How to Enable Android Runtime (ART) on Mi 3 Running MIUI 5/6

So, you’re looking to give your trusty Mi 3 a little performance boost, are you? That’s a smart move, especially when we talk about making the most of your device, even with an older operating system like MIUI 5 or 6. We’re going to dive into how to enable Android Runtime, or ART for short, which is a game-changer for how your apps run. It’s not too complicated, I promise. You’ll basically head into your phone’s settings, unlock some special developer options, and then just select ART instead of the older Dalvik runtime. After a quick reboot, your phone will be running apps much more efficiently, potentially giving you better battery life and a smoother experience.

Tutorial – How to Enable Android Runtime (ART) on Mi 3 Running MIUI 5/6

Enabling Android Runtime (ART) on your Mi 3 running MIUI 5 or 6 can really make a difference in how snappy and responsive your phone feels. It’s like upgrading the engine in your car without actually buying a new one. This process switches your phone from an older app runtime, called Dalvik, to a newer, more efficient method that compiles apps once during installation for faster launches and better performance later on. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Step 1: Open your phone’s Settings application.

This is where all the magic begins, so find that gear icon on your home screen or in your app drawer and tap it to get started. Think of Settings as the control panel for your entire device, giving you access to everything from Wi-Fi to display options.

You’ll navigate through these settings to unlock a hidden menu that allows you to change how your phone processes applications. It’s a standard starting point for many advanced tweaks on Android devices, even on older versions of MIUI.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “About phone.”

Once you’re in the main Settings menu, look for the “About phone” option, usually at the bottom of the list. This section contains all the basic information about your device, like its model number, software version, and other important details.

It’s a good habit to explore this section from time to time, as it can give you insights into your phone’s current setup. For our purposes, it’s the gateway to unlocking developer features.

Step 3: Tap “MIUI version” repeatedly until “Developer options” is enabled.

This is a classic Android trick! You’ll need to tap on “MIUI version” about seven times in quick succession. After a few taps, you’ll see a small pop-up message telling you how many more taps are needed, and then finally, a message confirming that “Developer options” have been enabled.

It’s a little secret handshake with your phone, letting it know you’re ready for some more advanced tinkering. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe and easily reversible if you decide you don’t want these options visible.

Step 4: Go back to the main Settings menu and find “Additional settings.”

Once Developer options are unlocked, you won’t find them in the “About phone” section anymore. You need to go back to the main Settings list. Look for “Additional settings,” which might also be called “General settings” or something similar, depending on your exact MIUI version.

This “Additional settings” menu is where Xiaomi often places more advanced or less frequently accessed options that aren’t quite “developer” level but are more than basic.

Step 5: Tap on “Developer options.”

Inside “Additional settings,” you should now see “Developer options” listed. Tap this to open the hidden menu we just unlocked. This menu is packed with powerful tools and settings that are primarily intended for app developers, but some, like changing the runtime, can also be beneficial for regular users.

Just be careful when exploring this menu, as some settings can alter your phone’s behavior in unexpected ways if you don’t know what they do. Stick to our instructions for now.

Step 6: Find “Select runtime” or “Runtime” and tap on it.

Within the Developer options menu, scroll down until you see an option labeled “Select runtime” or simply “Runtime.” This is the crucial setting we’re looking for, as it allows you to choose between Dalvik and ART. It might take a bit of scrolling, as the Developer options menu can be quite long.

This specific option is exactly where you make the big switch from the older Dalvik virtual machine to the newer, more optimized Android Runtime.

Step 7: Choose “ART” from the available options.

A small pop-up menu will appear, giving you the choice between “Dalvik” and “ART.” Select “ART.” Your phone will then prompt you to confirm the change and likely suggest a restart.

Make sure you have enough battery life before confirming, as the next step involves a significant process.

Step 8: Confirm and reboot your phone when prompted.

After selecting ART, your phone will ask for confirmation and then usually initiate a reboot. This reboot is absolutely necessary for the changes to take effect. It’s not just a simple restart; your phone will actually spend some time optimizing all your installed applications for the new ART runtime during this process.

This optimization phase is important because it’s what makes your apps run faster and more efficiently under ART.

Once your phone reboots after selecting ART, it will spend a significant amount of time “optimizing apps.” Don’t be alarmed if this takes longer than a normal reboot; it’s perfectly normal. The phone is essentially recompiling all your installed applications to work with the new Android Runtime, which is a one-time process. After this optimization is complete, your phone will boot up as usual, and you should notice a snappier, more responsive experience across your apps.

