Smartphones Huawei based on Android (with shell EMUI or HarmonyOS) start to slow down over time - even flagship models like P60 Pro or Mate 50 RS. The reasons vary from overloaded memory to unoptimized background processes. But in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without resetting to factory settings —it is enough to properly configure the system and eliminate bottlenecks.

In this article - expert methods performance improvements adapted specifically for devices Huawei. We will look at both basic actions (clearing the cache, disabling animation) and advanced tricks (setting Developer Options, optimizing the processor Kirin). All instructions have been tested on current firmware EMUI 14 i HarmonyOS 4.2, but most are also suitable for older versions.

⚠️ Attention: Some methods (for example, disabling system applications) may interfere with stability. Before experiments, create a backup copy of your data via Settings → System → Backup.

1. Diagnostics of the current state of the phone

Before optimizing, you need to understand what exactly is slowing down your Huawei. To do this, use built-in tools and third-party utilities:

  • 📊 Performance Monitor: Go to Settings → Battery → Gear icon (⚙️) → Performance Monitor. The applications that consume the most resources are displayed here.
  • 🔍 CPU-Z: The utility shows CPU load, RAM and temperature chip Kirin. Download from AppGallery.
  • 📉 AccuBattery: Analyzes battery consumption and battery health - low charge (<80%) often leads to an artificial limitation of performance.

Pay attention to:

  • 🔥 Overheating: If the processor temperature exceeds 45°C in idle time, it triggers throttling (forced reduction in power).
  • 🧹 Memory fullness: Less 10% free space on the internal drive critically slows down work.
  • 👻 Background processes: Applications like Facebook or TikTok can take up to 30% RAM even in a minimized state.
📊 How often do you clear the cache on your Huawei?
Once every a week
Once a month
Only when the phone is slow
Never

2. Cleaning the system: cache, garbage and unnecessary files

Application cache is the main “garbage bin”, which over time swells to gigabytes. There is a built-in tool for cleaning it, but it doesn’t remove everything. Here's how to do it effectively: EMUI There is a built-in tool to clean it, but it doesn't remove everything. Here's how to do it effectively:

  1. Manual clearing:
    • 🗑️ Go to Settings → Storage → Clear memory.
    • 🔄 Press Deep cleaning (will delete the cache of system applications).
    • 📂 In the section Files select Unnecessary files and delete temporary data.
  2. Third-party utilities:

    For in-depth cleaning, use Files by Google (available in AppGallery). It finds:

    • 📁 Duplicate photos and videos.
    • 🎵 Unneeded audio files (music cache, voice notes).
    • 📄 Empty folders and incorrect downloads.

A critical error for many users: clearing cache Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). This leads to malfunctions of services AppGallery, Huawei ID and push notifications. Never delete the cache of system applications marked "HMS"!

☑️ Checklist for cleaning Huawei

Done: 0 / 5

3. Optimizing random access memory (RAM)

The shell EMUI aggressively manages RAM, but often does so ineffectively. Here's how to make it work correctly:

  • 🔄 Enable "Memory Optimization":

    Go to Settings → Memory → Memory optimization and activate the function. It automatically closes background processes when the memory is full. on 80%.

  • ⚡ Disable animation:

    Activate Developer mode (click 7 times on Build number in Settings → About phone), then in Settings → System → Developer options install:

    Window animation = 0.5x

    Transition animation = 0.5x
    

    Animator duration = 0.5x

  • 🚫 Limit background activity:

    In the same section Developer options find Process limit and select Maximum 4 processes. This will reduce the load on RAM, but some applications will restart when you return to them.

Model Huawei RAM volume Recommended process limit Optimal free space
P60 Pro, Mate 50 12 GB 4 processes 3–4 GB free
Nova 12, Mate X5 8 GB 3 processes 2–3 GB free
Y70, P Smart 4–6 GB 2 processes 1–2 GB free

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS (for example, Mate 60), the section Developer options can be called System Settings → Developer. Some options (for example, process limit) are missing there.

4. Setting up the processor and energy saving

Processors Kirin (especially Kirin 9000 and newer) support dynamic frequency changes, but by default they operate in a “balanced” mode, which is not always optimal. Here's how to adjust performance:

  • ⚡ Selecting operating mode:

    Go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode and select:

    • High performance —maximum core frequency, but fast battery consumption.
    • Balanced - optimal for most tasks.
    • Energy saving - limits performance to 70%.
  • 🔧 Manual tuning of cores (only for advanced):

    Using the application Kirin Game Booster (pre-installed on gaming models) or CPU Tuner (requires root) you can fix core frequencies. For example, for Kirin 9000S:

    • Large cores (Cortex-A77): 2.52 GHz (maximum).
    • Small cores (Cortex-A55): 1.84 GHz.

What will happen if you fix the maximum frequency?

Constant operation of the processor at maximum frequencies leads to overheating (temperature can exceed 50°C) and accelerated battery wear on devices with passive cooling (for example, Nova 11) this can lead to an emergency. disabling.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS 4.0+ manual configuration of processor cores is blocked. Attempts to bypass restrictions through ADB may lead to loss of warranty.

5. Disabling unnecessary system applications and services

Huawei preinstalls dozens of applications that cannot be removed using standard means, but you can disable. This will free up to 500 MB RAM and reduce background activity.

