Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: from cache to system files

Xiaomi Redmi 9T is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a balance of performance and storage. However, even 64 or 128 GB of memory over time is clogged with photos, videos, app updates and system debris. If your Redmi 9T started to slow down, issue notifications about space shortages or refuse to install new programs, it’s time to clean up.

In this article, we will analyze not only standard methods (cache removal, file transfer to the Internet). SD-map, but also hidden functions MIUI, We're going to focus on the problems that are specific to Redmi, which are going to free up to 10 to 15 GB of space without losing important data. 9T: For example, why do you update to MIUI 14 system can eat up to 20% of memory for service files, and how to fix it.

The following instructions are valid for all Redmi modifications: 9T (including versions NFC If you have a different model of Xiaomi, some methods will also work, but some points (for example, working with the partition) /data/app) differ.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly is the memory?

Before you clean it, you need to understand which files are eating up space. Redmi 9T has built-in tools and third-party utilities for this.

Open Settings → About Phone → Storage. Here you will see a diagram of the memory distribution by category:

• 📸 Photos and videos are typically 30 to 50 percent of the space, especially if you're shooting in Full. HD or 4K.
• 🎵 Audio — music, podcasts, voice messages, often forgotten in the Downloads folder.
• 📱 Applications themselves APK-files and their data (cache, databases, downloads).
• 🗑️ The other is the most insidious partition. It's the temporary files, the logs, the remnants of the deleted programs.

For a detailed analysis, use Files by Google (free in the Play Market) to show:

• 📂 Duplicate files (e.g., the same photo in the file) DCIM and Pictures).
• 🗃️ Large files (>100 MB) that has not been opened for a long time.
• 🔍 Folders with garbage:.thumbdata, temp, cache.

⚠️ Attention: If the "Other" section is more than 5 GB, this is a sign of clogged system logs, in which case only resetting the cache through Recovery will help.

2.Cleaning App Cache: A Quick Way to Free 1–3 GB

Cache is a temporary file that applications create to speed up work, and over time, it accumulates and can take up gigabytes. In Redmi 9T, the cache is cleaned in two ways:

Method 1. Through MIUI settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Open each major app (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Telegram) and click Clear Cache.

Method 2: Mass cleaning (for MIUI 12-14):

1. Press the power button to call the off menu.
2. Hold your finger on the "Clean" item (appears in 2-3 seconds).
3. Confirm the action – the system will delete the cache of all applications at once.

Delete the messenger cache (Telegram, WhatsApp)| Clear the browser cache (Chrome, Mi Browser)| Delete temporary game files (PUBG, Call of Duty)| Clear the cache of Google Play Services (releases up to 500 MB)

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After cleaning the cache, some applications can load longer on the first run, which is normal.

• 📱 System applications (MIUI Security, Google Play Services – This could lead to disruptions.
• 🎮 Online save games (such as Genshin Impact) if you don’t want to lose progress.

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If the app is unstable after cleaning the cache, restart the phone. This will reset the temporary data in memory.

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Even after the application is removed, the folders with the settings and data remain in the system, and in Redmi 9T this is especially noticeable because of the features of MIUI, which does not always completely uninstall the programs.

How to remove applications correctly:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the unnecessary application and click "Delete".
3. If the button is inactive (grey), it's system software. It can only be "Disable."

To delete residual files, use Files by Google:

1. Open the application and go to the "Cleaning" section.
2. Select "App Remains" - there will be folders like com.example.app.
3. Delete everything except the system application folders (e.g. com.miui, com.android).

⚠️ Note: Do not remove applications with the names com.qualcomm or com.mediatek – these are the drivers of the Redmi processor. 9T (Snapdragon 662, which will cause the camera or mobile network to fail.

4. Data transfer to SD-Map: How to properly expand memory

The Redmi 9T supports microSD cards up to 512GB, but data portability is nuanced. Not all files can be moved, and some applications run slower after porting.

What can be transferred to SD-map:

• 📸 Photos and videos (folders) DCIM, Pictures, Movies).
• 🎵 Music and Podcasts (Music folder).
• 📄 Documents (Downloads, Documents).
• 🎮 Some games (only if you support external storage).

How to transfer files:

1. Put it in. SD-slot card (support) SDXC up to 512GB).
2. Open Files by Google or the standard Explorer.
3. Select files, click "Move" and select SD-map.

Application portability (only for MIUI 12+):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app and click "Storage".
3. If the "Change" option is available, select SD-map.

If you've moved the app to a slowdown, put it back in your internal memory. SD-map is not suitable:

• 📱 System updates (they are always installed in internal memory).
• 🔒 Data of applications with encryption (for example, WhatsApp will not allow you to transfer chats).

5. System garbage cleanup: hidden folders and logs

MIUI creates many service files that are not visible in standard Explorer, and can be removed manually or with special utilities.

Method 1. Manual cleaning (requires the inclusion of hidden files):

1. Install Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Enable the display of hidden folders in the conductor settings.
3. Go to the root directory and delete: 🗑️.thumbnails folder (photo and video miniatures). 🗑️ Temp folder in /sdcard. 🗑️ Files with the.log or.tmp extension.

Method 2. Through MIUI Security:

Method 3: For Advanced Users (ADBs):

If you are familiar with ADB, follow the command to clean Dalvik cache:

adb shell pm trim-caches 256m

This will free up to 1-2 GB, but requires a connection to a PC.

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System debris accumulates faster if you install/remove applications frequently or use developer modes.

6.Cache reset via Recovery: A last resort

If standard methods do not help, and the "Other" section is occupied more than 5 GB, then resetting the cache through Recovery Mode will help.

Instructions:

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data" - the second action will erase all your data (photos, contacts, applications)!

After the cache is dumped:

• 🔄 The first download will take 3-5 minutes.
• 📱 Some settings (such as wallpaper or brightness) will reset to standard.
• 🔒 Applications may need to re-enter login.

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If the phone started to work faster after the cache was reset, it means that the problem was the clogged system logs. Repeat this procedure every 3-6 months.

7.Memory optimization: how to prevent clogging

To prevent memory from running out too quickly on the Redmi 9T, follow these tips:

MIUI settings to save space:

• 📸 In the cell, select "Save in" SD-map" (Camera settings) → Warehouse).
• 🎵 In Google Play Music or Spotify, limit cache to 1-2 GB.
• 📱 B Settings → Special facilities → Font size reduce font – this will reduce the size of screenshots.

Habits that will prolong the life of memory:

• 🗑️ Once a week, clean the Downloads folder - unnecessary ones accumulate there. APK documents.
• 📱 Remove unused apps immediately after installation (e.g. test games).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions optimized work with memory.

What not to do:

• 🚫 Use cleaners like Clean Master – they often delete files and show false notifications.
• 🚫 Move on SD-Map of applications that do not support it (such as WhatsApp).
• 🚫 Format your phone without a backup – even if the memory is clogged, save the data to your PC first.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 9T