Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from cache to deep reset

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even its 64 or 128 GB of memory is eventually clogged with unnecessary files. If your phone slows down, apps fly out, and the system gives a notification “Not enough memory”, it’s time to act. In this article, 5 working cleaning methods, from simple to radical, given the features of MIUI firmware and hardware limitations of Redmi 9.

The memory problem on Redmi 9 is often due to three factors: app cache, system junk files, and duplicate media. For example, instant messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp can take up gigabytes only from stored photos and videos. And games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can leave behind temporary files of hundreds of megabytes. We'll figure out how to safely delete the unnecessary without disrupting the system, and what to do if standard methods do not work.

1. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed up work, accumulates over time and can take up to 5-10 GB of memory. On Redmi 9, the cache is divided into two types: user (from installed programs) and system (from MIUI and Google services), and you need to clean them differently.

To remove the cache of individual applications:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an app (like YouTube or Facebook) and click Clear Cache».
• 🚫 Do not click “Clear Data” – this will delete all settings and accounts in the application!

To clean the entire system cache:

• 🛠️ Open the Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning (or “Dumpster Cleaning” depending on version) MIUI).
• 🔄 Click Clean – the system will automatically delete unnecessary files (including residual data after uninstallation of programs).
• ⚠️ If after cleaning the phone began to work slower, restart it — MIUI Sometimes hangs when the cache is removed.

Redmi 9 also has a hidden deep cleaning feature that removes system log files and update residues to activate it:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to the tab “Use Statistics” and click “Clear Data”.

2. Delete unnecessary files and duplicates

Photos, videos and documents are the main memory eaters. Redmi 9 often accumulates:

• 📸 Duplicate photos (for example, screenshots with the same content or copies from messengers).
• 🎥 High-resolution video (especially if you are shooting in the video) 1080p or 4K).
• 📄 Downloads (APK-file, PDF, Archives that are not needed for a long time).
• 🎵 Offline music from Spotify, Yandex Music or VK Music.

To search for and remove duplicates:

• 🔍 Use the built-in Files app» (MI File Manager: Go to the Memory Analysis section» → «Duplicate».
• 🗑️ Tag unnecessary files and click “Delete».
• ⚠️ Before mass removal, check to see if important documents (such as passport scans or checks) are included in the list).

To clean the Download folder:

1. Open Files → Categories → Downloads.
2. Sort files by date (⋮ → Sort by → Date and delete anything older than 3-6 months.

Duplicate photos and videos|Old ones. APK-files (installation packages)|Cash messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)|Offline maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps)|Unused screensavers and wallpaper-->

If built-in tools are not enough, install the side of the application:

• 📊 Files by Google – Finds garbage, duplicates and large files.
• 🧹 CCleaner – Clears the cache and optimizes the system (but be careful about allowing access to files!).

3. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

Redmi 9 supports microSD cards up to 512 GB, but not all files can be transferred to them. MIUI move:

• 📷 Photo and video (via the Gallery app»).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts.
• 📄 Some documents (PDF, DOCX).

How to transfer files to SD-map:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (on Redmi 9 it is combined, so you have to choose: either the second SIM or microSD).
2. Open Files → select a folder (for example, DCIM for a photo).
3. Press. ⋮ → Move it → Memory map.

To automate the transfer:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Memory settings → Save to the default memory card.
• 🔄 Turn on the option – now new photos and videos will be saved to the SD.

If you don’t have a memory card, use cloud storage:

To enable autoloading in Google Photos:

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Open the settings. → «Backup and synchronization».
3. Select quality ("High" or "Original") and enable the option.

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If, after transferring files to SD-map they don't show up in the gallery, reboot your phone or use a file manager to manually scan folders.

4. Remove system applications and disable Bloatware

MIUI is known for its abundance of pre-installed applications (bloatware) that cannot be removed by standard means. On Redmi 9, it is:

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video (Duplicate Google Play Music and YouTube).
• 📰 Mi Browser (less secure than Chrome or Firefox).
• 🛒 GetApps, Mi Pay, Mi Credit (not available outside China/India).
• 🎮 Game Turbo and Quick Apps (few people use them).

How to disable unnecessary applications:

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

Root rights will be required to completely remove system applications, but it is risky:

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK Without knowing the consequences, it can cause firmware to crash or updates to fail. On Redmi 9, it is especially dangerous to touch com.xiaomi and com.android packages, which will cause a cyclical reboot!

An alternative way is to hide applications through MIUI Hidden Settings:

• Download the Activity Launcher app from Play Market.
• Find in it "Hidden settings" MIUI» → «Application management».
• Select the app and click “Hide”.

5. factory reset (last resort)

If none of the methods worked, and the phone still makes errors about memory shortages, then there's a hard reset, which will delete all the data, including photos, contacts and apps, so first:

• 🔄 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 📱 Transfer important files to a PC or memory card.
• 🔐 Write down logins/passwords from accounts (they will disappear!).

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 📲 Restore data from the backup (if you did it through your Mi Account).
• 🔄 Don’t install all apps at once – add them gradually to avoid re-clogging memory.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 12+ After reset, you may need to re-assign your Xiaomi account. If you forget your password, your phone will be locked!

6.Memory optimization for games and heavy applications

If you use Redmi 9 for games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or video (CapCut, KineMaster), memory may be scarce even after cleaning.

• 🎮 Limit it. FPS in games (in the graphics settings, select 30) FPS 60 FPS — it's gonna take a little bit of pressure).
• 📂 Move the game cache to SD-Map (use the FolderMount app and root rights for this).
• 🔄 Clean the game cache manually after each session (e.g., in the game). PUBG Mobile cache can weigh up to 1-2 GB).

For Redmi 9 with 3/4 GB of RAM is also relevant:

• 🛠️ Disabling animation (accelerates the system operation):
• 🔋 Limitation of background processes:

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On Redmi 9 with 32 GB of memory, it is not recommended to install more than 1-2 heavy games at a time. SD-map or delete after passing.

7. Alternative methods: from ADB to custom firmware

For advanced users willing to take risks, there are radical ways to free up memory:

• 🖥️ Removal of systemic APK through ADB (rootless):
• 🔧 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there is no MIUI bloatware.
• 📦 Using Magisk to migrate applications to SD (root).

Warnings for these methods:

• ⚠️ ADB-The team may disrupt Google services or MIUI.
• ⚠️ Custom firmware will deprive you of official updates and can cause problems with the camera or sensors.
• ⚠️ Root access blocks the use of banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and Google Pay.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 9