Free memory on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from cache to hidden files

Your Xiaomi Redmi 5 It again gives you a memory deficit warning, even though you haven't installed new applications in a long time? 8/16 GB of internal memory, where the system and updates take up the lion's share of space. 5 (released 2017 does not support Adoptable Storage, a function that allows you to combine internal memory with SD-But that doesn't mean you have to put up with the eternal notifications, "Memory is full".

In this article, we will look at 10 proven ways to free memory, from basic (deleting cache and unnecessary files) to advanced (cleaning system logs and transferring applications to a memory card). Particular attention will be paid to hidden memory eaters, which are often overlooked: duplicate photos, messenger cache and residual files of deleted applications. All methods are tested on Redmi 5 with MIUI 9-12 firmware and are relevant to Redmi 5A/5 Plus models.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly eats memory?

Before you clean, you need to figure out which files take up the most space. MIUI has a built-in memory analyzer, but it often hides system data. Here's how to get the full picture:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on the graph at the top – the detailing will open by categories: Applications, Images, Video, Audio, Other files.
3. Click on the category (e.g., “Apps”) → sort by size to see the most “gluttonous.”

Please note the "Other Files" section, which often hides:

• 📁 Cache system applications (can weigh up to) 1-2 GB)
• 📄 Logs and dumps (Error Report files, created automatically)
• 🔄 Residual files after updates MIUI
• 🎮 Game data (saves, downloaded cards)

If the built-in analyzer shows less than 500 MB in the Other Files category, but the memory is still full, use third-party tools like Files by Google or SD Maid. They detect hidden files in /data/local and /sdcard/Android/obb folders that the system does not show.

2.Cleaning the app cache: Quick and secure

Cache is a temporary file that apps create to speed up work, and over time, it can take up to 3-5 GB, especially if you actively use social networks, instant messengers or games. Clearing the cache does not delete important data (logins, messages, game progress), but frees up space.

Cleaning methods:

Method 1: Manual cleaning for individual applications

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or Telegram) → Storage → Clear cache.

Method 2: Mass cleaning (MIUI 10 and above)

1. Open Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
2. Click Deep Clean → tick unnecessary files (cache, residual data, thumbnails).
3. Confirm the action. The system will show how much space has been vacated.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, MIUI System and Security can cause system failures, and avoid clearing cache for WhatsApp and Viber if you don’t want to wait for stickers and media to re-download.

Clear the cache of messengers (Telegram, Viber)

Delete the social media cache (Facebook, Instagram)

Clear the browser data (Chrome, MIUI Browser)

Remove the game cache (if you don’t play regularly)-->

3. Delete unnecessary applications and their residual files

Even after deleting apps, they often leave behind junk files in /Android/data and /Android/obb folders. For example, a PUBG Mobile game can leave up to 1 GB of data in an obb folder after uninstalling.

How to remove applications and their residues:

Step 1: Remove through Settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort by size and remove rarely used programs. Pay special attention: 🎮 Games (even remote ones can leave files) 📺 streaming services (for example, Kodi or MX Player) 📱 Duplicate applications (two browsers, two file managers)

Step 2: Find and Delete Residual Files

Use a file manager (e.g., built-in MI File Manager or Solid Explorer):

1. Open the /sdcard/Android folder.
2. Check the data and obb folders – delete the folders with the names of the remote applications.
3. In the Download folder, delete the old ones APK-files (application installation packages).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders of existing applications, this will lead to their inoperability. /Android/secure, unless they are sure of their appointment.

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Before you delete applications, check if they are linked to important accounts (such as banking apps or authenticators), some of which may require re-activation after reinstallation.

4. Data transfer to SD-map: restrictions and workarounds

Xiaomi Redmi 5 supports microSD cards up to 256 GB, but with important limitations:

• 🚫 No Adoptable Storage (cannot be combined) SD-memory-card).
• ✅ You can only transfer media files (photos, videos, music) and some applications (if the developer has provided this opportunity).
• ⚠️ Annexes to SD-The card is slower and can be laid.

