Why Xiaomi Redmi is slowing down and laying down: a full analysis of the reasons + 7 Ways to Speed Up Your Phone

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their price-performance ratio, but even they are not immune to smoothness problems. If your device starts to hang, slowly open apps or stutter when scrolling, this does not always mean that it is time to buy a new phone. In 80% of cases, the causes of lags lie in the software settings, the background of processes or the physical condition of the device - and they can be eliminated on their own.

We have analyzed hundreds of user complaints on forums (including: 4PDA, Mi Community and Reddit and highlighted 10 The main reasons why Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C And the other models in the series are starting to slow down, and in this article, you'll find not only diagnostics, but also step-by-step instructions with a checklist widget, a method comparison table, and answers to frequent questions. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but they directly affect the performance.

⚠️ Important: If the lags appeared after the fall of the phone or moisture, immediately go to the section "Hardware malfunctions" - software methods here will not help.

Before you start setting up, answer one question – this will help narrow the range of possible reasons:

📊 When your Redmi started to lay?
After the MIUI update
Immediately after purchase
After installing a new application
Over time, for no apparent reason.
I don't know.

1. Overloading of RAM (RAM)

The most common reason for brakes is a lack of RAM. Redmi models with 3-4 GB of RAM (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8 is particularly vulnerable: the system removes background processes more aggressively than on flagships, which leads to constant reboots of applications. Even 6-8 GB of RAM (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, Redmi K50) It is not guaranteed to be smooth if there are 20 in the background.+ applications.

How to check the RAM load:

  1. Open Settings → About the phone → System status.
  2. Click on “Memory” (or “Memory Use”).
  3. If the free is less than 15-20% of RAM, this is a critical value.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI The default limit the background activity of applications, but some programs (such as messengers or games) bypass these restrictions. RAM even in a folded state.

Ways to free up memory:

  • 🔄 Reboot your phone, it shuts down all the background processes. Do this every 2-3 days.
  • 🚫 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Autostart control.
  • 🗑️ Clear the cache for heavy apps (e.g. Facebook, Instagram): Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
  • 🔧 Activate the "Light Version" mode for MIUI (Hidden function: Enter the code ##4636## in the Phone app, select Battery Information» → «Menu (three dots) → «Light version MIUI».

☑️ Fast optimization RAM

Done: 0 / 4

2. Completed Storage (ROM)

When internal memory is crammed, the system starts using it as a virtual memory. RAM, The critical threshold for Redmi is less than 10% of the available space. For example, on Redmi Note 10, from 128 GB, when filling up to 115 GB, lags will begin.

How to check:

  1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
  2. See the usage schedule. If the "System" or "Other" segment is occupied >30GB is an anomaly.

What to do:

  • 📁 Transfer files to SD-Map (if supported) or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
  • 🧹 Remove duplicate photos/video with Files by Google or Clean Master.
  • 🗃️ Clean the Downloads folder – unnecessary ones often accumulate there. APK-file-cache.
  • 🔍 Find the “heavy” files: in Settings → Warehouse → Storage analysis sort by size.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t use Google Play’s “memory optimizers” – they often cause lags by consuming resources in the background:

- DCIM/.thumbnails folder (cache of thumbnails)




- Android/obb folder (game cache)




Files with.apk extension (installation packages)
What's the "Other" in the vault?
These are system files, update cache, log files and temporary data. These can not be deleted manually without root rights, but you can shorten: 1. Clear the cache of all applications in Settings → Warehouse → Application Data. 2. Remove old updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Remove the downloaded package. 3. Reset the phone to factory settings (last option).

3. Processor overheating

Xiaomi Redmi on Snapdragon processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with Snapdragon 680) and MediaTek (Redmi) 10C helio G35) They're prone to thermal throttling, which is an artificial decrease in performance when they overheat. Normal operating temperature: 30-40°C. If the sensors show >50°C, the chip starts to "suffocate" which causes lags.

Causes of overheating:

  • 🔥 Games or heavy applications (e.g. Genshin Impact, Wild Rift).
  • 🔋 Charging. + Active use (especially with fast charging) 33W+).
  • ☀️ Direct sunlight or hot weather (>30°C outside).
  • 🛠️ Dry thermopaste (relevant for phones over 2 years old).

How to check the temperature:

  1. Install the AIDA64 or CPU Monitor app.
  2. Run a load test on the processor.
  3. If the temperature is above 60°C is critical overheating.

Cooling methods:

  • ❄️ Remove the cover - it blocks the heat sink.
  • 🛑 Close all apps and let your phone cool for 10-15 minutes.
  • 🔌 Turn off charging during games or videos.
  • 🔧 Turn off background activity for games: Settings → Special facilities → Optimizing games → Choose “Productivity».

💡

If the phone is warming even in plain, check the charger.Non-original voltage power supplies >5V/2A Can cause overheating of the battery and processor.

4.Outdated version of MIUI or firmware

Xiaomi regularly releases updates to optimize performance, but many users ignore them.Every 3rd complaint about the lags on the forums is related to an outdated version MIUI. For example, in MIUI 12.5 was a critical memory management error, corrected only in the MIUI 13.0.4.

How to check the relevance of the firmware:

  1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
  2. Compare your version to the latest stable version on the Mi Community website.

What to do if the update does not come:

  • 🔄 Force check for updates: click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Update Package».
  • 📥 Download the firmware manually from the official site and install through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Select a firmware file.
  • 🔧 Reset your network settings (sometimes updates don’t download due to connection issues): → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install custom firmware (like LineageOS) without experience - this can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the phone. MIUI Tested for compatibility with iron.

