Xiaomi Redmi 5 Memory Cleanup: A Complete Guide to Freeing Up Place

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 sooner or later face the problem of lack of internal memory. Even with 16 or 32 GB of internal storage, the system begins to slow down, applications are not updated, and photos and videos occupy all free space. Unlike modern smartphones with expandable memory, Redmi 5 does not support microSD in some versions, which makes the issue of cleaning especially relevant.

This article will help you understand how to effectively free up memory on Redmi 5 without losing important data. We will look at both standard methods (cache removal, file transfer) and radical solutions (factory resetting), especially the hidden features of MIUI that allow you to remove system debris without root rights.

Why is the memory of Redmi 5 running out?

The main reason for memory overflow is automatic accumulation of temporary files, and even if you don't install new applications, the system keeps saving:

• 📁 Cache of applications (including Google Play Services) that may be used by 1-2 GB)
• 🎥 Video and photo miniatures (the gallery creates them for quick viewing)
• 📱 System Logs and Error Dumps (especially after Failures)
• 🔄 Updates MIUI, scalable

The second common problem is file duplication, like messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) storing media files in two folders: internal memory and application folder, and games like PUBG Mobile or Free Fire create caches up to 500MB after each update.

⚠️ Note: If the free space does not increase after deleting files, check the Settings section. → Memory. → Other files. This is often where update archives are hidden. MIUI volume 1-3 GB that the system does not automatically remove.

Method 1: Cleaning the application cache

Start with the safest method, cache deletion, which doesn't affect personal data, but can free up to 3-5 GB on a loaded device.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Select an app with a large cache (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Google Play Store).
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

To speed up the process, use the built-in Cleanup utility:

1. Launch the Security app (shield icon).
2. Select Cleanup. → Deep cleaning.
3. Check all the points and click Clear.

Outdated. APK-file|Cash miniature|Error logs|Temporary browser files-->

Once cleaned, reboot your phone, which will allow the system to recalculate the free space correctly. If the cache quickly accumulates again, check the sync settings in Google Photos and Google Drive - they can automatically download backups.

Method 2: Manually Delete Unnecessary Files

Redmi 5’s internal memory contains hidden folders that take up space but are rarely used, and you’ll need a file manager (like the built-in MI File Explorer or Solid Explorer) to view them, open it and go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).

Folders that can be cleaned:

• 📂 Download — it stores all downloads from the browser and messengers. APK, PDF archives.
• 📂 DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures (can be removed without losing originals).
• 📂 Android/data — cache of games and applications. Only delete folders of programs that have already been deleted.
• 📂 MIUI/backup — System backups (unless you plan to roll back).

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/obb — This is where game data (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) is stored.

To find large files, use the file manager's size sorting function. Often users find forgotten video files the size of the file. 500 MB+ or undeleted updates MIUI file downloaded_rom.

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If you can’t find the folder, turn on the hidden files in the file manager settings (usually in the View or Settings menu).

Method 3: Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If your Redmi 5 supports microSD (hybrid slot models), transfer media files to it:

1. Insert a memory card (recommended class: Class 10 or UHS-I).
2. Open the Settings. → Memory. → By default, write down SD-map.
3. In the file manager, highlight files (photos, videos, music) → Move → select a map.

For models without microSD support, use cloud services:

To transfer files to Google Photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Slip on the avatar → Photo settings → Backup and synchronization.
3. Choose High Quality (unlimited space) or Original (Google Drive counter).

Delete the cache|Transfer files to the map.|Using the cloud.|I'm resetting to factory settings.|Another option-->

Method 4: Disabling and Removing Unnecessary Applications

MIUI preinstalles many system applications that cannot be removed by standard means, but can be disabled or removed using ADB.

List of safe applications to disable (do not affect system stability):

• 🎵 Music (built-in player if you use Spotify or VLC)
• 📺 Mi Video (replace by Mi Video) MX Player)
• 📰 Mi Browser (use Chrome or Firefox)
• 💼 Mi Pay (if you don’t use Xiaomi payments)
• 🎮 Game Center (unhelpful for most users)

To disable the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the unnecessary application → Disable.
3. Confirm the action (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in memory).

To completely remove system applications, you will need an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) which is a risky method – the wrong commands can lead to a system failure.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. For example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter will disable the memory cleanup function. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If you have less than 500MB of free space and your phone is slowing down, Hard Reset will help, which removes everything, including accounts, photos and apps, so you can pre-installe:

• 🔄 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 📤 Transfer the photos to the PC or cloud.
• 📋 Write down logins/passwords from important accounts (they will be deleted).

Resetting instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, follow the instructions of the setup wizard.

Once reset, you’ll get a clean system with ~10-12GB of free space (for the 16GB model).Don’t install all the apps at once – add only the ones you need to avoid refilling the memory.

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Factory resetting is the only way to remove system debris that has accumulated over the years, but it is an extreme measure: use it only if other methods have not worked.

How to Prevent Memory Filling in the Future

To prevent the problem from recurring, set up Redmi 5 to automatically clean up:

• 🔄 Enable Auto Cleanup in the Security app (Cleanup section) → Settings).
• 📸 Configure Google Photos to automatically download and then delete local copies.
• 🎮 Limit the cache of games: in Settings → Applications select the game → Limit background activity.
• 📥 Install Files by Google – the app automatically prompts you to delete unnecessary files.

Also, turn off automatic updates of applications:

1. Open Google Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update applications.
2. Choose Never or Only through Wi-Fi.

Regularly (every 1-2 months) check the Settings → Memory section to delete unnecessary files in time. If you often shoot videos in 4K or Full HD, transfer them to your PC immediately after shooting - 1 minute of video at this resolution takes ~300-500 MB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi memory 5