How to accurately measure FPS in games on Android: from built-in counters to ADB

The indicator FPS (frames per second) is a key parameter for assessing the smoothness of gameplay on Android devices. Low FPS leads to jerks, freezes and losses in dynamic games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact. But how can you find out the real FPS if smartphone manufacturers and game developers do not always provide this information?

In this article we will analyze all current ways to check FPS on Androidincluding hidden system functions, third-party utilities and professional testing tools. You will learn which methods work without root access and which require additional settings. We will also compare the accuracy of different approaches and give recommendations for specific scenarios - from casual gaming to benchmarking.

1. Built-in FPS counters in games

Many popular mobile games already have built-in tools for displaying FPS. This is the easiest way and does not require installation of additional software. However, the availability of the function depends on the specific title and its settings.

As a rule, the FPS counter is enabled through the graphics options menu. For example, in PUBG Mobile the path looks like this: Settings → Graphics → Show FPS. In Call of Duty: Mobile the option is hidden deeper: Settings → Basic → Advanced → Show FPS. Some games, for example Genshin Impactdisplay FPS only in debug mode, which is activated through console commands.

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Settings → Graphics → Show FPS (available on all versions)
• 🔫 Call of Duty: Mobile: Settings → Basic → Advanced → Show FPS (may be absent on weak devices)
• 🏞️ Genshin Impact: requires activation via the console (see section about ADB)
• 🏎️ Asphalt 9: the counter is enabled in Settings → Graphics → Debugging → Show FPS

⚠️ Attention: In some games (for example, Free Fire) The FPS counter can be automatically disabled in competition or ranked mode to reduce CPU load. Check the rules of a particular game before using.

If your game does not have a built-in counter, do not worry - the following methods will work for any application. In the meantime, answer our survey:

2. Using GameTools (MIUI, Realme UI, ColorOS and others)

Manufacturers of smartphones based on Android often integrate special gaming utilities into their shells. These tools not only optimize performance, but also provide detailed statistics, including FPS. Let's look at the most common solutions:

2.1. Game Turbo (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco)

In devices with a shell MIUI (including POCO Launcher) there is a built-in Game Turbo. To activate FPS display:

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Game Turbo.
2. Select a game from the list or add it manually.
3. Activate the switch Show FPS.
4. Start the game - the counter will appear in the upper corner of the screen.

2.2. Game Space (Realme/OPPO)

On smartphones Realme i OPPO (shell ColorOS/Realme UI) similar functions are implemented through Game Space:

1. Go to Settings → Game Space.
2. Add a game to the list or select existing.
3. Enable the option Show FPS in the performance settings.

2.3. HyperEngine (ASUS ROG Phone)

Series devices ASUS ROG Phone equipped with an advanced utility Armoury Crate (formerly Game Genie). Advanced metrics are available here:

• 📊 Display of FPS, CPU/GPU load and temperature.
• 🔧 Setting up performance profiles for each game.
• 🎯 Ability to lock FPS at a certain value (useful for testing).

Manufacturer	Utility name	Path to FPS settings	Additional functions
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO	Game Turbo	Settings → Special. features → Game Turbo	Network optimization, blocking notifications
Realme/OPPO	Game Space	Settings → Game Space → Game settings	Extreme performance mode
ASUS (ROG Phone)	Armoury Crate	Armory Crate application → Monitoring	GPU overclocking, cooling, X Mode
Samsung	Game Launcher	Game Launcher → Settings → Show FPS	Gameplay recording, battery optimization

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI) the FPS counter may not work correctly in games with high graphics load. In this case, use third-party utilities from the next section.

3. Third-party applications for monitoring FPS

If the built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications come to the rescue. They are suitable for any Android devices and games, but may require additional permissions or root access. Let's consider top solutions:

3.1. FPS Meter (without root)

FPS Meter by AndroSensor is one of the most popular applications for measuring FPS. It runs on top of any application and displays the current FPS in the corner of the screen. Features:

• 📱 Supports Android 5.0+ (including latest versions).
• 📊 Shows not only FPS, but also CPU/GPU load, temperature, RAM usage.
• 🔧 Customizable size and position counter.

How to use:

1. Download FPS Meter from Google Play.
2. Run the application and grant permission to Display on top of other windows.
3. Select a game from the list or add it manually.
4. Activate the overlay - the counter will appear in the game.

3.2. GameBench (for testing)

GameBench is a professional benchmarking tool used by journalists and developers. It records performance metrics in the background and plots graphs. Features:

• 📈 Detailed statistics: average FPS, percentiles (1%, 0.1% lows), frame time.
• 📱 Works without root, but requires registration.
• 🔍 Supports comparison of results between devices.

Disadvantage: the free version limits the number of tests. Full access requires a subscription (~$10/month).