MIUI versionFamous bugsCorrected in
MIUI 12.5High consumption RAM, lagsMIUI 13.0.4
MIUI 13.1Overheating during charging, slow animationMIUI 13.2.5
MIUI 14.0.1Camera freezes, long application loadsMIUI 14.0.3

5. Viruses and malware

Even if you don’t install apps from unknown sources, viruses can get in through:

  • 📎 Investments in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
  • 🌐 Phishing sites (such as fake data entry pages).
  • 📱 APK-files downloaded from torrents or third-party stores.

Signs of infection:

  • 🚨 A sharp increase in traffic or battery consumption.
  • 📱 Appearance of unfamiliar apps on the menu.
  • 🔄 Spontaneous reboots or opening advertisements.

How to check and remove viruses:

  1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light (free versions).
  2. Run a deep scan.
  3. Remove any threats and reboot your phone.

⚠️ Warning: Some viruses disguise themselves as system applications (e.g. com.android.system) If the antivirus doesn't find anything, the lags remain:

  1. Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
  2. Sort by installation date – remove any suspicious new programs.
  3. Reset your phone to factory settings (see Section 8).

💡

Viruses often hide in the Download folder or in the browser cache. After scanning with antivirus, be sure to clean the browser data (Settings) → Annexes → Chrome → Warehouse → Clear the data).

6. Application or system services conflicts

Some programs are in conflict with MIUI Optimization is Xiaomi’s proprietary technology that drives multitasking:

  • 🎮 Game launchers (Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce NOW) They can block resources.
  • 🔒 VPN-Applications (NordVPN, ProtonVPN) sometimes cause network freezes.
  • 📱 Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher conflict with animation MIUI.

How to identify the problem application:

  1. Launch your phone in Safe Mode: Press the Power button → long tap on "Switch off» → «Safe regime».
  2. If there are no lags in safe mode, it is the fault of third-party software.
  3. Alternately remove recently installed programs to check performance.

Hidden settings MIUI optimizing:

  • 🔧 Turn off window animation (accelerate the opening of applications): Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode) → Go back to "Settings» → «Advanced settings» → «For developers» → Put all the animations on. 0.5x or turn it off.
  • 🔧 Turn it off. MIUI Optimization (Energy Users Only!): Find the option in Developer Mode MIUI Optimize and deactivate it. This can cause bugs with notifications!

Battery wear and tear

Xiaomi Redmi batteries are designed for 500-800 charging cycles, and then the capacity drops, and the phone starts:

  • 🔋 Quickly discharge (less than 4 hours of work).
  • 🐢 Brake at charge level <30%.
  • 🔌 Turn off when connected to charging.

How to check the status of the battery:

  1. Enter the code ##4636## in the Phone app.
  2. Select "Battery Information".
  3. Look at the level parameter and the health parameter if the health indicates "bad" or capacity. <80% — battery-change.

What to do:

  • 🔄 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
  • 🔋 Replace the battery (cost for Redmi: 1,500–3,000) ₽). Xiaomi service centers give a 6-month warranty.
  • 🔌 Use the original charger – non-original units accelerate wear.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone suddenly turns off at 20-30% charge, it is a sign of battery bloating - immediately take it to the service).

8. Hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware.

  • 💾 Damaged flash memory (for example, after a fall).
  • 🔌 Oxidized motherboard contacts (due to moisture).
  • 🛠️ Chip dump (for example, Wi-Fi module or RAM).

Signs of hardware problems:

  • 🔄 The phone spontaneously reboots when heated.
  • 📱 The screen flickers or "gluts" when scrolling.
  • 🔊 The sound is distorted or lost.

Diagnosis:

  1. Check the phone for broken pixels (run the screen test in the AIDA64).
  2. Test the touchscreen: type ##2664## to check for multi-touch.
  3. See if the battery is swelling (lift the back cover if possible).

Decisions:

  • 🛠️ Average cost of repair: Replacement of flash memory: 3,000–5,000 ₽. Chip soldering: 2,000 to 4,000 ₽. Oxidation cleansing: 1,500–2,500 ₽.
  • 🔧 If the phone is warranty – do not open it yourself, otherwise you will lose the right to free repairs.

💡

If the lags are caused by a fall or moisture, 90% of the problem is hardware. Don't waste time on software methods, take the phone to the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

My Redmi Note 10 Pro only lays in games.
1. Set a limit FPS: In Settings → Special facilities → Optimize games, select Balanced Mode. 2. Turn off background activity for the game: Settings → Annexes → [Game] → Battery → No restrictions (paradox, but it reduces the lags). 3. Lower the graphics in the game settings to "Mediocre" or "Low».
After the MIUI update, the phone started to slow down.
1. Download the old firmware version from Mi Community. 2. Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Select a firmware file. 3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the rollback. ⚠️ Warning: This will reset all settings!
Can Redmi be accelerated with root rights?
Yeah, but it's risky: ✅ Pros: you can remove system applications, overclock the processor, disable MIUI Optimization. ❌ Cons: loss of warranty, risk of "brick", problems with updates. For beginners, it is better to use the rotary-free methods from this article.
Which antivirus is better for Xiaomi?
Malwarebytes is lightweight, does not slow down the system. Dr.Web Light is good for detecting Trojans. Bitdefender Mobile is paid, but with better protection. ❌ Do not use Clean Master, 360 Security, they cause lags.
Should I reset my phone to factory settings?
Yes, if: You tried all the methods in the article. Phone is out of the box (possibly malware). There are suspicions of viruses that the antivirus does not find. How to reset: Back up: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Select Settings Reset. → Erase all data. After reset, don't restore data from a backup -- install applications manually.