Cleaning up RAM on Xiaomi: a complete guide for all models

Your Xiaomi has started to slow down, applications spontaneously close, and animation twitches? 90% of these problems are overloaded RAM (RAM). Even the flagship models of the Redmi K70 or Poco F6 eventually face a lack of RAM due to the features of MIUI and background processes. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to clean RAM, from basic to hidden, which will not be described in the official documentation.

Many users have made a mistake of blindly trusting Google Play’s β€œoptimizers,” which are not only useless, but also put a lot of stress on the system by masquerading as β€œcleaners,” and focus on native MIUI tools and safe methods that actually work, and why Xiaomi aggressively kills background processes and how to fix it without root rights.

Why Xiaomi is eating away at RAM?

Unlike pure Android, MIUI uses an aggressive memory management algorithm.

  • πŸ”Ή Energy saving policy: the system forcibly closes applications to reduce battery consumption (even if the charge is 100%).
  • πŸ”Ή Background services MIUI: com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop and other system processes take up to 1.5 GB RAM.
  • πŸ”Ή Optimization for weak chipsets: on budget models (Redmi) 12C, Poco M6) The system sacrifices multitasking for stability.
  • πŸ”Ή Caching: MIUI reserve up to 30% RAM cache that is not automatically released.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi with 12 GB of RAM is really available to the user only ~8-9 GB. The rest is reserved for the system and graphics accelerator. This is not a defect - this is how the HyperOS architecture (the new firmware based on Android 14) is designed.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning RAM memory is again hammered for 5-10 Minutes are a problem in the memory leakage of a particular application, more often to blame messengers (Telegram, Viber) or games with poor optimization (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi Note 12/13
Poco X5/F5
Mi 11/12/13
Redmi 10/9 Series Series
Another model

Method 1: Manual cleaning through the notification panel

The fastest method, which works on all versions of MIUI and HyperOS, is suitable for emergency memory release when the phone starts to "lag":

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
  2. Find the "RAM Cleanup" icon (usually on the top right, next to brightness).
  3. Click on it – the system will show the current memory load and prompt to clear.
  4. Confirm the action with the tap on the "Clean" button.

This method frees up 20-40% of RAM, but has a limitation: it only closes user applications without affecting system processes, for example, after cleaning Telegram and Chrome will close, and com.miui.home (launcher) will continue to work.

πŸ’‘

If there is no "Clean RAM" icon, add it manually. Click the blank space on the notification bar β†’ "Edit" β†’ drag the icon from the bottom menu to the active area.

Method 2: Deep Cleaning through "Safety"

The built-in Security app (or "Security" in global firmware) offers advanced memory tools, not only to clean up RAM, but also to analyze what processes it takes:

  • πŸ“± Open the Security app (Icon with shield).
  • πŸ” Go to the "Optimization" tab (or "Speed up").
  • πŸ“Š The system will show a detailed report on the loading CPU, RAM storage.
  • 🧹 Click β€œClean” – this will close the background applications and remove the cache.

The advantage of this method is visualization. You'll see how much memory each application takes up, for example, Facebook can weigh in the background of 500 MB, and TikTok can weigh in the background of up to 1 GB. In global firmware, the option "Deep Clean" is also available here, which deletes temporary files of system processes.

AnnexAverage RAM consumption in the backgroundCan I turn it off?
Telegram300-600 MBYes (in notification settings)
MIUI Launcher400-800 MBNo (systemic process)
Google Play Services250-500 MBPartially (limit background activity)
TikTok700 MB - 1.2 GBYeah (turn off autostart)

⚠️ Attention: Don't clean. RAM too often (more often) 1 time-in 2-3 This results in wear and tear of the flash memory, as the system has to constantly reload the data to RAM. The optimal is to use cleaning only with visible brakes.

Method 3: Setup autocleaning in MIUI

MIUI allows you to set up automatic RAM cleaning when you lock your screen, which is useful if you forget to do it manually:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Autorun.
  2. Activate the "Clear RAM on Lock" option.
  3. Turn on the switch and select the aggressiveness level: Weak – closes only unused applications; Medium – clears everything except system processes; Strong – maximum cleaning (may lead to a launcher reboot).

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), this section is called Settings β†’ Memory and Performance β†’ RAM Cleanup. Here you can configure exceptions – applications that will not close during auto-cleaning (useful for instant messengers or music players).

Establish an average level of aggression|Add messengers to exceptions|Turn off autocleaning for games|Check your free memory after blocking-->

Method 4: Limiting background processes (for advanced ones)

If your Xiaomi runs Android 12+, you can manually limit the background activity of apps, which drastically reduces RAM consumption, but requires caution:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Choose an app that is heavy on memory (like Instagram).
  3. Go to "Permissions" β†’ "Additional" β†’ "Background activity".
  4. Set a limit: "No restrictions" - the application works in the background freely. "Limited" - background activity is reduced (recommended for social networks); "Forbidden" - the application closes when folded (suitable for games).

On HyperOS, this section is called Battery Optimization, but the functionality is similar. Importantly, after restriction, some applications (WhatsApp, Viber) may not send notifications or update content only when opened.

What if you banned background activity for Google Play Services?
The app will stop updating Google services in the background, which will lead to: - Account Sync Errors - Geolocation Problems (maps, taxis) - Delays in delivering push notifications - Inability to use Google Pay Recommendation: never ban background activity for Google system services!

