How to Free Memory on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Proven Methods

Does your Xiaomi constantly show a notification of “Not enough memory” or slows down when launching apps?The problem is familiar to most smartphone owners of the brand – even flagship models are clogged with unnecessary files over time. Here are 10 effective ways to free up memory, including hidden functions. MIUI, which work on all devices – from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the top Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

The main mistake users make is to delete only visible files through the Gallery or Files. 30-40% The memory is occupied by the system cache, the residual data of applications and duplicates that are not visible in the standard conductor, and we will show you how to find and remove this garbage without resorting to resetting. All methods are tested on current versions. MIUI 14/15 and adapted for devices with 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB memory.

We pay special attention to the hidden cache MIUI, supplant 5-8 GB on older devices 2 And then we'll look at some of the heavy apps like TikTok or Facebook that can weigh a lot more than a year. 1-2 GB after several months of use.

1.Analysis of busy memory: what exactly eats the place

Before you clean, you need to understand which files take up the most space. MIUI There's a built-in analysis tool, but it's hidden in the depths of the settings:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Slip on the schedule "Busy" - a detailed report will open.
3. Click "More details" in the upper right corner.

The system will show the allocation of memory into categories: Applications, Media Files, Cash, System Data and Other.

• 📱 Applications: here you can see which programs take more than 500 MB. Most often these are social networks, instant messengers and games.
• 🗑️ Cash: If the category is more 3-4 GB, it's definitely worth cleaning.
• 📁 Others: temporary files, logs and duplicates are included. 1-2 GB.

If the System Data section is more than 10 GB, it is a sign of contamination of the system partition - a deep cleaning will be required (for this in section 5). MIUI 14+ You can see a separate category called Backup, which sometimes weighs up to 5GB due to automatic backups.

2.Cleaning App Cache: A Quick Way to Free 1-3GB

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to speed things up, and over time, it accumulates and can take several gigabytes.

Method 1: Clearing the cache for all applications at once

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Clear Cache."
3. Confirm the action – the system will remove the cache of all applications except system.

Method 2: Selective cleaning (for individual applications)

Some programs (such as Google Chrome or Instagram) can accumulate a 500MB-1GB cache to clear them separately:

1. In the same menu "Application Management" find the desired application.
2. Select "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
3. For complete cleaning, click "Delete data» (⚠️ This will reset the application settings!).

After cleaning the cache, some applications can load longer on the first run — this is normal. If there is no additional space after cleaning, check the "Other" section in the memory analysis (see section 1) — there may be residual files of deleted applications hidden there.

💡

Clear the cache of Google Play Services and MIUI System once 2-3 months, they often take up 300-800 MB each but not displayed in the standard list of applications.

3. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residual data

Many users delete apps through the icon on the desktop, but this does not delete all associated files.

How to properly remove applications

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the unnecessary app and click “Delete”.
3. After deleting, check the folders: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/[packet] /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/[packet]

Remove the remaining folders manually through Explorer or Xiaomi Files.

Pay special attention to pre-installed applications (bloatars) that cannot be removed by standard means, and can be turned off so that they do not occupy memory and do not waste resources:

• 🚫 Mi Browser – up to 200 MB, but almost no one is used.
• 🚫 Mi Video – duplicates YouTube and Google Play Movies features.
• 🚫 Mi Music – a player with limited functionality.
• 🚫 GetApps – Xiaomi’s branded app store, which is rarely in demand.

To disable system applications:

1. In “Application Management” select the right one.
2. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Delete Updates”).
3. Confirm the action – the application will be “frozen” and will stop working.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable system services with the names com.android., miui. or google. – this can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone.

4. Optimization of media files: photos, videos and downloads

Photographs and videos are the main eaters of memory. 128 GB devices can be used. 30-50 GB for a year of active use. Here's how to fight it:

Automatic cleaning of duplicates

V MIUI There is a built-in tool for searching duplicate photos and videos:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Put three points on it. → «Management» → «Cleanup».
3. Select “Dublicates” and follow the instructions.

The system will find identical or similar files and prompt them to be deleted.

Photo and video compression

If you are not a professional photographer, most of the images can be compressed without loss of quality.

• 📸 Use the “Compression” mode in the Xiaomi Gallery (available on the site) MIUI 13+).
• 🎥 For video, applications like Video Compress or InShot (reduce the size by a small number of units) are suitable. 40-60%).
• ☁️ Set up automatic upload of photos in Google Photos in the “High Quality” mode (unlimited storage) and delete the originals from your smartphone.

Cleaning the Downloads folder

The Download folder often contains unnecessary files: old APKs, documents, archives, to clean it up:

1. Open the Xiaomi Files → «Categories» → «Downloads».
2. Sort files by date and delete those that are older 3-6 months.
3. Pay attention to files with.apk extensions (installation packages) and.zip/.rar (Archives – they often occupy the 100-500 MBT each.

