Addressing Slow Charging Issues on Evolution X: A Comprehensive Guide for Redmi Note 10 Pro and Beyond

Many users experience significantly reduced charging speeds after switching from MIUI to Evolution X, particularly on devices like the Redmi Note 10 Pro. Where MIUI delivered near-advertised charging rates (e.g., 30W out of 33W), Evolution X may restrict charging to a mere 2W. This article explores the potential causes and offers solutions to restore optimal charging performance.

Understanding the Root Causes of Slow Charging on Custom ROMs

The sudden drop in charging speed after flashing a custom ROM can stem from several interacting factors. A system that worked perfectly with the stock ROM suddenly encountering limitations is due to the low-level configurations and driver implementations specific to each ROM.

Kernel Incompatibilities and Power Management

Custom ROMs, including Evolution X, utilize different kernels than the stock firmware. A kernel is the core of the operating system that controls hardware interactions. The kernel’s power management features may not be optimally configured for the specific hardware of your device.

Driver Issues: The kernel may lack properly optimized drivers for the device’s charging IC (Integrated Circuit). The charging IC regulates the voltage and current supplied to the battery.
Power Profiles: The kernel may enforce more conservative power profiles to prioritize battery life over charging speed. These profiles can limit the maximum current drawn by the device.
Thermal Throttling Mismanagement: The kernel could have overly sensitive thermal throttling parameters. If the phone thinks it’s overheating during charging, it will drastically reduce the charging speed to prevent damage, even if the actual temperature is within safe limits.

Firmware and Vendor Partition Conflicts

Custom ROMs often require specific firmware and vendor partitions to function correctly. These partitions contain essential hardware drivers and configurations. An outdated or incompatible firmware version can lead to charging problems.

Firmware Mismatch: The firmware version flashed on the device may not be fully compatible with the Evolution X ROM, resulting in driver conflicts and charging limitations.
Vendor Partition Issues: The vendor partition contains proprietary drivers and configurations specific to the device’s hardware. Inconsistencies between the vendor partition and the ROM can cause charging problems.

Software Level Limiter

Custom ROMs also often comes with security settings configured by default to ensure a safer user experience.

Charging Current Limiter: Some custom ROMs may have a software-level charging current limiter set too low. This limits the maximum current the device can draw during charging, leading to significantly reduced charging speeds.
Battery Health Preservation: The ROM might be configured to prioritize long-term battery health. While beneficial in the long run, this setting can intentionally slow down charging to reduce battery degradation. This can be overridden with the correct Magisk module

Hardware Considerations and Charger Compatibility

While the software side is crucial, hardware limitations and charger compatibility also play a role.

Charger and Cable Quality: Ensure you are using a charger and cable that supports the charging standard of your device (e.g., USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), Quick Charge). Low-quality chargers and cables may not deliver sufficient power.
Hardware Damage: Although less likely, hardware damage to the charging port or battery can also cause slow charging.

Troubleshooting and Solutions for Slow Charging on Evolution X

To effectively address slow charging issues, a systematic troubleshooting approach is essential. We will explore several solutions.

Verifying Firmware and Vendor Partitions

Ensuring the correct firmware and vendor partitions are installed is a critical first step.

Identify Required Firmware: Consult the Evolution X documentation or community forums for your specific device model to determine the recommended firmware version.
Flash Compatible Firmware: Use a custom recovery (e.g., TWRP) to flash the recommended firmware. Ensure the firmware is specifically designed for your device model.
Update Vendor Partition: Similarly, update the vendor partition with the version compatible with your chosen Evolution X build.
Reboot and Test: After flashing, reboot the device and test the charging speed.

Kernel Tuning and Customization

Adjusting kernel parameters can significantly improve charging performance. This often involves using dedicated apps or Magisk modules.

Kernel Manager Apps: Install a kernel manager app such as Franco Kernel Manager or EX Kernel Manager (if compatible with your device).
Adjust Charging Parameters: Within the kernel manager, look for options related to charging current, voltage, or thermal throttling. Experiment with different settings, increasing the charging current limit while monitoring temperatures.
Install Custom Kernels: Consider flashing a custom kernel specifically designed for your device and ROM. Custom kernels often include optimized charging drivers and power management features.