3.3. PerfDog (for developers)

PerfDog by Tencent is a powerful tool for analyzing performance, including FPS, CPU/GPU, energy consumption and network activity. Suitable for:

• 👨‍💻 Developers testing game optimization.
• 🎮 Enthusiasts who want deep analysis.

The application is free, but requires registration via WeChat or email. The interface is translated into English, but documentation is only available in Chinese.

Before installing third-party utilities, check their compatibility with your version of Android:

Make sure that the application supports your version of Android

Read reviews about stability on your device

Check whether root access is required

Read the privacy policy (some utilities collect data)

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4. Checking FPS via ADB (for advanced users)

If you need the most accurate data or the built-in methods do not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for testing at the system level and does not require root access, but requires working with the command line.

4.1. Preparing to work with ADB

First enable Developer mode and USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times until a notification appears You have become a developer!.
2. Return to Settings → System → For developers i activate USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.

4.2. Commands for monitoring FPS

Install ADB on your PC and use the following commands:

1. View the current FPS in real time:

adb shell dumpsys gfxinfo com.package.name

Replace com.package.name with the game ID (for example, com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile). In the output, look for lines with Draw, Prepare, Process and Execute —they show the frame rendering time.

2. Continuous monitoring (updated every second):

adb shell dumpsys gfxinfo com.package.name framestats

3. Exporting data to a file for analysis:

adb shell dumpsys gfxinfo com.package.name > fps_log.txt

4.3. Analysis of the results

In the ADB logs, pay attention to:

• 📉 Janky frames — the number of “jerking” frames (the fewer, the better).
• ⏱️ Frame time — rendering time of one frame (ideal: 16.67 ms for 60 FPS).
• 🔄 Missed VSYNC — dropped frames due to GPU overload.

To automate data collection, you can use scripts on Python or Bash. For example, this script writes FPS every second to a file:

while true; do
adb shell dumpsys gfxinfo com.package.name | grep -E "Draw|Process|Execute" >> fps_log.txt
sleep 1
done

⚠️ Warning: Long-term monitoring via ADB may lead to increased battery consumption and heating of the device. Do not leave the script running for more than 10-15 minutes without control.

5. Specialized solutions for root users

If your smartphone has root accessadditional opportunities for FPS monitoring open up. These methods provide maximum accuracy, but require caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the stability of the system.

5.1. FPS Monitor (requires root)

Application FPS Monitor from GrapheneOS provides detailed real-time statistics, including:

• 📊 Graphs of FPS, CPU/GPU load and temperature.
• 🔍 Data logging with the ability to export.
• 🎛️ Setting up alerts when FPS drops below a specified threshold.

Installation:

1. Download APK from XDA Developers.
2. Give root access via Magisk or SuperSU.
3. Customize the overlay according to your preferences.

5.2. Simple Performance Overlay

This module for Magisk adds a persistent overlay with performance metrics including FPS, CPU/GPU usage and screen refresh rate. Installation:

1. Install Magisk Manager.
2. Download the module Simple Performance Overlay from the repository Magisk.
3. Activate the module and reboot the device.
4. Configure the displayed metrics in file /sdcard/SimpleOverlay/config.json.

5.3. Kernel Auditor (for fine tuning)

Kernel Auditor allows you not only to monitor FPS, but also to optimize the Android kernel to improve performance. Functions:

• 🔧 Setting up CPU/GPU governors.
• 📈 Real-time FPS monitoring.
• 🔥 Controlling clock frequencies and voltage.

⚠️ Attention: Changing kernel parameters can lead to unstable operation of the device, overheating, or even a “brick” (impossibility of booting). Before experiments, create a backup via TWRP or another custom recovery.

What should you do if, after changing the kernel settings, the phone stops booting?

If the device does not boot after changing the kernel parameters, try:

1. Go to recovery (usually Power + Volume Up) and reset the settings.

2. Connect to the PC via ADB in recovery mode and return to standard values.

3. Reflash the stock kernel via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).

If all else fails, you may need to completely reflash the firmware.

6. Comparison of methods: which method to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals, technical skills and smartphone model. Below is a comparative table that will help you decide:

Method	Accuracy	Complexity	Root required?	Best for
Built-in game counter	Medium	Low	No	Casual players
GameTools (MIUI, Realme UI)	High	Low	No	Xiaomi, Realme, OPPO owners
FPS Meter (third-party applications)	High	Average	No	Testing different games
ADB	Maximum	High	No	Developers, enthusiasts
Root solutions (FPS Monitor)	Maximum	Very high	Yes	Professional analysis

Recommendations for selection:

• 🎮 For ordinary players: use the built-in counters or GameTools (if available on your device).
• 📊 For performance testing: FPS Meter or GameBench.
• 👨‍💻 For developers: ADB or PerfDog.
• 🔧 For advanced users with root: FPS Monitor or Kernel Auditor.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When measuring FPS, users often encounter difficulties. Let's look at typical problems and ways to fix them:

7.1. FPS counter is not displayed

Possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔌 No overlay permission: go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Display on top of other windows and enable it for your utility.
• 🎮 Game blocks overlays: some games (for example, with anti-cheats) prohibit overlaying elements. Try ADB or root solutions.
• 📱 Incompatibility with Android version: update the application or check compatibility on the Google Play page.

