Free up memory on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from basic methods to hidden chips MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with 64 or 128 GB of memory, but even this amount is not enough over time. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and MIUI junk files eat up precious gigabytes. Unlike flagships, Redmi 9 does not support RAM expansion, so cleaning internal storage becomes critical for performance.

This article is not about the banal removal of photos, but we will discuss system cleaning methods (including hidden functions). MIUI), analysis of occupied space by categories, work with SD-It's like an internal memory card, and even the nuances of resetting to factory settings without losing data. MIUI 12–14.

1. The analysis of occupied memory: what exactly eats the place?

Before you clean, you need to understand which files take up the most space. Redmi 9 has built-in tools and third-party utilities for this.

Open Settings → About Phone → Memory. Here you will see a diagram of the categorization:

• 📸 Multimedia (photo, video, audio) – usually 30-50% of the total volume.
• 📦 Applications themselves APK-files and their data (cache, databases, downloads).
• 🗑️ System files - firmware, log files, backups MIUI.
• 📄 Other files – temporary data, browser downloads, documents.

Click on any category to see the details, for example, in the Apps section, you can sort programs by size and see that Facebook or Telegram take 1-2 GB of cache only.

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If the embedded statistics show System Files over 10 GB, it is a sign of a clog with MIUI log files. They can be safely deleted through Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Deep Cleanup

Redmi 9s. MIUI 12+ There's a hidden function called Storage Analysis, which shows duplicate files and large, unnecessary data. → Memory. → Threefold (⋮) → Analysis of the vault.

2.Cleaning the app cache: Quick and secure

Cache is a temporary file that apps create to speed up work. On Redmi 9, cache can take up to 5-7 GB, especially if you are actively using social networks, instant messengers or games.

Cleaning methods:

• 🧹 Clearing the cache for a separate application: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an app (like YouTube or Chrome). Click Storage → Clear the cache.

Mass cache cleaning

1. Open Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
2. Select the Cash apps and click Clear.

Close all applications

Connect to Wi-Fi (if you need to download data again)

Remember logins/passwords (some applications will require re-entry)

Check the vacant space (should be at least 10% of the total volume)-->

⚠️ Caution: Clearing the cache does not delete your data (photos, messages, saves in games), but some applications may then run slower until they recover the cache again.

If the cache accumulates again quickly after cleaning, check the applications for background activity.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Choose App Choices and limit background work for unnecessary programs.

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their data

Redmi 9 has many MIUI system applications that cannot be removed by standard methods, but you can disable or uninstall updates, which will free up to 1-2 GB.

How to remove unnecessary applications:

• 📱 Standard Deletion: Press the app icon on the home screen. Select Delete (if the option is active).
• 🔧 Remove via Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Select the application. → Delete.

Disabling system applications

1. In the same application management menu, select the system app (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
2. Click Disable (this will remove all its updates and hide from the menu).

Social media (Facebook, TikTok)

Games (PUBG, Free Fire)

MIUI (Mi Video, Mi Music)

Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

Nothing removed.-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system services called com.android., com.miui. or com.qualcomm. – this can lead to unstable phone operation.

Root rights will be required to completely remove system applications, but on Redmi 9 it is risky - you can lose your warranty or disrupt MIUI. Instead, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to safely disable:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

(Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the desired application package).

4.Photo and video optimization: how to save gigabytes

Photos and video are the main memory eaters. On Redmi 9, the camera defaults to 12 MP (the weight of one photo is 3-5 MB), and video in Full HD (100 MB / min). When used actively, 5-10 GB of media accumulates per month.

Optimization methods:

• 📷 Reduce camera resolution: Open the Camera app. tap ⚙️ → Photo resolution. Choose 9 MP instead of 12 MP (savings) ~30).
• 🎥 Compress video while shooting: In camera settings, select Video Resolution → HD (720p) Full instead HD. Or turn on the video. HDR — It compresses files without loss of quality.
• ☁️ Automatic upload to the cloud: Enable Google Photos or Mi Cloud with Storage Optimization. Once uploaded, the originals will be compressed to sketches (up to 80% space savings).

Archiving of old photos

1. Use Google Photos or MIUI Gallery to create archives.
2. Move the archives to SD-card.

⚠️ Note: When transferring the photo to SD-Check the speed class. Class 4 or Class 6 cards can slow down the camera when recording video. Redmi 9 recommends Class 10 or Class 6. UHS-I.

If you shoot videos frequently, turn on the camera's Separate Video option (in MIUI Camera) in your camera settings, which automatically breaks the videos into 2-4 GB pieces, which is convenient for porting and editing.

5. Data transfer to SD-Map: nuances for Redmi 9

Redmi 9 supports microSD up to 512GB, but not all files can be transferred to a memory card. For example, applications can only be transferred partially (not all data will move), and some MIUI system files block this option altogether.

How to use it correctly SD-map:

• 📁 Manual File Transfer: Connect SD-map (format it as Portable storage, not internal memory, otherwise the phone will slow down). Open Explorer (or Gallery for photos). → Move it → SD-map.
• 🔄 Automatic saving on SD: In the camera settings, select a Save Place → SD-In WhatsApp or Telegram, transfer the folder with the media: Settings → Data and storage → Download folder.

Portability of applications

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.

Limitation:

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Formatting SD-Cards like "Internal Memory" on Redmi 9 slow your phone down by 15-20%. Use this mode only if you have a class card. UHS-I high-speed.

If the phone can't see SD-map, try it:

1. Reset the device.
2. Format the card in FAT32 or exFAT on your computer.
3. Check the card for errors through Windows Explorer (right button → Properties → Service → Check).

6. Factory reset: when is it justified?

If you've got less than 10 percent left after all the manipulations, and your phone is slowing down, you should consider a hard reset. On Redmi 9, that will delete all the data, but it will bring back the original speed.

How to reset your settings without losing important data:

1. Make a backup copy: 📱 Through Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. 🖥️ Through the computer: connect the phone to USB, copy the folders DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp.

Perform the reset.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or password).

Recover the data.

1. After the reboot, log in to Xiaomi’s account and restore the backup.
2. Move the files from the computer back.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 resets via Recovery Mode (Power buttons) + Vol Up deletes all data irrevocably, including files on internal memory. Use this method only if the phone is not turning on or stuck on the logo.

After discharge:

• Don’t restore all apps at once – install them one at a time to avoid repeated clogging.
• Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.
• Set a limit on background activity for social networks and instant messengers.

7 Hidden MIUI functions for memory release

The MIUI on Redmi 9 has some non-obvious memory cleaners that aren't visible in the basic settings.

1. Deep cleaning of the system

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Deep Cleaning.
2. Select System Files and Log Files.
3. Click Clean – this will remove up to 1-2 GB of unnecessary data.

2. Cleaning up the downloads

1. Open the Files (or Explorer)
2. Go to the Download folder.
3. Sort files by size and remove unnecessary ones (often there are outdated APKs, archives, documents).

3. Limitation of background processes

1. Enable Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management
2. Select Background Process Limitation and set a Standard Limit.
3. This will reduce memory consumption for background tasks.

4. disable automatic log recording (for experienced users)

1. Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Turn off Error Log and USB Debugging (if not used).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleaning on Redmi 9