Your Xiaomi is getting hung up, apps are late, and animations are twitching? This is a common problem that can occur even on flagship models like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or the budget Redmi Note 12. Brakes don't always mean that the phone is "tired" - in 80% of cases they can be eliminated without going to the service center.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible causes, from trivial overheating to hidden MIUI firmware errors, and give you step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions. We’ll focus on the hidden MIUI settings that the manufacturer doesn’t advertise but that directly affect performance. If you’re ready to get Xiaomi back to speed, read on.
1. Overloading of RAM (RAM)
The most common reason for brakes is a lack of RAM. Even if your Xiaomi has 8 or 12 GB of RAM installed, the system can “suffocate” due to background processes, especially for models with MIUI 14+, where aggressive optimization sometimes works against the user.
How do you check?
- 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Memory and see the usage schedule RAM.
- 🔍 If it is free less than 1 GB, this is a critical level.
- 🚨 Note the apps in the recent section: some (like Facebook or TikTok) can take up to 500MB each, even when folded.
What do I do?
- ⚡ Forced to close unwanted apps via the multitasking menu (swipe up).
- ⚙️ Enable the "Cleaning" function RAM» In Settings → Special facilities → Optimization of the system.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone once in a while. 2-3 And that's what's going on in the day.
⚠️ Note: Do not use "boosters" RAM» Google Play – They only make the problem worse by creating additional background processes. MIUI It already has built-in optimization tools.
2. Completed Storage (ROM)
If less than 10% of the phone’s memory is empty, the system slows down when writing new data, which is due to how the F2FS file system works (used in most Xiaomi), and when space is scarce, the phone has to constantly redistribute memory blocks, leading to lags.
Critical thresholds:
| Free seat | Impact on productivity |
|---|---|
| Less than 5% | Strong brakes, errors in the installation of applications |
| 5–10% | Slowing down file recording, lags in the camera |
| 10–20% | Minor inhibitions |
| More than 20% | Optimal work |
How do I make room?
- 📸 Move photos and videos to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or to PC.
- 🎮 Remove the game cache through Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Game] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🗑️ Use the built-in Security App to remove garbage.
- 🔍 Check the Download folder – often there accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary files.
☑️ Checklist for memory cleanup
⚠️ Note: Do not use format data in TWRP You can make room for it, and you can reset your phone completely. MIUI.
3. Processor overheating
Xiaomi is known for its propensity for thermal throttling, which artificially reduces performance when overheated. If the phone heats up above 45°C, the processor (Snapdragon or Mediatek) automatically reduces the frequency, leading to lags.
Causes of overheating:
- 🔥 Genshin Impact (Call of Duty Mobile).
- ☀️ Direct sunlight or hot weather.
- 🔋 Faulty battery (blown, wear and tear).
- 🛠️ Clogged ventilation grille (relevant to Black Shark).
How do you check the temperature?
- Install the AIDA64 or CPU Monitor app.
- Run a performance test.
- If the temperature exceeds 50 ° C, this is a critical overheating.
Decisions:
- ❄️ Remove the case while charging or playing.
- 🔌 Do not use your phone while charging (especially for gaming).
- 🔧 Replace thermopaste (relevant for models over 2 years old).
- 🛑 Limit it. FPS in games through graphics settings.
💡
If your Xiaomi is overheating for no apparent reason, check the temperature sensor with the engineering menu. To do this, dial ##4636## in the phone app and select Battery Information.
4.Outdated or "curved" firmware
MIUI is known for bugs, especially in early versions of updates, and if the brakes came right after the update, it's the firmware that's to blame.
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11 on MIUI 13.0.5–13.0.8 (animation problems).
- 📱 Poco X3/X4 on MIUI 14.0.2 (hanging out).
- 📱 Xiaomi 12/12T on MIUI 14.0.4 (camera-brake).
How do I check the firmware version?
Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If the version is older than 3-6 months, it’s time to update it.
What do I do?
- 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
- 🔧 If the update doesn’t work, roll back to the stable version via the Mi Flash Tool.
- 🛠️ For advanced: install a custom core (e.g. Perseus for Snapdragon) 865/870).
How to get back to the old version of MIUI?
5. Background processes and autoboot
Many applications (Facebook, AliExpress, Mi Fit) are launched at the start of the system and run in the background, consuming RAM and CPU. MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to turn off autoboot.
How do you turn off autoboot?
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app (such as Facebook).
- Press Autostart and turn off the slider.
- Repeat for all unnecessary applications.
List of the most “glutty” applications:
- 📱 Facebook and Messenger (constantly sync data).
- 🛒 AliExpress, Wildberries (location tracking).
- 🎮 Google Play Games (background updates).
- 📊 Mi Fit, Zepp (activity monitoring).
💡
Disabling autoboot for 10-15 unnecessary applications can increase the time without recharging by 15-20% and reduce lags when multitasking.
6.Battery problems
The worn-out battery not only discharges quickly, it causes brakes. When the voltage drops below 3.5V, the processor automatically lowers the frequency to extend the running time, which leads to twitching interfaces and delays when opening applications.
How to check the status of the battery?
- 🔋 Install AccuBattery and see the battery health score.
- 📊 V AIDA64 Check the battery temperature and voltage.
- 🔍 If the capacity has fallen below 80% of the nominal - it is time to change the battery.
Signs of a “dying” battery:
- 🔌 The phone turns off at 20-30% charge.
- ⚡ Charging jumps (for example, from 50% to 20% per second).
- 🔥 The phone warms even in plain.
- 🐢 Strong brakes with charge below 15%.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice a bloating battery (the phone body has become convex), immediately disconnect the device and contact the service!
7. Viruses and malware
Yes, even Xiaomi can get viruses, especially if you installed APKs from unverified sources. Some malware (HiddenAds, Joker) masquerades as system processes and loads the processor with ads or mining.
How to check your phone for viruses?
- 🛡️ Use Malwarebytes or the built-in Security Scan in the MIUI.
- 🔍 Check the list of running processes in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launched.
- 📊 Notice unusual names (e.g., high-consumption com.system.update) CPU).
What to do if a virus is found?
- 🗑️ Remove the suspicious app.
- 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (click the power button) → long tap on "Switch off» → «Safe regime»).
- 🛠️ If the virus is embedded in system files, reset to factory settings.
8. Hardware malfunctions
If none of the above helps, the problem may be in the iron:
- 💾 Bad blocks - causes freezes when reading/writing.
- 🔌 Faulty power controller – causes sudden resets and brakes.
- 📡 Antenna problems (for example, after a fall) – the phone is constantly searching for the network, loading the processor.
- 🔧 The dump of memory chips (relevant for Xiaomi, who were in repairs).
How do you diagnose?
- 🛠️ Take a memory test through MemTest86 (requires an unlocked loader).
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the plumes (if the phone fell or got wet).
- 📡 Turn on 10-15 minutes flight mode – if the brakes are gone, the problem is in the communication module.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake after falling or getting moisture, don't try to repair it yourself.Oxidation of contacts or microcracks on the board can lead to a complete failure.