Many mobile gamers are wondering how to make an FPS counter on Android in order to really evaluate the smoothness of the gameplay. Frames per second (FPS) metrics are a critical metric for understanding how well a particular game will perform on your device. Without a visual indicator, it is difficult to determine whether micro-freezes are caused by engine features or overheating optimized specific game for your device. Without a visual indicator, it is difficult to determine whether micro-freezes are caused by engine features or overheating processor. In this article we will analyze in detail all available monitoring methods.
There are several ways to display this information: from hidden system settings to the use of specialized software. The choice of method depends on your device model and availability root access. We will consider both universal solutions and those specific to processors Snapdragon or MediaTek. Understanding these nuances will help you get the most accurate data without installing unnecessary apps.
Built-in capabilities of the Android system
Let's start with the simplest and safest method, which does not require installing third-party software. In the Android developer environment, there is a system function that allows you to display information about the screen refresh rate and the number of frames. To activate, you need to go to the section Settings → About phone and click on the build number several times to unlock the developer menu.
After the new item appears in the main settings, find the section System → For Developers. Here you should find an option called “Show refresh rate” or “Show refresh rate”. Activating this switch will display a digital value in the upper left corner of the screen, which should ideally match the frequency of your display, for example 60 or 90 Hz. However, it is worth understanding that this indicator shows the refresh rate of the matrix, and not the actual rendering of the game.
If your goal is to see performance drawdowns in heavy games, this method may not be informative enough. It won't show the difference between 58 and 60 frames if the screen is physically capable of displaying 60Hz. However, it is an ideal tool for testing the High Refresh Rate (HFR) mode in the system interface. It helps make sure that the phone does not reset the Hertz when idle to save energy.
On some shells, such as MIUI or OneUI, this function may be called “Refresh rate indicator” and located in the “Advanced settings” submenu.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on USB debugging and developer mode provide access to system settings. Do not change parameters whose purpose you do not know, as this may lead to unstable operation of the interface.
Using developer tools for graphics
For a deeper analysis of the graphics subsystem, you can use the GPU profiler. In the same menu for developers, find the item “GPU profiling” or “Profile GPU rendering”. When you select the “On the screen as bars” option, you will see a visual graph of the video core loading. Although these are not FPS numbers, the height of the columns relative to the line 16 ms (which corresponds to 60 FPS) clearly demonstrates the load.
If the graphics column exceeds the 16 ms line, then the device cannot cope with rendering the frame in the allowable time, and problems arise lag. This method is especially useful for developers or advanced users testing specific scenes in games. It allows you to see momentary load spikes that a regular meter can average and hide. This approach gives an understanding of the “heaviness” of graphics for your smartphone.
However, this method has a significant drawback - it clutters the screen and does not give an accurate numerical value. You only see the relative load. For accurate measurements necessary when setting up emulators or conducting benchmarks, it is better to use specialized utilities or ADB commands. The interface becomes less readable, which interferes with the full gameplay.
Third-party applications for FPS monitoring
The most popular solution for ordinary users is to install specialized applications from the Google Play store. The leader in this niche is considered to be a utility GameBenchthat can record video of the screen synchronously with graphs of processor load and frame rate. After recording, you receive a detailed report where you can see the average FPS value, stability (1% low) and resource consumption.
Another powerful tool is FPS Monitor or analogues like PerfDog (requires connection to a PC for full functionality). These apps create an overlay on top of the game, displaying current metrics in real time. To operate, such apps often require special permissions granted through the computer using ADB, since normal user access to reading system graphics metrics is limited by Android security policies.
When choosing an application, pay attention to the following criteria:
- 📊 The ability to display not only FPS, but also CPU/GPU load and temperature.
- 📹 Video recording function with statistics overlay for subsequent analysis.
- 🔋 Minimal impact of the application itself on system performance (own resource consumption).
- ⚙️ Supports your version of Android without the need to obtain root access.
It is worth considering that most free versions of such apps have limitations on recording time or the number of available metrics. Full analytics are often only available via subscription. However, for a one-time test of the performance of a new game, the free functionality is usually sufficient. This is the best way to make an FPS counter on Android without a deep dive into the code.
Third-party applications give the most complete picture, but they themselves consume system resources, which can slightly underestimate the final performance indicators.