Remove duplicate photos and videos|Compress old photos|Transfer important files to the cloud|Clear the download folder"|Check the messenger cache.-->

5. Deep cleaning of system files (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, and there's still a lot of free memory, you'll have to manually clean up your system files. This section is for users who are willing to work with hidden folders and commands. ADB.

Cleaning up /data/log folder

This folder stores system logs that can take 500 MB-2 GB. To clear it:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Return to “Additional settings» → «For developers» → set up).
2. On PC, open the command line and type: adb shell su rm -rf /data/log/* exit exit
3. Reboot your smartphone.

If the commands don’t work, you don’t have root rights – this method is only suitable for unlocked devices.

Removing old MIUI updates

After each system update, firmware files remain in memory and can take up to 1-3 GB to remove them:

1. Open a Explorer with root permissions (such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Manager).
2. Go to the file. /data/ota_package.
3. Delete all files with the.zip extension.

Cleaning up the Dalvik cache

Dalvik cache is a temporary file created by the Android virtual machine, which can be cleaned through Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Dalvik Cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Do not clean folders /system or /vendor manually, this will cause your smartphone to fail and require a flashing. If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this section.

6.Setting up automatic memory cleaning

To avoid manually clearing the memory, set up automatic tasks in the MIUI:

Function "Memory Optimization"

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Optimizing memory.
2. Turn on the "Autoclean" option.
3. Set up a schedule (recommended 1 time per week).

Restricting cache for applications

You can set a cache limit for individual programs:

1. In “Application Management” select the application.
2. Tap the "Storage» → «Limit the cache».
3. Set a limit (for example, 50 MB for instant messengers).

Use of third-party optimizers

If built-in tools aren’t enough, install one of these apps (available on Google Play):

• 🛠️ CCleaner – clears cache, temporary files and analyzes occupied space.
• 🗑️ Files by Google – Finds duplicates, large files and suggests removing them.
• 📊 SD Maid – Deep Cleanup of System Files (requires root for full functionality).

Automatic tools are convenient, but do not replace manual cleaning. Periodically check the memory manually (once in a week). 1-2 months, especially if you are actively using messengers and social networks.

💡

Set up automatic cache and duplicate cleaning, but don’t rely on it alone – manual checks once a month will help avoid the accumulation of hidden debris.

7. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If internal memory is sorely short of space, transfer some of the data to a microSD or cloud storage.

Transfer applications to memory card

Not all apps support portability, but those that do can free up 1-3 GB:

1. Insert microSD (UHS-I U3 class is recommended for speed).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the application → “Storage” → “Change” → “Memory Map”.

Note that system applications and games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact cannot be moved.

Use of cloud storage

Clouds are suitable for storing photos, videos and documents. The best options for Xiaomi are:

• ☁️ Google Photos – unlimited storage for photos in compressed quality.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – 5GB free, integrated with MIUI.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk – 10 GB free, convenient for Russian users.

To automate the download:

1. In Google Photos: Settings → Backup and Synchronization → Enable.
2. In Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

Symbolic links (for advanced ones)

If you have root, you can create symbolic links so that apps think that files are stored in internal memory, and in fact they are on a microSD.

1. Connect to the ADB and enter: adb shell su ln -s /storage/XXXX-XXXX/Android/obb /sdcard/Android/obb exit (replace) XXXX-XXXX on ID your memory card).
2. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Class Memory Cards UHS-I U1 For games and heavy programs, use only high-speed cards (U3 or A2).

8.Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If all the methods are tried and the memory is still less than 10% free, it is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to free up all the space, returning the smartphone to a "clean" state.

How to properly reset

1. Save important data (photos, contacts, messages) to the cloud or PC.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. Select “Clear Everything” and confirm the action.
4. After resetting, configure your smartphone as new without restoring a backup (it may contain old unnecessary files).

What to do after a reset

• 🔄 Install only the necessary applications (avoid bloat).
• 📵 Turn off automatic backup in Mi Cloud (if not necessary).
• 📊 Set up a weekly automatic cache cleanup (see Section 6).
• 🚫 Don't install it. APK Unverified sources – they often contain hidden debris.

Reset is the last chance that other methods have failed, and then the smartphone will run faster, but you have to reconfigure all the parameters. 1-2 In the month, it is worth considering buying a smartphone with a large amount of storage or using microSD as the main drive.

💡

Resetting to factory settings is not a defeat, but an opportunity to start with a clean slate, after which the smartphone will last longer without brakes, if you monitor the memory from the first day.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory release on Xiaomi