Disabling overheating protection on Xiaomi: when to do it and how to do it safely

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones are equipped with an integrated overheating protection system that automatically reduces the performance of the processor when critical temperatures are reached. This feature, known as thermal throttling, prevents damage to internal components, but sometimes interferes with resource-intensive tasks such as long gaming sessions or video rendering. In this article, we will examine whether it is possible to turn off the protection against overheating on Xiaomi, what risks this carries and what alternative methods will help improve cooling without radical measures.

It is important to understand that the manufacturer specifically limits the maximum temperature of the chipset (usually 40-45).°C for the beginning of throttling and 50-60°C for forced shutdowns) Exceeding these values can lead to battery degradation, processor failure or even fire in extreme cases. Therefore, before any manipulation with cooling settings, assess the need for such actions and prepare for possible consequences.

The article is suitable for owners of devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (series). 6xx/7xx/8xx), MediaTek Helio (G- and P-series) and Dimensity, as well as those who have faced artificial performance limitations in games such as Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or when working with Adobe Premiere Rush. ADB), and hardware solutions (replacement of thermal paste, use of coolers).

Why Xiaomi is limiting performance when it heats

The thermal throttle system in Xiaomi smartphones works on three levels:

• 🔥 Programming limit: MIUI Grammy reduces clock frequency CPU/GPU When the temperature threshold is reached (configured by the manufacturer).
• 🛡️ Hardware protection: The power controller turns off components when critically heated (e.g, >70°C for Snapdragon 865).
• 📉 Optimization MIUI: Background processes are suspended, the brightness of the screen decreases, charging slows down.

The main reasons for the protection:

Critical temperature for most Xiaomi chipsets – 65-75°C. Exceeding this threshold may cause irreversible damage to the motherboard.

The manufacturer deliberately lowers the throttling thresholds to:

• ⚡ Extend battery life (lithium-ion batteries degrade when heated above 40)°C).
• 🔧 Reduce the number of warranty claims due to overheating.
• 📱 Comply with safety standards (e.g. Google Mobile Services require heating restrictions).

The dangers of turning off overheating protection

Before you start manipulating thermothrottle, familiarize yourself with the potential risks:

⚠️ Warning: Disabling hardware temperature limits can lead to fire hazard, especially if the device's battery is worn out (capacity below 80% of nominal value## → "Battery information".

• 🔋 Rapid battery degradation: At temperature >45°C battery loses up to 20% of capacity in 3-6 months.
• 💥 Chipset failure: Modern processors (e.g. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) have overheating protection, but bypassing it can cause "trottling" (constant performance decline).
• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Any changes to the engineering menu or firmware will void Xiaomi's warranty obligations.
• 🔌 Charging problems: Quick Charge (HyperCharge) can automatically shut down when temperature limits are exceeded.

An alternative approach is to optimize cooling without turning off the protection:

• 🧊 Use of external coolers (e.g. Black Shark FunCooler Pro).
• 🔧 Replacement of thermal paste/thermo pads (relevant for Poco) F3, Redmi K40).
• 📱 Disabling background processes through Settings → Battery → Performance mode.

Method 1: Disabling throttling through the engineering menu (MTK)

This method is suitable for devices on MediaTek processors (Helio). G95, Dimensity 900 et al. Snapdragon requires a different approach (see next section).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (or #4636## → "Phone information" → "Choice of network").
2. Go to section. MTK Engineer Mode → Hardware Testing → Thermal.
3. Find the settings: Thermal Throttling – set the Disabled value. CPU Throttling Temp – Increase the threshold to 90-95°C (not recommended above!).

Save the settings and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco) X3 Pro: The engineering menu can be blocked, and you'll need to unlock the bootloader unlock, which erases all data!

After disabling throttling, check the temperature through the apps:

• 📊 CPU Monitor (shows load on the cores in real time).
• 🌡️ AIDA64 (sensory detail).
• 🎮 Game Bench (monitoring) FPS and game temperatures).