Setting up via ADB and a computer
For users who want to get maximum accuracy without installing heavy applications on the phone, the ideal option is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to display statistics directly from the video driver. You will need a computer, a USB cable and ADB drivers installed. Connect your smartphone in debug mode and enter the command in the terminal.
There is a command that activates the performance counter built into the drivers. Enter the following into the console:
adb shell dumpsys SurfaceFlinger --latencyHowever, for permanent display it is better to use specific commands for your chipset. For processors Snapdragon the profiling layer activation command is often used. After executing the commands, service information will appear on the screen. This method is considered the "gold standard" for testers as it is the least invasive.
The setup process may seem complicated for a beginner, but it gives access to data that is hidden from regular applications. You can see the rendering time of each frame (frametime) in milliseconds. This makes it possible to detect even the shortest twitches, which are not noticeable to the eye, but are felt as discomfort when driving. The accuracy of such measurements reaches tenths of a millisecond.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone?
Make sure USB debugging is enabled on your phone. Try a different cable or USB port. Your computer may not have ADB drivers - download Platform Tools from the official website of the developer.
Built-in game panels and Game Launcher
Modern smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi and ASUS, build their own game centers directly into the firmware. These utilities, often called Game Launcher or Game Turbo, already contain performance monitoring functionality. Having activated the game mode, you can display the FPS counter by clicking on a special icon in the floating menu.
The advantage of such built-in solutions is their deep integration with the system. They have priority access to resources and can display data without the delays associated with third-party applications. In addition, they often allow you to immediately optimize game settings to improve FPS by clearing RAM or blocking background processes. This creates a unified ecosystem for the gamer.
To find this feature, go to the game mode settings of your phone. Usually the path looks like Settings → Accessibility → Game mode. There you can choose the style of displaying statistics: compact, detailed or hidden. On some models, you can even record macros and block notifications during a session. This is the most convenient method for owners of flagship devices.
| Manufacturer | Utility name | Access to FPS | Additional. functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Game Launcher / Game Booster | Yes (in the menu) | Notification blocking, screen recording |
| Xiaomi / POCO | Game Turbo | Yes (overlay) | Network acceleration, call answering |
| ASUS ROG | Armoury Crate | Detailed monitoring | Managing coolers, CPU profiles |
| OnePlus | Games Space | Basic monitoring | Do not disturb mode, cleaning RAM |
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of game modes may differ depending on the shell version and regional firmware. If you do not find the described functions, check for system updates.
Specific processors and drivers
It is important to understand that the availability of certain monitoring methods greatly depends on the chipset installed in the smartphone. Processors Snapdragon from Qualcomm have the most open documentation for developers, so most utilities for measuring FPS are written for them. Owners of devices based on these chips have the widest choice of tools.
Devices based on MediaTek or Exynos may require a different approach. Sometimes standard ADB commands do not return correct data due to differences in the implementation of the Mali or PowerVR graphics drivers. In such cases, manufacturers often block access to low-level statistics, leaving the user only the ability to use built-in game panels or third-party applications that work through accessibility services.
If you own a phone with a processor Dimensity or Kirin, it is recommended that you first look for proprietary utilities from the manufacturer. Third-party software may show incorrect data or not launch at all. In the enthusiast community, there are often modified versions of drivers that provide access to hidden functions, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks.
☑️ Preparing for FPS testing
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does enabling the FPS counter affect performance games?
Yes, any software that displays information over the game consumes CPU and RAM resources. However, the impact of built-in system counters or game pads from the manufacturer is usually minimal (1-2%). Third-party heavy applications can reduce performance more noticeably, especially on budget devices.
Why does the counter show 60 FPS, but the game slows down?
This may occur due to frametime instability. The average could be 60, but if individual frames take longer to render (eg 50ms instead of 16ms), you'll experience micro-stuttering. Also, the reason may be overheating and subsequent throttling, which occurs in jerks.
Is it possible to increase FPS using a counter?
No, a counter is just a measurement tool, like a speedometer in a car. It shows the current state, but does not affect the speed. To increase FPS, you need to lower the graphics settings in the game, update drivers, or use game boosters to free up resources.
Do these methods work on Android emulators on PC?
Yes, emulators like BlueStacks or LDPlayer often have a built-in FPS display function in the settings. In addition, standard ADB methods work there, since the emulator is essentially a virtual Android device with open access to debugging.