How to clean up memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: full instructions

Why Redmi Note 4 is fast filling memory and how to fix it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 often face the problem of lack of internal memory, despite the declared 16/32/64 GB. The fact that the MIUI system reserves up to 5-8 GB for your needs, and over time accumulates cache of applications, temporary files and duplicate media. If your smartphone began to slow down, issue notifications about memory shortages or refuse to install updates – it’s time to conduct a general cleaning.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to clean up memory, from basic (delete unnecessary files) to radical (reset to factory settings). Particular attention will be paid to hidden MIUI folders, which take up gigabytes but do not appear in the standard file manager. All methods are tested on Redmi Note 4 with MIUI firmware 9-12, but will also be suitable for other Xiaomi models based on Android 6-9.

Before you start, check how much memory is actually occupied: go to Settings → About Phone → Storage. If less than 10% is free, the smartphone will start to work unstable. The optimal threshold for the Redmi Note 4 is 15-20% free space.

1. Cleaning up app cache and system debris

Starting with the safest method, which is to delete temporary files, the app cache can take anywhere from 500MB to 3-4GB, especially if you're actively using social media, messengers or games, and MIUI has a built-in tool for this task, but it doesn't always handle deep cleaning.

How to clean the cache manually:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 Select the “heavy” app (for example, Facebook, Telegram or Google Play Store).
• 🧹 Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).
• 🔄 Repeat for top-10 place-of-place applications.

To automate the process, use the built-in Cleanup utility (the broom icon in the settings menu).

• 🗑️ Residual files after uninstallation of applications.
• 📁 Empty folders and duplicate images.
• 📥 Uncompleted downloads from browsers.

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If the app starts to work slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK. You need the cache to speed up the load, but the overload slows down the system, and after 1-2 days, the work stabilizes.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, MIUI System and Security – This could cause disruptions to Google’s services and Xiaomi’s security system.

2. Removal of unnecessary applications and their residues

The Redmi Note 4 often comes with pre-installed apps (bloatvear) that can’t be removed by standard means, including Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser and other Xiaomi services, which take up to 1-1.5 GB and run constantly in the background, consuming memory and battery power.

List of safe to remove system applications (root or ADB rights required):

For removal without root rights:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer (replace the package with the desired one).

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. Before the procedure, create a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

3. Clean up the MIUI folder and hidden files

One of the main reasons for the memory shortage on the Redmi Note 4 is the hidden MIUI folder in the root directory.

• 📂 Logs of the system (/MIUI/debug_log — before 1 GB).
• 🎵 Multimedia backups (/MIUI/backup).
• 📱 Update files (/MIUI/ota).
• 🔄 Temporary topics files (/MIUI/theme).

How to clean:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Enable the display of hidden files (in Total Commander or Windows Explorer).
3. Delete the contents of the folders debug_log, backup and ota (except file) update.zip, if there is).

Also check the folders:

• 📁 /DCIM/.thumbnails — Photo miniatures (can be removed).
• 📁 /Download — arch-load.
• 📁 /Android/data — game cache (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty can take up to 2 GB).

Remove logs from /MIUI/debug_log|

Clear backups to /MIUI/backup|

Check the folder /DCIM/.thumbnails|

Remove old APKs from /Download|

Clear the game cache in /Android/data-->

4. Transfer applications to a memory card

The Redmi Note 4 supports microSD cards up to 256GB, but by default, apps are installed in internal memory.

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (such as WhatsApp or Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → SD Card.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all applications support portability (especially system applications).
• ❌ Widgets will stop working.
• ❌ Applications may slow down if a Class 4 or lower memory card.

Alternatively, use the card as an internal storage (formatted and combined with the phone’s memory):

1. Put the memory card in.
2. In the notification, click Set up → Internal memory.
3. Follow the instructions (the data on the map will be deleted!).

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as an internal card, it cannot be used in other devices without being completely cleaned, and it can also shorten the life of the microSD due to frequent overwriting.

5. Optimization of media files: photos, videos and music

Photos in a resolution of 13 MP (Redmi Note 4 camera) take 3-5 MB each, and Full HD video up to 100 MB / min. If you have thousands of pictures, they easily "eat" 10-15 GB.

Method 1. Compression of photo and video

• 📸 Use Google Photos with High Quality (compresses up to 4 MP without loss of visual quality).
• 🎥 Video Compress (reduces the size by 2-3 times).

Method 2: Removal of duplicates

Apps like Files by Google or CCleaner find repetitive photos, screenshots, and similar images, for example, 5 nearly identical selfies can take up to 50MB.

Method 3: Transfer to the cloud

• ☁️ Google Drive (15GB free).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud (5GB for Xiaomi account).
• ☁️ Yandex Drive (10 GB when registering via mobile application).

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If after all the manipulations are free less than 1-2 GB, and the phone slows down, only hard reset will help. This will delete all data, including accounts, apps and settings, but return the smartphone to a “clean” state.

Step-by-step:

1. Make a backup copy: 📱 Contact: Export to the VCF via Google Contacts. 📸 Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud. 🔑 Passwords: Save from Google Smart Lock or Mi Account.

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset

Resetting settings

After restarting, perform the initial setup.

Alternative method (if the phone is not turned on):

• 🔄 Hold the Loud up. + Food before the appearance of the Mi logo.
• 📱 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (Manage volume buttons).
• 🔘 Confirm the choice of the power button.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 4 with the bootloader unlocked, a reset can result in the device being locked (re-authorized Mi Account required).If you don't remember the password from your Xiaomi account, don't reset!

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Factory reset removes virus files and fixes system errors, but does not increase the physical memory capacity. If the space ends quickly again after the reset, the hardware is a problem (flash wear).

7 Advanced methods: root, custom firmware and memory replacement

If standard methods fail, radical measures remain, requiring technical skills and may be insecure (if they still work).

Method 1: Getting root rights

With root, you can:

• 🗑️ Remove any system applications.
• 🔧 Use it. SD Maid or Root Cleaner for deep cleaning.
• 📥 Transfer all applications to a memory card (including system).

Instructions for Redmi Note 4:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (mido version)
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience takes up less space than MIUI and doesn't contain a Bloatvear.

• ⚠️ Mi Cloud support and some camera features are lost.
• ⚠️ Possible bugs with sensors (gyroscope, NFC).

Method 3: Replacement of flash memory

If the memory is physically worn out (for example, the phone says "Memory damaged"), it can be replaced. 4 eMMC chip 5.1 on 16/32/64 GB Replacement cost 64 GB — ~3000–5000 ₽ (depending on the service center).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the memory of Redmi Note 4