Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi: From Cache to Deep Optimization

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their price-performance ratio, but even they eventually start to “brake” due to clogged memory. If your Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A or other model of the series shows a notification “Memory is full” and applications suddenly close, it’s time to act. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to clean memory, from basic to advanced, taking into account the features of the MIUI firmware (including versions 12-14).

Xiaomi users’ main problem is not only user files (photos, videos), but also system debris that accumulates unnoticed: app cache, residual files after updates, duplicates in the gallery. For example, after updating MIUI through OTA, the system can leave up to 1-1.5 GB of temporary files that are not deleted automatically. We will show how to find and safely remove this “invisible” junk without resorting to resetting.

Important: The methods are suitable for all Redmi models (including Redmi 12/13, Note 11/12, K50, etc.), but some menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. If you have custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), some functions may work differently.

1. Analysis of occupied memory: what exactly takes place?

Before you clean it, you need to understand what's clogging up the memory, and MIUI has a built-in storage analyzer that shows you how to categorize your files, and you can use it to do this.

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on the graph "Occupied" - the system will scan the device (can take 1-2 minutes).
3. Study the sections: “Apps”, “Images”, “Video”, “Audio”, “Other Files”.

Note the System Data section, which is more than 5-7 GB, and it’s a signal to clear cache and debris, and check the Other Files section, where logs (.log), temporary files (.tmp) and remnants of deleted applications are often hidden.

MIUI 14 has a feature called Deep Analysis, which detects duplicate photos and large files to activate it:

1. In the "Memory" section, tap three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select “Deep Analysis” and wait for the scan to be completed.

⚠️ Note: If you see unknown programs in the Apps section (e.g. com.duokan.phone or com.miui.analytics), do not manually delete them – these are system services. MIUI. Deactivation can lead to failures.

2. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache speeds up applications, but over time grows to giant sizes. For example, the cache of Telegram or TikTok can take up to 2-3 GB, and the cache of the system (MIUI) – another 1-1.5 GB. It needs to be cleaned regularly, but not all cache files can be deleted without consequences.

Method 1: Clearing the cache for individual applications

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or Facebook).
3. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – this will remove all app settings!).

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications

1. Open Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
2. Select the Cash tab and click Clear.
3. Confirm the action – this will remove the cache of all user applications.

Method 3: Cleaning the system cache (requires developer rights)

• 🔧 Activate Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times).
• 📱 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🧹 Find the item “Clear the cache” (not to be confused with “Clear the data”) and confirm.

Clear the application cache (without data loss)

Remove downloaded files from messengers

Clear the history in the browser

Delete the video thumbnails (folder.thumbnails)

Clear the system cache (only through the developer mode)-->

⚠️ Note: Do not use applications like Clean Master or CCleaner to clear cache on Xiaomi. MIUI, which leads to errors in the shell (for example, widgets disappear or the theme of the design stops working).

3. Disposal of garbage and temporary files

MIUI has a built-in garbage disposal tool called Security → Cleaner, but it doesn't always handle deep temporary files. Let's look at how to manually remove garbage.

Folders that can be cleaned without risk:

• 🗑️ /storage/emulated/0/Android/data — cache and application data (remove remote program folders).
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (you can delete completely).
• 📄 /storage/emulated/0/Download — downloads from the browser (check for unnecessary files).
• 🔍 /storage/emulated/0/.estrongs — temporary file manager files ES Conductor (if you use it).

Use the built-in Files to access these folders (MIUI File Manager) or a third-party explorer (e.g. Solid Explorer). To see hidden folders (starting from a dot), turn on the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings.

If you use Google Photos to back up, check the folder. DCIM/Camera — Sometimes there are duplicates of photos that have already been uploaded to the cloud. Pictures/Screenshots — Screenshots can take hundreds of megabytes.

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Before mass deletion of files, back up important data to Mi Cloud or PC. In MIUI, you can do this through Settings → About Phone → Backup

4.Storage optimization: what can be moved or compressed

If cleaning hasn’t helped, consider alternative ways to vacate the site:

• 📱 Transfer of applications to SD-The map (not working on all Redmi models):
• ☁️ Automatically upload photos to the cloud (e.g. Google Photos or Mi Cloud) and then delete local copies.
• 🎵 Compress music and video: Use apps like Video Compress or MP3 Compressor to reduce file size without critical quality loss.
• 📂 Archiving rarely used files: pack old documents into the file ZIP/RAR and transfer to a memory card or cloud.

On Redmi models with OTG support (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), you can connect an external drive (a flash drive or a hard drive) and transfer heavy files there.

1. Connect. OTG-smartphone-mount.
2. Insert the flash drive (formatted in FAT32 or exFAT).
3. Use Files → Devices to move data.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work correctly with SD-For example, WhatsApp and Telegram may not save media files to an external drive. SD-Cards as internal storage (adoptable storage function), as this leads to slowdown of the system.

5. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files

One of the main memory eaters is duplicate photos that are created when you edit, send in messengers or backup. MIUI 13/14 has a built-in tool to find them:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → “Management”.
3. Select “Dublicates” – the system will show all the repeated photos and videos.
4. Click on “Delete duplicates” (only one copy of each file will remain).

For deeper cleaning, use third-party applications:

• 🔍 Files by Google – Finds duplicates, large files and unused apps.
• 📊 SD Maid (requires root) – cleans databases, empty folders, and residual files.
• 🖼️ Duplicate Files Fixer – specializes in finding duplicate images.

Pay special attention to the WhatsApp/Media folder, which stores all sent and received media files, including memes and stickers, to clear it:

1. Open the files. → WhatsApp → Media.
2. Delete WhatsApp Animated Gifs, WhatsApp Stickers and WhatsApp Video folders (if files are not needed).

6. reset partition cache (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, and your memory is still clogged with invisible debris, you can try resetting partition cache via Recovery Mode, which doesn't delete user data, but it does require caution.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have a choice).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

This method is useful if:

• The smartphone became very slow after the update MIUI.
• The Memory section displays occupied space, but there are no large files.
• Applications are constantly crashed with the error “Not enough memory”.

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will delete all your data, including photos, contacts and applications. Also do not use this method more than 1 time every 2-3 months - this can lead to wear and tear of flash memory.

7.Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If all the previous methods failed, it's a hard reset, which is a radical method that will bring the smartphone back out of the box by deleting all the data.

• 🔄 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• ☁️ Sync contacts, notes and photos with Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 📝 Write down logins/passwords from important services (they will be deleted!).

How to reset Redmi to factory settings:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data” (may be called “Delete everything”).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• The smartphone will reboot and offer to configure it as new.
• Restore the data from the backup (if you did).
• Install only the necessary applications to avoid re-filling the memory.

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Factory reset is the last option. In 90% of cases, the memory clog problem can be solved by the methods in the previous sections. If you decide to reset, make sure that all important data is stored in the cloud or on an external medium.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi