How to Clean Memory on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: The Complete 2026 Guide

Why Xiaomi Redmi 4A is slowing down and how to fix it

Your Redmi 4A has slowed to open apps, freeze while taking photos or issue a “Not enough memory” notification? The reason is almost always because of crowded storage. Despite a modest 16 GB of internal memory (of which the user has about 10-12 GB), this smartphone can be optimized without buying a new device.

The main memory eaters on Redmi 4A are app cache, duplicate photos, undeleted updates and junk files from messengers. For example, WhatsApp or Telegram can take up to 2-3 GB only from stored media files. And MIUI (even in the current version of this model) tends to accumulate temporary data that is not always cleaned automatically.

In this article, 7 proven ways to free up space, from simple (cache removal) to radical (factory reset) each method illustrated with screenshots from Redmi 4A and contains warnings about possible risks. Importantly, this model does not extend memory using microSD as internal storage — only as an external storage device for files.

1. Cleaning the app cache manually

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications that work quickly. Over time, it takes up gigabytes of memory, although it can be safely deleted. On Redmi 4A, it is done through the Settings → Apps menu.

How to clear the cache for all applications at once:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Sort by size.
• 🧹 Scroll through the list and select apps with a large cache volume (for example, YouTube, Chrome, Facebook).
• 🗑️ Click on the app. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Clear cache and Clear data! The second action will delete all the settings of the application (for example, logins in social networks), and it will have to be reconfigured.

2. Delete unnecessary files through “Cleanup”

MIUI has a built-in Cleanup tool (formerly called Security) that analyzes junk files. On Redmi 4A, it works more efficiently than third-party applications because it has access to system folders.

Step-by-step:

1. Launch the Cleanup app (icon with broomstick).
2. Press the garbage → scan.
3. Wait for the analysis to be completed (it may take 1-2 minutes).
4. Check all categories (Residual files, application cache, APK-files) and click Clear.

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If the Cleanup doesn't find any debris, restart the phone and repeat the scan, and sometimes the system processes block access to temporary files.

3. Optimization of photos and videos

Photos and videos are the main memory eaters on Redmi 4A. Even at a camera resolution of 13 MP, one photo takes 3-5 MB, and a minute video in Full HD - up to 100 MB.

• 📸 Reduced camera resolution: Go to the camera → Settings → Photo resolution and select 8 MP instead of 13 MP. The difference in quality is minimal, and space is saved up to 40 MP%.
• 🎥 Video compression: In the same camera settings, install 720p instead 1080p For video. Or use the Video Compress app from Google Play.
• ☁️ Autoupload to the cloud: Configure Google Photos or Mi Cloud to automatically upload photos/video and then delete local copies.

⚠️ Note: When you delete photos from the gallery, they remain in the folder DCIM/.thumbnails (miniatures) and Pictures/Screenshots (Screenshots. Clean these folders manually through any file manager (e.g., Google Files).

4. Transfer of applications to SD-map

Redmi 4A supports microSD up to 256GB, but not all applications can be transferred to a memory card. System programs and many games (such as PUBG Mobile) remain in internal memory.

How to migrate supported applications:

1. Put it in. SD-map (formatted as a portable storage).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
3. Select an app (such as Facebook) → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take a few minutes).

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Transfer of applications to SD-The card does not free up the internal memory completely - some of the data (cache, settings) remains in the phone.

5. Removal of System Updates and APKs

MIUI Stores update files in the folder /cache, Even after installation, they can take up to 1–2 GB. It's also accumulating in the phone. APK-file.

How to clean:

• 🔧 Open the files. → Categories → APK Delete unnecessary installation files.
• 🗃️ Move to the /storage/emulated/0/Download Delete old downloads (especially files with the.apk,.zip extension).
• 🔄 Removing update files will require root access or use ADB (guideline).

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep 'apk$' | cut -d= -f2 | xargs adb shell rm

This team will remove everything. APK-files other than those installed. Use with caution!

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the previous methods didn’t work and the phone is jammed to the limit, it will completely reset, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, but will return the Redmi 4A to a “clean” state.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: After the Redmi reset 4A You will need to reconfigure your Google account, Wi-Fi and security settings. If the phone was linked to Mi Account, you may need to enter a login / password to unlock it.

7.Alternative methods: disabling auto-updates and lightweight applications

To prevent memory from clogging again, set the phone to "economical" mode:

• 🔄 Turn off auto-update apps: Play Store → Settings → Auto-update of applications → Never.
• 📱 Use the lightweight versions: Replace Facebook with Facebook Lite, Messenger with Messenger Lite.
• 🎮 Limit the cache for games: In game settings (such as Free Fire), set Low graphics quality and disable downloading additional resources.

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Install Files by Google – it automatically finds duplicate files, unused apps and offers to clear the cache with one tap.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 4A