How to Free Memory on Xiaomi Redmi 7: From Basic Methods to Hidden MIUI Chips

The Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its balanced specs. However, its main drawback is only 32 or 64 GB of internal memory, from which the user can access 5-10 GB less due to the preinstalled MIUI firmware. If your phone constantly gives a notification โ€œNot enough memory to updateโ€ or applications begin to โ€œfly outโ€, itโ€™s time to act.

In this article, 10 proven ways to free up space on Redmi 7, from the standard (cache deletion, file transfer) to the little-known (clean dalvik-cache, disable bloatware via ADB). We also compare the effectiveness of each method in the table and tell you what actions can harm your device. Let's start with the simplest!

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

Before you clean, you need to know which files are taking up the most space. On Redmi 7, you can do this in two ways:

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Built-in utility "Storage" in Settings โ†’ Memory. Shows categorization (applications, media, systems) Minus doesn't detail specific folders.
  • ๐Ÿ” Third-party analyzers, such as Files by Google or SD Maid. They visualize "heavy" files (for example, uploaded videos to Telegram or TikTok cache).

Typical memory eaters on Redmi 7:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Games: PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can weigh in 2-4 GB each (plus cache!).
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo/video in DCIM/Camera: Even if you deleted them, they could still be in the.thumbnails folder.
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ App cache: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accumulate to 1-3 GB of garbage.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Downloads: APK-files, documents and archives from Telegram/WhatsApp.

โš ๏ธ Note: If the System section is more than 15 GB occupied, this may be due to updates MIUI, The solution is in section 5.

๐Ÿ“Š What is the most important memory in your Redmi 7?
Photos and videos
Games
Cash app.
System files
I don't know.

2.Cleaning the app cache: Quick and secure

Cache is a temporary file that speeds up programs but eventually turns into digital junk, and on Redmi 7, you can delete it in three ways:

  1. Through the App Settings: Open Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ App management. Select an app (like Chrome), click Storage โ†’ Clear the cache. ๐Ÿ‘‰ Frees up 500MB-2GB, but the cache will start to accumulate again.
  2. Mass cleaning: Go to Settings โ†’ Memory โ†’ Clean (basket icon). The system will prompt you to delete the cache of all applications at once.
  3. Through Recovery: If the phone is slowing down, press Power + Volume up, select Wipe Cache Partition.This won't delete personal data, but will clear the system cache.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Don't confuse Clear cache and Clear data! The second action will reset the app settings (e.g., log out of your WhatsApp account).

โ˜‘๏ธ Cleaning the cache without risk

Done: 0 / 4

3. Removing unnecessary files: where to look for garbage?

Even if you clean the gallery regularly, Redmi 7 still has hidden folders of trash.

Folder/segmentWhat it keeps.How to clean upPotential savings
/DCIM/.thumbnailsPhoto/video miniaturesRemove manually through the file manager100-500 MB
/DownloadAPK, PDF, archivesSort by date, remove the old ones500 MB-3 GB
/Android/dataCash and game/application dataDelete folders of remote applications1-5 GB
/MIUI/backupBackup copies of MIUIRemove old backups (if not needed)200 MB-1 GB

For convenience, use a root file manager (like Solid Explorer) to see hidden folders. Alternatively, connect your phone to your PC and view content through Windows Explorer.

Preventive tip: Set up automatic cleaning in Google Files (Clean up section) and the app will delete unnecessary files (such as duplicate photos) once a week.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you can't find the /Android/data folder, connect your phone to your PC and turn on File Transfer (MTP) mode. In Windows, it will be visible as Internal Storage/Android/data.

4. Data transfer to SD-Map: How to do it right?

Redmi 7 supports microSD up to 256 GB, but the data port has nuances:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Appendices: Only a part of the programs can be transferred to the map (option Move to the map) SD Many games (such as Call of Duty Mobile) do not support this.
  • ๐Ÿ“‚ Photo/Video: In camera settings (Camera settings) โ†’ Storage) select Memory Map. Note that the write speed is cheap. SD-The cards may be lower!
  • ๐ŸŽต Music: In Google Play Music or MIUI Music Specify the path to the memory card in the settings.

Important point: If you use the card as your internal memory (a formatting option), it will become part of the system and it cannot be retrieved without losing data, and this mode also speeds up the wear and tear of the card.

โš ๏ธ Note: Not all applications work with SD-For example, WhatsApp may not save media files to the memory card in the background.

What to do if your phone canโ€™t see SD-map?
1.Reboot the device. 2. Check the card on another device (possibly damaged). 3. Format the card in FAT32 or exFAT via PC. 4. If the card is determined to be damaged, try the command in ADB: adb shell sm list-disks adb shell sm partition disk:179.64 private (replace 179.64 with your disk ID).

