How to completely clean memory on Xiaomi Redmi 3: from cache to system files

Xiaomi Redmi 3 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016, but its 16 GB of internal memory (of which the user can access ~11 GB) quickly runs out. Even after removing photos and applications, the system can show that memory is full.

The problem of memory shortage at Redmi 3 It is connected not only with a small volume of the drive, but also with the features of the firmware MIUI. It actively caches data, creates backups and hidden files that are not visible in a standard file manager, and over time, residual files from remote applications, duplicate media files and garbage in the folder accumulate. Android/obb. In this article, only working methods tested on Redmi 3 s MIUI 7–12.

1.Diagnosis: Why memory ends

Before you clean, you need to figure out what exactly takes up space. Redmi 3 has built-in tools and third-party utilities.

• 📊 Memory analysis in MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory. This shows the distribution by category: System, Applications, Media Files, etc. Click on each category to see the details.
• 🔍 Hidden files: even after deleting applications in folders /Android/data and /Android/obb They are still "tails" of the size of 1–2 GB: You can't see them without a root file manager.
• 📁 Duplicate and garbage: MIUI Creates thumbnails for the gallery (.thumbnail), cache for the music player and backup copies SMS file MIUI/backup.

If you see in the Memory section that the System is 5+GB, that's OK for MIUI. But if it's 8-10GB, it's likely that there's an accumulation of updates or temporary firmware files. You can only delete them through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Uninstall the service pack.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from the folder /system or /data This can cause a cyclical reboot of the phone, especially on Redmi. 3 loader-free.

For in-depth analysis, use Files by Google (free on Play Market) to show:

• 🗑️ Unnecessary files: cache, duplicates, large files (>100MB).
• 📱 Unused apps: those you haven’t used for more than 3 months.
• 🔄 Residual data from remote programs.

2. Clearing cache and temporary files

The safest way to free up 1-3 GB is to remove the app cache and system debris. On Redmi 3, it's done like this:

1. Cache individual apps: Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Select an app (like YouTube or Facebook). Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass cleaning, use Settings → About Phone → Memory → Clear the cache (releases ~500-1500 MB).

Systemic debris

• Open the Security app (shield icon).
• Select Cleanup. → Deep cleaning.
• Check all the points and click Clear.

If the cache accumulates quickly after cleaning, check out applications like Clean Master or CCleaner, which create garbage themselves. Redmi 3 is better off using built-in MIUI tools.

Close all applications | Connect your phone to charge | Make a backup of important data | Check the free space before and after cleaning-->

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home.This may cause the launcher to crash (app icons will disappear) and require a restart.

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their data

Redmi 3 has a lot of Xiaomi system applications that can't be removed in standard ways, but some can be disabled or removed with ADB.

• 📱 Remove applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → All apps. Sort by size (click on the three dots in the top right corner) Remove programs you don't use (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music if you use alternatives).
• 🗑️ Residual data: After deleting the application, go to Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Find folders with the names of remote programs (e.g. com.facebook.katana) and manually delete them.

To remove system applications without root rights:

1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to “More → For Developers”).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 title.pack Examples of packages for Redmi 3: com.miui.videoplayer - Mi Video com.miui.player - Mi Music com.xiaomi.scanner - Skanner (if not used)

Redmi 3 does not remove com.miui. or com.android packets, which will cause the system to fail. For a full list of safe packets to remove, see FAQ.

4. Media file optimization and transfer to memory card

Photos and videos take up the lion's share of memory. Redmi 3 can save space in a number of ways:

• 📸 Compression of photos: In the Gallery app, select an album, click "More" → Use Google Photos to automatically compress (settings) → "Make room").
• 🎵 Removing duplicate music: Files by Google app finds repetitive tracks.check folder MIUI/music — There may be duplicates from the standard player.
• 📁 Transfer to SD-map: Redmi 3 supports microSD cards up to 128GB, but not all apps can be ported.For media: in Gallery, select files → "More. → Move it → SD-Map." For applications: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Move it to SD (not available).

If the phone can't see SD-map:

1. Check the format: Must be FAT32 or exFAT (NTFS is not supported).
2. Format the card via phone: Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format.
3. If the card is defined as internal memory but applications are not portable, this is a MIUI limitation. Solution: Use the card only for media files.

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Before the perenosom files SD-Check the speed of the card using the application A1 SD If the recording speed is below 10 MB / s, the card slows down the phone.

5. Cleaning system files and resetting to factory settings

If less than 1GB is free after all the manipulations, it's time for a deep cleanup.Redmi 3 has two options:

• 🧹 Partial reset (without deleting data): Go to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Setting reset. Choose Reset Network Settings or Reset Application Settings. This method removes stored Wi-Fi pairs, Bluetooth settings, and application data, but does not touch media files.
• 🔄 Hard Reset: Make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings → Delete all data. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes). Once reset, the phone will be like new, with 11-12 GB of free space.

If the phone does not turn on or hangs on the MI logo after resetting:

1. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).
3. Restart the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Note: Redmi 3 with unlocked bootloader after reset may require re-authorization of the account Mi Account. If you forget the password, the phone will turn into a "brick" - you can unlock it only through the reset. EDL-mode (requires PC and cable).

6. Alternative methods: from root to firmware

If the standard methods don't work, radical measures remain, requiring technical skills, but can release up to 3 to 5 GB:

• 🔧 Getting root rights: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.Install TWRP Recovery and scrub Magisk to get root. With Root Explorer, delete files from the root. /data/dalvik-cache and /cache. ⚠️ Risk: loss of warranty, possible brick (inoperability) of the phone.
• 📥 Custom-based firmware MIUI: Download minimalist firmware (for example, MIUI Lite from the forum 4PDA. Flow through TWRP, Custom firmware often weighs 1-2 GB less than standard.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Move photos to Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed photos). Use Mi Cloud for backups (5GB for free).

For Redmi 3 with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of memory, the best option is MIUI 10 firmware. It is lighter than new versions and does not brake on weak hardware. For links to firmware and instructions, look for the Redmi 3 4PDA theme.

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Root rights and custom firmware give you maximum freedom, but take time to set up, and for most users, factory resets and media file optimization are enough.

7.Prevention: How to avoid memory overflow

To avoid cleaning your memory every month, follow these rules:

• 📵 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Select apps disable autoplay for unnecessary programs. Limit sync for Facebook, Instagram and other voracious apps.
• 🔄 Automatic Cleaning: Include in Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Auto-clean. Install it. SD Maid (requires root) for weekly cleaning.
• 📥 Download control: Delete files from the Download folder after use. configure Telegram and messengers to automatically delete media files after 3 days.

For Redmi. 3 scrutinize Android/obb — There's games there, PUBG Genshin Impact: Download data to the extent of 2–4 GB: After you delete the game, these files remain! Regularly check the folder through Total Commander or FX File Explorer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi memory 3