Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016, but its modest 16 GB of internal memory (of which only ~10 GB is available to the user) often becomes a headache. Even after removing photos and apps, the system continues to issue warnings about space shortages. What is the matter?
The problem lies in the features of MIUI and the architecture of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which runs Redmi 4A. The system actively uses cache, temporary files and backups, which over time take up critical gigabytes, and many users are unaware that system applications (for example, com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.mipicks) can be turned off without any consequences for stability.
In this article, 7 proven ways to free up memory on Redmi 4A, including hidden MIUI settings, secure removal of embedded applications and autoboot optimization, all methods tested on the current MIUI 12.5 firmware (the latest official for this model) and do not require root rights.
1. The analysis of occupied memory: what exactly eats the place?
Before you clean, you need to know which files are taking up memory. On Redmi 4A, you can do this in two ways:
- 📊 Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory. This shows the categorization of "Applications," "Images," "Video," etc. Click on any category to see the details.
- 🔍 Through the file manager: open the standard Files application, go to Memory Analysis, and you can see which folders take up the most space (e.g., file files, DCIM for photo or downloading).
Pay special attention to the System Data section – if it takes more than 2-3 GB, this is a signal to clean the cache and temporary files. Also check the /sdcard/Android/obb folder: it stores heavy game caches (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty can leave files weighing up to 1-2 GB even after deleting the game).
| Category of files | Typical size on the Redmi 4A | Can it be safely removed? |
|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | 500MB - 2GB | Yeah, no consequences. |
| Application data (e.g. Telegram, WhatsApp) | 1-5 GB | Partially (see section 3) |
| System Updates (/cache) | 200-800 MB | Yes, after the updates are installed. |
| .obb files (games) | 100MB - 2GB | Yes, if the game is deleted. |
| Logs and dumps (/data/tombstones) | 10–500 MB | Yes, but requires root or ADB. |
⚠️ Note: If you see a miad folder (weighing 100-300 MB) in the System Data section, do not manually delete it – this is data for targeted advertising. MIUI. It can be disabled through the ad settings in Settings → Additionally. → Advertising.
2. Cleaning the application cache and system
Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed up work. On Redmi 4A, cache can take up to 3-4 GB, especially if you are actively using social networks, messengers or games.
- 🧹 Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → Annexes → App management. Select an app (like Facebook or YouTube). Click Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data - this will delete all settings!).
Mass cleaning:
Application management
Clear the cache of all applications
Through Recovery mode:
/cache
/dalvik-cache
wipe data
1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the <power button> + <volume button> before the Mi logo appears.
3. Select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
4. Reset the device.Close all active applications
Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 5-10 minutes)
Backup important data (in case of failure)
Check the vacant space before and after cleaning-->
After clearing the cache, some apps (like Google Maps or Instagram) can take longer to load on their first run, which is normal. Also, look at the /sdcard/Android/data folder, which stores cached game and application data (like uploaded maps to Google Maps or media files to VK) and can be manually cleared through the file manager.
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications called com.android. or com.qualcomm. – this can cause malfunctions in the communication module or camera. Example of safe to clean: com.facebook.katana, com.whatsapp.
3. Remove unnecessary embedded applications (without root)
Xiaomi Redmi 4A comes with a dozen preinstalled apps that can’t be removed by standard means, but can be disabled or removed via ADB (no superuser rights), which will free up to 500MB-1GB of storage.
List of safe to remove system applications (does not affect stability):
- 🎵 com.miui.player – Music (can be replaced by Spotify or YouTube Music).
- 📰 com.miui.notes - Notes (if not used).
- 🛒 com.xiaomi.mipicks - Mi Store (Xiaomi accessories store).
- 📊 com.miui.analytics - Statistics collection MIUI (It's the analytics department, you can turn it off).
- 🎮 com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service – Game center (if you don’t play).
Limitations:
- ❌ Not all apps support portability (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services).
- ❌ After the transfer, the application may work slower (SD-card slower than internal memory).
- ❌ Widgets of transferred applications will stop working.