How to clean Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC from garbage and reset the settings

The Redmi 9 series of NFC-equipped smartphones have proven to be reliable budget devices capable of performing a wide range of tasks. However, over time, heavy use of the MIUI operating system leads to the accumulation of temporary files, application cache and system debris, which inevitably affects interface speed, program launch speed and battery life of the gadget.

There are several proven methods to get the device back to its original response sharpness: You can do a deep storage clean without losing personal data, or you can do a full factory reset if you plan to sell the phone or fix serious software bugs. The specific method depends on your end goals and the current state of the software part of the device.

In this guide, we will discuss all the steps of memory optimization for contactless payment models, we will touch on the issues of working with standard system tools, using engineering menus and third-party software. Proper execution of instructions will safely free up gigabytes of space and extend the life of your Xiaomi.

Use of the built-in Security application

The easiest and safest way to start optimizing is to use a regular tool from the developers of MIUI. Security is pre-installed on all devices of the brand and has deep access to system partitions, it allows you to delete temporary files that create applications in the process of their work without touching your personal photos or contacts.

To start the procedure, find a green shield icon on your desktop and start a scan. The system automatically analyzes the state of RAM and internal memory, suggesting that you remove the debris found. This process takes only a couple of minutes and does not require root rights or a connection to your computer. Regular use of this feature helps maintain the stability of the operating system.

⚠️ Note: When using the Cleanup function, look closely at the file list. Sometimes the system may mark important documents or saved logins for removal if they are in standard cache folders.

Once the basic cleaning is complete, it is recommended to go to the Memory section inside the application, where you can configure the system parameters in more detail, for example, you should activate the Memory Extension feature if it is available in your firmware version, which will allow you to use part of the internal storage as virtual RAM. This is especially true for models with 3 or 4 GB of RAM.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party accelerators from the Play Market in parallel with regular funds. Process conflict can cause a cyclical reboot or increased battery consumption.

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For maximum efficiency, conduct a complete cleanup through the Security app at least once a week, especially if you actively use instant messengers and social networks.

Manual cleaning of application and data cache

Automatic tools are not always able to access the deeply hidden temporary files of heavy applications such as Telegram, Instagram or YouTube. These programs can take up several gigabytes of space, saving the videos and images viewed. To remove them, you need to go to the device settings and select the Applications -> All Apps section.

In the list that opens, find the most voracious app. Inside the program menu, you're interested in the item "Memory." When you click on it, you'll see two main buttons: "Clean" and "Delete." The first one deletes only temporary files, the second one erases the program completely along with your settings inside it. Be careful when choosing an action.

Special attention should be paid to Google system services and shell MIUI. Sometimes bloated cache of Google Play Services can cause malfunctions NFC-Clearing the data of these services is secure, as they will automatically restore the necessary files on the next run, but this may take some time and require a connection to Wi-Fi.

It's also worth checking the Android/data folder through the file manager, which stores game and some multimedia applications, and deleting the contents of this folder can lead to loss of progress in games or settings in programs, so only act here if you understand what a particular folder is responsible for.

Full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If software bugs become critical, the phone is constantly hanging or you are preparing the device for sale, the only sure solution is a complete reset, which will return Redmi 9 to the “out of the box” state, removing absolutely all user data, accounts and installed applications, a radical but often necessary method of treating the software part.

Before starting the procedure, it is critical to back up your data. You can use Google Drive or the built-in MIUI Cloud tool. Make sure contacts, photos and notes are synchronized. After resetting, it will be impossible to recover data without a backup, so don't ignore this stage of preparation.

⚠️ Note: Before resetting, be sure to remove SIM-MicroSD card and memory card (if used) reset may affect external storage and you will lose data on the flash drive.

To perform the reset via the settings menu, go on the Settings path -> The phone -> Reset settings. Select the option "Erase all data." The system will request confirmation of action and enter the password unlock the screen or PIN-The process will take from 5 to 15 minutes, after which the phone will restart in the initial settings.

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Hard Reset is the only way to guarantee that you will remove all traces of device usage and viruses if they have penetrated the system partition.

Cleaning through Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)

In situations where the smartphone is not loading normally or is getting stuck on the MIUI logo, it uses a recovery mode, a low-level interface that allows you to control the system bypassing the main bootloader, and you need to turn the device off completely to log in, and then pinch the Volume Up key combination and Power simultaneously.

Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button while still holding the volume. A menu with several points in English will appear on the screen, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is made with the power button (or touch if the screen responds).

Inside the menu, select "Wipe All Data" and confirm the action. The system will warn you that all data will be destroyed. Once the cleanup process is complete, select Reboot -> Reboot to System. The first run after such a reset can last longer than usual - up to 10 minutes, this is the normal reaction of the system to a clean installation.

Cleanup NFC-Profiles and payment data

Since your Redmi 9 is equipped with an NFC module, when selling or transferring a device, you need to separately take care of deleting payment data. Even after a complete reset, if you have not untied the cards in the bank, attempts to access data are theoretically possible (although modern security tokens minimize this risk, it does not interfere with reinsurance).

Go to the NFC (Connections and Sharing -> NFC) settings and check the default payment app list. Remove all added cards from Google Pay (or its analogues) and Mi Pay. It is best to remove banking apps before reset and clear their data manually.

Also check if the phone has digital hotel or transport card keys if you have used your smartphone as an e-wallet, and these are deleted in the respective card emulator apps.

Using third-party utilities for deep cleaning

If there are not enough built-in tools, you can turn to proven third-party solutions, the leader in this area is the SD Maid application. Unlike many clones, it actually scans the file system for “bodies” – remnants of remote applications, empty folders and erroneous registry entries (for Android, these are databases).

Another powerful tool is Files by Google, which is not just a file manager, but a smart system that analyzes your habits and suggests removing duplicate photos, old screenshots and rarely used apps, and is secure and does not require extended access rights, making it ideal for ordinary users.

However, be careful with so-called boosters and antiviruses with aggressive advertising, which often become a source of garbage and slow down Redmi 9. Use only software from well-known developers with a good reputation in the Play Market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)