Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, but its main problem is limited memory. Even the 32GB version is quickly clogged due to the features of MIUI, app cache and hidden system files. If your phone writes “Not enough memory”, slows down or does not install updates, it’s time to act.
In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to free up space on Redmi 4X without root rights and loss of important data, from basic methods (cache cleaning, file transfer) to hidden MIUI features that few people know about. All instructions are tested on current firmware versions (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 for older devices).
⚠️ Important: Before cleaning, check the real state of memory in Settings → The phone. → Memory: If you're less than 500MB free, the system will crash, some apps will stop updating, and the camera will refuse to save photos.
1.Analysing busy memory: what eats up space on the Redmi 4X
Before you clean it, you have to figure out what's taking up the memory. The Redmi 4X has an in-built analyzer, but it's hiding some of the data.
- Open Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI).
- Slip on the schedule "Busy" - will open the detail by categories: Applications, Images, Video, Audio and Other.
- Note the "System Data" item - if it takes more than 3-5 GB, this is a sign of cache clogged or residues of remote applications.
Typical memory allocation on Redmi 4X 16GB after a year of use:
| Category | Occupied seat | Can we clean it? |
|---|---|---|
| Annexes | 4-8GB | Partially (cache, unnecessary APKs) |
| Photos and videos | 2–5 GB | Yes (transfer to SD, cloud) |
| Cash and temporary files | 1-3 GB | Yeah (full clean-up) |
| System data | 2–4 GB | Partially (requires manual cleaning) |
| Other (downloads, documents) | 1-2 GB | Yes. |
🔍 The Hidden Problem: MIUI Creates duplicate photos in the folder MIUI/Camera and caches thumbnails into /data/system/thumbnails. These files are not visible through standard Explorer, but take up to 1–2 GB.
2. Clear cache and temporary files without root
The app cache is the main garbage box on the Redmi 4X, and can be cleaned in two ways: manually for each application or massively through hidden settings.
Method 1: Manual cleaning of the cache
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Sort by size (tap "Size" in the top menu).
- 🧹 For each major app (YouTube, Facebook, Chrome) click "Clear Cache".
- ⚠️ Do not clean data (Clear all data) – this will delete logins and settings!
Method 2: Mass cleaning through Storage
A quick method for lazy:
- Open the settings → Memory → Clean.
- Select "Cached Data" and confirm the cleanup.
- For deep cleaning, tap "Junk Files" → "Deep cleaning."
⚠️ Warning: After mass cache clearing, some apps (like Google Maps or Instagram) will load longer on the first run - this is normal.
Close all applications|Connect charging (the process can take 5-10 minutes)|Check the free space before and after|Do not interrupt the cleaning process-->
3. Removal of unnecessary applications and MIUI "bloat"
The Xiaomi Redmi 4X comes with pre-installed apps (bloatom) that can’t be removed by standard methods, but can be disabled or removed via ADB (no root).
How to Disable System Applications
- 🚫 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 In the top menu, select "All Apps" and sort alphabetically.
- 🛑 Find unnecessary services (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser) and tap "Disable".
- ⚠️ Do not disable system processes called com.android. or miui!
List of Safe Apps to Remove (via ADB)
If you are ready to use ADB, these packets can be removed without consequences:
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer # Mi Video
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player # Mi Music
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser # Standard browser
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2 #Weather
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.scanner # Scanner QR- codes📌 How to connect to ADB:
- Turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then return to "More" → For developers").
- Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line, and enter adb devices (your device should appear).
- Insert commands from the list above one by one.
What happens if you remove the system application?
4. Transfer of files to SD-map and cloud storage
On the Redmi 4X with 16GB of memory, transferring files to a microSD is one of the most efficient ways to free up space.
How to use it correctly SD-map
- 📁 Format the card as internal memory (in Settings) → Memory. → Memory card, if you want to port applications, that will delete all the data from the card!
- 🔄 For photo/video format is sufficient FAT32 (formatting).
- ⚠️ Class 4 or Class 6 cards will slow down applications – take a minimum of Class 10 or UHS-I.
Transfer applications to SD (cards only as internal memory)
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).
- Slip the Storage" → "Change" and choose" SD-map.
- ⚠️ Not all apps support portability! system and some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile will remain in internal memory.
Automatic uploading of photos to the cloud
If SD-No maps, use cloud services:
- ☁️ Google Photos: Enable "Backup and Sync" in the app settings. Photos will be compressed to "High Quality" (unlimited storage).
- ☁️ Mi Cloud: In Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud, turn on Gallery sync. Free 5GB.
- ☁️ Yandex Drive or Mail.ru Cloud: upload files manually through apps (free 10-20 GB).
💡
If you transfer applications to SD, leave at least 1-1.5 GB of free space on internal memory, otherwise the system will start to lag due to lack of space for temporary files.
5. Cleaning of hidden folders and residues of deleted files
MIUI leaves behind junk tails even after deleting applications or files, which are not visible in standard conductor, but take up gigabytes.
Where to look for hidden rubbish
- 🗑️ folder /sdcard/MIUI/ — Here you can find caches of themes, wallpapers and miniatures (you can delete everything except the wallpaper).
- 🗑️ folder /sdcard/Android/obb/ — game files, for example, GTA San Andreas or Asphalt 9). Remove if the game has not been used for a long time.
- 🗑️ folder /sdcard/Download/ — It's where the downloads from browsers and messengers accumulate. 1–3 GB.
- 🗑️ folder /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (can be removed without consequences).
How to See Hidden Files
The standard MIUI conductor doesn't show hidden folders.
- 📂 Total Commander (enable "Show hidden files" in settings).
- 📂 FX File Explorer (Root access permission is not required).
- 📂 MiXplorer (the most powerful conductor for Xiaomi).
⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders with Android names, MIUI or the system completely, it will crash! Only the contents of the system (except for critical files like Android/data/com.whatsapp).
6. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Functions
MIUI consumes memory not only because of cache, but also because of background processes.
What can be safely turned off
- 🔄 "Auto-Update Apps on Google Play (saves up to 500MB per month).
- 📡 "Mobile data for second space" (unless you use it).
- 🎵 "Mini-player on the lock screen" (Settings) → Lock screen).
- 📊 "Data usage statistics” (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic statistics).
- 🔍 "Application search” (Settings) → Additionally. → Search for applications).
Cleaning up MIUI Analytics data
MIUI collects usage data and stores it in a folder /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log. How to cleanse:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Tap 10 times on the "kernel" (the message will appear "You are in developer mode").
- Return to "Additional → For Developers" and turn off "Sending Error Reports".
- Delete the folder. debug_log conductor.
💡
Disabling Windows Animation and Transitions in the developer settings will not only speed up the phone, but also reduce the memory load by reducing temporary files.
7.Extreme measures: reset to factory settings
If you've got less than 1GB of free time after all the manipulations, and the phone is slowing down, you've got a hard reset, which will delete everything, including your accounts and files, but it will return the device to its original state.
How to do the reset correctly
- 🔒 Backup: Contacts: Export to Settings → Contacts → Import/export: Photo/video: copy to PC or SD-Messages: Use this map. SMS Backup & Restore.
Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings
Erase all data
⏳ After restarting, set your phone as new.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 4X Reset can take up to 15-20 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems that the phone is stuck on the logo. MI!
💡 Alternative: If you don’t want to lose data, try Easy Reset via Recovery Mode):
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the volume.+ + Food before the appearance of the Mi logo.
- Select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
- Reboot.