List of applications safe to disable (tested on EMUI 13–14):

  • 🎵 Huawei Music - if you do not use the built-in player.
  • 📺 Huawei Video —an alternative YouTube with limited content.
  • 📰 Huawei Browser —can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox.
  • 🎮 Game Center —if you don’t play games from AppGallery.
  • 📡 Huawei Mobile Cloud —if not using cloud storage Huawei.

How to disable:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Applications.
  2. Select the desired application → Disable.
  3. Confirm the action (you may be required to enter a password).

💡

Before disabling system applications, check whether they are associated with critical functions. For example, Huawei Services Framework is responsible for push notifications - disabling it will stop notifications from instant messengers.

6. Optimizing storage: data transfer and formatting

Filled storage is one of the main reasons for slowdowns. Huawei starts to fail when there is less free space 10%Solutions:

  • 📁 Transferring applications to the card. memory:

    Not supported by all models (for example, P60 cannot do this). If the function is available:

    1. Insert microSD (recommended class A2 or UHS-I).
    2. Go to Settings → Applications, select the application → Storage → Edit → Map memory.
  • ☁️ Cloud storage:

    Use Huawei Mobile Cloud (5 GB free) or Google Drive to automatically upload photos and videos Set up auto-sync in Settings → Huawei ID. → Cloud.

  • 🔄 Formatting as internal memory:

    If the memory card is slow, it can be formatted as internal storage (data will be encrypted). Attention: after this the card cannot be used in other devices!

    Path: Settings → Memory → Memory card → Settings (⚙️) → Format as internal memory.

    • 💡

    Formatting a memory card as internal storage increases the read/write speed by 30–40%, but reduces its service life due to frequent encryption.

    7. Advanced methods: ADB and custom firmware

    If standard methods do not help, radical measures remain. They require technical knowledge and can void the warranty!

    • 🖥️ Disabling unnecessary services via ADB:

      Connect the phone to the PC, turn on USB debugging and run the commands:

      adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.android.hsf # Disables Huawei Services Framework (CAUTION!)

      adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.appmarket # Removes AppGallery

      For a complete list of packages safe to remove, see XDA Developers (forum for your model).

    • 🔧 Custom firmware:

      For devices on Android (not HarmonyOS) you can install LineageOS or GrapheneOSThis will remove all restrictions. EMUI, but:

      • Unlocking will be required bootloader (on new models this is impossible without the official code from Huawei).
      • Services will stop working HMS (including AppGallery and Huawei Pay).
      • Banking applications (for example, SberBank Online) may block access due to lack of certification.

    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS (for example Mate 60 Pro) installation of custom firmware is impossible due to the closed architecture of the system. Attempts to bypass the restrictions lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the phone.

    8. Hardware reasons for the brakes: when it’s time to stop. service

    If software methods do not help, the problem may be in the hardware:

    • 🔋 Worn out battery: With a capacity below 70% the nominal processor automatically limits performance. Check the health of the battery in AccuBattery.
    • 💾 Damaged flash memory: If the phone freezes when reading/writing files, the memory cells may be worn out. Diagnose via Huawei eRecovery (Hold Power + Volume Up with the phone turned off).
    • 🌡️ Overheating: If The processor temperature exceeds 50°C during idle time, the thermal paste needs to be replaced (relevant for Mate 40 Pro and older).

      • The cost of repairs in official service centers Huawei (in Moscow, 2026):

      Service Cost (₽) Term (days)
      Battery replacement 3 500–6 000 1
      Replacement of thermal paste 2 000–3 500 2–3
      Flash memory diagnostics 1,500 (free for repairs) 1

      💡

      Before visiting the service, reset to factory settings (Settings → System → ResetThis will eliminate software causes of brakes and save money on diagnostics.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Huawei performance

      🔹 Why does my Huawei P50 Pro slow down after updating to EMUI 14?

      Updates often bring new background services (for example, Huawei AI Life), which consume resources. Try:

      1. Roll back to the previous firmware version via Huawei eRecovery.
      2. Clear the partition cache /system (required ADB):
        3. adb shell su -c 'wipe cache'
      🔹 Is it possible to speed up Huawei Nova 10 without root access?

      Yes. Start with:

      • Disable animation in Developer options.
      • Clearing the cache through Settings → Memory.
      • Disable unnecessary applications (see section 5).

      If that doesn’t help, try resetting to factory settings (but save the data first!).

      🔹 Why do games lag on the Huawei Mate X3 despite a powerful processor?

      Reasons:

      • Throttling: The processor Kirin 9000 limites performance when overheated. Use a cooling pad.
      • Background processes: Close all applications via Recent → Pin (swipe down on the application icon).
      • Graphics settings: In Kirin Game Booster select mode Performance and disable VSync.
      🔹 How to check if Huawei is limiting performance due to an old battery?

      Install AccuBattery and see:

      • Battery health —if lower 80%, the battery is worn out.
      • Temperature —if higher 40°C in idle time, replacement is required.

      Also check the battery settings: Settings → Battery → Battery status. If the status is Bad, the system forcibly reduces power.

      🔹 Is it possible to install Google Play on Huawei with HarmonyOS?

      Officially - no. But there are workarounds:

      1. Install GSpace or ChatGPT (they emulate the environment Google Services).
      2. Use APK versions applications (for example, YouTube Vanced).

      ⚠️ Risks: unstable operation, lack of push notifications, blocking of some functions (for example, Google Pay).