Memory cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from cache to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 5 — One of the most popular budget smartphones 2017–2018 years, but his inner memory (16/32/64 GB is often crammed to the limit. Even after removing photos and apps, the system shows "Not enough memory" and the phone starts to slow down. What's the reason? MIUI, Duplication of files and features of Android 7.1.2 on this device.

In this article, 7 working ways to clean up memory, including little-known tricks for Redmi 5 (codename rosy), we will discuss how to safely delete unnecessary data, transfer files to a memory card (if supported), and what to do if the phone says "Memory is full" even after all the manipulations, and pay special attention to the problem with "other files" (Other) in MIUI 9/10 - they can take up to 10-15 GB for no apparent reason.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly eats memory?

Before you clean, you need to figure out which files are taking up space. Redmi 5 has built-in tools and third-party utilities.

Open Settings → Memory of the device. Here you will see a diagram with categories:

• 📸 Photos and videos – usually take the lion’s share (especially if you’re shooting in the video). HD).
• 🎵 Audio – music, podcasts, voice recordings.
• 📱 Applications themselves APK-files and their data (cache, settings).
• 🗃️ Other files are the most mysterious category, and they hide temporary files, system logs, remnants of remote applications.

If the "Other Files" partition is more than 5GB, it's a cause for concern.

• 🔄 Remains of updates MIUI (file update.zip file /cache).
• 📁 Duplicate photos from DCIM/.thumbnails.
• 🗑️ Logs of the system (/data/log), which MIUI It doesn’t always clean automatically.

2. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed up work. On Redmi 5, the cache can take anywhere from 1 to 10 GB, especially if you are actively using social networks, messengers or games.

Method 1. Through MIUI settings:

1. Go to Settings → Memory of the device → Cleanup.
2. Click "Clean" (the system will prompt you to delete the cache and unnecessary files).
3. For deep cleaning, tap "Deep Clean" and select the apps with the largest cache (e.g. Facebook, Telegram, YouTube).

Method 2: Manual cleaning for individual applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like a Gallery or Chrome).
3. Click on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data” (Warning: This will remove the app settings!).

Delete the cache of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)|Clear the browser data (Chrome, MIUI Browser)|Delete the cache of Google Play Services|Check the download folder (/Download)-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of com.android.systemui or com.miui.home system applications – this can cause interface failures MIUI. If after cleaning the launcher stopped working, restart the phone.

3. Deletion of "Other" files - a hidden MIUI problem

The "Other Files" section of Redmi 5 often grows to incredible sizes, and it hides:

• 📂 Remnants of Remote Applications (Folders in the /data/data).
• 📄 Logs of the system (/data/log, /cache/recovery).
• 🔄 Temporary update files (folder) /cache/ota).
• 🖼️ Duplicate miniatures (/DCIM/.thumbnails).

To remove them:

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files (in the manager settings).
3. Delete the contents of folders: /cache/ota /data/log /DCIM/.thumbnails /download/

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders /system, /efs Or files with the.odex extension, which will cause the phone to break down.

4. Transfer data to a memory card (if supported)

Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a hybrid slot for the SIM-Cards: either two nano-SIMs or one SIM + microSD up to 256GB. If you have a memory card-enabled model, data portability can free up internal memory:

What can be transferred:

• 📸 Photos and videos (via Gallery or file manager).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts.
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel).

What I CAN'T move:

• 📱 Annexes (MIUI Adoptable Storage – Android feature for using the card as internal memory).
• 🔧 Application data (for example, saving games or setting messengers).

Instructions for the perenos:

1. Insert a memory card (formatted in FAT32 or exFAT).
2. Open the Gallery, select a photo → “More” → “Move” → specify the memory card.
3. For files, use Explorer: select files → “cut” → go to the map → “Insert”.

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If the memory card is not defined, try formatting it in your phone: Settings → Memory → SD card → Format. Don’t format the card on a PC – this can cause compatibility issues.

5. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files

Redmi 5 often accumulates duplicate photos, especially if you used different cameras or messengers.

Method 1. Manually through the Conductor:

1. Open Explorer (or Files by Google)
2. Go to /DCIM/Camera and /Pictures.
3. Sort files by date or size – duplicates usually come in a row.

Method 2. Applications for searching for duplicates:

• 🔍 Files by Google (Tab "Cleaning up" → "Duplicate files").
• 🗃️ CCleaner (section "Optimization").
• 📊 Duplicate Files Fixer (specialized application).

Also check the folders that are often clogged with garbage:

• 📥 /Download — pile up APK, PDF other downloads.
• 🎬 /Movies and /Video — messenger.
• 🎵 /Music — audio files you haven’t listened to in a long time.

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Check the folder regularly /Download — This is the main Android garbage box, and even after you delete the apps, you can still have installers (APK-file).

6. Resetting to factory settings is a last resort

If none of these methods worked, and the phone still writes "Not enough memory," it's a complete reset that will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, so back up first.

How to reset Redmi 5:

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Restore data from backup (but not all – choose only the right one).
• 📱 Install applications again, but don’t restore their data (this will clog up memory again).
• 🔧 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 s MIUI 9/10 After reset, the "Other Files" section may disappear, but 1–2 In order to avoid this, regularly clean the cache and do not accumulate unnecessary files.

7.Memory optimization: how to prevent future filling

To prevent memory from getting clogged too quickly on Redmi 5, follow these tips:

MIUI settings to save memory:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic download of media in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 📸 Reduce camera resolution: Camera → Settings → Photo resolution (select 8 MP instead of 12 MP).
• 🗑️ Enable automatic cleaning: Settings → Memory. → Auto-cleaning.

Habits that will prolong the life of memory:

• 📥 Clean the folder regularly (once a month). /Download.
• 🎥 Delete the video from the Gallery immediately after viewing (especially from Telegram or WhatsApp).
• 📱 Remove unused apps (even if they don’t weigh much, their cache will grow over time).

If you frequently install games or heavy apps (like PUBG Mobile or AutoCAD), consider buying a 128-256GB microSD Class 10 memory card.

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On Redmi 5 with 16 GB of memory, it is optimal to leave at least 2-3 GB free. Otherwise, the system will start to slow down, and applications will fly out.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Xiaomi Redmi 5