Cleaning up system memory on Xiaomi Redmi 5: a complete guide with tables and warnings

Xiaomi Redmi 5

system memory clogged

128+ GB

Redmi 5

16/32 GB

microSD

The reasons for filling up memory on this device are unique: in addition to the standard application cache, the fault is not the case. MIUI-Optimization (which often creates duplicate files), an outdated version of Android 7.1.2 (with limited support for automatic cleaning), and the Snapdragon 450 processor architecture, which inefficiently manages background processes. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven cleaning methods – from safe to radical – and explain how to prevent re-clogging.

If your Redmi 5 has less than 10% free space, some system functions (such as app updates) may be blocked, in which case manual cache cleaning often doesn’t help – a comprehensive approach is required.

1. Memory Occupation Analysis: What Takes Place?

Before you start cleaning, you need to understand which files are clogging your memory. On Redmi 5, you can do this in two ways:

Method 1: Built-in utility MIUI

Go to Settings → Device Memory. Here you will see a diagram of the memory distribution by category:

Method 2: Third-party analyzers (for detailed diagnosis)

If the built-in utility doesn’t show the full picture, install Files by Google or SD Maid from Google Play.These apps scan the memory deeper and find:

• 🔍 Duplicate files (especially relevant for photos and documents).
• 🗃️ Large files (>100 MB) that has not been opened for a long time.
• 🧹 Residual data from remote applications (for example, Facebook or Instagram cache).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 Android 7.1.2 system folders (/data/app-lib, /cache) They can be displayed as "reserved" and can't be cleaned without root rights. Don't try to remove them manually, it will cause malfunctions!

2. Cleaning up app cache and system debris

The safest and fastest way to free up 500MB-2GB of memory is to remove the cache, which can be done in three ways on Redmi 5:

Method 1: Clearing cache for individual applications

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (such as Chrome or YouTube).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

✅ Plus: Does not delete authorization or settings data.

❌ Cons: Requires manual processing of each application.

Method 2: Mass cleaning of the cache

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.
2. Confirm the action.

This method removes the cache of all applications at once, freeing up to 1-1.5 GB. However, after cleaning the first launches of programs will be slower - they will reload the necessary data.

Method 3: Removal of garbage through Security App (MIUI embedded software)

• 🛡️ Open the Security app (Icon with shield).
• 🧹 Select Cleanup. → Garbage.
• 🔍 Click Scan, then Clean.

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (the process can take 5-10 minutes)

Backup of important data (in case of failure)

Check the free space before and after cleaning.-->

⚠️ Warning: If after cleaning the cache, apps start to crash (like WhatsApp or Viber), restart the phone.On Redmi 5 with 2GB of RAM, background processes sometimes conflict after a mass cleanup.

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their data

Pre-installed MIUI applications (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) and underutilized programs can take up to 3-5 GB of memory. On Redmi 5, they can be removed or disabled, but with reservations:

How to remove user applications:

• 📲 Go to Settings. → Annexes.
• 🔍 Select an unnecessary application (e.g. Clean Master or UC Browser).
• 🗑️ Press Delete.

How to disable system applications (without root rights):

Some MIUI programs cannot be removed, but you can disable them so they don’t update or take up space:

1. In the same Application menu, select system software (e.g. Mi Drop).
2. Click Disable (if the button is active).
3. Confirm the action.

Important: You can’t delete Mi Account, Mi Cloud, or Security on Redmi 5, which will cause the basic MIUI functions to fail.

4. Transfer data to a memory card (microSD)

Redmi 5 supports microSD cards up to 256 GB, but the data port has nuances:

• 📸 Photos and videos can be transferred through the gallery. → Albums. → Choose. → Move it.
• 🎵 Music and documents – through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google).
• 📱 Annexes are only partially ported (see table below).

How to transfer applications to a memory card:

Not all programs support this function, to check:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (such as Spotify).
3. If there is a button, move to SD-map, press it.

⚠️ Attention: After transferring applications to microSD, they can work slower - the read/write speed of the memory card is lower than that of the built-in drive. UHS-I (U1/U3).

💡

Before transferring data to a memory card, format it in exFAT format (via PC), which will allow you to write files > 4 GB in size and increase the speed of work.

5. factory reset (last resort)

If previous methods didn't work and there was less than 1 GB of free space, you'd have to do a hard reset, which would delete all the data, including:

• 📱 Applications and their settings.
• 📁 Personal files (photos, videos, documents).
• 🔑 Accounts (Google, MIUI, social media).

How to reset:

1. Create a backup (via Settings → Additional → Backup or manually on PC).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Install only the necessary applications.
• 🚫 Avoid junk programs (cleaners, optimizers – they often clog up memory even more).
• 🔧 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.

6. Firmware update (if available)

Xiaomi Redmi 5 has not officially received updates since 2020, but sometimes custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) solve memory problems by:

• 🛠️ Optimized cache management.
• 🗑️ Automatic waste cleaning.
• 📱 Android support 10/11 (More efficient memory allocation).

How to update firmware:

⚠️ This method requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in loss of warranty.

1. Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Download custom firmware (for example, from the XDA Developers forum).
3. Install it via TWRP Recovery (pre-installing it is required).

Risks:

• 🚨 Data loss (required to do backup!).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (some firmware not optimized for Snapdragon 450).
• 📵 Possible problems with the mobile network (if the firmware is unstable).

💡

Custom firmware can free up to 2-3 GB of memory by removing preinstalled MIUI software, but requires technical skills. For beginners, it is better to limit yourself to cleaning the cache and resetting settings.

7. Prevention: how to prevent memory clogging?

To prevent memory from getting clogged again on Redmi 5, follow these rules:

• 📵 Turn off automatic download of media in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🔄 Clean the cache once every 1-2 weeks.
• 🚫 Don’t install SEOs – they often create more trash than they remove.
• 📁 Use cloud storage (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) for photos/video.
• 🔧 Update apps selectively, not all at once.

MIUI settings to save memory:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Memory.
2. Turn on the option of memory optimization.
3. Activate Cleanup when you lock the screen (removes background processes).

If you shoot videos in Full HD frequently, consider buying a U3 class microSD, which will allow you to store media files outside of internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 5