Free memory on Xiaomi Redmi: from cache to hidden MIUI features

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones sooner or later face a memory shortage. Even on models with 128 or 256 GB of internal storage, the system can issue overflow warnings after a few months of active use. What is the reason? It's not just your photos and videos — MIUI actively caches data, and preinstalled applications take up space in the background.

In this article, we will discuss 7 Proven ways to free up memory on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other models - from basic (removal of garbage and cache) to advanced (transfer of applications to the SD-map and disable system processes. All methods tested on current versions MIUI 14/15 Importantly, some actions may result in the deletion of unsaved data in messengers or games — back up in advance!

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

Before you clean your smartphone at random, identify the culprits of overflow. MIUI has a built-in storage analyzer, but it doesn't always show the full picture. Here's how to get accurate data:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
2. Click on the graph at the top – the system will show the distribution by categories: Applications, Media, Cash, System Data.
3. Tap on any category (such as Apps) to see a list of the most voracious programs.

Typical memory eaters on Redmi:

• 📸 Google Photos and Xiaomi Gallery – Store thumbnails and backups even after deleting originals.
• 🎮 Games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) – cache up to 5-10 GB of data.
• 📱 Social networks (TikTok, Instagram) - download videos in the background.
• 🔄 System Updates – Firmware files (.zip) can take up to 2-3 GB and not be deleted automatically.

If you see Other files or System data with a volume of more than 1-2 GB in the list, this is an occasion for deep cleaning (for more information in section 4).

2.Cache and garbage cleanup: a quick way to free up 1–3 GB

Application cache and system debris are the first target in the fight for free space, and MIUI has two tools to remove them:

Method 1: Integrated cleaning of MIUI

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Cleaning.
2. Click Scan - the system will find unnecessary files (cache, temporary data, empty folders).
3. Select all the items and tap Clear.

Method 2: Manually cleansing cache for individual applications

Some programs (like YouTube or Telegram) accumulate cache even after system cleaning, to manually remove it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (e.g. Chrome) → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. For a complete reset, click Clear Data (⚠️ Warning: This will remove all settings and logins to accounts!).

After cleaning the cache, restart the smartphone - this will help the system correctly recalculate the free space.

3. Remove unnecessary applications and disable system

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones come with dozens of pre-installed apps, many of which duplicate features or are not used at all, and can be removed (if the system allows) or disabled (for system).

How to Remove Standard Applications

Not all programs can be removed through the menu - some require ADB (instruction below).

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Music or Mi Video).
3. Click Remove (if the button is inactive – see the ADB method).

List of safe removal of MIUI applications

• 🎵 Mi Music is a standard player (can be replaced by Spotify or Spotify) VK Music).
• 📺 Mi Video - Video player with unnecessary features.
• 📰 Mi Browser – a browser with ads (better to use Chrome or Firefox).
• 🎮 Game Turbo – utility for gamers (useful only if you play heavy games).
• 📱 Cleaner – duplicates the built-in cleaning in Settings → Cleanup.

Removing system applications via ADB (for experienced)

If the Remove button is inactive, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which is safe if you follow the instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

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

Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the package of the desired application (a list of packages can be found on sites like XDA Developers).

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Before removing system applications via ADB, check their purpose in forums. For example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter may disrupt device protection.

4.Deep Cleanup: Deletion of Hidden Files and Residues

Even after deleting apps, the smartphone still has its tails: folders in /Android/data/, DALVIK cache, temporary update files, and you’ll need a root file manager (such as FX Explorer or Solid Explorer) or ADB to delete them.

What can be safely removed manually

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/obb/ — This is where game data is stored (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Cleaning them up will require you to download games again.

Clearing DALVIK cache (requires root rights)

DALVIK cache is optimized files to speed up applications, and cleaning it won't hurt the system, but it will require rebooting:

1. Open a file manager with root access.
2. Go to /data/dalvik-cache/.
3. Delete all files with the.dex extension.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

5. Transfer applications and files to SD-map

If your Xiaomi Redmi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 9T), transferring data to the SD will help free up internal memory.

• 📱 Applications can only be ported partially (not all support this feature).
• 📁 Photos, videos and documents are transferred in full, but some programs (such as WhatsApp) can not work with the Internet. SD.
• ⚠️ MicroSD cards in the class below A1/U1 They'll slow down the system.

How to transfer applications to SD

1. Put it in. SD-Format it as internal memory (all data on it will be deleted!). → Warehouse → Map. SD → Settings → Formatting as an internal.
2. After formatting, open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select an app (such as Spotify) → Warehouse → Change. → choose SD-map.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability. If the Change button is inactive, the program is incompatible with this function. SD:

• 🔒 Applications with payments (SberBank, Tinkoff).
• 📱 Launchers and widgets (e.g. Nova Launcher).
• 🎮 Online Authorized Games (Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars).

Automatic transfer of photos and videos

To save new media files to SD:

1. Open the chamber. → press on ⚙️ Settings → Warehouse.
2. Select Memory Card.
3. For existing files, use the Xiaomi Gallery: highlight a photo → More. → Move it → choose SD-map.

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Formatting SD as internal memory speeds up applications, but makes the card tied to the smartphone, and once extracted, the data on it will not be available on other devices.

6. Optimization of cloud storage and backups

Cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud, Yandex.Disk) can both save space and take up space due to duplicate files.

Setting up Google Photos for Automatic Cleanup

Google Photos can automatically delete local copies of photos and videos after uploading them to the cloud.

1. Open Google Photos → Click on the avatar → Photo settings → Free up space.
2. The app will show files that have already been uploaded to the cloud and can be deleted from the device.

Disabling MIUI backup

Mi Cloud, by default, backs up SMS, notes and settings, if you don't use it:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off Sync for unnecessary data (such as Notes or Call Records).
3. Remove old backups in the Backup section.

Alternatives for storing files

If internal memory is severely lacking, consider:

• 🖥️ Cloud storage: Google Drive (15 GB free). Yandex.Disk (10 GB free, activity bonuses). Mega (20 GB free).
• 💾 External drives: OTG-flash drive (connected via adapter) USB-C/Type-C). Portable SSD (for example, Samsung T7).

7. Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If no methods worked, and the smartphone is full of unknowns, the last option is a complete reset. This will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, so first:

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• 🔐 Save passwords from Google Smart Lock or Xiaomi Account.
• 📱 Transfer photos and videos to PC or cloud.

How to perform a reset

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Backup and reset.
2. Click Reset Settings → Delete all data.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro) may require re-assigning your Xiaomi account to unlock after reset!

Once reset, the smartphone will be like a new one, with 100% free memory, but to avoid refilling, follow the advice from the previous sections (turn off automatic download of media in instant messengers, set up cloud storage, etc.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory release on Xiaomi Redmi