How to Clean Memory on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: A Complete Guide to Photos and Videos

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its 32 GB of internal memory quickly runs out due to the accumulation of garbage, app cache and duplicate files. If your phone starts to slow down, issue notifications about space shortages or refuse to install updates, it’s time to do a general cleaning. In this article, you will find 7 proven ways to clean up memory, including hidden MIUI functions that work even without root rights.

Feature of Redmi 9A — lack of slot for memory card in the basic configuration (in the version) 2/32 GB, so every megabyte counts, and we're going to look at not only the standard methods like cache deletion, but also the little-known tricks, from cleaning system logs to migrating applications to the Internet. SD-All instructions tested on the current version MIUI 14 Adapted to the limited resources of the budget device.

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

Before you start cleaning, it's important to understand which files are taking up space. Redmi 9A has a built-in tool for this — Settings → Phone → Memory. Here you'll see a diagram of the distribution of memory by category: applications, media, systems and cache. Pay attention to the "Other" section, which often hides gigabytes of unnecessary data.

For more detailed analysis, use third-party utilities like Files by Google or SD Maid (available on the Play Market).

• 📁 Duplicate photos (for example, screenshots with the same content, but different resolution)
• 🗑️ Residual files after deleting applications (.obb and.apk folders)
• 📄 Large files (>100 MB) that has not been opened for a long time
• 🔄 Cache of messengers (in Telegram or WhatsApp can accumulate up to the 2-3 GB)

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from folders /system or /data It could lead to a system crash and the need for a flashing.

If the System section is more than 8-10 GB, this is an occasion to check the phone for viruses or reset the settings. Norm for MIUI 14 on Redmi 9A - 5-7 GB (including firmware and preinstalled applications).

2.Cleaning App Cache: A Quick Way to Free Up 1-2GB

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed up work, and over time, it accumulates and can take up to 3-4 GB (especially in games and social networks), and you can clear the cache in two ways:

Method 1: Manual cleaning for individual applications

Go to Settings → Applications → App Management, select the right one (like Facebook or TikTok) and click Clear Cache. For games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, this method will free up 500 MB-1 GB.

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications

Open Settings → Storage → Cleanup (or “Dumpster Cleanup” depending on the version of MIUI) where the system automatically finds unnecessary files. Click “Clean” to delete the cache of all applications except system ones. The process will take 1-2 minutes.

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (in case of long-term cleaning)

Check if important data is stored in the cloud

Do not interrupt the cleaning process.-->

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

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and “junk” software

Xiaomi Redmi 9A comes with pre-installed apps (blots), many of which can not be removed by standard means. However, some of them can be disabled so that they do not take up space and do not waste resources.

List of safe applications to remove / disable:

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video – if you use YouTube Music or VLC
• 📰 Mi Browser – Replace with Google Chrome or Firefox
• 📱 Duplicate apps (twins for second space) – if you do not use the cloning function
• 🎮 Game Turbo – if you don’t play mobile games
• 📡 Mi Remote – if you do not control the equipment through the IR port

To disable system applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click "Disable" (if the "Delete" button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

(Replace com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer with the desired application package).-->

Root rights will be required to completely remove system applications, but on Redmi 9A it is risky - you can lose the warranty or disrupt the MIUI. If there is critically little free space, it is better to consider a factory reset (about this in section 6).

4.Photo and video optimization: how to save up to 50% of space

Multimedia files are the main memory eater. On the Redmi 9A with a 13MP camera, one JPEG photo weighs 3-5 MB and a minute of Full HD video weighs 120 MB.

Method 1: Compressing photos via Google Photos

Google Photos offers a “Free Place” feature that:

• 📸 Compresses photos up to 16 MP (enough for social networks)
• 🎥 Video converts to 1080p (instead of original 4K, if they were filmed in high resolution)
• 🔄 Leaves originals in the cloud (if synchronization is enabled)

To use the feature, open Google Photos → Settings → Free up space. 1-3 GB can be freed at a time.

Method 2: Manually changing camera resolution

By default, Redmi 9A takes photos at maximum resolution to reduce file size:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge "⚙️ Settings" (or swipe up the screen).
3. Select "Photo Resolution" and set 8 MP instead of 13 MP.
4. For video, choose 720p instead of 1080p (unless you need high detail).

Method 3: Convert video to a lighter format

Video in MP4 can be compressed without loss of quality using applications like Video Compress or InShot. For example, a file weighing 500 MB after conversion will take 150-200 MB.

1. Install Video Compress from the Play Market.
2. Select the video and specify the target quality (720p or 480p).
3. Press "Squeeze" and wait for the process to end.
4. Delete the original file after checking the result.

5. Data transfer to SD-map (if installed)

Redmi 9A 3/32GB supports microSD cards up to 512GB, but not all files can be transferred to them.

Transfer of applications to SD-map

Not all apps support portability, but for those that support:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Spotify or VK).
3. Press "Storage" → "Change" → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. The process may take a few minutes.

Note: System applications and games (such as PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile) cannot be transferred, they will remain in internal memory.

Transfer of multimedia and documents

Photos, videos and music can be easily moved to SD-map:

• 📁 Use the built-in "File Manager" (Mi File Manager).
• 🔍 Select files, click "Slice" → cross over SD-map → "Insert".
• 📱 Or connect your phone to your PC and move files through Windows Explorer.

⚠️ Attention: Don't put it on SD-Android folder map, Data or OBB manual! This can lead to app crashes or errors when they are launched.

💡

SD-lower-class UHS-I (U1) It will slow down the recording of video in Full. HD. For Redmi. 9A Best choice - microSDXC card U3 (For example, SanDisk Ultra or Samsung. EVO Plus).

6.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If you've got less than 1GB of free time after all the manipulations, and your phone is slowing down, it's time to consider a full reset, which will delete all the data, including:

• 📱 Applications and their settings
• 📸 Photos, videos, music
• 📋 Contacts and messages (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts

Before discharge, it is mandatory:

1. Back up your important data (via Mi Cloud, Google Drive or PC).
2. Remember the username and password from the Xiaomi account (required to unlock after reset).
3. Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Erase all data."
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After reset, the phone will be like new — with 20-25 GB of free space (depending on the version of MIUI). Don’t forget to turn off automatic download of updates and unnecessary applications in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

7. Additional tips: how to prevent memory filling

To avoid having to clear your memory every week, follow these guidelines:

• 📵 Turn off auto download in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). → Warehouse and data → Autoload media and select “Never” or “Only over Wi-Fi".
• 🔄 Clean the cache once every 2 weeks (see section 2).
• 📥 Delete. APK-files after installing applications (they remain in the Download folder).
• 🎵 Stream music instead of downloading (use Spotify, YouTube Music or Yandex Music).
• 📁 Use cloud services for storing photos and documents (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk).

If you install and remove games frequently, consider buying a Redmi 9A with 64GB of memory or a Redmi 9C model – it already has a microSD slot as a basic trim.

1. Press the power button.

2. Keep your finger on "Switch off" until the "Reset Safe Mode" window appears.

3. Confirm and wait for the reboot.

In this mode, only system applications work - it is convenient for checking for viruses or software conflicts.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi memory 9A