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

RAM is a key component that determines the speed of your Xiaomi smartphone. When apps start to hang, games slow down, and switching between tasks takes forever, the problem most often lies in overloaded RAM. But unlike internal memory, which can be cleared by deleting files, RAM is more difficult: it is automatically released by the system, but not always efficiently.

In this article, we will analyze 7 proven ways to clean RAM on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO โ€” standard-tool MIUI You'll learn how to free up memory without root rights, which apps eat the most resources, and why manually cleaning RAM through Task Manager can harm performance in the long run. MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS) and models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Why Xiaomi RAM is clogged and how it manifests itself

Smartphone RAM is a desktop for applications. The more programs run (even in the background), the less free RAM left for new tasks. At Xiaomi, the problem is exacerbated by two factors:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Aggressive optimization MIUI: The system tries to keep frequently used applications in memory, but sometimes โ€œoversteps the stickโ€, leaving unnecessary processes active.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Background activity of services: even after the closure of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), social networks and games continue to consume RAM through push notifications and synchronization.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Energy savings: battery modes in MIUI Restrict background activity, but some apps circumvent these restrictions.

Signs of overloaded RAM:

  • โณ Delays when opening apps (for example, Instagram or TikTok load longer than 3 seconds).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Forced closure of programs (message "Application stoppedยป).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Lags in Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, despite the high charge level.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ A sharp drop FPS in benchmarks (AnTuTu, Geekbench).

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the phone continues to brake after cleaning the RAM, the problem may be in a filled storage (less than 10% of the available space) or a worn-out battery (capacity below 70%). โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Battery status.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you clean up your Xiaomi RAM?
Every day.
Once a week.
Only when the lags start.
Never clean.

Method 1: Built-in Task Manager in MIUI

The easiest method is to use the standard MIUI tool to close the background applications. It does not require installing additional programs and works on all models, including the Redmi 9A and Xiaomi 13 Pro.

Instructions:

  1. Open recent apps (swipe up from the bottom edge of the late screen).
  2. Click on the โ€œClose Everythingโ€ icon (cross or basket depending on the MIUI version).
  3. To selectively clean, swipe left/right over unnecessary applications.

Limitations of the method:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Does not clean system processes (e.g. com.miui.home โ€“ launcher) MIUI).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ After 5-10 minutes, some apps will be loaded back into memory (especially Facebook, VK).

๐Ÿ’ก

To speed up the cleanup, add the Task Manager widget to the home screen: press your finger in the free space โ†’ Widgets โ†’ find Memory Cleanup.

Method 2: Cleaning with Security App

The MIUI Security app contains advanced tools to optimize RAM, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, and allows not only to close tasks, but also to analyze memory consumption.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
  2. Go to Optimize or Accelerate (name depends on the version of MIUI).
  3. Click Clear Memory โ€“ the system will show you a list of active processes.
  4. Choose Clean All or manually mark unnecessary apps.
Action.The effectRecommendation
Clearing all tasksFrees up to 40-60% of RAMUse it for strong lags
Selective clean-upFrees 10-30% of RAMBetter for daily use
Autocleaning when blockedFrees up memory when the screen is turned offInclude in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Cleaning when blocking

โš ๏ธ Note: Do not manually clean system processes (e.g. android.process.media or com.xiaomi.finddevice) This may result in loss of functionality (notifications will not work, GPS device-finding).

Method 3: Disable Auto-Run Unnecessary Applications

Many programs (AliExpress, Wildberries, games) automatically start when the phone is turned on and hang in the background, consuming RAM. MIUI has a hidden feature to disable autostart.

How to turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Select an application (such as Avito) โ†’ Autorun.
  3. Turn off the slider Allow Auto Start.

Applications that can be safely disabled:

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Marketplaces (Ozon, Yandex Market) โ€“ are launched only when opened.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars โ€“ No background activity required.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฐ News applications (Yandex News, Google News).

What can't be turned off:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ System Services (Google Play Services, MIUI Daemon).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Security Apps (Google Play Protect, Mi Security).
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Messengers if you use push notifications (WhatsApp, Viber).

โ˜‘๏ธ Optimizing auto-start

Done: 0 / 4

Method 4: Using Developer Options (for experienced)

Hidden developer settings allow you to limit background processes and force applications to close when folded, a method that requires caution but gives you maximum control over RAM.

How to turn on Developer Options:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone.
  2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times (you are a developer).
  3. Back to Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers.

