How to Clean Memory on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: From Cache to Deep Cleaning

Xiaomi Redmi 9T is one of the most popular budget smartphones with excellent value for money, but even its 64 or 128 GB of memory sooner or later runs out. If your phone starts to slow down, give notifications about space shortages or refuse to install updates, it’s time to clean up. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to free memory, from basic to radical, and also tell you how to prevent repeated clogging.

The main problem with Redmi 9T is the tendency to accumulate garbage due to the features of MIUI firmware. The system actively caches data, duplicates files and saves temporary copies of applications, even if you have not used them for a long time. In addition, many users do not suspect that WhatsApp, Telegram and social networks can take up tens of gigabytes - for example, during a year of use, instant messengers easily "eat" 10-15 GB only on media files.

We tested all the methods on Redmi 9T with MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware) and selected the ones that have the maximum effect. Importantly, some methods require root rights or PC connectivity, but most of the tasks are solved with standard phone tools. Let's start with the simplest ones!

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

Before you clean it, you need to figure out which files and applications weigh the most. MIUI has a built-in memory analyzer, but it doesn't always show the full picture. Here's how to get accurate data:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip on the graph at the top and a detailed report will open by categories: Applications, Images, Videos, Audio, Documents and System Data.
3. Scroll down to the App Store section – here you can sort programs by place (from more to less).

Pay attention to the points:

• 📱 "System data" — this includes cache, log files and temporary data. >5GB, it's definitely worth cleaning up.
• 📸 "Others" - here often hide the remains of remote applications, downloads from browsers and duplicate files.
• 🎵 Media files from messengers – WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram by default save all received photos and videos to the gallery.

If the built-in analyzer seems inadequate, install a third-party application like Files by Google or SD Maid (the latter requires root for deep scanning), these utilities will show hidden files, duplicates and debris that are not visible in the standard settings.

2. Cleaning up app cache and system debris

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed things up, and over time, it accumulates and can take several gigabytes.

Method 1: Clearing the cache for individual applications

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like YouTube or Facebook) and tap on Storage.
3. Click Clear Cache. Don't click Clear Data, it will delete all settings and accounts!

Method 2: Mass cleaning of the cache

1. Open Settings → About phone → Memory → Cleaning.
2. The system will scan the device and suggest that you delete unnecessary files, tick the application cache, unused files and residual files.
3. Tap Clean (usually freed 1-3 GB).

⚠️ Warning: After clearing the cache, some apps (like Google Maps or Instagram) can take longer to load on the first run.

Residual files after deleting applications|

Cache of messengers (Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp) |

Temporary download files from browsers|

Social media cache (Facebook, TikTok)-->

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Many users install dozens of apps, but only a few, and even remote programs often leave behind tails — folders with settings, cache, and data. Here's how to get rid of them:

Step 1: Remove Unnecessary Applications

• 🗑️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📊 Sort the list by size (tap on the three dots at the top) → Sorting → By size).
• 🚫 Remove programs you haven’t used for more than a month, and pay special attention to: Games (even remote ones often leave gigabytes of data in the game). Android/obb). Photo/video editing apps (e.g. CapCut or Snapseed) social media cloners (e.g. GBWhatsApp or Fouad WhatsApp).

Step 2: Cleaning up the residual files

After deleting applications, their data can remain in folders:

• /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb – This is where heavy game files are stored (sometimes >1 GB per game).
• /storage/emulated/0/Android/data – cache and application settings
• /storage/emulated/0/Download – downloads from browsers and instant messengers.

To delete these files:

1. Use any file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to the specified folders and manually delete unnecessary data.
3. An obb folder may require root or a PC connection.

4. Optimization of media files: photos, videos and music

Media files are the main memory eater. On the Redmi 9T with a 48 MP camera, one.jpg photo can weigh 10-15 MB, and a minute of video in 4K can weigh up to 400 MB.

Method 1: Transfer files to a memory card or cloud

• 📁 Use Google Photos to automatically upload photos/video to the cloud (settings) → Backup and synchronization).
• 💾 Transfer media files to microSD (if installed). To do this: Open Mi File Manager. Select files → Move it → Select a memory card.

🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and copy files to your hard drive.

Method 2: Compression of photo and video

If you can’t transfer files anywhere, you can compress them directly on your phone:

• 📸 For photos: use Photo Compress or Resize Me! (compresses without loss of quality to 70-80%).
• 🎥 Video Compress or InShot (allows you to reduce resolution and bitrate).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9T s MIUI 12+ After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. If you forget your password, use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com before resetting!

Once reset, the phone will be as new as it is, but the memory will be 100% free, a method that is especially useful if you are planning to sell or transfer the device to another person.

7.How can we prevent future memory clogging?

To avoid having to clean up every few months, follow these tips:

• 📵 Regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) clean the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🚫 Remove unused applications immediately after installation (if you don’t need them).
• 📥 Set up auto-clean downloads: in Mi File Manager go to Categories → Download and delete unnecessary files.
• 🔄 Use cloud services (Google Photos, Yandex Drive) to automatically upload photos/video.
• 🛡️ Turn off auto-update apps in mobile data: Play Store → Settings → Auto-update of applications → Only through Wi-Fi.