Table of Contents
Android devices are known for their customization options, allowing users to personalize their experience to suit their preferences. One such customization option is changing the CPU governor, which controls how the device’s CPU operates. By changing the CPU governor, users can optimize their device’s performance, power consumption, and thermal management.
In this blog post, we will explore various methods on how to change the CPU governor on your Android device without root access. Whether you want to boost your device’s performance for gaming or conserve battery life for extended usage, these methods will help you achieve your desired CPU governor settings.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change CPU Governor on Android:
Before diving into the methods, let’s understand why you may need to change the CPU governor on your Android device:
- Battery Life: By adjusting the CPU governor settings, you can optimize your device’s power consumption and extend battery life.
- Performance: Changing the CPU governor can unlock your device’s full potential, allowing for smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved gaming performance.
- Thermal Management: Some CPU governor settings can help control the device’s temperature, preventing overheating during intensive tasks.
- No Root Access: These methods are specifically designed for users who do not have root access on their Android devices, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
Method 1: Via Developer Options:
The first method involves changing the CPU governor settings through the Developer Options on your Android device. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and tap on "About Phone" or "About Device".
- Find the "Build Number" option and tap on it seven times to enable Developer Options. You should see a message confirming that Developer Options are now enabled.
- Go back to the main Settings screen and tap on "Developer Options".
- Scroll down and find the "Processor" or "CPU" section.
- Tap on "CPU Frequency" or a similar option.
- Select the desired CPU governor from the list. You may have options like "Performance", "Power Save", or "Balanced".
- Exit the Settings app and observe the changes in your device’s performance.
Pros:
- Easy and accessible method.
- No additional apps or tools required.
Cons:
- Limited range of CPU governors available.
- Changes may not persist after device reboot.
Method 2: Via Third-Party Apps:
If the built-in Developer Options method doesn’t satisfy your requirements, you can utilize third-party apps specifically designed to change the CPU governor settings on Android devices. Follow these steps:
- Download and install a CPU control app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include CPU tuner, No-frills CPU Control, and Kernel Adiutor (ROOT).
- Launch the CPU control app.
- Grant the necessary permissions when prompted.
- Navigate to the CPU governor settings within the app.
- Select the desired CPU governor from the available options. The app may provide additional features like adjustable frequencies and scheduling.
- Apply the changes and exit the app.
- Observe the impact on your device’s performance.
Pros:
- Greater control over CPU governor settings.
- Possibility to access advanced features.
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing a third-party app.
- Some apps may have compatibility issues with certain devices.
Method 3: Via Custom ROMs:
If you’re familiar with the world of custom ROMs, you can change the CPU governor by flashing a custom ROM on your Android device. This method requires more technical knowledge and involves a higher level of risk. Proceed with caution and make sure to follow the instructions specific to your device and ROM. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Research and find a custom ROM compatible with your Android device. XDA Developers is a great resource for finding ROMs.
- Unlock the bootloader of your device, if necessary.
- Install a custom recovery tool like TWRP.
- Download the custom ROM and transfer it to your device’s internal storage.
- Boot your device into TWRP recovery mode.
- Perform a full backup of your existing ROM.
- Wipe the current system and cache partitions.
- Install the custom ROM from the downloaded file.
- Reboot your device and wait for the ROM installation to complete.
- Once the custom ROM is installed, navigate to the CPU governor settings within the ROM’s settings menu.
- Select the desired CPU governor and apply the changes.
- Observe the impact on your device’s performance and stability.
Pros:
- Complete control over CPU governor settings.
- Access to a wide range of custom ROMs with unique features and optimizations.
Cons:
- Risk of bricking your device if not done correctly.
- Voiding warranty and potential loss of official device updates.
Method 4: Using Kernel Managers:
A popular method among advanced Android users is using kernel managers to change the CPU governor. Kernel managers allow for more granular control over the device’s kernel, including CPU governor settings. Here’s how you can change the CPU governor using a kernel manager:
- Download and install a kernel manager app from the Google Play Store. Some popular options include Kernel Adiutor, Franco Kernel Manager, and EX Kernel Manager.
- Launch the kernel manager app.
- Grant the necessary permissions when prompted.