How to transfer data:

Transfer of media files

1. Connect. SD-Card (if not already connected).
2. Open the gallery or MI File Manager.
3. Select the files → press forward → choose SD-map.

Application portability (if supported)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → Storage → Change (if the option is active).
3. Press. SD-map and confirm the transfer.

📌 Important: Not all apps support portability, like WhatsApp, Telegram and most games won't allow this, and once ported, the app may not work as smoothly as it is normal for Redmi 5.

5. Cleaning system logs and dumps

MIUI actively creates logs and dumps, error report files that help developers but are useless to the user. On Redmi 5, they can take anywhere from 500 MB to 1.5 GB, especially if the device has not been rebooted for a long time.

How to remove them:

Method 1: Through the built-in storage

1. Open Settings → Memory → Files.
2. Scroll down to System Files or Others.
3. Find files with the.log,.dmp or.tmp extension → delete them.

Method 2: File Manager (for experienced)

Use Root Explorer or FX File Manager with superuser rights:

1. Go to /data/log folder.
2. Delete all files with the extensions.log,.trace,.dumpstate.
3. Clear the /cache folder (remove all contents).

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data If you're not sure, you can only use the first method.

6. Optimization of photos and videos

Photos and video are the main memory eaters. On Redmi 5 with a 12MP camera, one JPEG photo weighs 3-5 MB, and a minute of video in Full HD is 100-150 MB. Here's how to reduce their weight:

Method 1: Compression via Google Photos

1. Install Google Photos from the Play Market.
2. Go to Settings. → Make room.
3. Choose the high quality (compression without loss of visible quality) and confirm.

This will reduce the weight of photos by 50-70% without any noticeable loss of quality.

Method 2: Change the camera settings

1. Open the Camera app → press on ⚙️ Settings.
2. Install: 📸 Photo resolution: 8 MP instead of 12 MP 🎥 Video quality: HD (720p) Full instead HD 🔄 Format of conservation: JPEG (not RAW)

Method 3: Removal of duplicates

Use apps like Files by Google or Duplicate Files Fixer to find identical photos, and duplicates often appear when:

• 📲 Transfer of files through messengers
• 🔄 Automatic backup
• 📷 Shooting in mode HDR+ (The original and the processed photo are saved)

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Compressing photos via Google Photos is the safest way to free up 1-2 GB of memory without losing important data.

7.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If all previous methods failed and the Redmi 5 has less than 500MB of free space, it’s worth considering a hard reset, a radical method, but it will return the device to its original freshness.

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data
• 📂 Photos, videos, music (if not transferred to the SD-map)
• 🔑 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accounts
• 📝 Messages, contacts (unless synced with Google)

How to reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (contacts, photos, messages).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN).

⚠️ Attention: After the Redmi reset 5 It can be long to come on (up to) 10-15 It's okay. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen is stuck on the logo for a long time. MI.

🔹 Tip: Don't restore all the data immediately after reset, install only the most necessary applications and check how much memory they take up. Often the problem of space shortage returns due to the recovery of old junk files.

8. Additional tips: how to prevent memory filling

To avoid recurring problems, follow these guidelines:

• 📵 Turn off automatic download in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram). Go to the chat settings → Media files → Turn off autoloading photos/video.
• 🔄 Clean up downloads regularly.Download folder often gets clogged with unnecessary ones APK, PDF archives.
• 📱 Use the "lightweight" versions of the apps: Facebook Lite instead of Facebook Messenger Lite instead of Messenger Twitter Lite (PWA-browser-based)
• 🔋 Limit background activity. Go to Settings. → Battery → Power management and disable auto-start for unnecessary apps.
• 📲 Set up cloud storage. Automatically upload photos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud and delete local copies.

📌 Useful Lifehack: If you install/delete games frequently, create a separate folder on the game. SD-map (e.g. Games) and transfer it there APK-So you can quickly reinstall games without re-downloading them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory release on Redmi 5