How to Clean RAM on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with hidden chips

Xiaomi Redmi 9 with its 3/4 GB of RAM often starts to “brake” after a year or two of use. The reasons are standard: background processes, app cache, unoptimized MIUI services. But cleaning the RAM on this smartphone has nuances, from firmware versions to hidden power saving features. In this article, we will analyze 7 proven methods, including those that are not described in the official guides.

It's important to understand that just "close all apps" through the multitasking menu is a myth. Android controls memory automatically, and forced cleaning can even hurt. We'll show you how to work with memory correctly so that the phone not only speeds up, but also overheats less often. And we'll also reveal the secret of why, after cleaning the RAM, the memory clogs again after 5 minutes - and how to fix this.

Why Redmi 9 is eating away at RAM: 3 main reasons

On the Redmi 9 (M2003J15SS, M2004J19G) RAM is distributed unevenly due to the architecture of the MediaTek Helio G80 processor and the features of the MIUI 12/13.

• 🔄 Aggressive cache MIUI: The system reserves up to 30% of RAM for background services (e.g. com.miui.daemon) even if they are not in use.
• 📱 Apps-vampires: Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and social networks (TikTok, Instagram) keep up to 5 background processes in memory.
• 🔋 Power saving mode: At a charge level below 15%, the system forcibly closes processes, but does not release memory correctly.

Interesting fact: in Redmi 9 with 3 GB of RAM, the user is really only available ~1.8-2.2 GB. The rest is occupied by the system and the Mali-G52 graphics driver. This is normal, but requires a special approach to cleaning.

Method 1: Integrated cleaning of MIUI (the safest method)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Redmi 9 has a hidden deep cleaning tool that removes not only the cache, but also the "hungry" processes that are not normally visible to the user.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main Settings menu, select Additional → For developers.
4. Activate the Memory Cleanup Switch when you lock.
5. Reboot the phone.

After that, each time the screen is locked, the system will automatically release up to 300-500 MB of RAM without affecting open applications, which works better than manually cleaning through Security.

Close all important applications (browser, messengers)

Connect your phone to charge (the process consumes ~10% of the battery)

Turn off the mobile internet during cleaning

Make a backup copy of the data (just in case)-->

Method 2: Manual process control via ADB (for advanced)

If you're ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can manually kill unnecessary processes, and this method gives you control over what's being cleaned.

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📋 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original from Xiaomi).

Open the command line on the PC and type:

adb shell


su




cmd appops set com.miui.securitycenter android:kill_background_processes allow




pm trim-caches 500M

This team:

1. It gives the right to enforce closure of the process.
2. Clears the cache of applications that occupy more than 500 MB.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use the killall command for processes called mediaserver, surfaceflinger or zygote.This will result in a phone reboot or launcher crash.

Method 3: Optimize the boot (hidden menu)

Many apps on Redmi 9 run automatically when you turn on your phone, even if you haven't opened them.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select AutoRun.
3. Sort the list by the date of last use.
4. Turn off auto-run for apps you don’t use daily (such as games, rarely used instant messengers).

Pay special attention to Google Play services:

• com.google.android.gms (Google Services Framework)
• com.google.android.gsf (Google Play Services)

They cannot be turned off completely, but you can limit background activity in the settings of each application (Limit background activity).

Method 4: Using cleaning apps (which really works)

Google Play is full of optimizers, but 90 percent of them are dummy. Redmi 9 is only for process-level applications, and we tested 15 apps and selected 3 effective ones.

• 🛠️ Greenify (requires root or ADB): «Freezes" apps without removing them. saves up to 600MB of RAM.
• 🧹 SD Maid (Pro version): Cleans the cache of system applications that are not available through standard settings.
• 🔍 Simple System Monitor: Shows real-world RAM usage (as opposed to built-in monitor) MIUI, 10-15-faced%).

How to set up Greenify for maximum effect:

1. After installation, give all permissions (including Special Access).
2. In the settings, activate Aggressive Doze and Boost Mode.
3. Add messengers and social networks to the “freeze” list, but exclude WhatsApp if you use it for calls.
4. Start Hibernate now and restart your phone.

⚠️ Do not use boosters like Clean Master or DU They put extra strain on the Helio processor. G80, which leads to overheating and accelerated wear of the battery.

💡

If the phone is running slower after cleaning the app, check the energy saving settings. Some optimizers reset the power plan to High Performance, which drains the battery in 3-4 hours.

Method 5: Resetting cache via Recovery (last resort)

If the phone is unbearably slow and standard methods don’t help, try resetting the cache through Recovery mode.This won’t delete your data, but will clear temporary system files that can take up to 1-1.5GB of RAM.

Instructions:

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 2-5 minutes).
5. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

After this procedure:

• 🔄 The first download will take longer than usual (up to 5 minutes).
• 📱 Apps will open slower the first time (cache recreated).
• 🔋 Battery charge can “slash” by 5-10% due to re-indexing files.

💡

Recovery cache resetting is the only way to remove the “junk” of system updates that accumulates after each MIUI update and is not cleared by standard methods.

Method 6: Reverse to factory firmware (if nothing helps)

If Redmi 9 is slowing down even after all the manipulations, the reason may be the "broken" firmware, this happens after unsuccessful updates or custom themes installation.

Method A: Through settings (data is stored)

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset all settings (not to be confused with Remove all data!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method B: Through Fastboot (full reset)

You will need a computer and firmware for your model (M2003J15SS or M2004J19G) download it from the official Xiaomi website.

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

This method will bring the phone back out of the box, but delete all the data.

• 🐢 Phone's hanging at 10.+ seconds when opening any application.
• 🔄 Reboot takes more than 3 minutes.
• 📵 Applications spontaneously close after 1-2 minutes of use.

Method 7: Hardware Optimization (for experienced)

If the software methods don't work, the problem may be hardware degradation. Redmi 9 has two typical "diseases":

1. EMMC wear: After 2-3 years of heavy use, the read/write speed drops by 2-3 times, leading to “hangs” when downloading applications.
2. CPU overheating: Due to dust in the case or dried thermal paste, the Helio G80 begins trottling (reducing frequency), which slows down the system.

What can be done:

• 🔧 Thermopaste replacement: Worth ~500-800 rubles in the service center, after replacing the temperature of the processor under load will decrease by 10-15°C.
• 💾 Transfer of applications to SD-Map: Use the class map A2 (For example, SanDisk Extreme, transfer heavy games and instant messengers to it through Settings. → Annexes → Move it to SD-map.
• 🔄 Replacement of eMMC with SSD: Radical is a method for enthusiasts, and some services offer to replace soldered memory with removable memory. SSD-module (cost) ~3000-5000 rubles).

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the phone has started to reboot itself when charging or heating, do not try to clean the RAM programmatically (PMIC), Diagnostics are required at the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions