Cleaning system memory on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from cache to deep reset

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its main problem is only 16/32 GB of internal memory, of which the user can access even less. Over time, the device begins to slow down, applications fly out, and the system gives a notification “Memory is almost full – free up space”, the reasons are not only in the accumulated files, but also in the features of the MIUI firmware, which aggressively caches data.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven cleanup methods, from basic ones (hand-cleaning garbage) to radical ones (Fastboot dumping), focus on hidden folders that eat gigabytes, and explain why standard tips like “clean up cache” often don’t work, and learn how to prevent memory clogging in the future without buying a new phone.

1.Why is the memory on the Redmi 4X clogged so fast?

Even when used carefully, the Redmi 4X loses space.

• 📱 System section /system borrower ~3–4 GB (including firmware and preinstalled applications).
• 🗑️ Cash. MIUI: firmware creates duplicate thumbnails, log files and temporary data that are not always deleted automatically.
• 📁 Hidden folders like.thumbnails,.data, or MIUI/Backup, which weigh hundreds of megabytes.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: Even if you don’t install them, firmware files (.zip) can remain in memory.

For example, a MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder can weigh 1-2 GB, even though the user has never made backups, and the cache of Google Play Services sometimes inflates to 500+ MB.

⚠️ Note: If the memory is refilled after cleaning up in a few days, check the applications for viruses. Some Trojans (for example, Android.Triada) create hidden files in the computer. /sdcard.

2. Basic cleaning: cache, debris and unnecessary files

Start with simple steps that don’t require root rights or complex manipulations.

Cleaning up the app cache

Cache speeds up programs, but it takes gigabytes over time to delete them.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Sort by size."
3. Open apps with large cache (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Google Play Store).
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

Removal of downloads and duplicates

The Download folder and gallery often contain unnecessary files:

• 📂 Open Files (Standard File Manager) MIUI).
• 🔍 Go to the "Category" section» → «Downloads" and remove old ones APK, images, documents.
• 🖼️ In the Images section, check the.thumbnails folder – it can weigh up to 1GB.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete Android folders, MIUI Or Alarm completely, which can break the system, and only remove the contents if you're sure it's not useful.

3. Deep Cleanup: Hidden Folders and System Garbage

Standard methods often do not affect system files, which take up the lion's share of memory.

Folders that can be safely cleaned

How to find and delete large files

Use a file manager with memory analysis, such as Files by Google:

1. Install the app from the Play Store.
2. Open the section "Cleaning" → "Memory Analysis".
3. The program will show large files (video, archives) and unused applications.
4. Delete all unnecessary files, especially files with the extension.apk,.zip,.mp4.

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If you can't delete the folder, check if it's currently in use. For example, Android/data/com.whatsapp is locked while WhatsApp is running. Close the app and try again.

4.Clean through Recovery and Fastboot modes

If standard methods didn't work, use system tools to delete temporary firmware files and reset cache at the kernel level.

Cleaning the cache through Recovery

This method does not delete user data, but resets the system cache:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select “Wipe & Reset” → “Wipe Cache”.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Dalvik cache reset (for advanced)

Dalvik cache is optimized data to run applications, and cleaning it can speed up the system:

1. log into Recovery (as in the instructions above).


2. Select "Advanced" → "Wipe Dalvik Cache."




3. Confirm and restart.

⚠️ After cleaning the Dalvik cache, the first start of the phone will take 5-10 minutes – this is normal, the system recovers data.

5. Radical methods: reset to factory settings

If the memory is full of files that are not being deleted or the phone is slowing down even after cleaning, a complete reset will help, and it will delete everything, including apps, photos and accounts, so back up first.

Reset via MIUI settings

The safest way is:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Reset all settings."
3. Enter your password (if any) and confirm.
4. After the reboot, the phone will look like new.

Hard reset via Fastboot (if MIUI doesn't respond)

If the phone is getting stuck or not turning on:

1. Connect Redmi 4X to a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. In the command line of the PC, run: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

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Hard reset via Fastboot deletes ALL, including files on internal memory. If you have enabled the "Remember passwords" function in your browser, they will disappear, too.

6 How to prevent future memory clogging

To avoid clearing your memory every week, follow these rules:

• 📵 Turn off auto-update apps in the Play Store (settings) → auto-refresh → «Never»).
• 📷 Configure the photo/video saving to SD-card (if any). To do this, select Settings in the camera → Preservation site → SD-map.
• 🗑️ Install an application for automatic cleaning, for example SD Maid or CCleaner (but don't abuse them!).
• 🚫 Don’t use “memory optimizers” from unknown developers – they often become a source of garbage.

It is also useful to check regularly:

• 📊 Folder size Android/data (It stores game and social media data).
• 🔄 Log files in MIUI/debug_log (can be removed once a month).
• 📦 Download folder for the presence of old APK and archives.

7. Alternative solutions: root, custom firmware and SD-map

If none of these methods worked, consider radical options:

Unlock the bootloader and root access

With root rights, you can:

• 🗄️ Uninstall system applications (Bloatware) via Titanium Backup.
• 🔧 Transfer applications to SD-map App2SD.
• 🧹 Clean deep system folders that are not available without root.

However, remember: unlocking the bootloader will reset all data, and root deprives you of warranties.

Use of the SD-maps as internal memory

If you have a Redmi 4X with microSD support (up to 128 GB), you can expand your memory:

1. Put it in. SD-map (preferably) UHS-I class).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map → Configure as an internal memory.
3. Follow the instructions (the phone will format the card and combine it with the internal memory).

⚠️ Attention: After this operation SD-The card cannot be retrieved without losing data, and it will also run slower than internal memory (especially if it is a cheap card).

Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience lacks built-in MIUI debris and takes up less space.

• Unlocked bootloader.
• TWRP Recovery installations.
• Experience with ADB/Fastboot.

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Custom firmware can improve performance, but Redmi 4X is not officially supported after MIUI 11.Newer versions of Android (like 12+) can work with bugs.

Frequently asked questions