Owners of Xiaomi 7 (including the Redmi Note 7 and Mi 7) often face memory problems, especially if the device has been in use for several years. Even with 64 or 128 GB of internal storage, the system is eventually clogged with unnecessary files: app cache, duplicate photos, remnants of remote programs and hidden MIUI data. In this article, we will discuss 10 working ways to free up space from basic to advanced, including hidden firmware functions and root-free optimization.
Xiaomi 7 features hybrid memory (if the model includes a memory card slot), where part of the internal storage can be occupied by system partitions, which means that even after deleting all user files, there will be less “free” space than expected, and we will show how to circumvent this limitation and regain control over memory.
1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly eats memory?
Before you delete files at random, it's important to understand which data is taking up the most space. MIUI has a built-in memory analyzer, but it doesn't always show the full picture. Here's how to check in detail:
- 📊 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory: This shows general statistics by category: applications, multimedia, system files and cache.
- 🔍 For detailed analysis, use third-party utilities, such as Files by Google or SD They will show hidden folders (for example,.thumbnails with thumbnails) and duplicates.
- 📁 Check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — Gigabytes of thumbnails can be stored here, which the system does not automatically remove.
Note the System Data section in the memory analyzer, which is more than 10-15 GB, which is a sign of a cache of MIUI updates or system logs that can only be deleted through the Recovery Mode (discussed in Section 6).
2. Cleaning the application cache and system
Cache speeds up the program, but eventually turns into garbage. On Xiaomi 7, the cache is divided into three types:
- App cache – temporary files that create games and social networks (for example, Facebook or TikTok can take 1-2 GB).
- Dalvik cache – files of the Android virtual machine that are recreated after a reboot.
- The MIUI update cache is the firmware residue that the system does not automatically delete.
How to clean:
- 🧹 Cache of individual applications: Settings → Annexes → Select a program → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🗑️ Shared cache: Settings → The phone. → Memory. → Clear (button at the bottom of the screen).
- 🔄 Dalvik cache: Requires a reboot to recovery mode (see Section 6).
⚠️ Note: Do not cache applications that use offline data (such as Google Maps or Yandex.Maps) and delete downloaded maps and have to be downloaded again.
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If after cleaning the cache, the application began to work slower, restart the phone - the system will restore critical temporary files.
3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues
Many users delete programs through Settings → Applications, but this does not free up the memory completely.
- 📂 Folders with data in /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/ (particularly relevant to games).
- 🔗 Symbolic links in system partitions (if the application had root access).
- 📋 Configuration files in /data/data/ (available only through ADB root).
How to remove completely:
- Use SD Maid (CorseFinder section) to find dead folders from remote programs.
- For games: manually check the /Android/obb/ folder – there may be gigabytes of data from long-distant projects.
- If you have root access, run the command: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the program).
On the Xiaomi 7 with MIUI 12+, the built-in Cleanup feature (in the security menu) can skip files from system applications, such as Mi Video or Mi Music.
Remove the program through Settings
Check the folder /Android/obb/
Clear the cache through SD Maid
Reboot the phone.-->
4.Photo and video optimization: compression without loss of quality
Multimedia is the main memory eater. On Xiaomi 7, the camera defaults to save photos in 12-48 MP resolution, and video in Full HD or 4K. Even a 10-minute video can weigh 1-2 GB.
| File type | Reference size | Optimization | Saving memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo (JPEG) | 5-10MB | Up to 80% quality with Google Photos | 60% |
| Video (4K) | 300-500 MB/min | Convert to 1080p via CapCut | 75% |
| Screenshots | 2-4 MB | Remove duplicates through Files by Google | 40% |
| GIF/live photos | 10-50 MB | Convert to static images | 90% |
How to automate the process:
- 📷 Turn on the option to Save compressed photos (Camera settings) in the camera → Additionally).
- ☁️ Set up automatic upload to Google Photos and then delete the originals (free up space option).
- 🎥 For video use the Video Compress app – it compresses videos without any visible loss of quality.
⚠️ Note: When you compress video through online services (such as Clideo), files are uploaded to third-party servers. If there is sensitive information in the videos, use offline solutions like HandBrake.
5. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud
Xiaomi 7 (except for some modifications of the Mi 7) supports microSD cards up to 256 GB.
- 📱 Not all applications can be transferred to SD-card (especially games with protection against piracy).
- 🔄 After the transfer, the program can work more slowly — SD-cards (even class) A1) Reduce in speed of built-in memory.
- 🚫 System updates and some data (such as WhatsApp cache) cannot be stored on external media.
How to transfer data correctly:
- Format the card as internal memory (Settings → Storage → SD Card → Configure as internal) and allow you to install applications on it.
- Use Files by Google to automatically transfer photos and videos to the Internet SD-map.
- For cloud storage, set up autosynchronization with Google Drive, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud (the latter gives 5 GB for free).
If you use the card as internal memory, back up your data regularly on your PC – if you extract the card without properly “disabling” the file system can get damaged.
What to do if your phone can’t see SD-map?
6.Cache reset in recovery mode (for power users)
If standard methods didn’t help and the System Data partition takes more than 10 GB, it’s time to clear the Dalvik cache and update residues through Recovery mode.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
- After cleaning, restart the device (Reboot → System).
This method removes:
- 🗃️ Cash updates. MIUI (free 1-5 GB).
- 🔄 Dalvik cache (accelerates the system after restarting).
- 📄 Temporary Application Installer Files (package-cache).
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data – the second option will erase all user data (photos, apps, accounts)!
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Cache cleaning in Recovery is the only way to remove the remnants of the “heavy” MIUI updates that take up space in the system partition.
7. Disable preloading and auto-updates
MIUI aggressively caches data in the background, even if you're not using apps.
- 🎵 Mi Music uploads album covers and previews.
- 📺 Mi Video saves miniatures of videos from the Internet.
- 📱 System Services (mipush, msa) download notifications and analytics.
How to turn off unnecessary activity:
- 🚫 Ban background activities: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-run (disable for unnecessary programs).
- 📵 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play: Settings → Auto-update → Never.
- 📡 Limit mobile traffic for background processes: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Background mode.
For advanced users, ADB can disable system services that cannot be stopped by standard means, such as:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.playerDisable Mi Music completely (replace com.miui.player with the batch name of the unwanted app).
8.Alternative methods: from root access to firmware replacement
If all of the above methods fail, radical measures remain: They require technical skills and can be unwarranted, but sometimes this is the only way to bring the Xiaomi 7 back to life.
| Method | What gives | Risks. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting root rights | Removing system applications, cleaning all partitions | Loss of warranty, risk of "bricking" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) | A lighter system without Bloatware | Unstable Camera Operation, Lack of Security Updates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ADB Connection for Manual Cleaning | Delete hidden files without rooting | Team errors can damage the system | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Replacement of built-in memory (for experienced ones only) | Increased storage capacity | High risk of damage to the fee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If you decide to root, use the official method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool. For Xiaomi 7, Android 10/11 firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) is suitable.
- Make a backup copy through TWRP.
- Check firmware compatibility with the phone model (for example, Redmi Note 7 is the codename lavender, Mi 7 is dipper).
- Charge your phone at least 60%.