Why Redmi 4X is clogging memory and how to fix it
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codename santoni) often face the problem of lack of internal memory, despite the declared 16 or 32 GB. Even after removing photos and applications, the system shows that the space is occupied.
The reason is the features of the MIUI firmware and the Redmi 4X architecture: 1 The system reserves up to 5-7 GB for its own needs (including updates). 2 App cache and Dalvik-cache (remainders from remote programs) take up gigabytes. 3 Mi Cloud function can duplicate files locally even if you do not use it. 4) Garbage from Google Services and preinstalled applications (Facebook, Mi Video, Mi Music), which can not be removed by standard means.
In this article, 7 proven ways to clean up memory on Redmi 4X, including hidden MIUI features and ADB commands for power users, all methods tested on MIUI 9-12 firmware (Android 6-7).
1. Manual cleaning of cache and debris through settings
The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for beginners and does not require super-user rights (root).
How to clean the cache of all applications:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Clear the cache of all applications.
- Confirm action. This will free up 500 MB to 2 GB (depending on the number of programs installed).
To clean up the garbage from the system:
- Go to Settings. → Memory.
- Click Clean the garbage (broommark).
- Select all categories (App Cache, Downloads, APK-files) and confirm.
- ✅ Pros: No additional software required, secure for data.
- ❌ Cons: cleans only surface debris, does not remove duplicates and remnants of remote applications.
Sync important data with Mi Cloud/Google
Close all applications (swipe up in the multitasking menu)
Connect charging (the process can take 5-10 minutes)
Check the vacant space before and after cleaning-->
2. Remove unnecessary system applications (without root)
Redmi 4X comes with a pre-installed app (bloatar) that can’t be removed in the standard way, but can be disabled or uninstalled via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
List of safe applications to remove (does not affect system stability):
- 📱 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
- 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
- 📖 com.miui.notes - Notes (if not used)
- 📡 com.xiaomi.scanner - Mi scanner
- 🎮 com.xiaomi.glgm - Gaming tournament
Instructions for removal through ADB:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the ADB folder.
- Enter the command: Adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
- To remove the application, use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet For example: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
⚠️ Note: Do not remove applications with the names com.android, com.qualcomm or com.miui.home – this will lead to the crash of the system and the need to flash the flashing.
| Annex | Package | Place vacated | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | ~150MB | Low. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | ~120MB | Low. |
| Facebook (systemic) | com.facebook.system | ~300MB | Medium (may disrupt your account) |
| Clean Master (Mi) | com.cleanmaster.mguard | ~200MB | Low. |
3. Clean up Dalvik-cache and update residues
Dalvik-cache is an Android virtual machine cache that accumulates after updates and removal of apps. On Redmi 4X, it can take up to 1-1.5 GB in the /data/dalvik-cache folder.
You can clean it in two ways:
- 🔄 Through Recovery: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up. + Power before the Mi logo appears. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power to confirm).
- 🖥️ Through ADB (Advanced method: adb shell su rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/* reboot ⚠️ Note: Su command requires root rights. Without them, use only the method through Recovery.