Magisk Modules for Charging Optimization

Magisk modules can modify system behavior without directly altering the ROM itself.

Install Magisk: Ensure Magisk is installed on your device.
Search for Relevant Modules: In the Magisk Manager app, search for modules related to charging optimization, such as “Fast Charging Enabler” or modules specific to your device.
Install and Enable Modules: Install the desired module and enable it in the Magisk Manager.
Reboot and Test: Reboot the device and test the charging speed.

Highly Recommended Magisk Modules for Charging Control:

AccA (Advanced Charging Controller): This module provides granular control over charging parameters, allowing you to customize charging speed, voltage, and current limits. It also offers features like battery health monitoring and charging schedules.
Battery Guru: While primarily focused on battery health and optimization, Battery Guru also includes charging-related tweaks that can improve charging speed and efficiency.
Kernel Adiutor Mod (K.A.M.): This module provides a comprehensive interface for modifying kernel parameters, including those related to charging.

Analyzing Logcat for Charging Issues

Logcat captures system logs, providing valuable insights into the charging process.

Install ADB (Android Debug Bridge): Install ADB on your computer.
Enable USB Debugging: Enable USB debugging in the developer options on your device.
Connect to Computer: Connect your device to the computer via USB.
Capture Logcat: Open a terminal or command prompt and run the command adb logcat > charging_log.txt.
Start Charging: Start charging your device.
Analyze Logcat: After a few minutes, stop the logcat capture (Ctrl+C). Open the charging_log.txt file and search for relevant keywords such as “charging,” “power,” “thermal,” “current,” and “voltage.”
Identify Errors: Look for any errors or warnings related to charging. This can help pinpoint the cause of the slow charging issue.

Testing Different Chargers and Cables

It’s essential to rule out charger and cable issues.

Try Different Chargers: Test with different chargers that support the charging standard of your device.
Test Different Cables: Use different USB cables, ensuring they are of good quality and designed for charging.
Monitor Charging Speed: Compare the charging speed with different chargers and cables to identify any potential issues.

Resetting Battery Statistics

Sometimes, inaccurate battery statistics can interfere with the charging process.

Root Access Required: This method requires root access.
Clear Battery Stats: Use a root-enabled file manager to navigate to /data/system/ and delete the batterystats.bin file.
Reboot Device: Reboot the device.
Charge Fully: Allow the device to charge fully to recalibrate the battery statistics.

Checking and Disabling Battery Saving Features

Aggressive battery saving features may limit charging speed.

Review Battery Settings: Check the battery settings in Evolution X and disable any aggressive battery saving features that might be limiting charging speed.
Disable Adaptive Battery: Disable the Adaptive Battery feature, as it can learn your usage patterns and limit charging speed to preserve battery health.

Addressing Potential Hardware Issues

If software solutions fail, hardware issues should be considered.

Inspect Charging Port: Inspect the charging port for any damage or debris. Clean the port carefully with a non-conductive tool.
Professional Repair: If you suspect hardware damage, consider seeking professional repair.

Xiaomi Poco F6 Specific Considerations

While the general troubleshooting steps apply, the Poco F6 may have unique issues.

Kernel Compatibility: Ensure that the kernel you are using is specifically designed for the Poco F6 and is compatible with the Evolution X ROM.
Community Support: Consult the Poco F6 community forums for specific solutions and recommendations.

Evolution X Community Resources

Leveraging the community is invaluable for troubleshooting.

Evolution X Forums: Check the official Evolution X forums and Telegram groups for discussions about charging issues.
Device-Specific Forums: Consult device-specific forums (e.g., XDA Developers) for solutions tailored to your device model.

Conclusion: Optimizing Charging Performance on Evolution X

Slow charging on Evolution X after switching from MIUI is a frustrating issue, but it can often be resolved through careful troubleshooting and optimization. By understanding the potential causes – kernel incompatibilities, firmware issues, software limiters, and hardware considerations – and systematically implementing the solutions outlined in this guide, you can restore optimal charging performance on your Redmi Note 10 Pro or other compatible devices. Remember to consult community resources and seek professional help if needed. With persistent effort, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy the benefits of Evolution X without sacrificing charging speed.

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