Modern users are actively using their smartphones to create content, install heavy apps and games, which inevitably leads to an overflow of internal drive. Xiaomi Redmi 9, a popular device in the mid-price segment, often comes with limited internal memory, which quickly ends with active use. Overcrowded storage becomes the main reason for slowing down the MIUI operating system, the appearance of friezes in the interface and the inability to install new updates.
Users often face intrusive notifications that space is running out, which requires immediate intervention. Ignoring this problem can lead to messaging apps that stop downloading media files, or camera failures. In this article, we will detail all available methods for freeing up space, from standard system tools to advanced techniques for cleaning up system debris.
Analysis of occupied space through settings
Before you start deleting files, you need to clearly understand what exactly takes up precious gigabytes on your device. The Android operating system in the shell of MIUI provides built-in tools for detailed memory analysis, which is often ignored by users. To start working, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select About phone and click on the Storage section.
Here you will see a color diagram, where different colors are marked file categories: applications, images, video, audio and system data. System data can take a significant amount, but their removal requires caution, as it can disrupt the operation of the OS. The main attention should be paid to the section "Apps", as they often grow to giant sizes due to cache and downloaded files.
Notice the size of the Other partition, which can sometimes take up to 10-15 GB of storage, which includes temporary files, remnants of deleted programs and data from messengers that were not recognized by the system as media, and understanding the structure of the storage allows you to act point-by-point, removing only the really unnecessary, rather than relying on blind deletion.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The easiest and safest way to quickly clean up Redmi 9 owners is to use the pre-installed system app Security.This tool was developed by Xiaomi engineers specifically to optimize the operation of devices running MIUI and has deep access to system folders. Launch the application and click on the large green Cleanup button to start an automatic scan.
Once the analysis is complete, the system will suggest removing the so-called “garbage”, which includes remnants of installation packages, ad cache and temporary browser files. Clearing the cache in this section is safe and will not lead to the loss of personal data such as contacts or correspondence. However, you should be careful when using the Deep Clean feature, which can display large files that you may plan to use in the future.
⚠️ Attention: The "Accelerate" function in the Security app closes the background processes, which can temporarily speed up work, but does not free up storage space (RAM) permanent memory (ROM).
Inside the app, you can also find a Files section that sorts objects by size, which helps you find forgotten downloads or heavy documents that you've received years ago, and using this tool regularly, at least once a week, helps keep the system on track and prevents critical disk filling.
Clearing the cache and data messengers
The leaders in the consumption of disk space on any modern smartphone, including Xiaomi Redmi 9, invariably become messengers Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber. These applications store every photo, video and voice message viewed in memory of the device, creating giant archives over months of use.
On Telegram, you should go to Settings → Data and Memory → Memory Use and click on Clear Cache. It is important to understand that this operation will not delete your correspondence, since they are stored on a cloud server, but only remove temporarily downloaded files from your phone. On WhatsApp, the situation is different: you need to go to Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Management, where you can selectively delete heavy files from specific chats.
Why is the messenger cache growing so fast?
Remember to check the download folders, which often store documents from work chats, sometimes you can find old presentations or archives that have lost their relevance, and deleting such files frees up a lot of space and does not affect the functionality of applications.
Removing duplicates and optimizing the gallery
Media files make up the lion’s share of the space, and often in the gallery Redmi 9 accumulate hundreds of identical pictures or screenshots. the smartphone camera can create multiple copies of a single frame in HDR mode, and random clicks lead to serial shooting. To find such files, you can use the built-in tool in the application “Gallery” or third-party solutions.
Recent versions of MIUI have a smart sorting feature that groups similar images and suggests removing blurred or duplicate frames. You should also look at the recently deleted folder, which stores deleted photos for 30 days, and cleaning this basket allows them to instantly return the space they have at the disposal of the system.
If built-in tools aren't enough, Google's Files app, which has a special "Clean Up" feature, automatically finds fuzzy photos, screenshots that were taken a long time ago, and rarely used apps. Deleting high-resolution video files often gives the greatest gain in free space, as one minute video in 4K can weigh more than 300 MB.
☑️ Checklist for quick cleaning
Managing applications and their residual files
Over time, the device accumulates applications that you have stopped using, but which continue to occupy space.In addition, even after deleting the program, residual files and folders with settings may remain in the system, it is recommended to regularly review the list of installed software and delete everything that has not been used in the past three months.
To remove, go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Select the unnecessary program and click “Delete.” However, for some Xiaomi system applications, the delete button may not be available. In such cases, you can use the “Disable” function, which will hide the application and stop its processes, although this will free up space slightly.
| Type of data | Description | Can I remove it? | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | Temporary files for quick download | Yes, it's safe. | The app will load a little longer on the first run. |
| Application data | Settings, logins, saving games | Carefully. | Complete resetting of the annex to the installation state |
| Residual files | Folders after deleting programs | Yes. | Absent, vacated. |
| Google Play Updates | Installation update packages | Yes (via settings) | You may need to re-download updates |
Games deserve special attention. Modern mobile games can take away from the game. 2 before 10 GB of memory. If you've played a game and you don't plan to come back, deleting it is the fastest way to free up a lot of space. Android/obb, where heavy game caches are often stored, which can remain even after the application itself is removed.
Use of cloud storage and memory cards
Physical memory expansion on Redmi 9 is possible thanks to the presence of a microSD card slot. It is the ideal solution for storing photo archives, music and video that do not require instant access. By transferring media files to a memory card, you can significantly offload the main system partition, which will positively affect the performance.
In addition to a physical card, actively use cloud services such as Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Google Drive. Set up automatic synchronization of the gallery with the cloud and use the “Free space” function, which will remove photos from the device that are already stored on the Internet. Cloud storage ensures that your data will not be lost in the event of a breakage of your smartphone.
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Customize the high quality in Google Photos to upload unlimited photos and videos, compressing them without a noticeable loss of quality for the smartphone screen.
When transferring files to a memory card through a file manager, be careful: do not move system folders and application files unless you are sure of their purpose. Move only personal media files: photos, videos, music and documents, which will keep the operating system stable.
Radical measures: Resetting to factory settings
If none of the above methods helped free up enough space, or if the system is unstable due to file system errors, the last resort remains: a full reset to factory settings (Factory Reset) will return the smartphone to the state it was in immediately after purchase, completely clearing the user partition.
Before you do this, it is critical to back up all your data, delete everything from contacts, SMS, apps, photos and settings, and make sure your data is synced to your Google account or stored on your computer/memory card.
⚠️ Warning: Before resetting, make sure the battery is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can damage the software and make it impossible to turn on the phone.
To perform the reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase All Data. The system will request confirmation and input of the unlock password. Once you reboot, you will get a clean MIUI system, where the storage will be free for 90-95%, which will ensure maximum performance of the device.
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A comprehensive cleaning approach, including cache removal, messaging and cloud usage, allows Redmi 9 to be kept fast for years without the need to buy a new phone.