Why Xiaomi Redmi 4X is slowing down and how to fix it: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

Snapdragon 435

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of brakes, from software to hardware, and give specific instructions for the Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni). It is important to understand that some methods (such as factory resets) erase data, so try safe methods first.

Why the Redmi 4X is slow: why the Redmi is slow

Android 6/7 (and the Redmi 4X has not officially received an update above MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1.2) accumulates digital garbage over time.

• 🗑️ Full memory: less than 1 GB of free space on the system partition leads to malfunctions in Android.
• 🔄 Background processes: apps like Facebook, Instagram or MIUI Optimizers consume up to 30% CPU even in a folded state.
• 🦠 Viruses and Advertising Software: Especially if you have installed APK unverified.
• 🔋 Worn-out battery: With a capacity below 70% of the face value, the phone starts to automatically limit performance to extend the life of the phone.
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware: After failed updates or manual interference with system files.

Another specific problem with the Redmi 4X is that the Snapdragon 435 processor overheats, and at temperatures above 60°C, the system forces the core frequency to decrease, causing a sharp slowdown, which often happens when playing PUBG Mobile or Free Fire at maximum graphics settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone only brakes when charging, the problem may be in the power supply. Cheap charging with unstable voltage causes performance drawdowns.

Quick ways to speed up the Redmi 4X without resetting

Start with these methods – they do not require deep knowledge and take no more than 10 minutes:

1.Cache and garbage cleanup

System cache and temporary application files can take up to 3-5 GB of memory to delete:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Click “Clean up garbage” (remove unnecessary APKs, log files, cache).
3. Then select “Deep Clean” and confirm the cache removal for all applications.

Important: Do not clear the cache for instant messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) – this will delete downloaded media files.

2. Disable animation and visual effects

MIUI, by default, includes a lot of animations that load a weak processor to turn them off:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the settings: Window animation scale → Disable the transition animation scale → Disable the animator duration → Disable

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If the interface looks “sharp” after disabling animations, zoom back to 0.5x – this is a trade-off between smoothness and performance.

3. Limitation of background processes

By default, MIUI allows applications to run in the background indefinitely.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Turn off auto-run for all applications except instant messengers and system services.
3. In the same section, select Battery and Performance and set the “Limit Background Activity” mode for most applications.

⚠️ Please note: Do not limit background activity for Google Play Services and MIUI System – This can cause system failures.

Deep cleaning: reset to factory settings

If simple methods don’t work, the next step is a full reset, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and installed apps, so be sure to back up:

• 📱 Save your contacts in Google Account (Settings) → Synchronization).
• 📸 Move photos and videos to your PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🔑 Write down your Wi-Fi and account passwords (use Google Password Manager).

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select “Reset” → “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🚫 Don’t restore data from the backup right away – check first if the phone is running faster.
• 📥 Install applications one at a time, watching the performance.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X Reset via Recovery (Power buttons) + Vol Up) may cause a "No command" error, in which case only reset via the settings menu.

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Resetting to factory settings deletes all data, but returns the phone to a "clean" state, eliminating 90% of software lags.

Firmware optimization: custom ROM and cores

Official updates to the Redmi 4X have long since stopped, but the development community is offering alternatives.Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can speed things up significantly, but requires unlocking the bootloader and having TWRP Recovery.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🆕 Updated Android 10/11 (Instead of outdated Android 7).
• ⚡ No extra software from Xiaomi (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music).
• 🔧 Ability to fine-tune performance (e.g., change frequency) CPU).

Cons and risks:

• 🔓 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 💥 Possibility of “filling” the phone with installation error.
• 📵 Certain functions (e.g, IR-Quick Charge or Blaster may not work properly.

If you decide to use custom firmware, follow this instruction:

⚠️ Attention: Before firmware check the phone model in Settings → The phone. → Model.Redmi 4 firmware (prada code) is not suitable for Redmi 4X (santoni)!

Checking the “iron”: battery, memory and processor

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

Status of the battery

Not only does the worn-out battery run out quickly, it also causes performance drawdowns due to the constant micro-reboot of the power controller.

• Install the AccuBattery app (shows wear in %).
• Or enter the code in the engineering menu: ##4636## Go to Battery Information and see the health setting.

Normal readings:

• 🟢 80-100% — battery in good condition.
• 🟡 60-80% — Replacement is required soon.
• 🔴 Below 60% – critical wear and tear, the phone will brake even after resetting.

2. RAM test (RAM)

Redmi 4X has 2/3 GB of RAM, and over time, the memory modules degrade. AIDA64:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Go to the section "Memory» → «Memory test».
3. If the read/write speed is below 2000 MB/s, there may be problems with soldered contacts.

3. Processor diagnostics

Snapdragon 435 overheating is a common cause of brakes.

• Install the CPU Monitor or Cool Tool.
• Run a stress test (e.g. Genshin Impact on minimum settings).
• If the temperature exceeds 70°C, a thermal paste replacement or dust cleaning is required.

Alternative solutions: from root to upgrade

If nothing helps, consider these options:

1. Root access and optimization

Getting root rights allows you to:

• 🧹 Remove System Applications (Bloatware).
• ⚡ Use Kernel Adiutor for acceleration/undervoltage CPU.
• 🗃️ Transfer applications to SD-Card (even if it is not supported by default).

To get root on Redmi 4X:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as in the section about custom firmware).
2. Install Magisk via TWRP.
3. Check root status in the Magisk Manager app.

⚠️ Note: After receiving root, do not update your phone through MIUI Updater will result in loss of superuser rights.

2. Iron upgrade

The following upgrades are available for Redmi 4X:

• 🔋 Replacement of the battery with a new one (original Xiaomi or analogue with a capacity of 4000)+ mic).
• 💾 Installation of microSD class A2 (Speeds up reading/write for applications).
• 🔌 Replace the charging connector (if the phone is slowing down when connecting to the network).

Cost of repair in the service center:

3.Buying a new phone

If the Redmi 4X is running out of resources, consider Xiaomi’s budget alternatives:

• 📱 Redmi 9A (Helio G25, 2/32 GB - from 6 000 ₽.
• 📱 Poco C31 (Helio G35, 3/32 GB - from 8 000 ₽.
• 📱 Redmi Note 10 (Snapdragon 678, 4/64 GB - from 12 000 ₽.

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If the phone is older than 5 years and brakes even after resetting, replacing it with a new model is often cheaper and more practical than repairing it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X brakes