Check the processor model (MediaTek/Snapdragon)

Make a backup copy of the data

Install a temperature monitoring application

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare for a possible reset of settings-->

Method 2: Change the thermal limits through ADB (Snapdragon)

For devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50, Poco F4) You need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is more complex, but allows you to more accurately adjust the thresholds of throttling.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB-tools and execute the commands: adb shell su echo "0" > /sys/module/msm_thermal/parameters/enabled For temporary limit increase (before rebooting): echo "95000" > /sys/class/thermal/thermal_zone0/trip_point_0_temp

List of key commands for throttling management:

Important: After the reboot, all changes will reset (/vendor/etc/thermal-engine.conf), What is possible only on an unlocked bootloader with root rights.

💡

Before use ADB Check if your model supports the su command on new devices (MIUI 14+) Magisk patch may be required to obtain root rights.

Method 3: Using Magisk modules to control thermal throttle

If you're ready for deeper modifications, Magisk modules allow you to flexibly adjust thermal limits without manual commands.

• 🔥 Thermal Configs: Module to change throttling thresholds via GUI. Supports Snapdragon 888/8 Gen 1/2.
• ⚡ PowerHALT: Optimizes energy consumption and reduces heating by controlling clock frequencies.
• 📊 Kernel Auditor: Allows you to manually set maximum temperatures for the CPU/GPU.

Installation instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader (the official Xiaomi instruction).
2. Install Magisk via TWRP or Fastboot.
3. Download a module (such as Thermal Configs) and activate it in Magisk Manager.
4. Restart the device and set the thresholds in the module application.

⚠️ Note: Some modules are in conflict with MIUI Optimization. If you have lags or reboots after installation, turn off the option. MIUI Optimization in Magisk settings.

Example configuration for Snapdragon 870 (used in Poco) F3, Redmi K40):

# In /vendor/etc/thermal-engine-8985.conf


CPU_THROTTLING_TEMP=90000 # Throttle Threshold (90°C)




CPU_SHUTDOWN_TEMP=95000 # Critical temperature (95°C)




GPU_THROTTLING_TEMP=85000 # Throttling GPU at 85°C

💡

Magisk modules are the most flexible way to control thermal throttle, but require unlocking the bootloader and disabling data encryption (on some models).

Hardware methods for improving cooling

If the software methods seem risky, consider hardware solutions to lower the temperature:

• 🧊 External coolers: Black Shark FunCooler Pro (with liquid cooling, reduces temperature by 10-15)°C). GameSir X2 (gameplay cooler).
• 🔧 Replacement of thermal paste: Relevant for models with passive cooling (Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco) X3 NFC). Recommended pastes: Arctic MX-4, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
• 📱 Heat pads: Replacement of regular gaskets with copper or graphite (for example, for Xiaomi) 11T Pro).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing thermopaste:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (a suction cup and plastic mediator will be required).
2. Unplug the battery (required!) and find the chipset (usually under a metal screen).
3. Remove the old paste with alcohol (>90%) and apply the new thin layer.
4. Collect the device and check the temperature in AIDA64.

Comparison of the effectiveness of methods:

What to do if the smartphone overheats without load

If your Xiaomi is heating up even in standby mode, the problem may be related to:

• 🔋 Faulty battery: Check wear through ##4636## → "Battery information. If health is below 80%, replacement is required.
• 🛠️ Background Processes: Open Settings → Battery → Battery usage and find apps with abnormal consumption.
• 📶 Bad signal: In the low-course zone, the modem is running at maximum power, which raises the temperature.
• 🦠 Malware: Scan through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

Diagnostic algorithm:

1. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot Safe Mode”).
2. If the heat goes away, it's the third-party app's fault.
3. Check the temperature through AIDA64 c simple: the norm is 30-38°C.
4. If the temperature is above 45°C without load – contact the service center (may be problems with the motherboard).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi overheating