How to clean memory on Xiaomi Redmi 6A: from cache to reset settings

Xiaomi Redmi 6A with its modest 16 GB of internal memory is a real champion in the rate of filling storage. Even after installing a couple of applications and a few photos, the system begins to issue warnings about the lack of space. What is the reason? It is not only the small amount of storage, but also the features of Android 8.1 Oreo on budget devices: aggressive caching, duplication of files with a miui shell and background activity of system processes.

In this article, 7 working ways to clean memory on Redmi 6A, From basic (cache and debris removal) to radical (factory reset) methods tested on current firmware MIUI 12.5 and do not require root rights. SD-The only way to really expand the space available is without buying a new phone, if your smartphone is not already updated or slows down when you fill up your memory by 90%+, These instructions will help bring him back to life.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly eats memory?

Before you clean, you need to figure out which files take up the most space. Redmi 6A has built-in tools and third-party utilities for this.

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Wait for the scan to be completed (it can take up to 1 minute).
3. Click on the category (such as “Apps” or “Media Files”) to see the details.

A typical picture on the Redmi 6A with 16 GB of memory:

Note the Other section, which often hides residual files after deleting applications, temporary data, and debris from MIUI updates. These can only be cleaned manually or through special utilities.

⚠️ Note: If the System Files section is more than 6 GB occupied, this is a sign of firmware damage, in which case only a full reset or flashing through Fastboot will help.

2. Cleaning up app cache and system debris

Cash is the main memory eater on Redmi 6A. It is divided into two types:

• 📱 Cache of user applications (e.g. YouTube, Facebook) – can be deleted without consequences.
• ⚙️ System cache (data) MIUI, Google services – cleaning can cause short-term lags.

How to clean the cache selectively:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Chrome) and click Clear Cache.
3. To completely clean the application data (including settings), use “Clear Data” – but this will lead to logging out of your account.

To clean up all cached data:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
2. Confirm the action. This will free up 500MB to 2GB of space.

System garbage is more complicated. MIUI has a built-in cleanup utility, but it only removes surface files.

• 🧹 SD Maid (requires root rights for full functionality).
• 🗑️ Files by Google – Free and No Root.
• 🔍 CCleaner (caution: can delete files!).

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After cleaning the cache, restart the phone – this will speed up the re-caching of frequently used data and reduce the load on the processor.

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Redmi 6A has many pre-installed apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, etc.) that cannot be removed by standard means, but can be turned off so they don’t take up space or waste resources:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Pay).
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive – the application is critical to the system).

To completely remove system applications, root rights and Titanium Backup utility will be required or ADB-For example, to remove the Mi Browser through the ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

List of safe to remove system applications on Redmi 6A:

• 🌐 Mi Browser (com.android.browser)
• 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player)
• 📺 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer)
• 📖 Mi Reader (com.miui.reader)
• 💰 Mi Pay (com.mipay.wallet)

⚠️ Note: Do not remove apps called com.android. or com.qualcomm. – this may cause your phone to fail!

Once deleted, check the /data/app-lib/ folder — there are often tails from uninstalled programs. Use a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer) to clean them up.

4. Transfer applications and files to SD-map

The Redmi 6A supports microSD cards up to 256GB, but by default, the apps are installed in internal memory.

1. Insert a memory card (class 10 or UHS-I is recommended for speed).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Default storage and select SD-map.
3. To transfer already installed applications: Open Settings → Apps. Select an app (such as WhatsApp). Click on Storage» → «Change» → choose SD-map.

Not all apps support portability, for example, Facebook or Instagram can not be moved to SD without root permissions, in which case it will help to link the memory card as internal storage (adoptable Storage function):

1. Connect. SD-map.
2. In the notice “New SD-map select "Configure» → «Internal memory».
3. Follow the instructions (the map will be formatted!).

To automatically optimize media files:

1. Install Google Photos and enable Backup and Sync.
2. Select “High” (non-original) quality – files will be compressed when uploaded to the cloud.
3. After downloading, delete local copies (they will remain in the cloud).

If you store music offline (for example, from Spotify or Yandex Music), transfer it to the Internet. SD-map:

1. In the application settings, find the “Storage” or “Downloads” section.
2. Show the way to SD-map (e.g., map, /storage/1234-5678/Music/).
3. Remove downloaded tracks from internal memory.

6. factory reset: when nothing helps

If you have less than 1GB of memory left after all the manipulations, and the phone is slowing down, it’s time to do Hard Reset, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, but return the Redmi 6A to its original state.

How to reset your settings:

1. Make a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select “Reset” → “Delete all data”.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Do not restore data from backup MIUI — It can contain garbage.
• 📥 Install applications selectively, avoiding unnecessary ones.
• 🔧 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 6A firmware-old MIUI 11 reset can lead to bootloop lock. If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset, flashing through the Fastboot is required.

An alternative method of resetting is through Recovery mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume+ and Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).
4. Confirm and wait for completion.

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Resetting to factory settings is the last chance to get the phone back on track, but it doesn’t solve problems with physical memory wear (if the NAND cells are damaged, only a chip replacement will help).

7.Alternative methods: from formatting to memory replacement

If standard methods don’t help, consider radical measures:

• 🔧 Remarking memory through TWRP: Install custom recovery (TWRP) and format the section /data into F2FS (It will increase speed and reduce fragmentation. Risk: possible loss of data.
• 🖥️ Connection as USB-Driver: Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP manually delete unnecessary files via Total Commander or Far Manager (they show hidden folders).
• 🔄 Replacement of memory chips: on Redmi 6A It is used in Kingston eMMC memory. FB155 hynix H9TP32A4JDMCPR. The replacement will cost 1.5-3 thousand rubles, but requires soldering work.

For advanced users, optimizing through ADB:

adb shell pm trim-caches 1000M # Cache cleanup of all applications


adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true # Forced use of SD as internal memory

If the phone is used as a “bell ringer” and doesn’t require many features, consider installing a lightweight firmware (like LineageOS without GApps) that will free up to 3GB of space by removing Xiaomi and Google’s system apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Redmi 6A