- Navigate to the CPU settings or governor section within the app.
- Select the desired CPU governor from the available options.
- Apply the changes and exit the app.
- Observe the impact on your device’s performance.
Pros:
- Offers advanced kernel control.
- Allows extensive fine-tuning of CPU governor and other kernel settings.
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing a kernel manager app.
- May require root access for certain kernel manager features.
Method 5: Using Custom Kernels:
This method involves replacing the stock kernel on your Android device with a custom kernel that offers more control over CPU governor settings. Similar to flashing a custom ROM, this method carries a higher risk and requires technical proficiency. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Research and find a custom kernel suitable for your Android device.
- Unlock the bootloader of your device, if necessary.
- Install a custom recovery tool like TWRP.
- Download the custom kernel and transfer it to your device’s internal storage.
- Boot your device into TWRP recovery mode.
- Perform a full backup of your existing kernel.
- Wipe the current kernel and cache partitions.
- Install the custom kernel from the downloaded file.
- Reboot your device and wait for the kernel installation to complete.
- Once the custom kernel is installed, navigate to the CPU governor settings within the kernel manager app.
- Select the desired CPU governor and apply the changes.
- Observe the impact on your device’s performance and stability.
Pros:
- Complete control over CPU governor settings and other kernel parameters.
- Potential for significant performance improvements and optimizations.
Cons:
- Advanced method requiring technical knowledge.
- Higher risk of issues or instability if not done correctly.
What to Do If You Can’t Change CPU Governor on Android:
If you’re unable to change the CPU governor on your Android device using the aforementioned methods, here are some alternative fixes:
- Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix temporary glitches or conflicts that prevent you from changing the CPU governor.
- Check for firmware updates: Ensure that your device’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers occasionally release updates that may include fixes or improvements to CPU governor settings.
- Factory reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset on your Android device. This will erase all data and settings, so make sure to backup your important files before proceeding.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to enhance your experience when changing the CPU governor settings on your Android device:
- Monitor Your Device: Use monitoring apps like CPU-Z or Kernel Adiutor to keep track of your device’s CPU usage, frequency, and temperature.
- Experiment and Find the Right Balance: Changing the CPU governor settings can be a trial-and-error process. Test different governors and observe how they affect your device’s performance and battery life.
- CPU Undervolting: If your device supports it, consider undervolting the CPU to reduce power consumption and heat without sacrificing performance. This should be done cautiously with the help of dedicated apps or kernel managers.
5 FAQs about Changing CPU Governor on Android:
Q1: Will changing the CPU governor on my Android device void the warranty?
A: It depends on the manufacturer’s policy. While some manufacturers may consider firmware modifications like changing the CPU governor as a voiding factor, others may not. It’s advisable to check your device’s warranty terms and conditions or contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.
Q2: Are there any risks involved in changing the CPU governor on Android?
A: The risks vary depending on the method chosen. Methods like using kernel managers or flashing custom kernels carry a higher risk of device instability or bricking if not performed correctly. Proceed with caution and make sure to have proper backups and knowledge of the specific method you’re using.
Q3: Will changing the CPU governor have a noticeable impact on battery life?
A: Yes, changing the CPU governor settings can have a significant impact on battery life. Opting for power-saving governors like "Power Save" or "Balanced" can help conserve battery, while high-performance governors like "Performance" may result in increased battery consumption.
Q4: Can I revert back to the default CPU governor settings after making changes?
A: Yes, you can revert back to the default CPU governor settings using the same methods mentioned in this blog post. Simply select the default or recommended governor from the available options.
Q5: Will changing the CPU governor on my Android device improve gaming performance?
A: In some cases, changing the CPU governor settings can improve gaming performance by allocating more CPU resources to demanding games. Experiment with different governors to find the optimal balance between performance and battery life for your specific gaming needs.
Final Thoughts:
Changing the CPU governor on your Android device can unlock a world of customization and optimization options. From conserving battery life to boosting performance, these methods provide you with the flexibility to tailor your device’s behavior to your liking. Remember to exercise caution when attempting more advanced methods and always backup your data before making any system alterations.
By exploring the methods outlined in this blog post, you can take control of your Android device’s CPU governor settings and experience enhanced performance and efficiency.