Useful parameters for cleaning RAM:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Do not save actions โ€“ closes all applications when you press the Home buttonยป.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Limit background processes โ€“ set the Maximum 2 value of the process (but this can disrupt the work of messengers!).
  • ๐Ÿš€ Forced Application Stop โ€“ Allows you to manually stop system services.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Change the setting Limit background processes to below Standard limit may result in loss of notifications in Telegram, VK And other messengers. Test the settings gradually!

What if the phone stopped slowing after the changes in Developer Options?
Return all settings to their original state, especially โ€œLimit background processes.โ€ Then restart the device. If the lags are left, reset the settings through Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset (without deleting data).

Method 5: Applications for cleaning RAM (top)-3 Xiaomi)

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party tools, and it's important to choose programs without advertising and with minimal resource consumption.

AnnexFeaturesCons
GreenifyHybernation of background applications without rootA complex setup for beginners
CCleanerCleaning RAM + cache in one clickAdvertising in the free version
SD MaidAdvanced Optimization for Experienced UsersPaid (300-500) โ‚ฝ)

Recommendations for use:

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Install only one cleaning app โ€“ multiple utilities will conflict.
  • ๐Ÿ” Before using, check the reviews on 4PDA Google Play (avoid programs with a rating below 4.2).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Set up automatic cleaning on a schedule (e.g. every 6 hours).

Warning: Some โ€œoptimizersโ€ (e.g., DU Speed Booster) contain malicious code or aggressive advertising. Check the app via VirusTotal before installing.

Method 6: Reboot your phone (the most effective method)

It sounds trivial, but a full smartphone reboot clears RAM by 100% and resets all background processes, especially for devices with 4-6 GB of RAM (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3), where every megabyte counts.

When to reboot:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ After installing major updates (MIUI or).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Call of Duty Mobile (Diablo Immortal).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ If the phone is warming for no apparent reason.

How to reboot correctly:

  1. Close all applications through Task Manager.
  2. Hold the power button until the menu appears.
  3. Select Reboot (not Shutdown!).

๐Ÿ’ก

Rebooting 1 time every 2-3 days increases the stability of MIUI by 30-40% according to the tests on Xiaomi 11T and Redmi K50.

Method 7: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all previous methods failed and the phone continues to slow down, the cause could be system debris โ€” remnants of deleted applications, damaged caches or conflicting settings, in which case hard reset (factory reset) will help.

Important: Before resetting, make a backup copy!

  • ๐Ÿ“ Save photos/video on Google Photos or computer.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Export your contacts to Google Account.
  • ๐Ÿ” Write down passwords from Settings โ†’ Passwords and security.

Resetting instructions:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Reset settings.
  2. Choose to erase all data.
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

โš ๏ธ Warning: After reset, do not restore data from backup MIUI โ€” It'll bring back the old settings and the garbage. Install the apps manually and set up the phone from scratchยป.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up RAM on Xiaomi

โ“ Why does the phone stop after 10 minutes after cleaning the RAM?
This is normal MIUI behavior: the system loads frequently used applications (messengers, launchers) into memory. To reduce the effect: Turn off autorun for unnecessary programs (see Method 3). Use Greenify to hibernate background tasks.
โ“ Can I clean the RAM through ADB-team?
Yes, but it's risky. Adb shell am kill-all will shut down all user processes, and adb shell pm trim-caches 1G will clear the cache. However: Developer rights and PC connectivity are required. May disrupt system services. For most users, embedded MIUI tools are enough.
โ“ How much RAM should be free for normal operation?
Optimal values: 4 GB of RAM: 0.8-1.2 GB free. 6-8 GB of RAM: 1.5-2 GB free. 12+ GB of RAM: 2.5-3 GB free. If there is less free memory, use the methods from this article.
โ“ Is it true that cleaning RAM harms the battery?
No, but frequent forced cleaning (once every 1-2 hours) causes processes to restart, which increases energy consumption. Optimal frequency: For weak phones (Redmi 7A): 1 time per day. For flagships (Xiaomi 13): 1 time in 2-3 days.
โ“ Why Xiaomi with 12 GB of RAM also have lags?
Causes: Thermal throttling (phone overheats and reduces performance) firmware problems (bugs in the phone) MIUI Background activity of system services (e.g., mediaserver consumes up to 20% of CPU) Solutions: Update firmware to the latest version. Check the temperature through the AIDA64 (normal: up to 40ยฐC to the plain).