Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: A Complete Guide with Instructions and Tips

Why Redmi Note 4 is fast filling memory and how to fix it

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) is still popular due to its balanced performance and reliability. However, many owners face a problem: over time, internal memory is clogged and free space is melted before their eyes. Even after removing photos and apps, the system shows that the place is occupied by unknown reasons.

The main memory eaters on the Redmi Note 4 are app cache, residual files after MIUI updates, duplicate media files and messaging (especially Telegram and WhatsApp), and on devices with 16/32 GB of storage, the problem is exacerbated by the features of the F2FS file system that Xiaomi used in this model, which is optimized for speed but requires regular cleaning.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to free memory, from simple (cache removal) to radical (factory reset), and how to avoid data loss during cleaning and which applications will help automate the process.

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache manually

Cache is temporary files that apps save to make things faster, accumulate over time and can take up to 5-10GB on Redmi Note 4. Clearing the cache won’t delete your data (photos, messages, accounts), but will free up space.

How to clear the cache:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes.
• 🔍 Select the All Apps tab and sort them by size (click on the three dots in the upper right corner).
• 🧹 Tapping on the app (such as YouTube or Facebook) → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Repeat for all applications where the cache exceeds 100MB.

To speed up the process, packet cleaning can be used:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click Cache Data → Confirm the cleanup.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home – this can cause shell malfunctions. MIUI.

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If the application is slower after cleaning the cache, restart the smartphone. The system will restore the necessary temporary files automatically.

Method 2: Delete unnecessary files through built-in cleaner

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

Step-by-step:

• 🧹 Launch the Cleanup app (icon with broomstick).
• 🔍 Press Deep Cleanup and wait for analysis.
• ✅ Check the boxes: 🗑️ Garbage files (residues after deleting applications); 📁 Duplicate files (especially relevant for photos); 📥 Large files (video, APK, archive).
• 🗑️ Click Clean and confirm the action.

Tip: In the same app's Warehouse section, you can see which folders take up the most space.

• 📸 DCIM/Camera — photo;
• 🎵 Download – downloads from the browser;
• 📱 Android/data — Application data (here may be heavy game files).

Method 3: Transfer data to a memory card (if supported)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has a hybrid slot for microSD, meaning you can use either the second one. SIM-If you have a microSD model (check the specs), moving some of the data will help free up internal memory.

How to transfer files:

1. Insert a memory card (UHS-I or Class 10 is recommended for speed).
2. Open Files (app) MI File Manager).
3. Select a folder (for example, DCIM or Download).
4. Click Select → Tag files → More → Move.
5. Specify the target folder on SD-map.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications support the transfer to SD-maps, especially games).
• ❌ The memory card can run slower than the internal memory (depending on the class).
• ❌ When you remove the map, the applications installed on it will stop working.

⚠️ Note: Do not use the memory card as internal storage (Adoptable Storage function in the computer). MIUI This can cause crashes as the Redmi Note 4 is not optimized for this kind of work.

Method 4: Removing System Garbage Through ADB (For Advanced)

If standard methods don’t work and the memory is still busy, the problem may lie in system logs and update residues, which can be deleted via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but this method requires caution.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB;
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm trim-caches 256M # Cache cleanup of all applications


adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files




adb shell rm -rf /data/log/* # Cleaning up logs (requires root)




adb shell rm -rf /cache/* # Cleaning up the cache folder

Warning: Commands with rm-rf delete files irrevocably. Don't execute them unless you're sure of the action. Only the first two commands are safe for the Redmi Note 4.

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Use ADB only if other methods have not worked.Incorrect commands can cause system failure or data loss.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the memory is so full that the smartphone slows down or does not update, it will leave a full reset, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, so make a backup first.

How to reset Redmi Note 4:

Save photos and videos to PC or cloud

Export contacts to VCF-file

Record logins/passwords from accounts

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%-->

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Check to clear your internal memory (optional if you want to erase everything).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The smartphone will reboot to its original state (as after purchase).
• 📱 When first switched on, follow the instructions of the setup wizard.
• ☁️ Restore data from backup (if done via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 4 can take up to 10-15 minutes to reset. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen goes out for a long time. If the device does not turn on after reset, try to go to Recovery (press the Power). + Volume Up) and repeat the reset.

Additional tips: how to prevent memory filling

To prevent the problem from returning, follow these recommendations:

• 📱 Turn off the auto download in messengers: Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Autoboot media → Choose Never. On WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Autoboot media → disconnect for mobile data.
• 🎮 Limit the cache for games: In the game settings (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) reduce graphics quality and turn off background loading.
• ☁️ Use cloud services: Automatically upload photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud and delete local copies.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI: New firmware versions optimized memory (current version for Redmi Note 4 — MIUI 12.5 based on Android 7.0).

It is also worth installing applications for memory monitoring, for example:

• 📊 Files by Google – Shows which files take up the most space;
• 🛡️ SD Maid – Clears residual files after uninstalling applications;
• 🔍 DiskUsage – visualizes occupied space in the form of a diagram.

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If you install/remove applications frequently, once a month, execute the adb shell pm trim-caches 512M command via ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Redmi Note 4