stronger.
• 🌫️ Dusty radiator - dust accumulates between the case and the board, worsening the heat sink.

Decisions:

1. Dust cleanup: Use a compressed air canister (such as the WD-40 Specialist) and blow short bursts into the headphone and speaker jack to blow dust out of the case.
2. Thermopaste replacement: This requires disassembling the phone. The right thermal pastes are: Arctic MX-4 (the most affordable option), Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (for extreme acceleration).

Disassembly instructions:

1. Remove the back cover (use a plastic shoulder blade).


2. Unscrew 10 screws around the board.




3. Gently disconnect the battery plume.




4. Remove the metal plate from the processor, clean the old paste with alcohol.




5. Apply a new paste (a 0.5mm layer) and assemble the phone.

Use of a cooling stand:

For games, connect your phone to a USB-powered fan (such as Black Shark Cooler) that will reduce the temperature by 5-8°C.

After replacing the thermal paste, check the temperature in AIDA64. If the processor is warming less, you can re-try overclocking.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 acceleration