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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but its 16 or 32 GB of internal memory quickly runs out. Even after removing unnecessary applications, the system shows that space is occupied by “unknown files.” In this article, we will analyze all the ways to free memory, from basic to hidden, that work on this model.

The memory problem on the Redmi Note 5A is compounded by the fact that the smartphone runs on MIUI 9/10 (depending on the firmware), where the system actively caches data. In addition, many users encounter a bug when after updating the OS, “other files” take up to 10 GB. We tested each method on a real device – in the article only working solutions explaining why they help.

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

Before you clear the memory, you need to know which files are taking up space. On the Redmi Note 5A, you can do this in two ways:

The first one is through the built-in MIUI tools. Go to Settings → Memory of the device. Here you will see a diagram of the memory distribution by categories: Apps, Images, Video, Audio, and the most mysterious one is Other Files, which is often up to 30% of memory, and this is what we'll look at in more detail.

The second way is to use third-party utilities like Files by Google or SD Maid, which will show hidden folders (like.thumbnails with thumbnails or Android/data with game cache) that MIUI doesn't display. Importantly, some system folders (like /system) may not open without root permissions.

• 📊 Applications: Even after deletion, many programs leave residual files in the /data/data.
• 🎥 Video: TikTok, YouTube or Telegram cache can weigh a few gigabytes.
• 📁 Other files: system logs (/data/log), Temporary update files, duplicate photos.
• 🔄 Dalvik cache: created when installing / updating applications and can take up to 1 GB.

⚠️ Note: If the “Other Files” section is more than 5 GB, it is a sign of a malfunction. MIUI. Try resetting the cache through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Clear the cache.It won't delete personal data, but it can free up to 2GB.

2. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications for fast work. On the Redmi Note 5A, the cache can take up to 3-5 GB, especially if you are actively using social networks, messengers or games, and you can clean it manually or automatically.

Manual cleaning:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook or Telegram).
3. Click Clear Cache. For some applications (such as games), the Clear Data option is also available – it will delete all saves!

Automatic cleaning with MIUI Optimizer:

1. Open Security. → Cleanup.
2. Click on “Deep Clean” and select “App Cache”.
3. Confirm action. The system will suggest removing up to 1-2 GB of garbage.

For advanced users: if the cache returns quickly after cleaning, try turning off automatic app updates in the Play Market → Settings → Auto-update apps. This will reduce the memory load.

Select applications with the largest cache (over 100 MB)|Clean the cache manually for messengers and social networks|Run a deep cleanup in MIUI Optimizer|Reboot the smartphone after cleaning-->

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

Many users delete apps through the standard menu, but their files remain in the system. On the Redmi Note 5A, this is especially noticeable due to the features of MIUI. For example, after deleting the game, files weighing up to 1-2 GB can remain in the /Android/obb folder.

How to completely remove the application:

• 📱 Use it. MIUI Uninstaller (built-in to Security) → Cleanup → Delete applications. It shows not only user programs, but also system programs that can be deactivated.
• 🧹 Install the residues to remove SD Maid (requires root rights) or Files by Google – they will find folders com.name packet in the /data/data.
• 🔍 Check the folder. /Android/obb — Additional game files are stored here, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

System applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) cannot be removed without root, but can be disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. Select an unnecessary system application (such as Mi Pay).
3. Click "Disable." This will free up space and hide the app from the menu.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable system services called com.android. or com.miui. – this can cause malfunctions in the smartphone. For example, disabling com.miui.analytics will disrupt the collection of statistics. MIUI, But it doesn't release a lot of memory.

4. Data transfer to SD-map

The Redmi Note 5A supports microSD cards up to 256GB, but by default, applications and files are saved to internal memory. To transfer data, you need to manually configure this.

File transfer (photo, video, music):

1. Connect. SD-map (formatted in FAT32 exFAT).
2. Open MIUI Explorer (or Files by Google)
3. Select files, click “Move” and select SD-map.

Portability of annexes:

MIUI It allows you to transfer only part of the applications to SD-This is the map:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (such as Spotify).
3. Press "Storage» → «Change» → «SD-map».

Important: Not all apps support portability, for example, WhatsApp or Telegram can not be migrated to the port. SD-And when you move it, some programs may be slower.

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If SD-The card is not defined, check its format. 5A supportive NTFS — use FAT32 (up to 32 GB) or exFAT (over 32 GB).

5. Cleaning Hidden Folders and Temporary Files

MIUI creates many hidden folders that are not visible in standard conductor, such as the.thumbnails folder that stores thumbnails of all photos and videos and can weigh up to 500 MB.

• 🗑️ /data/log — system logs (up to) 1 GB).
• 📥 /data/ota_package — update-file MIUI (before 1,5 GB).
• 🎮 /Android/obb — Additional game files (up to) 3 GB).
• 📸 DCIM/.thumbnails — miniature cash (up to) 500 MB).

How to clean:

1. Install a root Explorer (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings.
3. Delete the contents of the folders listed above. Do not delete /system or /vendor folders, this will cause a system failure!

To clean the Dalvik cache (which takes up to 1 GB) you need:

1. Go to Settings → The phone.
2. 7 times press the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to the settings → Additional → for developers.
4. Find “Clear Dalvik cache” and confirm the action.

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all previous methods failed, and the Redmi Note 5A has less than 1 GB of free space, you'll have to do a hard reset.

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔗 Save your contacts in a Google Account or export them to a file VCF.
• 📸 Transfer the photo and video to SD-card.

How to reset your settings:

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

Once reset, the smartphone will be like new, with 10-12 GB of free memory (for the 16 GB version). Do not restore the backup immediately - first check if the problem is coming back. If so, it may be the fault of one of the applications.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 5A After the reset, the Mi Account may be missing. To avoid blocking (if Find Device was enabled), untie the account in Settings before the reset. → Accounts. → Mi Account.

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Factory reset is the most radical but effective way, and it removes all data, including viruses and MIUI crashes, returning the smartphone to its original performance.

7.Memory optimization to prevent filling

To prevent the problem from recurring, set up the Redmi Note 5A to auto-optimize:

• 🔄 Include auto cleaning in Safety → Cleanup → Settings (set a schedule, for example, once a week).
• 📴 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🚫 Turn off automatic media download in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🔍 Regularly check the Download folder - unnecessary files from the browser accumulate here.

We also recommend:

• Use cloud storage (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to automatically upload photos.
• Install lighter versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• Turn off MIUI animation in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 taps → “Window animation: off”). This will speed up the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory release