Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi: From Cache to Deep Optimization of MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are some of the most popular on the market due to the ratio of price to performance, but even they eventually start to “slow down” due to clogged memory. If your Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 12 or other model gives a notification “Memory is almost full”, and applications suddenly close – it’s time to act. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to clean memory, including hidden MIUI functions that not everyone knows.

Not only is there a lack of space: overcrowded memory slows down the processor, increases device heat and reduces battery life. For example, a Redmi 9A with 32 GB of storage after a year of use can only have 2-3 GB of free space — and this is despite the fact that you did not install heavy games, the system cache, duplicate photos, residual files of remote applications and the “garbage” from MIUI, which accumulates unnoticed.

We won’t recommend trivial things like “delete unnecessary photos” — instead, we’ll show you how to find and delete hidden files, disable unnecessary MIUI processes, and even return up to 5-7 GB of memory on smartphones with 64/128 GB without resetting to factory settings. All methods have been tested on Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO X5 and Redmi A2 models with the latest MIUI 14/15.

1. Cleaning the application cache and system

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications that work quickly, and over time, it takes up gigabytes of memory, although many of them are no longer needed. On Xiaomi Redmi, the cache is divided into two types: user (from applications) and system (from MIUI), and you need to clean them differently.

To remove the app cache:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an app (such as YouTube or Telegram) and click “Clear Cache».
• 🧹 For mass cleaning, use the settings → Memory. → Cleaning (broom sign in upper right corner).

To clean the system cache (hidden MIUI files):

• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Memory.
• 📊 Click “Clean” next to “System Cache” (may be called “Other Files»).
• ⚠️ Not to be confused with “Data Cleanup” – it will remove all app settings!

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) after cleaning the system cache, the work may temporarily slow down MIUI. This is normal – the system will restore the necessary files in 10-15 minutes.

2. Delete junk files through "Security"

MIUI has a built-in Security tool that finds and deletes unnecessary files better than most third-party applications.

• 🗑️ Residual files (residues after deleting applications).
• 📁 Duplicates (copies of photos, documents).
• 🎵 Large files (video, archives, unused files) APK).
• 🔍 Recycle bin files (deleted but not finally cleared).

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the “Cleaning” tab → “Deep Cleaning”.
3. Wait for the analysis (may take 1-3 minutes).
4. Select file categories to delete and click “Clear”.

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If some categories are not displayed in the Deep Clean section (such as Big Files), update the Security app via Google Play or MIUI App Store.

3. Storage optimization through File Manager

Xiaomi’s standard File Manager app not only browses folders, but also analyzes occupied space, and Memory Analysis, which shows which folders take up the most space, is especially useful.

How to do the analysis:

1. Open Files → click on three dots in the upper right corner → Memory Analysis.
2. Wait for the chart to be built (it can take up to 2 minutes on Redmi with a lot of data).
3. Click on larger segments (such as “Video” or “APK”) for detailed viewing.

What to look for and remove:

• 🎥 folder DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo/video miniatures are stored here (may weigh up to a maximum of two). 1 GB).
• 📦 Download folder - old ones APK, PDF, archive.
• 🎮 folder Android/obb — Game files (can be deleted if the game is deleted).
• 📂 folder MIUI/backup — backup copies (if not required).

4. disabling pre-installed applications (bloatware)

Xiaomi is known for a large number of pre-installed applications (bloatware), many of which can not be removed by standard methods, but they can be disabled, which will free up to 1-2 GB of memory and reduce background activity.

List of safe applications to disable (tested on MIUI 14/15):

• 🎵 com.miui.player – Music (if you use Spotify or YouTube Music).
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer - Video player (replace with video player) VLC).
• 📰 com.miui.weather2 — Weather (if you don't use a widget).
• 💼 com.xiaomi.scanner – Document scanner (if there is an alternative).
• 🎮 com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service – Gaming services (if you are not playing).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list above → “Disable”.
3. Confirm the action (the system will warn you that the application will stop updating).

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable apps called com.android.* or com.miui.home - this can lead to system failure! also avoid disabling com.xiaomi.findevice (need to search for a phone).

5. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If you have a huge amount of space on your internal memory and you don't want to delete anything, you can transfer your files to a microSD or to the cloud. There are two options on Xiaomi Redmi:

Option 1: Memory Card (microSD)

• 📱 Supported formats: FAT32 (up to 32 GB), exFAT (64–512 GB).
• 🔧 How to transfer files: Open "Files» → Select folders (photos, videos) → «Move over» → Select a memory card.
• ⚠️ Limitation: Not all applications can be moved to SD (For example, WhatsApp does not support this).

Option 2: Cloud storage

• ☁️ Mi Cloud (5GB free) – integrated into MIUI, automatically reserved photos.
• 📁 Google Drive (15GB) – convenient for documents and backups.
• 🔗 Yandex Drive (10 GB) – fast download in Russia.

How to set up autosynchronization with Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud.
2. Enable “Synchronization of the Gallery” and “Backup”.
3. Select the download quality ("Original" or "High").

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Transfer of applications to SD-The card is only possible if the developer has provided it. Most modern games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) do not support this feature.

6. reset partition cache (for advanced users)

If standard methods didn’t help and the smartphone is still slowing down, try resetting the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition).This deletes temporary system files that may be corrupted. User data is not affected!

Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo (Recovery mode) appears.
3. Select language (English / Chinese) → “Wipe & Reset” → “Wipe Cache”.
4. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-2 minutes).
5. Restart the phone (Reboot).

What this procedure does:

• 🚀 Speeding up the work MIUI (especially after updates).
• 🔄 Corrects errors such as “The app has stopped».
• 📉 Frees 500 MB-1.5 GB of hidden cache.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data"! The second option will delete all your data, including photos and apps.

7. Radical methods: complete reset and flashing

If memory is crammed to the limit and standard methods don't work, there are radical measures left: factory reset or flashing, which are extreme options, but they are guaranteed to return the smartphone to a "clean" state.

Reset to factory settings:

• 🔄 Deletes all data, including accounts, photos, messages.
• ⚙️ Path: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Delete all data.
• 🔐 After resetting, the phone will require you to enter a Mi Account (if there was a binding).

Fastboot Flashing (for experienced users):

• 🛠️ Requires unlocked bootloader and PC.
• 📥 Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website.
• 💻 Use the Mi Flash Tool to install it.

When justified:

• 🦠 Phone infected with viruses that are not removed by antivirus.
• 🐢 The system brakes even after cleaning (possibly damaged) MIUI).
• 📱 You need to sell/give the phone and delete all data without the possibility of recovery.

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Before resetting or flashing, be sure to back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save contacts, SMS and application settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi