How to Free Memory on Xiaomi Redmi 9: From Cache to Deep Cleaning

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main drawback is limited internal memory (32/64 GB).Over time, users face a notification “Memory is full”, even if you did not install heavy games or shoot videos in 4K. The reason lies in the features of MIUI, automatic caching and background activity of applications.

In this article, we will analyze 7 working ways to free memory on Redmi 9 - from basic (cache removal) to advanced (transfer applications to the Redmi 9). SD-map and factory reset. All methods tested on current versions MIUI 12-14 and do not require root-rights, especially pay attention to hidden folders with garbage, which are not allowed to be used. MIUI Does not show in the standard file manager.

1. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed things up, and over time, it takes up gigabytes of memory, even though many of them are no longer needed. On Redmi 9, the cache is divided into two types:

• 📱 User App Cache (WhatsApp, Instagram, Games) – can be deleted without risk.
• ⚙️ System cache (MIUI, Google services – cleaning can temporarily slow down the smartphone.

To clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like YouTube) and click Clear Cache.
3. For mass cleaning, use Settings → Memory → Cleaning (broom icon).

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse Clear Cache with Clear Data – the second action will delete all settings and accounts in the app (e.g., chats in Telegram or saved passwords in Chrome).

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After cleaning the cache, restart the smartphone - this will help MIUI recalculate the free space and avoid "phantom" busy gigabytes.

2. Removal of unnecessary files and debris

MIUI hides some of the junk files from the user, but they can be found manually.

• 🗑️ Download folder - here downloads from browsers, instant messengers and email accumulate.
• 🎥 folder DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo and video miniatures (can weigh up to a maximum of two) 1 GB).
• 📁 folder MIUI/Backup — backups of applications and settings (often duplicated).
• 🔍 folder Android/data — cache of games and applications (for example, PUBG Mobile or TikTok can be used here 2–5 GB).

How to delete:

1. Open Explorer (the folder icon on the desktop).
2. Turn on the hidden files display: click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Show hidden files”.
3. Go to the folders from the list above and delete unnecessary files (such as old APKs or duplicate photos).

🔹 Tip: Use third-party file managers like Files by Google or Solid Explorer – they are better at finding garbage than a standard explorer MIUI.

3. Transfer of applications to SD-map

Redmi 9 supports microSD cards up to 512GB, but not all applications can be ported. MIUI allows you to move only those programs that support this feature (usually games and some messengers).

How to move:

1. Put it in. SD-Format as a portable storage, not internal memory!).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select an app (such as Spotify) and click “Move to” SD-map».

⚠️ Note: After the transfer, the application may run slower, especially if SD-Class 4 or Class 6 card is better for games UHS-I (Class 10).

Buy a memory card not lower than Class 10|Formatting as a portable storage|Check the compatibility of applications|Do not carry system utilities-->

4. Disabling and removing pre-installed applications

MIUI is known for its many built-in services, many of which are duplicated or not needed at all, such as Redmi 9, which defaults to:

• 🎵 Mi Music and Google Play Music (Duplicate each other).
• 📺 Mi Video and YouTube.
• 🛒 Mi Store, GetApps, AliExpress (advertising applications).
• 📡 Cleaner (not useful because it is not useful) MIUI It already has a built-in cleaning).

How to remove or disable:

1. For uninstallation: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Delete (not available for everyone).
2. To disable: click “Disable” (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in memory).
3. For concealment: Use the Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher.

🔹 Important: Do not remove system applications named com.android. or com.miui!

5. Optimization of photos and videos

Photos and video are the main memory eaters. On Redmi 9, the camera defaults to save 12 MP (the weight of one photo is 3-5 MB), and video in Full HD (1 minute = ~120 MB).

• 📸 Reduce photo resolution: in the Camera, select Settings → Permission → 9 MP (this will not affect the quality of the product).
• 🎥 Take a video in HD Full instead HD (economy ~40).
• ☁️ Turn on Google Photos: The service automatically compresses photos to “High Quality” (unlimited storage).
• 🗃️ Archive Media: Move old photos to your PC or cloud and delete them from your smartphone.

For mass compression, use the applications:

• Photo Compress 2.0 (compresses photos without loss of quality)
• Video Compress (reduces the size of the video by 2-3 times).

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Turn off autoload media in instant messengers! on WhatsApp go to Settings → Data and Storage → Autodown Media and select Never for mobile data and Wi-Fi.

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of the methods worked and the Redmi 9 has less than 1GB of free space, it’s time for hard reset, which deletes all data, including apps, photos and accounts, so first:

• ☁️ Make a backup copy in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 📱 Save your contacts in Google Account.
• 🔐 Write down passwords from Wi-Fi and apps.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Reset all settings."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: After reset, Redmi 9 can "hang" during the setup stage - this is normal. Wait until the process is completed (up to 15 minutes). If the smartphone does not turn on, try to enter the recovery mode (Power). + Volume Up) and repeat the reset.

7. Additional tips for advanced users

If you’re willing to spend time fine-tuning, these methods will help save even more space:

• 🛠️ Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play: Settings → Auto-update → Never.
• 📦 Use lightweight versions of apps: Facebook Lite instead of Facebook (saves) ~100MB), Messenger Lite instead of Messenger, Spotify Lite for music.
• 🔄 Replace the launcher: standard MIUI Launcher consumes up to 500MB of cache.Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
• 📡 Limit background activity: in Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode Select Apps That Shouldn't Work in the Background.

🔹 For experienced: If you have root rights, use SD Maid or Root Cleaner for deep cleaning of system folders (/data/log, /cache). Without root, these folders are not available!

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory at Redmi 9