Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular device due to its reliability and availability. However, over time, even the most powerful processor begins to experience difficulties when internal memory is full of unnecessary files, app cache and system debris. Cleaning up the phone is not just about removing photos, but a comprehensive optimization process that returns the device to its previous response speed.
In this article, we will look at all available methods of freeing up space, from safe manual cleaning to radical reset to factory settings. You will learn what files can be deleted without risk to the system, how to properly use built-in MIUI tools and why routine removal of applications is not always effective.
Before you start taking action, it’s important to understand your device’s storage structure. Android, which runs the MIUI shell, tends to accumulate temporary data that can take up gigabytes of space. Regular maintenance will avoid sudden freezes and problems installing updates.
Memory Occupancy Analysis and Hidden Files Search
The first step to cleaning up the Xiaomi Redmi 7 should be diagnostics. Often users are unaware that the lion’s share of memory is occupied by the cache of messengers such as Telegram or WhatsApp, or forgotten videos in high resolution.
To start, you need to go to the settings menu and find the storage section, and it will provide a detailed breakdown by data type, and memory visualization allows you to instantly identify the "eaters" of space, which are often streaming services or offline map navigation.
- 📊 Open the Settings. → Memory to view detailed usage statistics.
- 🗑️ Note the “Other” section, which often hides update files and remnants of deleted programs.
- 📸 Check the Gallery folder for duplicates and screenshots taken a few years ago.
You should not ignore files left by remote applications. Even after the program is uninstalled, configuration files and error logs can remain in the system. Manually checking file directories through the Explorer will help you find such residues and delete them, freeing up precious megabytes.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The MIUI shell preinstalled a powerful system tool called Security, which is not just an antivirus, but a multifunctional harvester to service the device, and the Cleanup feature in this application scans the device for temporary files, residual debris and large files.
It takes only a few seconds to run the scan, and the algorithms analyze the browser cache, system logs, and APK installer packages. Once the analysis is complete, the user is asked to remove the debris found with a single click, which is the safest way for beginners.
⚠️ Note: When using the Cleanup function, carefully look at what is marked for removal. Sometimes the system may mark important cache files of frequently used applications, rebooting which will take time.
In addition, the Security app has a Deep Clean section, where you can find rarely used apps and large files, and process automation allows you to set a schedule so that the phone clears its own garbage at night.
☑️ Daily Memory Prevention
Manual cleaning of cache and application data
Automatic tools don't always handle the garbage inside specific applications, especially social networks. App cache is temporary data that speeds up programs, but over time inflates to enormous sizes. For example, YouTube or TikTok cache can take several gigabytes.
To manually clean, go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Select a heavy app and press Memory. Here you will see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything. The first deletes temporary files, the second resets the application to the state immediately after installation, removing logins and settings.
| Type of data | What's removed | Security | Impact on the account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash. | Temporary files, thumbnails | Completely safe. | No. |
| Data data | Logins, settings, saves | It requires caution. | Exit from account |
| Files. | Uploaded documents, photo | Irreversible removal | Loss of files |
| APK packets | Program installation files | Safe after installation | No. |
And you should pay special attention to messengers, because WhatsApp or Viber has its own memory settings, where you can clear media files by leaving text messages, which allows you to save correspondence, but make room for thousands of images and voice messages received.
Where can I find the hidden garbage files?
Cleaning through computer and file manager
Connecting Xiaomi Redmi 7 to your computer opens up access to the file system as a regular drive. This is the most effective method for removing really large amounts of data, such as video archives or music collections. Windows Explorer or macOS allows you to quickly sort files by size and date.
When you connect, select file transfer mode (MTP) on your computer, which will open the smartphone drive, and it is recommended to check the folders DCIM (camera photo), Download (download from the Internet) and MIUI (distor and screenshot folders), which is deleted instantly and does not load the phone processor.
Using third-party file managers on the smartphone itself, such as Total Commander or FX File Explorer, also provides more control than standard Explorer, which allows you to find duplicate files and empty folders left after deleting games.
- 💻 Connect your phone through the original USB-cable.
- 📂 Sort files by size to find the most voluminous and remove excess.
- 🎵 Move media files to a microSD card if the phone has a card installed.
⚠️ Note: When deleting files through your computer, be extremely careful. MIUI, This can lead to incorrect operation of the operating system.
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Use cloud services (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk) with the function of autoloading and then freeing up space on the device, which will allow you to store the photo archive in the cloud without taking up the internal memory of the phone.
Full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
If the software cleaning doesn’t work and the phone is slow, the only radical solution is a complete reset. Hard Reset returns the Xiaomi Redmi 7 to the state it was in at the time of purchase.
Before the procedure is initiated, it is critical to create a backup copy. MIUI There is a built-in Settings tool → The phone. → Reservation and restoration. SD-map or cloud Mi Cloud, also make sure the battery is charged at least on the same time. 50-60%.
There are two ways to reset. The first is through the settings menu: Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset → Reset. The second is through Recovery mode, which is used if the phone is not loading or locked.
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A complete reset is a last resort, and before doing it, be sure to save all the important data, as it will not be possible to restore it after formatting without (backup) it.
Enter Recovery Mode and Reset via buttons
Recovery mode is a diagnostic interface built into the phone's memory, regardless of the main operating system. To get there on Redmi 7, turn off the device completely. Then press both the Volume+ and Power button at the same time.
Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up. When the menu with a black background and a few lines appears, release all the buttons. Navigation is done with volume buttons (up-down), and selection is done with the power button.
From the Recovery menu, select the language (English), then go to Wipe Data. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. The formatting process will take a few seconds, after which the phone will restart.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons. Do not interrupt the reset process until the phone itself restarts.