Memory cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from cache to factory settings

Why does Redmi 5 fill up memory so quickly?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 (especially versions with 16 or 32 GB of internal memory) often face a problem: the smartphone gives a notification "Memory is full", although you have not installed anything. What's the matter? The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware and the architecture of Redmi 5:

First, the system reserves up to 5-7 GB for its own needs - these are system files, update cache and data for recovery. Second, MIUI aggressively caches applications to speed up their launch, but does not always correctly clean temporary files. Third, many users do not suspect that instant messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) and social networks (TickTok, Instagram) automatically download media files in the background, taking up gigabytes of memory.

If your Redmi 5 starts to slow down, apps spontaneously close, and the camera refuses to save photos - it's time to act. Below we will discuss 7 proven ways to make room without resorting to radical measures like buying a new phone.

1. Removal of application cache and system debris

To start with, the simplest and most secure method is that cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed things up, and over time, it accumulates and can take up 1-3 GB of storage, and you can clean it in two ways:

• 📱 Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Select the application → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Repeat for the most voracious programs (messaging apps, browsers, games).
• 🧹 With the built-in cleaner, open the Security app (shield icon), then go to Cleanup and click Clean up garbage.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse Clear Cache with Clear Data! The second option will delete all application settings (such as messenger logins or game progress). The cache can be cleaned safely – it will recover the next time the program starts.

Clear the browser cache (Chrome, MIUI Browser)

Remove downloads from Telegram/WhatsApp

Clear the cache of Google Play Services

Delete temporary files from DCIM/.thumbnails folder

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2. transfer data to a memory card (if supported)

Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a hybrid slot for microSD cards (up to 256 GB), but with the caveat: either two SIM-card SIM + If you have an Adoptable Storage model (as indicated by having an internal memory item when formatting the card), you can expand your phone's memory:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (remove the second SIM if necessary).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
3. Select "Configure as internal memory" and follow the instructions. Attention: after this operation, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data!
4. After formatting, transfer files through Settings → Applications → Select App → Storage → Change → SD Card.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• 🚫 Not all apps support mapping (especially system and high-demand games).
• 🐢 The speed of applications from a memory card is lower than from an internal drive.
• 🔄 After the map is removed, the applications will stop working.

3. Cleaning folders with "invisible" garbage

Even after the cache is deleted, there are hidden files in memory that are not visible in the standard Explorer, which can be found using a root file manager (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer) or through ADB.

⚠️ Note: Deleting files from folders Android/obb or Android/data, You can reset your game progress or your app settings. Before cleaning, check if the data is synced to the cloud (e.g., through Google Play Games or Mi Account).

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To see hidden folders in standard MIUI Explorer, click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Show hidden files.”

4. Removal of duplicate photos and videos

Photos and video are the main memory eaters. On Redmi 5 with a 12 MP camera, one JPEG photo weighs 3-5 MB, and a minute of video in Full HD weighs up to 100 MB. The problem is exacerbated by duplicates that are created when:

• 📸 Transfer of photos through messengers (they compress the originals).
• 🔄 Backup to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🎨 Editing in applications (copies with the suffix " edited" are created»).

To find and remove duplicates:

1. Install Files by Google or CCleaner.
2. Run the scan for duplicates (in Files by Google: “Clean up” → “Duplicate files”).
3. Look at the results and delete the unnecessary copies. Pay attention to the file size and the date of creation.

🔹 Useful Lifehack: In Google Photos, enable the “Free Space” feature (in settings). The app will automatically delete local copies of photos that have already been uploaded to the cloud (provided you have enough space in your Google account).

5. Disabling automatic media download in messengers

Messengers are one of the main reasons for memory shortages: WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber automatically download all photos, videos and GIFs sent by default, and in a month of active communication, this can “eat” 2-5 GB of memory.

📌 WhatsApp

• Open the Settings. → Warehouse and data.
• In the “Autoload Media” section, turn off downloads for mobile data and Wi-Fi (or leave only photos if you don’t need video).
• Delete unnecessary media files through Settings → Storage and Data → Storage Management.

📌 Telegram

• Go to Settings → Data and memory.
• In the “Autoload Media” section, select “Never” for all file types.
• Clear the cache through Settings → Data and memory → Clear the Telegram cache.

⚠️ Note: If you frequently exchange important documents (such as passport or ticket scans), don’t turn off autoload completely. Instead, set up exceptions for individual chats: in Telegram, close the chat. → «Management» → «Autoboot media» → select the desired options.

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all of the above methods didn't work, and the phone still gives you a "Not enough memory" error, then the last option is hard reset, which is a radical way to delete all the data, including:

• 📱 Applications and their settings.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (if not on a memory card).
• 📝 Contacts, SMS Call logs (if not synchronized with your account) Google/Mi).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and saved networks.

How to do the reset correctly:

1. Back up your important data (via Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or your computer).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. Once you reboot, the phone will look like new. Don't restore data from the backup right away -- check if there's enough memory first.

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Factory reset removes all system updates. After the procedure, the phone will return to the version of MIUI that was purchased. To avoid this, update the firmware to the latest version before reset via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

7. Alternative methods: from root rights to cloud storage

If you are willing to go for more complex manipulations, consider these options:

• 🔧 Root rights: Allows you to delete system applications (bloatware), transfer cache to memory card and clean deep system files. However, this deprives you of warranties and increases the risk of “bricking” the phone.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Move photos, videos and documents to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive. For example, Google Photos offers unlimited space for photos in compressed quality.
• 📁 External drives: Use OTG-cable to connect a flash drive or external hard drive. Redmi 5 supports OTG, However, additional food may be required for HDD.
• 🔄 Update of the firmware: In new versions MIUI Optimized memory. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

🔹 Advice for advanced users: If you decide to get root, use the official method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. Inexperienced users are better off refraining from this step - an error can lead to a complete loss of the phone's performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 5