How to Clean Memory on Xiaomi 9: A Complete Guide to Optimization

The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, is still a popular device thanks to its screen and processor, but time takes its toll. Over time, the operating system becomes overgrown with temporary files and applications accumulate gigabytes of cache, leading to a critical slowdown. If your device starts to “slow down” or gives notifications about overflowing storage, you can not ignore this.

Overflowing internal memory not only affects the speed of opening programs, but also the stability of the camera and the ability to install security updates. In this article, we will discuss effective cleaning methods that will help restore your gadget to its former speed without losing important data.

We’ll look at both the standard MIUI tools and the hidden Android features available on this model.A competent file management approach will extend the lifespan of the Mi 9 and avoid having to buy a new phone right now.

Analysis of vault occupancy

Before you delete files at random, you need to understand what exactly takes up precious space. The MIUI shell has a handy tool that visualizes the distribution of data. Go to Settings → Memory to see a detailed breakdown by category.

It will show how much space apps, images, videos and system files occupy, and it often turns out that the lion's share of memory is occupied by messengers and social networks that store the history of correspondence for years, and analyzing this information is the first step to effective optimization.

Note the “Other” or “System Files” section, if this section is overblown disproportionately, it may indicate errors in indexing or the presence of “junk” logs after crashes.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from system folders manually through the file manager unless you are 100% sure of their purpose.

Use built-in statistics to identify the "eaters" of the space, and users are often surprised to find that Telegram alone takes 10-15 GB, although there is nothing visually heavy there.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The safest and easiest way to clean up the Xiaomi Mi 9 is to use the regular Security app, which is already preinstalled on the system and has access to all the necessary sections to clean. Launch the app and select Cleanup.

The scanner will analyze the device and suggest removing the cache of applications, remnants of deleted programs and advertising files, a process that takes only a few seconds and does not require deep technical knowledge, and after scanning, you will see a list of files that can be safely deleted.

Deep Cleaning allows you to explore the contents of memory in more detail, and you can find large video files, rarely used apps, and duplicate photos, which is a great tool for rapid prevention.

Regular use of the built-in scanner helps keep the file system in order, but it is worth remembering that automatic cleaning does not always find all the hidden temporary files, so manual intervention is sometimes required.

Cleaning the cache of messengers and social networks

Messengers like WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber are the top candidates for cleanup. They store every image, video and voice message they see in memory of the device. On the Xiaomi Mi 9, with its smaller base memory, this becomes critical.

To clean up, go to the settings of a particular application, find the Data and Storage (or similar) section, and select "Storage Use." Here you can delete the cache without losing correspondence. In Telegram, for example, you can set up autodelete the cache.

• 🗑️ WhatsApp: Go to Settings → Data and storage → Storage management.Delete files larger than 5MB.
• 📸 Instagram: In the app settings, find the "Use of Mobile Data" item and clear the cache.This will remove the temporary thumbnails.
• ✈️ Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Use of memory → Clear the cache. You can set a timer for auto-cleaning.
• 🎵 TikTok: In the profile, click three bars → Settings and privacy → Make room.

Once the cache is cleared, apps will reload content as needed, which can temporarily increase traffic consumption but free up gigabytes of space, the most efficient way to get free space quickly.

⚠️ Note: Clearing the data (not to be confused with cache) in the application settings will result in a complete exit from the account and deletion of correspondence if no backup is made.

It is recommended to check the settings of autoload media files in each messenger. disable the saving of photos and videos in the phone gallery, so that they do not duplicate and take up space twice.

Removal of duplicates and large files

Over the years, the same photos, screenshots and downloaded files have been stored in memory, and it’s almost impossible to find them manually, but the Mi 9 has built-in tools or can be used by third-party utilities.

The Files app (a standard Xiaomi Explorer) often has a duplicate search feature, and if it's not available, you can use size sorting, and sort all files down to see the heavyweights right away.

Pay special attention to the Download folder, which often contains application installation files that have been installed long ago, or saved from the browser. PDF-Documents that you no longer need.

Deleting large video files from instant messenger folders (like WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Video) often frees up the most space. Videos can be duplicated in a shared gallery, so check both locations.

Transferring data to cloud services and SD-map

If the internal memory of the Xiaomi Mi 9 is physically limited (64 or 128 GB version), the best solution is to transfer media files to external storage.

Use cloud services like Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Mi Cloud. Set up automatic gallery sync and then delete the photo from your device. The Free Space feature in Google Photos does this in one click.

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Use the Smart Sync feature in cloud storage so that photos are available online but don’t take up space on your phone until you open them.

Also worth considering is using a memory card if your model supports a hybrid slot, or transferring files to your computer. Regular backup to your PC is the most reliable way to save data and unload your smartphone.

Don't store files on your phone that you need less than once a month, and it's best to keep your data on an external hard drive or in the cold cloud, which helps keep your system on track.

Hidden functions and resetting settings

There are hidden menus on Android that can be accessed through code, such as dialing ##4636### and getting into the testing menu, where memory usage information is sometimes available, although this feature is often blocked on MIUI.

A more radical but effective method is to reset your settings to factory settings. Before you do that, make sure to make a full backup to your Mi Cloud or your computer. Once reset, the phone will be like new, with no debris or errors from years of accumulated experience.

If you decide to reset completely, make sure that the battery is at least 50-60%.The process of formatting and re-installing the system can take time, and turning off the power at this point is fatal.

After reset, don't install all the applications at once. Install only what you're actually using, which will prevent memory from clogging quickly in the future.

⚠️ Warning: Wipe Data permanently deletes all data from internal memory. Make sure you have an up-to-date copy of important documents and photos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Regularly cleaning the messenger cache and removing unnecessary videos is the fastest way to free up gigabytes on the Xiaomi Mi 9 without losing personal data.