Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Why Redmi Note 5 is slowing down and how to fix it

Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is slow to work, apps are constantly crashing, and the system gives a notification “Not enough memory”? The problem is familiar to most owners of this smartphone, especially after 2-3 years of active use. The reason lies not only in the filled storage, but also in the peculiarities of the MIUI operating system, which over time accumulates temporary files, cache and junk data.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 effective ways to clean up memory, from basic methods (deleting unnecessary files) to radical ones (resetting to factory settings). It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 5 came with two options: 32GB and 64GB. If you have a 32GB model, free space ends up running out especially quickly because of limited space, but even owners of the 64GB version face slowdowns due to data fragmentation.

Before you start cleaning, check how much memory is occupied right now. Go to Settings → About Phone → Storage. Here you will see a diagram of the memory distribution by category: applications, images, video, audio and System Data. The last item often takes up an unreasonable amount of space, which is what we will be cutting down first.

Method 1: Remove the application and system cache

The fastest and safest way to free up a few gigabytes is to clear the cache. Cache data speeds up applications, but over time accumulates and takes up precious space. On the Redmi Note 5, the cache can weigh between 1 and 5 GB depending on the intensity of use.

To clear the cache of individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning of the cache of all applications:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Warehouse → Cache data.
• 🧹 Click "Clean" (the system will show how much space will be vacated).
• ⚡ Confirm the action. The process will take 10-30 seconds.

Note: Clearing the cache does not delete personal data (photos, messages, accounts), but it can slow down the first application download after the procedure. If the cache quickly accumulates again after cleaning, this is a sign that the application is not working correctly or needs to be updated.

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After cleaning the cache, restart the phone - this will help the system correctly recalculate the free space and eliminate possible errors.

Method 2: Manually Delete Unnecessary Files

Often users do not suspect how much garbage accumulates in the memory of the smartphone: duplicate photos, uploaded memes from messengers, outdated APK-The Redmi Note 5 is particularly space-consuming:

• 📸 Photo and video in the folder DCIM (including screenshots in Pictures/Screenshots).
• 🎵 Audio files from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp save voice messages in Download).
• 📄 Downloads — PDF, DOCX, XLSX, long-awaited.
• 🗑️ folder MIUI — here are stored temporary files of theme, wallpaper and system updates.

To find and delete unnecessary files:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open internal memory in Windows/macOS Explorer.
3. Sort files by date of change or size to find the largest ones.
4. Delete anything you don’t need, especially if you’re looking at files >100MB.

For convenience, use the MIUI File Manager (Tools → Files) that can:

• 🔍 Look for duplicate photos.
• 🗑️ Showing large files (>50MB).
• 📂 Sort by category (images, documents, APK).

Outdated. APK-files (Download folder)

Screenshots over 6 months old

Voice messages from messengers

Error logs (folder log)

Cash cards (Offline-maps)-->

Method 3: Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

Redmi Note 5 supports microSD cards up to 256 GB (in a hybrid slot, that is, simultaneously with the second one). SIM-If you have a map, transfer it to it:

• 📷 Photo and video (via Gallery) → Select → Move over).
• 🎶 Music and podcasts.
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).

Important: Not all applications can be transferred to SD-System programs and most games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) stay in internal memory to check which apps support portability:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the app → Warehouse → Change.
3. If you're an option "SD-map active - move forward.

Alternative to memory card – cloud storage:

To automatically upload photos to the cloud:

1. Install Google Photos from the Play Market.
2. Launch the app and log in to your Google account.
3. Go to Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
4. Turn on the option and select quality ("High" to save space).

Method 4: Cleaning through Recovery Mode

If standard methods didn't help and the phone still slows down, try cleaning through Recovery Mode.This method removes temporary system files, update cache and other junk data that aren't visible to the user. On Redmi Note 5, cleaning the cache in Recovery can free up to 1-2 GB of space if you haven't updated the firmware for a long time.

Cleaning instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10 seconds.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language and go to Wipe & Reset.
4. Select Wipe Cache (Do not choose Wipe Data, otherwise you will erase all data!).
5. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-3 minutes).
6. Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.

After the procedure:

• ✅ The system will work faster.
• ✅ Free up space occupied by the update cache.
• ⚠️ You may need to log in to some accounts (for example, banking apps).

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Cache clearing in Recovery does not delete personal data, but resets some system settings (e.g., regional settings or background processes).

Method 5: Remove System Applications (for Advanced)

The MIUI on the Redmi Note 5 by default contains many pre-installed applications (bloatware) that cannot be removed by standard methods.

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video (if you use YouTube Music or other video) VLC).
• 📰 Mi Browser (can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox).
• 🛒 GetApps, Mi Pay, Mi Credit (not relevant outside China/India).
• 📡 Cleaner (often running in the background and brakes the system).

Removing system applications will require root rights or ADB. Warning: Wrong actions may cause your phone to fail!

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications without root rights is possible only through disabling (Settings) → Annexes → Disable). Complete removal through ADB It requires unlocking the bootloader, which will reset all the data on the phone. If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method.

If you are willing to take a risk, follow the instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
5. Remove the unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

List of packages of popular system applications:

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all the previous methods failed, and the phone still brakes and makes errors, then you have to reset completely, and this procedure will delete all data, including:

• 📱 Applications and their settings.
• 📸 Photos, videos, music (if not on the list) SD-map).
• 📞 Contacts, SMS, Call logs (if not synchronized with your account) Google/Mi).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords.

Before discharge, it is mandatory:

1. Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Remember or write down passwords from accounts (Google, Mi, social networks).
3. Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Check the box "Clear internal memory" (if you want to erase everything).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 5 may require re-activation of the device via Mi Account after reset. If you forget the Mi Account password, the phone may lock! Make sure to remember the login details or untie the account in advance in Settings → Mi Account.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The phone will be like new – without unnecessary files and errors.
• ⚡ Speed of operation will return to factory level.
• 📥 When recovering data from the backup, select only what is necessary so as not to clog the memory again.

Method 7: Optimize memory to prevent filling

To prevent memory problems from returning, follow these tips:

• 🚫 Refuse heavy launchers: standard launcher MIUI Optimized for the Redmi Note 5. Installing Nova Launcher or other alternatives can increase memory load.

Also check regularly:

• 🔍 Unused applications (remove programs that have not been used for more than a month).

If you are actively using instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp), set them up:

• 🗑️ Autocleaning of cache (in the storage settings).
• 🚫 Disable automatic download of media files (especially in large chat rooms).

FAQ: Frequent Memory Cleanup Questions on Redmi Note 5