How to Free RAM on Xiaomi Redmi 6: From Basic Methods to Hidden MIUI Features

Why Redmi 6 is slowing down due to a lack of RAM and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 6 (especially the version with 2 GB of RAM) often face hangings, slow interface operation and spontaneous closure of applications. The reason lies in the architecture of RAM: the 2018 model is equipped with an outdated LPDDR3 chip that is poorly optimized for modern versions of MIUI and Android. Even after upgrading to MIUI 12.5 (the maximum possible for this device), the system continues to “eat” up to 60% of memory in the background.

Compounding the problem, Redmi 6 does not support the ZRAM (virtual compression-based memory) technology available in the newer Xiaomi models. This means that every megabyte of RAM is in your account and needs to be released manually. In this article, we will discuss unique methods for this particular model that do not require root rights or violate warranty. Spoiler: standard tips like “remove unnecessary applications” will not work here – we need targeted actions.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 6 can’t physically run as fast as modern smartphones, but the right optimization will bring the interface back to its 2019-2020 smoothness level – enough for instant messengers, social networks and easy games.

1. Forced shutdown of MIUI system processes

The MIUI system on Redmi 6 runs up to 15 background processes that take up to 500-700 MB of RAM even in standby mode, some of which can be safely turned off without any stability implications.

• 🔄 MiuiDaemon – responsible for system updates (you can disable if you do not plan updates)
• 📊 AnalyticsCore – collection of usage statistics (useless for the user)
• 🎵 MusicFX – Sound Effects Processor (only music lovers need it)
• 📡 MiConnectService – a service for connecting to other Xiaomi devices (unless you use Mi Band or Mi Home)

To stop them:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find the service you want in the list, open your card and click Stop → OK.

⚠️ Warning: Do not stop processes with the names android., com.qualcomm. or media. - this can cause a camera or mobile network to crash. MIUI) and PhoneServices (telephony).

Stop MiuiDaemon

Disable AnalyticsCore

Check MusicFX (if you don’t use the equalizer)

Deactivate MiConnectService (if you don’t have Xiaomi smart devices)-->

2. Optimization of application autoloading

By default, MIUI allows all installed applications to start when the system starts. On Redmi 6, this means that 20+ background tasks are already in memory 10 minutes after being turned on.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the Autoboot tab (if not, tap the filter icon in the upper right corner and enable the display of system applications).
3. Sort the list by column Effect on charge – the apps at the top of the list most aggressively consume RAM.
4. Turn off autoload for all applications except: 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) 🔔 Notifications (if push messages are important) 🔒 Banking applications (require background activity for security)

After disabling the autoboot for 10-15 applications, you will win 200-300 MB of RAM in standby mode, but note that some programs (for example, Viber) may stop showing notifications for new messages.

Social networks (Facebook, Instagram)

Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Games (PUBG, Free Fire)

Systemic processes (I don't know which ones)

Other-->

3.Using Light Mode in MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi 6 supports hidden mode "Light", which simplifies animations and disables some of the visual effects of MIUI. This not only saves RAM, but also speeds up the response of the interface by 15-20%.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line MIUI version until the message appears You became a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
4. Find options: Windows animation → Install Off. or 0.5x Transition animation → Off. Light mod (or Simplified Mode) → Turn on

After applying the changes, restart the phone. The effect will be noticeable immediately: for example, swipe between desktops will become instant, and opening Settings will take less than 1 second (versus 2-3 seconds in standard mode).

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If the desktop wallpaper is gone after Light Mode is turned on, return it via Themes → My Wallpaper. This is a MIUI 11/12 bug for older devices.

4. Cleaning Dalvik and ART cache manually

Android system uses Dalvik cache (or ART-cache in new versions) to speed up the launch of applications. Over time, this cache grows to 500 MB-1 GB and begins to fragment RAM. On Redmi 6 it can not be cleaned by standard means, you will need access to hidden settings:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
2. Slip the gear icon in the upper right corner and select Deep Clean.
3. Check the boxes across the street: 🗑️ Cash. Dalvik/ART 🧹 Residual files 🔄 Optimizing memory

Clean up

This procedure will free up to 300-400 MB of RAM and eliminate the "twitching" of the interface. However, after cleaning the first start of applications will be slower than usual - the system will restore the cache again. Repeat the operation is recommended no more than 1 time per month.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 6 starts to reboot in the loop after cleaning the cache, then the critical system file has been deleted. → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (data will not be affected).

5. disabling the "heavy" MIUI functions

MIUI is overloaded with visuals that look beautiful on flagships but slow down the Redmi 6.Here is a list of features that you can safely disable:

• 🌌 Transition effects: Settings → Screen. → Animation of the system → Choose No Animation.
• 🔍 Search by device: Settings → Additionally. → Search → Turn off Content Search (saves up to 80MB of RAM).
• 📱 Second Space: If you don’t use it, delete it through Settings → Second space.
• 🎨 Refreshment topics: Return the standard theme (Themes) → My subjects. → Standard), as custom themes load the graphics processor.
• 🔊 Touch sounds: Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Turn off the pressing sounds and vibration when touching.

Especially strong on performance is affected by the function “Smart assistant” (Settings) → It analyzes your actions and offers "helpful" tips, but it scans RAM all the time. Turn it off completely, it will free up to 150 MB of memory.

6. Alternative launchers to save RAM

The standard MIUI launcher consumes up to 200 to 250 MB of RAM even in the background, and by replacing it with a lightweight alternative, you save memory and speed up the phone.

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download. APK-file from an official website (e.g. Lawnchair).
2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. After installation, click Home and select a new launcher as your primary.

When using an alternative launcher, disable the standard one through Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Stop. This will prevent conflicts and save another 50–70 MB of RAM.

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Alternative launchers not only save RAM, but also reduce the heating of the Redmi 6 processor by 5-10 ° C due to optimized code.

7. Reset partition cache via Recovery (advanced method)

If all previous methods failed, the last resort is to clean the cache through Recovery mode, which will not delete your data, but will reset all temporary system files, including fragmented RAM residues.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have a choice: 🔧 Choose Wipe & Reset (or Cleanup). 🗑️ Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!). 🔄 Confirm the action with the swipe or the Yes button.

Reboot → System

This procedure will free up to 500 MB-1 GB of junk memory, which is not visible in the standard settings, but after it you will have to re-sign in to accounts of some applications (for example, WhatsApp or VK).

⚠️ Note: If there is no Wipe Cache option in the Recovery menu, it means on your Redmi. 6 In this case, use the command adb shell recovery. --wipe_cache via computer (requires enabled debugging by USB).

FAQ: Frequent questions about RAM release on Redmi 6