Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi: from cache to deep reset

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are some of the most popular in the world due to their price-performance ratio, but even they eventually start to slow down due to overcrowded memory. If your Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10 or other model gives a notification “Memory is full” and applications suddenly close, it’s time to act. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to clean memory, from basic to radical, taking into account the features of the MIUI firmware.

The main problem of Xiaomi users is not only junk files, but also duplicate data that the system itself creates (for example, backups of Mi Cloud or cache of Google Play Services). We analyzed hidden folders that take up up to 30% of the memory on Redmi, but do not appear in the standard Cleaner, and collected instructions on how to safely remove them. SD-The card (and why it doesn’t always work) and when to resort to a hard reset.

1. Standard cleaning through "Safety"

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tool, which deletes temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and cache, but does not touch personal data. Effectiveness: frees 1-3 GB (depends on the model).

How to start:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab (or Accelerate on older versions of MIUI).
3. Click "Check" and wait for the analysis.
4. Select the categories to clean (we recommend that you note everything except Downloads – there may be important files).
5. Slip "Clean" and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the memory is refilled after cleaning up in a few days, the problem is with the background caching of applications (for example, Facebook or TikTok.

• 📱 Pros: Quick, no root rights required, secure for data.
• ⚠️ Cons: Does not delete deep system files and duplicates.

2. Manual cleaning of the app cache

Many apps (especially social networks and instant messengers) accumulate gigabytes of cache, for example, Telegram can take up to 5-7 GB just from downloaded media files.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (start with the most voracious ones – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
3. Slip "Storage" → "Clear the cache."
4. For complete cleaning, click "Clear Data» (⚠️ Warning: This will reset the app settings and exit the account!).

List of applications that most often clog memory:

• 📸 Instagram – cache stories and reels (up to 2-3 GB).
• 🎵 Spotify/Yandex Music – downloaded tracks (folder.cache).
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile/Genshin Impact – Temporary update files (up to) 1 GB).
• 📱 Google Play Services – System cache (up to 500 MB).

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To make the cache accumulate more slowly, in the application settings (for example, Instagram), turn off “Video Preload” and “Autoplay”.

3. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary files

MIUI has a hidden duplicate search feature, but it's hidden in the back of the menu, and it's also useful to manually check folders that the system doesn't clean automatically.

How to find duplicates:

1. Open Files (File Manager app).
2. Go to the "Category" section» → «Duplicate».
3. Select unnecessary copies and click “Delete”.

Folders that are worth checking manually (use File Manager with hidden files displayed on):

• 📁 DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures (can be removed).
• 📁 Download – Old Upk Files and Archives.
• 📁 Android/obb — game data (e.g. Genshin Impact takes up the 10+ GB!).
• 📁 MIUI/Backup — backups of the system (unless you plan to roll back).

4. Data transfer to SD-The map (and why it doesn’t always work)

Many Redmi users are trying to solve the memory problem by migrating apps to the Internet. SD-However, this method does not work for all models and has limitations:

How to transfer data (if supported):

1. Put it in. SD-map (recommended class) UHS-I U3 speed).
2. Go to Settings. → Memory. → SD-map.
3. Select “Use as internal memory» (⚠️ Note: The map will be formatted!).
4. After formatting in Settings → The app will be available with the option “Move to the SD-map for supported programs.

Important: Even if portability is possible, some apps (such as WhatsApp or banking) won’t work with the mobile app. SD-Also, the speed of reading/writing to the card is lower than in internal memory, which can slow down the work.

5. reset partition cache (without data loss)

If standard methods don't work, try resetting /cache, which deletes temporary system files but doesn't affect personal data (photos, contacts, messages) and is effective when the phone is stuck on the logo or slows down.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (English / Whale) and go to “Wipe & Reset”.
4. Tap "Wipe Cache» → confirm.
5. After cleaning, select "Reboot".

⚠️ Warning: Not to be confused with "Wipe Data" - it's a complete factory reset! Also don't interrupt the process, otherwise you risk getting a "brick».

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Backup of important files|Make sure you choose Wipe Cache and not Wipe Data|Don't extract. SD-map-->

6.Hard reset (last chance)

If the memory is filled with unknown files and the system is making errors, it's time to completely reset, which will delete everything, including apps, settings and accounts, but return the smartphone to a "clean" state. Xiaomi Redmi after reset works noticeably faster, especially if it has not been cleaned for years.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup (or manually copy files to your PC).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new.

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (unless copied to PC).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and accounts (including Mi Accounts).
• ⚙️ All system settings (sound, display, notifications).

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to remove system viruses and malicious files that block standard cleaning.

7.Memory optimization after cleaning

To prevent the memory from filling up again, set up the smartphone correctly:

• 🔄 Turn off auto-update apps: Play Market → Settings → Auto-update → Never.
• 📥 Limit Media Download in Messengers: In WhatsApp or Telegram, turn off Autoboot for Photo/Video.
• 🗑️ Set up automatic cleaning: C "Safety» → «Autocleaning: Enable garbage removal on schedule.
• 🛡️ Use lighter versions of apps: Replace Facebook with Facebook Lite and Instagram with Instagram Lite.

It is also useful to install third-party memory monitoring utilities, such as:

• Files by Google – Finds unnecessary files and suggests that you delete them.
• SD Maid (requires root) – cleans deep system folders.
• CCleaner – removes the cache and residues of uninstalled programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up memory