How to completely clean the memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note: from cache to system garbage

Xiaomi Redmi Note is one of the most popular lineups of budget smartphones, but even the flagship models of the series suffer from a lack of memory. MIUI system actively caches data, applications leave temporary files, and updates take gigabytes. As a result, users are faced with a notification “Memory is 90% full – some functions may not work correctly”, although the actual files are much smaller.

Compounding the problem, the Redmi Note (especially 32/64GB models) often comes with pre-installed Xiaomi services that cannot be removed by standard means. MIUI aggressively reserves space for updates and system processes, which eats up to 10-15GB of “invisible” memory. In this article, we will discuss 7 working cleaning methods, from basic to hidden functions of the engineering menu, which are not described even in the official documentation.

1. The analysis of occupied memory: what exactly eats the place?

Before you clean it, you need to know which files are taking up memory. MIUI has an in-built analyzer, but it doesn't show everything.

• 📁 System Updates (.zip files in folder) /cache), which remain after installation;
• 🗑️ Dalvik cache – temporary files of the Android virtual machine, occupying up to 1-2 GB;
• 🔄 Duplicate photos from Xiaomi Gallery (automatically created when editing);
• 🎮 Game data (e.g. com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile can weigh 3+ GB).

To see the full picture:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on "Details" (or "Memory Analysis").
3. Scroll down to the System Data section, where the heaviest files are hidden.

⚠️ Note: If the System Data section is more than 15 GB occupied, this is a sign of memory fragmentation or a malfunction. MIUI. In this case, only a full reset (section 6) will help).

2. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache speeds up programs, but eventually it turns into junk files that only take up space. In MIUI, cache is divided into three types:

• 📱 Cache of user applications (for example, Instagram, Telegram);
• 🤖 Cache of system applications (Gallery, Music, Browser);
• 🔧 Cash. Dalvik/ART — Temporary files of the Android virtual machine.

To clean it up all at once:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → “Clear the cache of all applications”.
3. To clean the Dalvik cache, you need root rights or an engineering menu (section 5).

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After cleaning the cache, restart the phone – this will speed up the re-creation of temporary files and reduce the lag.

3. manually delete unnecessary files

MIUI creates many hidden folders and duplicates, such as the old firmware versions in the /cache folder after the system update, and the Xiaomi Gallery saves thumbnails in DCIM/.thumbnails. To find and remove this garbage:

Delete the folder /cache (Except for the current update files)|Clean up DCIM/.thumbnails and DCIM/.data|Remove the old ones APK-file /Download|Check the folder. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup backup

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To access hidden folders, use Xiaomi Explorer (enable hidden files in settings) or third-party file managers (Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer).

Dangerous folders that cannot be deleted:

• 🚫 /system — System files (which will lead to bricks);
• 🚫 /data/app — installed applications (remove via Settings);
• 🚫 /efs — data IMEI communication module.

4. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Settings and Functions

MIUI has hidden memory management features that are not enabled by default, such as:

• 🔄 Auto-cleaning garbage – removes temporary files when the screen is locked;
• 📉 Application background restriction – reduces memory consumption by background processes;
• 🗑️ Smart Cleanup – Automatically deletes unused files older than 30 days.

To activate:

1. Enter the code in the Phone app: ##4636##.
2. Select “Battery Information” → click on three dots → “Memory Optimization”.
3. Enable the options “Autoclean” and “Background Limitation”.

⚠️ Note: Background Limitation may cause notification delays in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). To avoid this, add the desired applications to exceptions: Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management → Choice of applications.

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Hidden MIUI settings allow you to free up to 20% of memory without manual cleaning, but can affect the operation of background processes.

5. Engineering menu and ADB commands for deep cleaning

If standard methods do not help, you can use an engineering menu or ADB-These are advanced ways that require caution.

Method 1: Engineering menu (without root)

1. Open the Phone app and type in ##3646633##.
2. Go to the Storage (or Storage) section.
3. Select Erase All Cache Data (cleaning the entire cache).

Method 2: ADB-Teams (for experienced teams)

Connect your phone to your PC, turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times Press → Additional → For Developers) and do:

adb shell pm trim-caches 500G


adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

The first command clears the cache of all applications, the second optimizes the Dalvik cache.

6. Full reset (Hard Reset) and flashing

If the memory is clogged with system debris (for example, after multiple updates), only a complete reset will help.

• 📸 Photos, videos and music;
• 📱 Installed applications and their data;
• 📋 Accounts and settings.

How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Turn off the phone.
3. Press Volume Up + Power before the MI logo appears.
4. From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe Data” → “Wipe All Data”.

If the reset didn’t help (for example, the memory still shows the full 80%+), You will need to use your phone via Fastboot or TWRP. This is an extreme measure that requires skills.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 8/9/10 dynamically (UFS) frequent discharges can cause wear and tear on the cells. 1 time-in 6 months, use TWRP partitioning /data into F2FS — This will increase the life of the memory.

7. Alternative methods: cloud, SD-root-card

If the cleaning does not work, consider:

• ☁️ Data transfer to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex Disk);
• 📱 Use of the SD-Cards as internal memory (only for models with Adoptable Storage support);
• 🔓 Getting root rights to remove system applications (Magisk) + Titanium Backup).

How to set up SD-map as an internal memory:

1. Insert a memory card (SanDisk A1/A2) recommended.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
3. Click on “Format as internal storage” (all data on the map will be deleted!).
4. After formatting, select “Transfer Data”.

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If the phone can't see SD-Check it on another device, microSD cards larger than 128 GB may not be supported on older Redmi Note models (e.g. Note) 4/5).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up memory