Method 5: Resetting the cache of system applications

The cache of system applications (com.miui., com.android.) can take up to 1-2 GB of RAM in the background.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Cash applications.
  2. Click β€œClear Cache” – this will delete the temporary files of all applications.
  3. For point cleaning: Open Settings β†’ Applications. Select a system application (e.g. MIUI Launcher). Click Storage β†’ Clear cache.

After this procedure, Xiaomi can β€œhang” for a few seconds β€” this is normal, since the system reassembles the cache. The effect is noticeable on models with 4-6 GB of RAM (Redmi Note 11, Poco X3 Pro), where each megabyte counts. On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the difference is less noticeable.

πŸ’‘

Cleaning the cache of system applications gives a temporary effect (1-2 days). For a permanent result, combine this method with the limitation of background processes.

Method 6: Using ADB for deep optimization (no root)

If standard methods do not help, you can resort to ADB-It doesn't require root rights, but it gives you access to hidden settings. MIUI. You'll need it:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ 7 times tap the version β†’ Come back to the extra. β†’ Developer parameters β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).

Follow these commands in cmd (or Terminal on Mac/Linux):

adb shell


su -c"echo 100 > /proc/sys/vm/swappiness" # Reduces swap usage




su -c"echo 0 > /proc/sys/vm/oom_kill_allocating_task" # Prevents the killing of background tasks




pm trim-caches 500M # Clears the cache of all applications that take up more than 500 MB

These teams:

  • πŸ”§ Reduce the aggressiveness of memory management (the system less often kills background processes).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear cache only for "heavy" applications.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ It does not affect system files, so it is safe.

⚠️ Note: Commands with su require an unlocked bootloader. If you don't have one, use only pm trim-caches. Misuse ADB This can lead to soft-brick (the phone will load but with errors).

Method 7: Alternative launchers to save RAM

The standard MIUI launcher (com.miui.home) takes up to 800MB of RAM and often causes lags, and replacing it with a lightweight analog can free up 300-500MB of memory:

LauncherRAM expenseAdvantagesDeficiencies
Nova Launcher200-300 MBFlexible setting, gestures, support for iconsPremium version for some functions
Lawnchair150–250 MBFree, open source, themes supportFewer features than Nova
Smart Launcher 6250-400 MBAutomatic Sorting of Applications, Minimalist DesignAdvertising in the free version
Before Launcher100-200 MBMinimalism, no animations, superfastVery limited functionality

To install an alternative launcher:

  1. Download APK from APKMirror (like Nova Launcher).
  2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources.
  3. Click Home β†’ Select a new launcher β†’ Set Always.

After the launcher is replaced, you will notice:

  • πŸš€ More smooth animations when opening / closing applications.
  • πŸ“‰ Reduced consumption RAM on 20-40%.
  • ⚑ Increased battery life (by the 5-10%).

πŸ’‘

Before installing an alternative launcher, back up your home screen in MIUI: press the empty space on your desktop β†’ β€œSettings” β†’ β€œBackup”.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If after all the manipulations, RAM is still clogged, the problem may be deeper:

  • πŸ” Virus or malware: some Trojans masquerade as system processes (e.g. com.android.system) and eat up memory.
  • πŸ› οΈ Damaged firmware: if after updating MIUI Lags appeared - reset through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery wear: battery degradation below 70% MIUI Check the battery health through ##4636## (section "Battery Information").
  • πŸ€– Conflict with Magisk/root: If you have any modifications (for example, ViPER4Android), They can cause memory leaks. Try disabling modules in Magisk Manager.

The last option is Fastboot, a radical method that will bring the phone back to factory status, but requires an unlocked bootloader. For specific model instructions, look at xiaomi.eu or 4PDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about RAM cleanup on Xiaomi

❓ Why is it cleaned up after cleaning? RAM Memory is clogged again in 5 minutes?
This is normal MIUI behavior. The system actively uses free RAM for caching to speed up the re-launch of applications. If the memory is not clogged critically (at least 500 MB is left free), you do not need to clean it - it will only slow down.
❓ Can Xiaomi System Processes Be Disabled to Free Up? RAM?
Technically, yes, but there are consequences. For example, disabling com.miui.analytics will disrupt cloud services, and com.xiaomi.xmsf will cause push notification errors. Only com.miui.bugreport (error reports) com.xiaomi.mipicks (advertising services) com.android.browser (if you use Chrome) To disable: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Show everything β†’ System β†’ Select process β†’ Disable.
❓ How to Check Which App Eats the Most RAM?
There are two ways: Through Security: Open the Security app. Go to Optimization β†’ Use RAM. Click on More to see a list of processes with memory consumption. Through ADB (for advanced): adb shell dumpsys meminfo --package=com.example.app Replace com.example. with an app package (e.g., com.whatsapp).
❓ Is it true that cleaning RAM speed up?
It depends on the situation: βœ… Helps if the free memory is less than 300 MB – the system begins to β€œslow down” due to the constant reboot of data. ❌ It hurts if you clean it. RAM"Empty RAM is inefficient because the system has to re-download data when it opens applications. The best approach is to clear memory only with visible brakes or before launching heavy applications (games, video editors).
❓ Why Xiaomi is 12GB RAM slowing down too?
Number of RAM The reasons for the brakes on flagships (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60 Pro: Trottling the processor due to overheating (check the temperature through AIDA64). Poor optimization MIUI For a specific chipset (relevant to Dimensity and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2). shell conflict: some versions of HyperOS have memory management bugs (fixed with an update). RAM Solution: Try to roll back to the old version. MIUI Or install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).