Xiaomi phone slows down and freezes – what to do and how to fix yourself

Your Xiaomi is slow to work, apps are late to open, and the system periodically “hangs” for a few seconds? This is a common problem faced by owners of smartphones based on MIUI — both new models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) and older devices (Redmi 9, Mi 10T). The causes of brakes can be different, from overloaded memory to errors in firmware. In this article, we will discuss 10 working ways to return the phone performance without going to the service center.

Before you start taking drastic measures (like factory resets), check out simple solutions. Often, it is enough to clear the cache, disable unnecessary background processes or update the software. We have compiled step-by-step instructions, from the easiest methods to deep optimization of the system. And if the problem is in hardware (such as a worn-out battery or overheating of the processor), you will learn how to diagnose it.

1.Diagnostics of the causes of brakes: how to understand what exactly is slowing Xiaomi

Before you can treat the phone, you need to identify the source of the problem.

• 📱 RAM overload – too many apps are running in the background.
• 🗃️ Full memory – less than 10% of free storage space.
• 🔄 Firmware bugs - bugs MIUI post-refresh.
• 🔋 Battery wear – at a discharge below 20%, the processor artificially limits performance.
• 🔥 Overheating - throttling (reduced frequency) CPU) heat-prone.

To check the system boot:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System status.
2. See the graphs of RAM and CPU usage.
3. If the RAM is loaded at 90%+, it's a problem in the background. If the CPU is constantly loaded at 50%+, it could be a virus or a heavy application.

Also pay attention to the temperature of the processor. Install the CPU Monitor app (from Google Play) and check the metrics:

• 🟢 Normal: up to 40°C in plain, up to 60.°C under load.
• 🟡 Warning: 60-70°C - possible throttling.
• 🔴 Critical: above 70°C - the phone will be very slow.

2.Cache and garbage cleanup: a quick way to speed up Xiaomi

The most common cause of brakes is contaminated memory, and system cache, residual files from remote applications, and debris from MIUI can take up gigabytes of space, and can be cleaned manually or with built-in tools.

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose an app that slows down (like Facebook or Instagram).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Removal of Systemic Garbage

• 🧹 Open the Security app (shield icon).
• 🔍 Select Cleanup. → Deep cleaning.
• ✅ Check all items (cache, residual files, advertising debris).
• 🗑️ Press Clear Clear.

Method 3: Manually cleansing the Download folder

Many people forget that files downloaded through a browser or messengers remain in memory. Open Files → Internal Storage → Download and delete the unnecessary. This is especially true for Xiaomi owners with 64 GB of memory.

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If the app (like YouTube or TikTok) slows down again after cleaning the cache, try reinstalling it. Sometimes the cache files get corrupted and cause lags.

3. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Functions and Animations

MIUI is known for its abundance of background processes and "beauties" that eat up resources, and by turning off some of them, you can speed up your phone significantly.

What can be safely disabled:

Disabling the background activity of applications:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select Applications and set Restricted mode for unnecessary programs.
3. For critical applications (messaging, banking) leave without restrictions.

4. firmware update and rollback to stable version of MIUI

Sometimes the brakes come after the MIUI update. The manufacturer releases patches regularly, but some of them contain bugs. If the phone starts to lag after the update, try rolling back or installing a more stable version.

How to update the firmware (if a new version is available):

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

How to Reverse the Previous MIUI Version:

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website (select the phone model and region).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Select a firmware file.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

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Firmware rollback erases all data! Before the procedure, make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

What to do if the update is “hang”:

⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 10 minutes during the update - DO NOT force it to turn it off. Wait at least 20-30 minutes. If nothing changes, try to pinch the power button + Volume up 10 seconds for reboot.

5. Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If none of these things work, it's a hard reset, which will delete all the data from the phone, including apps, photos and settings, but it will return factory speed.

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
• 📝 Write down logins/passwords from important accounts (they will disappear!).
• 🔌 Charge your phone at least 50%.

How to reset:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting → Erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

Alternative method (if the phone is not turned on):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirm – power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot.

6.Verification for viruses and malware

Viruses and adware can not only steal data, but also put a lot of strain on the processor, causing the brakes. Even if you did not install suspicious applications, some programs (especially from third-party sources) can contain hidden malicious code.

How to check your phone for viruses:

1. Install antivirus (we recommend Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).
2. Run a full system scan.
3. Remove any threats you find.

Signs of infection:

• 📱 Advertising is constantly appearing in notifications.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged faster than usual.
• 📈 Unknown processes are loaded CPU (checks in the settings → Status of the system).
• 💰 Debit money from the account (if paid subscriptions are connected).

How to remove the virus manually:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date.
3. Remove suspicious programs (especially those with names like System Update, Flash Player, or unknown icons).
4. Disable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Install unknown applications.

7. Battery optimization and overheating control

If Xiaomi starts to brake when battery power is low or when gaming is low, the problem may be throttling, which is protection against overheating or quick discharge, but it has a big impact on speed.

How to check the status of the battery:

1. Install the AccuBattery app (from Google Play).
2. Check out the battery health indicator:

How to reduce heat and throttling:

• 🔌 Do not use your phone while charging (especially playing games).
• 🧊 Remove the cover under intense load.
• ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight.
• ⚙️ Disable unnecessary modules: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet (4G/5G) → switch to Just 3G (If you don’t need high-speed internet).

Set up the performance mode:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode.
2. Choose Balanced (for everyday tasks) or High Performance (for gaming).
3. Turn off Adaptive Brightness – it often crashes and loads the system.

8 Hardware problems: when to carry the phone to the service

If the software didn't work, the brakes could be caused by hardware.

• 🔄 The phone accidentally restarts or shuts down.
• 🗄️ The memory is filling up on its own (the flash memory may be faulty).
• 🔥 The body is very hot even in simple.
• 🔋 Battery swollen (check out if the screen is “raised”, this is a dangerous sign!).

What you can do on your own:

• 🔧 Check the status of the charging connector - if it is shattered, the phone may undercharge and brake.
• 🔋 Replace the battery (if health is below 60%). For Xiaomi, it costs 1,500–3,000 ₽ service.
• 💾 Check the memory through SD Maid or Files by Google – if there are broken sectors, you can try to fix them (but it is better to put them in the service).

When exactly you need to go to the service:

• 🔧 If the lags remained after resetting the settings.
• 🔥 If the phone is heated to 70°C+ down-to-earth.
• 💥 If the battery is swollen or the phone shuts down at 30-40% charge.

⚠️ Note: Don’t try to disassemble Xiaomi yourself if you don’t have experience! many models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi) POCO F4) They have fragile plumes that are easily damaged. Only contact authorized service centers, this will keep the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about brakes on Xiaomi