Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still popular because of its balanced performance and reliability, but over time, even this device begins to slow down: applications open for a long time, memory is clogged with unnecessary files, and the system gives notifications about the lack of space, the reason most often lies in the debris memory, crowded cache and background software that accumulates in the system for years.
In this article, you will find the most current ways to clean the Redmi Note 5, from basic methods (removal of garbage and cache) to radical ones (reset to factory settings), we will discuss how to safely free up space without losing important data, which tools to use and which ones to refuse. We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with MIUI — Xiaomi’s branded shell, which often becomes a source of hidden garbage.
If your Redmi Note 5 runs MIUI 10–14, all the instructions below will work – the differences between the shell versions are minimal. For owners of custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS), there is a separate section at the end of the article.
1. Diagnosis: what exactly is taking up memory on the Redmi Note 5
Before you start cleaning, you need to understand which files are clogging up memory. The Redmi Note 5 with factory-built MIUI has a built-in memory analyzer, but it doesn't always show the full picture. Here's how to check the occupied space:
Open Settings → Device Memory. Here you will see a diagram of System, Applications, Media (photo/video), Files (documents, downloads) and Cache. Notice the Other section, which often hides unnecessary data from deleted applications, log files and temporary MIUI files.
- 📊 The system takes over >15GB? Is that normal? MIUI — The shell weighs a lot, but you can't cut it down.
- 🗑️ «Another more than 3-5 GB? hides the remains of remote applications, cache Google Play Services and Xiaomi service files.
- 🎵 «Is the media crowded? Check the folders. DCIM, Downloads and WhatsApp/Media — They often contain duplicates.
For more detailed analysis, use third-party utilities like Files by Google or SD Maid (requires root permissions for a full scan). These apps will show hidden folders like.thumbnails (image sketches) or.data (application residues) that Xiaomi's standard file manager doesn't display.
⚠️ Note: If you see a category in the Memory section that is "Reserved" (usually 2-4 GB), don't try to clear it. MIUI, And removing it will cause system failures.
2.Cache cleanup: a safe way to speed up your smartphone
App and system cache is the main garbage collector on the Redmi Note 5. It accumulates over the years and can take up to 8-12 GB (especially if you actively use social networks, messengers and games).
There are two ways to clean:
- Through settings MIUI: 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management. 📱 Select an app (such as Facebook or Instagram) → Warehouse → Clear the cache. 🧹 For mass cleaning, click on three dots in the upper right corner → Size-based sorting → Clean the cache from the most “heavy” applications.
Recovery
- 🔄 Turn off the phone, then press the power. + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- 🌐 Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!).
- ✅ Confirm the action and restart the device.
Cleaning the cache through Recovery is more effective because it removes the system cache (including remnants of MIUI updates), but requires a reboot.
Close all applications |Plug in charge (process can take 5-10 minutes)|Put backup of important data (in case of failure)|Put the free space before and after cleaning-->
⚠️ Warning: Do not cache system applications like com.android.systemui or com.miui.home manually through Root Explorer.This can lead to loss of wallpaper, widgets and interface failures.
3. Delete unnecessary files and “digital garbage”
Even if you regularly clean the cache, Redmi Note 5 over time accumulates duplicate photos, old ones. APK-files, log files and temporary data. Here's how to find and delete them:
3.1 Cleaning the Downloads folder
Downloads is the main repository of unnecessary files.
- 📄 Old documents (PDF, DOC, XLS), which you have long discovered.
- 🎬 Videos and music downloaded from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
- 📦 APK-Files of installed (and long-deleted) applications.
Open Files (Standard Xiaomi Manager) → Categories → Downloads → Sort by date and delete anything older than 6 months.
3.2 Removal of duplicate photos and videos
Redmi Note 5 automatically creates thumbnails (.thumbnails) and copies of photos when editing.
- Install Gallery Doctor (the official app from Xiaomi).
- For deep cleaning, use Files by Google → Cleanup tab → Duplicate files.
3.3 Cleaning log files and temporary data
The MIUI system maintains logcats, which can take up to 1-2 GB.
- 🛠️ Through SD Maid (CorseFinder section) finds remnants of remote applications).
Once a week.|Once a month|Only when the place ends.|Never cleaned.-->
| Type of file | Where to find | Is it safe to remove? |
|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | Settings → Applications → Storage | ✅ Yes (not affecting personal data) |
| Duplicate photos | Gallery → Albums → Screenshots / Edited | ✅ Yes (check before removal) |
| APK-file | Files → Downloads (files with.apk extension) | ✅ Yes, if the application is already installed) |
| Log files (logcat) | /data/log (root required) | ⚠️ Partially (may affect error diagnosis) |
| Remains of MIUI updates | /cache (daddy) | ✅ Yes, after a successful update) |
4. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Functions
MIUI is known for its abundance of background processes that consume memory and battery power. On the Redmi Note 5, you can safely disable a number of features to free up resources:
- 🔍 Device Search: Indexes all files, creating a cache up to 500 MB-1 GB. → Additionally. → Search by device.
- 📡 Auto Update Apps: Open Google Play → Settings → Auto-update of applications → Choose Never.
- 🎨 Themes and wallpaper MIUI: Themes app caches gigabytes of wallpaper. Clear its cache in Settings → Annexes → Topics or remove unnecessary topics.
- 🔄 Background Sync: Disable it for unnecessary accounts in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.
It is also recommended to disable the interface animation to speed up the work:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the window animation scale, transition animation scale and animator duration – set the value off or 0.5x.
💡
If the interface starts to twitch after disabling animations, return the value of 1x - this means that the Snapdragon 636 processor cannot cope with the load.
5. Reset to factory settings: when necessary
If all previous methods failed, and the Redmi Note 5 is still slowing down, the radical way is to reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, so make a backup first.
There are two ways to discharge:
- 📱 Through Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Settings reset. Select Erase all data. Enter password (if installed) and confirm.
Recovery
- Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
- Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
It is also recommended to turn off background activity for unnecessary applications:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
- Select an app (e.g. TikTok) → Background activity → Limit.
💡
If you often shoot videos, set up automatic saving on the memory card: Camera → Settings → Save Place → SD Card.