Memory cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: from cache to complete reset

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still a popular smartphone due to balanced performance and support for custom firmware. However, over time, even 32 or 64 GB of internal memory begins to get clogged with unnecessary files, app cache and debris from MIUI. If your phone slows down, gives a notification “not enough memory” or can not update applications, it’s time to clean up the application.

In this article, we will analyze 5 working methods of cleaning memory: from basic (cache and garbage removal) to advanced (transfer applications to the Internet). SD-All instructions are adapted for Redmi Note 5 with specific features MIUI 10–14 and Android 8.1 Oreo limitations.Important: Some ways require root rights, but we’ll show you where to get around them.

Before you start, check how much space is occupied right now. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → Memory or use the Security app (shield icon). If less than 10% of the total is free, the smartphone will slow down, and the system can block the installation of updates.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup through built-in MIUI tools

The fastest and safest way to free up 1-3 GB of memory is to use standard MIUI utilities. They do not require superuser rights and do not delete important data.

Open the Security app (if not, download from Google Play for Mi Security). Go to the Cleanup tab and click Scan.

• 🗑️ Application cache – temporary files that can be deleted without consequences.
• 📁 Unnecessary APK — Remains from installed (and remote) programs.
• 📄 Logs and dumps are system debugging files that accumulate over time.
• 🎵 Music and video in messengers – media files from WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.

After scanning, select all categories and click Clear. If you want to remove the cache for a specific application, go to Settings → Apps → Application Management, select the program and click Clear Cache.

💡

Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, Mi Account, and system applications (com.android.*) – this can cause malfunctions in the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the cache, the applications started to load for a long time (for example, Instagram or YouTube) - this is normal.

2. manually removing unnecessary files: where to look for garbage?

Built-in cleaning doesn't always find all the files you don't need, like it might miss:

• 🎬 Downloads -- folder /Download Often filled with old documents and images.
• 📸 Screenshots and screen recordings are stored in /Pictures/Screenshots and /Movies/Screenrecords.
• 📱 Backups – files with the.bak extension or Backup folders from applications.
• 🔄 Photos - Google Photos and Gallery MIUI They often save the same photos in different folders.

To find and delete these files:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open internal memory in Windows/macOS Explorer.
3. Sort files by date of change or size to find the largest ones.
4. Remove unnecessary, but don’t touch folders: Android – app system data; MIUI — firmware; DCIM/.thumbnails — gallery-piece.

3. Transfer of applications and data to SD-map

Redmi Note 5 supports microSD cards up to 256 GB (in a hybrid slot, i.e. instead of the second one). SIM-Transfer of applications to maps SD It can save up to 50% of internal memory, but there are some nuances:

• ⚠️ Not all apps support portability (especially system and piracy-protected games).
• ⚡ After the transfer, applications can work slower (SD-lower-class A1 Not optimized for this).
• 🔄 When the map is retrieved, the transferred programs will stop working.

To move the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a program (such as Facebook or Spotify).
3. Press Warehouse. → Change. → choose SD-map.
4. Confirm the transfer. The process may take a few minutes.

Format the map in FAT32 exFAT|Check the speed class (recommended) A1/A2)|Create a backup copy of data from the card|Make sure the card is not encrypted-->

⚠️ Warning: If the app stopped working after the transfer, try: Return it to internal memory. Update the program via Google Play. Clear the cache and application data.

To transfer photos, videos and documents, use a file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager):

1. Open the folder (for example, DCIM/Camera).
2. Select the files → Cut out.
3. Go to the SD-map → Insert.

4. Clean up memory via Recovery Mode (without data loss)

If your smartphone is slowing down and standard methods don’t work, try cleaning through Recovery, which removes temporary files and cache without resetting the settings, but requires caution.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up for 10 seconds.
3. Let go when the Mi logo appears.

In the Recovery menu (manage - volume buttons, choose - power button):

1. Select Wipe & Reset (in some versions - Advanced).
2. Next up is Wipe Cache.
3. Confirm action (Yes).
4. After completion, select Reboot.

💡

Cleaning the cache through Recovery is safe for user data, but does not delete application files or media. For a complete reset, choose Wipe Data, but it will delete everything, including photos and contacts!

If the phone still slows down after cleaning, it might be the memory fragmentation problem.

• 🔄 Fastboot Flashing (without data loss if you choose save userdata).
• 📱 Reset to factory settings (last version, see next section).

Once a week | Once a month | Only when the place ends | Never clean | Another option-->

5. Full reset (Hard Reset) - when nothing helps

If the Redmi Note 5 is clogged to failure, it gives errors when installing applications or constantly overheats, it is time to do a full reset.

• 📱 Applications and their settings;
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account);
• 📸 Photos and videos (unless copied to PC or SD-map);
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts.

Before discharge, it is mandatory:

Backup on PC or in the cloud|Record logins/passwords from accounts|Copy photos and videos on SD-map|Make sure the battery is charged >50%-->

Resetting methods:

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Mark Clear internal memory (optional if you want to delete files).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: Through Recovery

1. Enter Recovery (Power buttons + Volume up).
2. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
3. Confirm (Yes) and wait until it is completed.
4. Choose Reboot.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, the phone can turn on for a long time (up to 10 minutes) - this is normal.

If your memory is still quickly clogged after reset, check:

• 🔍 Autoloading applications in Settings → Permits → Auto-start;
• 📊 Memory usage statistics in Settings → Memory (possibly one app eats gigabytes);
• 🛠️ Viruses (scan your phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).

6. Additional methods: from custom firmware to cloud storage

If built-in techniques don’t help, consider alternatives:

🔧 Installation of custom firmware (for advanced ones)

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience is devoid of MIUI junk and takes up less space, but it will require:

• Unlock bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool)
• Install TWRP Recovery;
• Backup the current firmware.

⚠️ Risks: loss of warranty, possible bugs with camera or sensors.

☁️ Use of cloud storage

Transfer the photos and documents to:

• Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed photos)
• Mi Cloud (5GB for free for Xiaomi accounts)
• Yandex Disk or Mega (10-50 GB free).

🛠️ Cleaning applications (with caution!)

Popular utilities like CCleaner or SD Maid can help, but:

• Some delete useful files (such as game data).
• It can be used in conjunction with MIUI Optimizer.
• Often contain advertising or paid features.

It is better to use them selectively rather than running a "complete cleanup."

FAQ: Frequent Memory Cleanup Questions on Redmi Note 5