7.2. FPS readings are unstable or too high

If the counter shows unrealistically high values (for example, 120 FPS on a weak smartphone), probably:

• 🔄 The application counts frames incorrect: try other software (for example, GameBench instead of FPS Meter).
• 🎯 Synchronization with the screen refresh rate is enabled: some utilities show not the real FPS, but the display refresh rate. Disable the option VSYNC in the game settings.
• 📉 Microfreezes occur: use ADB for analysis janky frames.

7.3. The device overheats during monitoring

Long-term collection of statistics (especially through ADB or root applications) increases the load To avoid overheating:

• ❄️ Close background applications before testing.
• 🔋 Connect the device to the charger (but do not use fast charging - it additionally heats the battery).
• 📴 Reduce the monitoring time (no more than 10-15 minutes continuously).

7.4. Anti-cheat blocks the FPS counter

Anti-cheat games (eg. PUBG Mobile, Free Fire) may block overlays and access to system metrics. Solutions:

• 🔧 Use the built-in game counter (if available).
• 📱 Try it ADB — some anti-cheats do not block access at the system level.
• 🛠️ For root users: disable system integrity check via Magisk Hide.

8. FPS optimization: how to improve performance

Knowing the current FPS is only half the battle. If the performance is lower than expected, try the following optimization methods:

8.1. Graphics settings in the game

Reducing graphics settings is the most obvious way to increase FPS:

• 🎨 Reduce resolution rendering (for example, from 1080p to 720p).
• 🌿 Disable shadows, particle effects and antialiasing.
• 🔄 Set FPS limit at level 30 or 60 (if the screen does not support 90/120 Hz).

8.2. Android system settings

Optimize the device for games:

• 🔋 Enable Performance mode in the battery settings.
• 🚫 Disable Adaptive brightness and set a fixed value.
• 📵 Activate Do Not Disturb modeso that notifications do not interrupt the game.
• 🗑️ Clear the game cache through Settings → Applications → [Game] → Memory → Clear cache.

8.3. Third-party overclocking utilities

For devices with root access:

• 🔥 Kernel Auditor: increase the clock speed of the CPU/GPU (carefully!).
• ⚡ SetCPU: Set up performance profiles for games.
• 🧊 Coolify: Forced CPU cooling (useful for long sessions).

8.4. Hardware solutions

If software methods do not help:

• 📱 Use game controller (for example, Razer Kishi) to reduce the load on the touch screen.
• 🔌 Connect external fan (for example, Black Shark FunCooler) for cooling.
• 🔋 Replace the battery if it is worn out (check the condition through AccuBattery).

Remember: overclocking and modification of the kernel can reduce the life of the device. Always monitor the temperature and stability!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking FPS on Android

❓ How to find the package ID of a game for ADB?

Package ID (for example, com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile) can be found in several ways:

1. Through Google Play: open the game page in the browser - the identifier is indicated in the URL after id=.
2. Through ADB: execute command adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "game_name".
3. through the app App Inspector (available on Google Play).

❓ Why does FPS jump even on a powerful smartphone?

FPS fluctuations can be caused by:

• 🔄 Thermal throttling: the processor reduces the frequency due to overheating.
• 📶 Background processes: check active applications through Settings → Developer → Processes.
• 🎮 Game optimization: some titles dynamically change graphics to save battery.
• 🔋 Mode energy saving: disable it in the battery settings.

For diagnostics, use ADB or PerfDog —they will show what exactly limits performance.

❓ Is it possible to measure FPS without installing additional apps?

Yes, if:

• 🎮 The game has a built-in counter (see section 1).
• 📱 Your device supports GameTools (Xiaomi, Realme, ASUS, etc.).
• 🖥️ You are ready to use ADB (does not require installation on your phone, only on PC).

If none of this is not available, you can’t do without third-party utilities.

❓ Does the FPS overlay affect performance?

Minimally. Modern utilities (for example FPS Meter) consume less than 1-2% CPU, which is negligible for most games. However:

• 📉 On weak devices (for example, Snapdragon 4xx), the overlay can add 1-2 frames of delay.
• 🔋 In screen recording mode (for example, through Screen Recorder) the load increases more.

For accurate tests, disable the overlay after collecting data.

❓ How to check FPS in an Android emulator (BlueStacks, LDPlayer)?

Emulators have