There are many Android Users who like to enhance their device’s performance and for that they apply tweaks and modifications. They find new ways for improving and upgrading the performances. One of the most useful modifications for an Android device is to make it a bit faster, and this process is known as overclocking.

What is Overclocking?

Overclocking is configuration of computer hardware components to operate faster than certified by the original manufacturer, with “faster” specified as clock frequency in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Commonly operating voltage is also increased to maintain a component’s operational stability at accelerated speed.

You should overclock your Android device if you want to obtain more power from it, as by overclocking we understand: increase the CPU frequency/speed. The overclock operation applied on an Android device is similar with the one performed on a PC or notebook as both will increase the CPU frequency. One more thing mobile CPUs are coming with more safety mechanisms to prevent CPU from burning up, as compared with computer’s CPUs.

Disadvantages of Overclocking

We know that overclocking makes any device with CPU work faster than ever it’s an advantage, a big one. But on the other hand there are few disadvantages too. On raising the clock speed above its average speed, the heat generation and power consumption increases which mean your device will heat up more than usual but less than its breaking point and the battery life will be reduced considerably.

Prerequisites for Overclocking

Your device needs to be rooted, and a custom recovery should be installed on it. Rooting is bit risky and voids device’s warranty, so, if you are not comfortable with rooting your device and installing a custom recovery then, don’t do it.

After that you’ll need to flash a custom kernel on your device.

• So, you root your device first. By gaining root access you will also gain access to the internal system of your handset.
• Replace the stock recovery with a custom one like CWM or TWRP recovery.
• It is recommended to backup the data that is being saved on the internal storage of your Android device.
• The better option is, make a Nandroid backup for saving the current ROM, you will be able to restore the same after overclockinng.
• Make sure your device is fully charged.
• Enable the USB debugging option from the settings menu under developer options.

Getting the right kernel for overclocking

The only thing you need to tweak the CPU settings of your Android phone is a kernel that supports overclocking. First, find the model number of your phone. Go to Settings > About Phone and take a look.

Things to check while choosing a kernel are:

• Whether it supports overclocking.
• If it is compatible with your device.
• Whether it functions on your current Android version and its rating.

Note: Many custom ROMs are coming with custom kernel that supports overclocking; so if your device is currently powered by a custom firmware, then overclocking might be already enabled. In that case you don’t have to flash the custom kernel.

Now, you are ready to overclock your Android device.

How to Overclock your Android device

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1. After you have selected a proper kernel, download it along with its software if any in your device the kernel can also be downloaded on your PC and then copied to your device as a zip file to the root directory if needed.

Step 2. Now you need to enter the fastboot mode. Turn your device off, you can enter fastboot mode by pressing the power button and the volume button simultaneously for a few seconds, but some manufacturers have different combinations (check them out on Google).

Step 3. Use Volume buttons for Navigation and power button for selection.

Step 4. You will enter custom recovery mode CWM or TWRP.

Step 5. When you do, tap on the install button or install zip if you are in CWM recovery and also navigate to the location where you saved the kernel zip file.

Step 6. Flash the zip file and wait for the flashing to complete.

Step 7. Wipe the cache, once you have flashed the kernel file successfully.

Step 8. Navigate to Advanced Setting in recovery and tap “Fix Permissions.”

Step 9. Now, reboot the system.

Changing CPU Clock Speed:

CPU settings can now be altered through the CPU manager or kernel app. Also, if a compatible software for your kernel is still not installed, then you need to find an app on play store. Kernel Auditor is the recommended app for the purpose. This app requires root permissions and works along with Busybox which can also be Launch the CPU manager you had installed and look for control CPU speed and choose a max CPU speed.

Note: Do not raise the clock speed suddenly, start at around 10 percent and increase it, while keeping an eye on the behaviour of your device.

That’s it! You have successfully overclocked your device. Do use comment box if you have any questions. Thanks!