Xiaomi is missing memory: how to free up space without losing data

Why Xiaomi is running out of memory and what to do about it

You see, again, "Not enough memory" on Xiaomi's screen, even though you didn't seem to have anything to do with it? The problem of space shortage on the brand's smartphones is one of the most common. Even on models with 128 GB or 256 GB, memory can literally disappear in front of your eyes, and it's not just your photos and videos that are to blame, but also the features of MIUI firmware, app cache, duplicate files and hidden system data.

In this article, we will understand 7 Proven ways to free up memory on Redmi, Poco or Mi – from basic (removal of garbage) to advanced (transfer of applications to the Internet) SD-All methods work on current versions. MIUI 14/15 And if you're afraid of losing important data, at the end of the book, there's a safe backup manual.

First, determine what exactly takes up space. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions). Here you will see a diagram of the allocation of memory by categories: applications, media files, cache and system data. If the "Other" or "System" partition is more than 10-15 GB, this is cause for concern.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup in MIUI: a quick way

The easiest way to free up 1-5 GB of memory is to delete temporary files and cache, and MIUI has a built-in Cleanup tool that works more efficiently than many third-party applications.

• 📱 Open the Security app (Icon with shield) → Select the "Cleaning" tab».
• 🧹 Click “Quick Clean” – the system scans the phone for unnecessary files (cache, residual data of remote applications, thumbnails).
• 🗑️ Select all items (especially App Cache and Residual Files) and click Clear».
• 🔍 For deep cleaning, go to the “Deep Cleaning” tab» → select "Unnecessary" APK» and “Duplicate files».

Note that the cache of apps (like YouTube or TikTok) can weigh several gigabytes, and cleaning it won’t delete your accounts or settings, but then the apps will have to re-upload data (like thumbnails of videos or maps in Google Maps).

⚠️ Note: Do not manually clear cache for system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home through Settings → Applications: This can lead to disruptions MIUI.

2. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Many Xiaomi users wonder why the memory is not fully freed after the app is removed, because MIUI (like any Android) leaves residual files: settings, databases and even folders in /Android/data/.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by size (click on the three dots in the top right corner → “By size”).
3. Select an unnecessary application → «Delete».
4. After deleting, return to Cleanup (from the first section) and run Deep Cleanup to delete the residual files.

Pay special attention to pre-installed applications from Xiaomi and Google that cannot be removed by standard means, such as Mi Video, Mi Music, Google Play Books or Duo can take up to 500 MB each.

• 🚫 Go to the app settings → «Disable" (this hides it from the menu and stops background processes).
• 🔧 To completely remove system applications, you will need to unlock the bootloader and ADB-commands (instruction below).

Remove unused games and social networks

Disable pre-installed services Xiaomi

Clear residual files through Deep Cleanup

Check the Downloads folder for unnecessary APK-->

3. Transfer of files and applications to SD-map

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Poco X5 Pro), you can transfer some of the data to a microSD.

• 📁 Media files (photos, videos, music) are easily transferred: connect the map, open the Files» → highlight files → «Move it» → choose SD-map.
• 📱 Applications are only transferred to Adoptable Storage cards, but this will lead to loss of warranty and possible failures. SD-media card only.
• ⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models support Adoptable Storage. MIUI 12, the function is disabled by default.

To transfer applications to SD-Portable Storage (without formatting as internal memory):

1. Put it in. SD-map (class recommended) UHS-I U3 speed).
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map] → Three points. → Storage settings → Formatting as an internal.
3. After formatting, go to Settings → Applications, select the desired application → «Warehouse» → «Change» → choose SD-map.

⚠️ Note: After formatting SD-As internal memory, the card cannot be used on other devices without completely erasing the data, and it can also reduce the speed of applications.

4.Photo and video optimization: how to save gigabytes

Photos and video are the main memory eaters: one 4K video can weigh 1-2 GB, and a library of 10,000 photos can easily weigh 20-30 GB.

• 📸 In the camera settings (Xiaomi Camera) set the resolution of the photo on the «12 MP instead of «48 MP" or «108 There will be no difference on the phone screen, and save space in the 3-4 once.
• 🎥 For the video, select permission. 1080p@30fps instead 4K@60fps (If you are not taking off for professional processing).
• 🗃️ Enable Storage Optimization in Google Photos: Upload originals to the cloud and leave compressed copies on your phone (Settings) → Make room).
• 🧹 Remove duplicate photos using the Gallery app» → «Management» → «Duplicate».

If you're a frequent video shooter, look for the HEVC format (H.265), which compresses video 2 times more efficiently than H.264, without loss of quality, to turn it on:

1. Open the camera → go to “Settings” (cog).
2. Select Video Resolution → HEVC (not available on all models).

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Before a trip or an important event, clear the DCIM/.thumbnails folder – it stores thumbnails of photos that can take up to 1-2 GB.

5. Removal of system debris and hidden files

MIUI creates many hidden files and folders that are not visible in standard Explorer.

• /MIUI/debug_log — Logic of errors (may weigh) 500 MB–1 GB);
• /Android/data/com.xiaomi.midrop/.cache - Mi Drop cache
• /Android/obb/ – Game files (sometimes left behind after deletion)

To remove them:

1. Install a file manager with root rights (e.g. FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Manually remove folders from the list above (except /Android/obb/ if the game is still installed).

To remove system logs without root:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Press 5 times on "Version" MIUI», To activate the "Developer Mode».
3. Return to “Additional Settings” → “Developers” → turn off “Error Log”.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders /MIUI/theme or /Android/data/com.android.providers.media — This will cause the design and media scanner to fail.

6.Use of cloud storage and backup

If the phone is critically space-short, move some of the data to the cloud. Xiaomi has its own Mi Cloud storage (gives 5GB for free), but it's better to use Google Drive or Yandex Disk (up to 10-15GB for free).

How to automatically upload photos to Google Photos:

1. Install the Google Photos app.
2. Go to the settings → “Backup and Synchronization” → turn on the function.
3. Choose “High Quality” (unlimited storage) or “Original Quality” (from Google Drive quota).
4. After uploading all photos to Google Photos, click “Free space” – this will delete local copies, leaving only thumbnails.

To back up applications and their data:

• 🔄 Use “Local Backup” in Settings → The phone. → Backup. Create a backup for SD-card.
• ☁️ In Mi Cloud you can save contacts, notes, SMS System settings, but not applications.

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Cloud storage saves space, but does not replace local backups; important documents (passports, tickets) are better duplicated on a physical medium (a flash drive or a PC).

7. Advanced methods: ADB and factory reset

If standard methods didn’t help and your phone still lacks memory, try:

Removing System Applications Through ADB

This will require a computer and the enabled “Developer Mode”:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (enable “USB Debugging” in the developer settings).
2. Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks (replace com.xiaomi.mipicks with the desired application package, for example, com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).
4. Reboot the phone.

List of safe to remove system packages:

• com.xiaomi.mipicks — GetApps;
• com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video;
• com.miui.player — Mi Music;
• com.android.browser is a standard browser.

Reset to factory settings

Last resort, if the memory is "clogged" by what is unknown. Before reset, make sure to make a backup copy!

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the phone will go back out of the box, all apps, photos and settings will be deleted, and if you forget your Mi Account password, the phone may lock!

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory on Xiaomi