Cleaning up RAM on Xiaomi Redmi: from manual methods to hidden MIUI features

Your Xiaomi Redmi is starting to slow down, apps are spontaneously shutting down and interface animations are twitching? 90% of the time, it's overloaded RAM. Even on new models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ with 12GB of RAM, MIUI can misallocate resources, leaving background processes "hang" in memory. But don't rush to reset the phone to factory settings - we've put together 7 working methods, including hidden features that the official documentation doesn't say.

Unlike the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi smartphones have a unique feature: the system aggressively caches data to speed up the re-launch of applications. This is useful until it becomes a problem. For example, on Redmi with 4-6 GB of RAM after 3 days of active use of free memory, there may be less than 500 MB - a critical threshold for lags. In this article, you will find methods for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), and also learn which applications "eat" memory unnoticed.

1. Manual cleaning of RAM through the "Safety" menu

The fastest way to free up memory is to use the built-in Optimization tool in the Security app, which works on all Redmi models, from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Redmi K60 Ultra.

Open the Security app and go to Optimization, and the system will automatically scan the device and show how much memory can be freed up.

• 🔄 Memory Cleansing – Remove background processes without affecting open applications.
• 🗑️ Deep Cleaning – Closes all applications, including active ones (such as a music player or navigator).
• ⚡ Acceleration – temporarily suspends unnecessary services (lasts 10-15 minutes).

Redmi with MIUI 14 and later has a Smart Clean option that analyzes user habits and automatically closes apps you rarely use, but our test showed that manual cleaning is still 20 to 30 percent more effective.

2. hidden function "Extended cleaning" (only for the purpose of MIUI 12–14)

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden menu that allows you to clear your memory more aggressively than standard tools, a technique that is especially useful if your Redmi is getting stuck and does not respond to touch.

You can activate the function through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Go to the Usage statistics section.
4. Click Force Stop All Apps (Forced Stop All Apps)

⚠️ Warning: This method suspends all processes, including system processes. Once cleaned, the phone may restart, and some applications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) will require re-authorization.

For Redmi HyperOS models (like Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G), this method doesn’t work – use the developer mode instead.

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Do not save actions

3. Limitation of background processes

By default, MIUI allows apps to run in the background indefinitely. This is convenient for messengers or navigators, but harmful to performance. For example, Facebook or TikTok can take up to 1.5 GB of RAM even when rolled up.

To limit background activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Instagram) and click Limit Background Activity.
3. For full control, activate Power Saving Mode for a specific application.

Turn off auto-start for social media |

Limit background activity of messengers |

Remove the cache in Settings → Storage |

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

4.Use of ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system management tool that works for Redmi models with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but works on standard devices as well.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Commands for cleaning RAM:

adb shell


su (if there is root)




echo 3 > /proc/sys/vm/drop_caches # Cache cleanup




Killall -9 com.miui.home # Launcher Restart




Am Kill-All Closing All User Processes

⚠️ Warning: The kill-all command will result in the closure of all open applications, including unsaved data in editors or forms.

For users without root rights, a simplified version is suitable:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS


adb shell input keyevent 187 #Clear Everything button simulation

5. Optimizing the Autoboot of Applications

Many apps run automatically when you turn on your phone or connect to the Internet, not only does it consume RAM, it also puts the battery down, and on Redmi with MIUI, you can control autoload through a hidden menu.

How to turn off autostart:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select AutoRun.
3. Sort apps by the date of the last launch and disable autoloads for unnecessary ones (such as games or Xiaomi promotional services).

Pay special attention to these applications:

• 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact – can be launched to check for updates.
• 🛒 Promo services (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) – often included themselves.
• 📊 Analytics (Google Play Services, MIUI Analytics – Collecting data in the background.

💡

To check which apps are running when you start, install Startup Manager from Google Play, which will show you the full list of autoboots, including hidden system processes.

6. Alternative launchers to save RAM

The standard MIUI launcher (com.miui.home) is known for its “gluttony” — it can take up to 600-800 MB of RAM even in simpler times.

The best options for Redmi:

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Launch it and install it as a default launcher.
3. In the settings MIUI Turn off optimization for new launcher: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [The name of the launcher] → Battery → No restrictions.

💡

Replacing the launcher gives you an increase in free memory by 300-500 MB, but can disrupt some MIUI functions, for example, Dual Applications or Second Space.

7. reset partition cache (without data loss)

If all previous methods failed, the last step before a full reset is to clear the /cache partition cache.This won't delete your files or apps, but will reset temporary system data, which can take up to 1-2 GB of RAM.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Cache Partition (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. After cleaning, restart the device (Reboot System).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (such as the Note 11 Pro) may have a Recovery menu in Chinese, in which case, look for the item with the characters (clear the cache).

This method is also useful if:

• 🐢 The phone is slowing down after the update. MIUI.
• 🔄 Applications are constantly restarted.
• 📱 Screen flickering or artifacts appear.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning RAM on Xiaomi Redmi