How to clean RAM on a Xiaomi smartphone

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are known for their speed and optimization, but even powerful devices can be resource-strapped over time. RAM, or RAM, is a critical component of the system responsible for storing temporary data from running applications. When this reserve is exhausted, the interface begins to slow down, and background processes can be forced to close.

Users often experience a phone eating memory for no apparent reason and standard cleaning methods are no longer helpful. In this article, we will detail how to properly free RAM on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices using both built-in tools and advanced techniques for advanced users.

Do not ignore the signs of a lack of resources, as constant overload of the system can lead to unstable work and even sudden reboots. Proper management of Android resources will extend the comfortable life of your gadget without buying a new one.

Understanding the work of RAM in the MIUI and HyperOS shell

The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a specific memory management algorithm that is different from pure Android. It aims to keep as many apps in memory as possible to run them quickly, which sometimes leads to resource conflicts. Cache processes can take up a significant portion of the available volume, even if you are not using them right now.

It's important to understand the difference between internal memory and RAM. If the former is storage for files and programs, the latter is the workspace of the processor. When the free space in RAM runs out, the system begins to actively use swap files or force the background tasks to close, which you notice as "freezes."

⚠️ Attention: 100% RAM is not a goal, the system must have backup for background services, otherwise it will lead to constant restarts of system processes and increased power consumption.

Analytics show that the most effective work is observed when the memory is fullness is about 70-80%. By trying to clean everything up to the last megabyte manually, you can upset the balance of memory compression algorithms built into the Linux kernel that runs Android.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The easiest and most affordable way to free up resources is to use a regular developer tool, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices and contains a memory cleaner module that allows you to complete background processes and clear the cache of system services in one click.

To start the procedure, you need to find a shield icon on your desktop and run the scan. Once the check is complete, the system will offer a Clean button, which will force the processes consuming resources to be completed, which is safe and does not delete your personal data.

However, it is worth considering that aggressive cleaning through this application can be counterproductive for multitasking. If you often switch between applications, the system will have to reload them to RAM, which consumes more CPU power than storing them in sleep mode.

Manual control of running applications

A more point-based approach involves manually monitoring the active windows, and unlike automatic cleaning, you decide which programs are actually needed right now and which you can close, using a recent app menu called upwards by swiping with a delay or pressing the navigation button.

In this menu, you'll see a list of all the processes that are running. If you click on the cross or swipe left/right, you close a particular application, which is especially useful for "heavy" programs like navigators, games or video editors, which can consume hundreds of megabytes of RAM even when folded.

There's also a hidden acceleration feature, where if you pull down the list in recent apps, the built-in optimization script is activated, and it compulsorily clears the cache and completes the lower priority processes, making room for the current task.

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Press the Home button (center navigation button) for 2-3 seconds to instantly call the memory cleanup menu without going to the application list.

Regular manual inspection helps identify voracious applications that you forgot to close, often running in the background, collecting data or updating content, stealthily eating up your Redmi or POCO resources.

Memory Extension (Memory Extension)

Newer versions of MIUI 12.5, MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS have a virtual memory extension feature that allows you to use some of the internal flash memory (ROM) as an addition to RAM, which can be a lifesaver for models with 4 or 6 GB of physical memory.

You can activate this function in the settings menu. The path usually looks like: Settings → Advanced Settings → Expanded Memory. Here you can choose the amount of memory you add, for example, +2 GB, +3 GB or +4 GB, depending on the free space on the disk.

It's worth noting that virtual memory is faster than physical LPDDR5, so performance gains will be noticeable mainly when multitasking is open at the same time, and for heavy games, this feature may not have a tangible effect or even slightly increase delays.

⚠️ Attention: Using the memory expansion function increases the number of write cycles per internal drive, which theoretically can reduce its service life with very active operation.

Disabling Autostart and Background Activity

One of the main reasons for RAM overflow is uncontrolled auto-run of applications, many programs prescribe themselves to auto-boot to run faster or to notify, and in the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is managed by a special system service.

To limit app appetites, go to Settings → Apps → Auto Run. Here you will see a list of all programs that start with your phone. Leave only messengers and alarms on, and turn off the rest safely.

You can also limit background activity for specific applications. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, select the desired program and find Battery or Energy Saving. Select Background Activity Limitation or No Limits (if you want the application to work constantly, such as a step tracker).

This measure will not only free up RAM, but also significantly extend battery life. apps will stop hanging in the background, waiting for a command, and will only boot on your request.

Advanced Methods: Debugging with USB and ADB

For power users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a most effective way to clean up. Using USB debugging and the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) utility allows you to manage processes at a system level that is not available to the average user.

First, activate Developer Mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then, in the Additional → For developers menu, turn on the USB Debugging Toggle.

adb shell pm list packages | grep "name packet"

Using ADB commands, you can force system services to stop or remove undeleteable system software (bloatware), which is often the cause of memory leaks. For example, the adb shell am force-stop com.example.app command will instantly kill the process.

⚠️ Be extremely careful when removing or stopping system processes through ADB. The error can result in a cyclic bootloop or inoperability of important phone functions.

This method requires a computer connection and driver installation, so it is not suitable for daily use, but is ideal for deep cleaning of the system before selling the device or after installing “heavy” updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Optimal operation of the Xiaomi smartphone is achieved not by full memory release, but by competent management of auto-start and background processes.