How to effectively clean the memory of the Xiaomi Redmi 9

Despite its popularity and availability, Redmi 9s often face a lack of built-in storage during active use, and users notice that the device is slowing down, apps are opening longer, and the system periodically issues overflow notifications, a natural process of accumulating digital “garbage” that requires regular intervention to maintain high performance.

In this article, we will discuss proven methods of freeing up space that do not require superuser rights. You will learn how to safely remove system debris, transfer media files and optimize the work of instant messengers, which often occupy the lion’s share of gigabytes.

Before you start radical measures like total reset, you should try less painful cleaning methods. 10-15 Minutes of competent manual cleaning and setting up automatic tools MIUI. Let’s take a closer look at each step of optimization.

Analysis of storage occupancy through standard means

The first step is always to diagnose, to understand exactly what is taking up space so that you don't delete important system files by mistake, and there's a powerful monitoring tool built into the MIUI shell that visualizes the distribution of data.

To start the analysis, go to the Settings → Memory menu, where the system will show the total employment and break down the information into categories: applications, images, videos, documents, etc. The visual scale will help you instantly identify heavyweights.

Note the “Other” section, which often hides remnants of remote programs or cache of system services, and if this section is disproportionately bloated, a deeper cleanup through the file manager or PC may be required.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to manually delete files from Android system folders (such as folders with names like android or data) unless you know exactly what they are intended for, which can cause the operating system to malfunction and application data to be lost.

Use the built-in Cleanup feature that the system offers after scanning, which is secure and only deletes temporary files without touching your personal photos or contacts. Regular use of this tool is basic hygiene for the Xiaomi Redmi 9.

Working with application cache and system debris

Cache accumulation is the main reason for space shortages. Apps save temporary data for fast downloads, but over time these files grow and become no longer useful. Cache cleaning is the safest way to get gigabytes back.

You can clean each application separately through the Settings path → Apps → All apps. Select a heavy program (like a browser or social network), click Memory and select Clear Cache. It is important not to confuse the Clean All button, which will reset the application settings.

For mass cleaning, use the standard "Security" app (green zipper icon). Run the scan and press the "Clean" button. The system will find residual files and cache.

• 📱 Clearing the cache does not delete your logins, passwords or correspondence, only temporary files.
• 🗑️ After cleaning the cache, the application can boot a little longer at the first start.
• ⚡ It is recommended to carry out the procedure once in a 1-2 Weeks to maintain optimal speed.
• 🛠️ For deep cleaning, you can use the “Extended Cleaning” mode in the Security application.

In WhatsApp and Telegram, the cache can take up tens of gigabytes because of stored media files, and it is better to clean them through the internal settings of the applications themselves, in the section “Data and memory”.

Cleaning messengers: Telegram and WhatsApp

Messengers have become the main memory eaters on Redmi 9. They automatically save every photo, video and voice message you view. Without manual settings, this process is uncontrollable.

On Telegram, go to Settings → Data and Memory → Memory Use. Here you will see the “Storage Media” slider. Set “3 days” or “1 week” and click “Clear Telegram cache.” This action is safe: media files will remain in the cloud and will only be re-uploaded when you re-watch.

On WhatsApp, the situation is similar. Go to Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Management. The system will show files larger than 5 MB and chat rooms that take up the most space. You can selectively remove heavy videos from group chats, while saving important personal correspondence.

⚠️ Note: When you clean messengers through the file manager (delete folders manually), you may lose your correspondence history if you haven't made a backup.

It is also recommended to disable auto-save in the gallery. In the chat settings, prevent the saved media files received to the system gallery of the phone. This will prevent duplicate files: they will be in the messenger, but will not take place in the shared photo album.

Photo and video management: transfer and compression

Media is the most voluminous content. One hour of 4K video can weigh a few gigabytes. For owners of Redmi 9 with 32 or 64 GB of storage, this is critical.

The first step is to move the archive to your computer or to the cloud. Google Photos offers a "Free Space" feature that removes photos from your device that have already been uploaded to the cloud. You can also use cloud storage Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud.

If clouds are not available, use the file manager to sort. Delete serial images (when 10 photos of one object are taken) and screenshots of interfaces that are no longer relevant. Screenshots are often forgotten and lie in the Screenshots folder for years.

Use the Xiaomi Gallery app, which has a built-in video compression feature that can reduce the weight of a video by 2-3 times with almost no loss of visible quality, which is true for video files shot on the main camera.

Removal and freezing of unused applications

Xiaomi often preinstalled a lot of apps that you don't use, some that you can uninstall and some that you can only disable, which frees up not only space, but also RAM.

Go to Settings → Applications → All Apps. Go through the list. If the app doesn't need to, click "Delete." If the delete button is unavailable (system app), click "Disable." This will hide the application and stop its processes.

Also check the game folders. Modern games weigh a lot (often over 2 GB). If you've played the game and don't plan to return, delete it. Progress data is often stored in your Google Play or Mi Account, so you can continue from the same place after you re-install.

💡

Use the Second Space function only if you really need it. The created empty second space reserves a few gigabytes of disk space that cannot be used in the main profile.

For advanced users, there is the possibility of removing system “garbage” (bloatware) through ADB-The standard removal through the settings is usually enough to release the 1-3 GB space.

Use of a memory card and USB-accumulator

Redmi 9 has a microSD card slot, which is the perfect solution for expanding storage, so you can transfer all your photos, videos and music to it, freeing up your internal memory to work.

Once the card is installed, the system may suggest using it as internal storage, and agree if the card is fast (class 10 or UHS-I), in which case the applications can be installed directly on the card.

If the card is used as a portable storage device, set the camera and voice recorder to save files immediately to it. → Settings (three stripes) → Save it on. SD-map.

• 💾 Memory cards are cheaper than internal flash memory, but work slower.
• 📂 Do not store system files or active messenger databases on the memory card.
• 🔒 Make regular backups from the card, as they are less reliable than internal memory.

⚠️ Note: When formatting a memory card for internal storage, all data on it will be destroyed, and this card will be encrypted and not read on another device without formatting.

An alternative is to use a USB-OTG flash drive, which, by connecting a flash drive through an adapter, can quickly transfer the archive of movies or photos to an external medium and delete them from the phone.

💡

Combining cloud services for photo and physical SD-Video cards are the best strategy for owners of Redmi 9 with low memory.

Radical measures: Resetting to factory settings

If nothing helps and the phone continues to slow down, the last resort is a full reset, which returns the device to the “out of the box” state, removing absolutely all data and settings.

Before the procedure, make sure to create a full backup. Use the Mi Cloud or your computer. Once reset, you can only recover data from this copy. Make sure that the battery is at least 50%.

To reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase All Data. The system will alert you to loss of information. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot. The process can take 10-15 minutes.

Recovery Reset path (if phone is not turned on):


1. Turn off the phone.




2. Clutch Volume Up + Nutrition.




3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data from the menu.




4. Confirm and select Reboot.

Once you turn on, you'll get a clean system. Don't rush to install all the applications at once. Install only what you need to control the memory from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)