Tips for Enabling Android Runtime (ART) on Mi 3 Running MIUI 5/6

• Always back up your important data before making significant system changes, such as switching runtimes. While this process is generally safe, having a backup gives you peace of mind.
• Ensure your Mi 3 has at least 50% battery charge, or better yet, keep it plugged in, during the ART enabling process. App optimization after a reboot can be quite power-intensive and time-consuming.
• Be aware that some very old or poorly coded applications might not function correctly under ART, though this is rare on MIUI 5/6 as ART was becoming more standard. If an app misbehaves, you might need to switch back to Dalvik.
• Give your phone some time to settle after the ART switch. The first few hours might still involve some background optimizations, and performance might improve further after a full charge cycle.
• If you experience unexpected issues or prefer the old runtime, you can always revert to Dalvik by following the same steps and selecting “Dalvik” in Step 7. Your phone will again reboot and re-optimize apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Android Runtime (ART), and how is it different from Dalvik?

Android Runtime, or ART, is the system component that runs your Android applications. Before ART, Android used a virtual machine called Dalvik. The main difference is how they handle app code. Dalvik used a “Just-In-Time” (JIT) compilation, meaning it compiled parts of an app’s code on the fly while the app was running. ART, on the other hand, uses “Ahead-Of-Time” (AOT) compilation. This means it compiles the entire app into native machine code once when you install it. This upfront work leads to faster app launches and smoother performance later because the phone doesn’t have to compile code on the fly.

Why should I enable ART on my Mi 3?

Enabling ART on your Mi 3 running MIUI 5 or 6 can bring several noticeable benefits. Primarily, you’ll likely experience faster app startup times and a smoother overall user interface. Because apps are pre-compiled, the system uses fewer CPU cycles during app execution, which can translate to better battery life. It generally makes your phone feel more responsive and modern, even though it’s an older device.

Is it safe to enable ART on my Mi 3?

Yes, it is generally safe to enable ART on your Mi 3. ART was designed to succeed Dalvik and is the standard runtime for all modern Android versions. While there’s always a slight risk with any system modification, especially on older software, the process is straightforward and reversible. The biggest “risk” is that a very specific, old application might not be fully compatible, but this is quite rare on MIUI 5/6, as ART was already mature when these MIUI versions were prevalent.

What if one of my apps stops working after I switch to ART?

If an app stops working or starts behaving strangely after you’ve switched to ART, it’s likely an incompatibility issue with that particular application. Your best bet is to try updating the app if an update is available. If not, you might have to decide between keeping ART enabled for overall system performance or switching back to Dalvik to ensure that a specific app works. You can always revert to Dalvik by following the same steps you used to enable ART and selecting Dalvik instead.

Can I switch back to Dalvik if I don’t like ART?

Absolutely, you can switch back to Dalvik at any time if you find that ART isn’t working out for you or if you encounter issues. The process is exactly the same as enabling ART: go into Developer options, find “Select runtime,” and choose “Dalvik.” Your phone will then reboot and re-optimize all your apps for the Dalvik runtime. It gives you the flexibility to experiment and see what works best for your specific usage and app set.

Summary of Enabling ART on Mi 3

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap “About phone.”
3. Tap “MIUI version” repeatedly.
4. Go back to Settings, then “Additional settings.”
5. Tap “Developer options.”
6. Find and tap “Select runtime.”
7. Choose “ART.”
8. Confirm and reboot phone.

Conclusion

Giving your Mi 3 a little refresh by enabling Android Runtime (ART) is one of those simple yet impactful tweaks that can truly breathe new life into an older device. We’ve walked through the steps, making sure you understand not just how to do it, but why it’s a good idea. Think of it like this: your phone, running MIUI 5 or 6, has been using an older, less efficient engine (Dalvik) to run all its applications. By switching to ART, you’re essentially upgrading to a more modern, streamlined engine that can handle tasks faster and use less energy. This means your apps could launch faster, scroll more smoothly, and even consume less battery over time. Who wouldn’t want that for their beloved Mi 3?

It’s a testament to the flexibility of the Android system that, even on an older device and operating system, you can still make such significant performance improvements. While the Mi 3 might not be the newest phone on the block, it’s still a capable device, and optimizing its runtime can help it keep up with your daily demands for a little while longer. Remember, the journey into your phone’s developer options might seem a bit daunting at first, but with clear instructions, it’s a straightforward path. You’re not just mindlessly tapping away; you’re making an informed decision to enhance your user experience.

If you’ve followed along, your Mi 3 is now running on ART, and you’ve likely just completed a somewhat hidden but powerful upgrade. Keep an eye on your phone’s performance over the next few days. Do your favorite apps feel snappier? Does the battery seem to last a bit longer? These are the kinds of benefits we expect from this change. If, for any reason, you find that ART isn’t quite for you, or if an old app throws a fit, you can always revert to Dalvik. That’s the beauty of having control over your device. So go ahead, enjoy the smoother ride, and keep exploring the possibilities of your Mi 3. This guide on enabling Android Runtime (ART) on the Mi 3 running MIUI 5/6 should serve you well.