5. System garbage cleanup: updates, logs and dalvik-cache

MIUI accumulates invisible debris that doesn't show up in a standard storage facility, and here's how to find it and remove it:

  • ๐Ÿ—ƒ๏ธ folder /cache: Contains temporary update files. Cleared through Recovery (wipe cache partition).
  • ๐Ÿ“œ Logs of the system (/data/log): Files with the.log or.txt extension can be manually deleted (root rights required).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Dalvik-cache (/data/dalvik-cache): The cache of the Android virtual machine is only cleared through custom recovery (for example, the cache of the Android virtual machine, TWRP) or command: adb shell su -c "rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*"
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Remains of updates MIUI: folder /data/ota_package It stores firmware files. Delete them if you're not planning to roll back.

Warning: Deleting files from /data or /system without root permissions can cause system failure. If you are not sure, use secure methods (sections 1-4).

๐Ÿ’ก

Cleaning dalvik-cache will speed up the phone, but requires a reboot. After the procedure, the first launches of the application will be slower (the cache will be rebuilt).

6. Disabling and removing pre-installed applications (bloatware)

Xiaomi is known for a large number of pre-installed applications, many of which cannot be removed by standard means.

  1. Disable: Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ App management, select the unnecessary (such as Mi Video or Mi Pay) and click Disable. This will stop it working and free up some of the memory.
  2. Remove through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC, turn on Debugging. USB (Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI, slip 7 time; then settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers) and execute: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.videoplayer (replace com.xiaomi.videoplayer with the desired application package). ๐Ÿ”น List of safe packets to remove: com.miui.videoplayer, com.xiaomi.payment, com.miui.analytics.

Risks: Removing system applications (e.g. com.android.phone) can make your phone down. Always check packets before you delete them!

โš ๏ธ Attention: After update MIUI Disabled applications can be activated again. Check their status after each update.

7.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If none of these methods worked, and there's less than 1 GB of free memory left, you'll have to do a hard reset, which will delete all the data, including photos, messages and installed apps.

Step-by-step:

  1. Back up important files (for example, via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Reset settings.
  3. Select Reset all settings and confirm the action.
  4. Once rebooted, the phone will be like new. Restore data from the backup selectively (don't copy old cache and unnecessary files!).

Alternative: If the phone is slowing down but there is enough memory, try Wipe Cache Partition in Recovery (does not delete personal data).

๐Ÿ’ก

Resetting to factory settings is the only way to remove fragmented system files that accumulate after multiple MIUI updates.

8.Prevention: How to avoid memory filling in the future?

To avoid going back to cleaning every week, follow these rules:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Set up automatic cleanup: In Google Files, enable the Auto Clean option to delete unnecessary files.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Limit cache for individual apps: For example, on YouTube, set video quality โ†’ Saving traffic.
  • โ˜๏ธ Use cloud storage: Set up an automatic photo upload in Google Photos (Section "Backupsยป).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update regularly MIUI: New versions optimize memory management (but release at least 3GB before upgrade!).

Hidden feature: MIUI 12+ has a feature called Easy Mode (Settings โ†’ Special Features) that reduces memory consumption by making it easier to use.

If you install/remove games frequently, consider buying a Redmi 7 with 64GB of storage or use it. SD-class A2 (It works faster with applications).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 7

Can I increase the internal memory of Redmi 7?
No, internal memory cannot be physically expanded. SD-card as internal memory (but it will slow down) transfer files to external drives (flash drives through the computer). OTG, If memory is critically short, consider buying a high-volume smartphone (e.g. Redmi Note 10 with 128GB).
Why does the memory fill up quickly after cleaning?
Causes: ๐Ÿ”„ Cache of applications (especially social networks and instant messengers). ๐Ÿ“ฅ Automatic uploading of media in WhatsApp/Telegram (turn off in chat settings). ๐Ÿ“ฆ Updates MIUI, Solution: Set limits in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Limiting the background for "gluttonous" programs.
How to clear your memory if your phone is not switched on?
If Redmi 7 hung on the logo or not loaded: Click Power + Volume up to enter Recovery. select Wipe Data/Factory If it doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot (instructions on miui.su). โš ๏ธ If you want to save files, remove the memory card (if any) and connect it to another device.
Which apps are better not to disable on MIUI?
Do not disable the system services: com.android.phone (telephony), com.miui.securitycenter (security), com.google.android.gms (Google services), their deactivation will lead to loss of communication, synchronization errors or complete failure of the phone.
Should you use a memory cleaner (such as Clean Master)?
No, you shouldn't: ๐Ÿ”„ Often they consume their own memory in the background. ๐Ÿšซ Can delete useful files (e.g. save games). ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ They donโ€™t clean garbage better than built-in tools. MIUI. Use Google Files or the built-in Cleanup utility in the settings instead.