Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

Why is the Redmi Note 7 slowing down and what does it have to do with memory?

Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is getting stuck, apps are loading for a long time, and the system gives a notification “Not enough memory”? 90% of the time lies in clogged storage. Even with 64 GB of internal memory (or 32 GB in the basic version), the device eventually turns into a “dump” of unnecessary files: app cache, duplicate photos, remnants of deleted programs and system debris. The MIUI operating system actively uses cache to speed up work, but without regular cleaning it turns from assistant to enemy.

Compounding the problem, Redmi Note 7 does not support installing memory cards as a primary storage device (only as an external drive), which means that all applications and their data occupy precious internal space, for example, popular messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp can eat up to several gigabytes of cached media files, and games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can eat up to 2-4 GB each.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to clean up memory, from basic (hand-cache removal) to radical (factory reset), how to make space without losing important data, which files can be safely deleted and which should not be touched, and we will also reveal the secrets of MIUI optimization, which are silent even official instructions.

1.Cleaning App Cache: A Quick Way to Free 1–3 GB

Cache is a temporary file that applications create to speed up work, accumulate over time and take up gigabytes of memory. On the Redmi Note 7, the cache can be cleared in two ways: for individual applications or globally for all programs.

How to clear the cache for a specific application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

Global Cache Cleanup (for MIUI 10–14):

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Tap on the item Cache data (or "Clear cache" in older versions).
3. Confirm the action – the system will delete the cache of all applications at once.

⚠️ Cache clearing does not delete personal data (messages, photos, accounts), but some apps (e.g. Google Maps) may take longer to load on the first run after cleaning up.

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (if the battery level is below 20%)

Backup of important data (in case of failure)

Check the free space in the "Storage" section"-->

2. Delete unnecessary files and "junk" manually

MIUI hides a lot of unnecessary files that you can't see in standard Explorer, like remnants of deleted applications, log files, temporary update data, and duplicate media, and you'll need a built-in file manager or a third-party application like Files by Google to find them.

Where to look for garbage on Redmi Note 7:

• 📁 Download folder — it's where you accumulate downloads from browsers and instant messengers. APK-file-file.
• 🗑️ folder DCIM/.thumbnails — So you can take out the thumbnails of photos and videos that the system automatically creates.
• 📱 folder Android/data — This is where the application data is stored. You can only delete the content for remote programs!
• 🔄 folder MIUI/Backup — backups of the system that are used to 500 MBT.

How to safely delete unnecessary files:

1. Open Files → Categories → Multimedia / Documents.
2. Sort files by size (click on three dots → Sort → by size).
3. Delete large files that you don’t need (such as TikTok videos or old memes).

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Use File Search in Explorer: Enter.apk,.tmp, or.log extensions to find hidden debris.

3.Storage optimization with built-in MIUI tools

MIUI has built-in memory cleaning tools that many users ignore, which are less efficient than manual cleaning, but allow you to quickly release 500MB-1GB without the risk of removing important data.

How to start the built-in cleaning:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click Clean (or “Free the Place”).
3. Wait for the system analysis (it can take 1-2 minutes).
4. Tick unneeded files (cache, temporary data, duplicates) and click Clear.

What can be safely removed through the built-in utility:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the Download or Document categories through the built-in utility unless you are sure of their contents.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to brake

Never cleaned.-->

4. Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If the internal memory of the Redmi Note 7 is full, but you do not want to delete files, they can be transferred to a microSD card (up to 256 GB) or to cloud storage.

Transfer to memory card:

• 📱 MicroSD cards are supported FAT32 exFAT.
• 🔄 Not all applications can be transferred to SD-map (depends on the developer).
• ⚡ Class cards A1 or A2 Work faster to launch applications.

How to transfer files to SD-map:

1. Insert the card into the slot (hybrid, combined with the second SIM).
2. Open Files → Categories → Images / Videos.
3. Select files → More → Move → Memory Map.

Cloud storage:

• ☁️ Google Photos – Automatically backup photos and videos (up to 15 GB free).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud – 5GB free for Xiaomi users.
• ☁️ Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud – 10–32 GB for Russian users.

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, make sure that Settings is enabled → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Synchronize the gallery, otherwise the photos won't automatically upload.

5. Removing heavy apps and games

One app can take anywhere from 50MB (Telegram) to 5GB (Call of Duty Mobile). If memory is running out, check out the list of the most voracious programs.

How to find and remove heavy applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points. → Sorting → By size.
3. Check out the list: Games and social media usually take up the most space.
4. Click on the unnecessary app → Delete.

Top.-5 «Memory Eaters on Redmi Note 7:

💡 Tip: Before removing the game, check if your progress is linked to your Google Play Games or Facebook account.

6.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If all previous methods failed and the phone is still slowing down, it will leave a hard reset, which will remove all data from the device, including apps, photos and settings, but return the Redmi Note 7 to a “clean” state, after reset, up to 80% of memory is free, but you need to fully configure the phone again.

How to make a reset (2 ways):

• 🔄 Through Settings: Open Settings → The phone. → Settings reset. Select Erase all data. Enter password (if installed) and confirm.

Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).

⚠️ Note: Before resetting, it is mandatory:

1. Save contacts in your Google Account or on SIM-map.

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Factory resetting is the only way to remove system debris that is not cleaned by standard methods, but it should be the last option, as the process is irreversible.

7.Prevention: How to prevent memory filling

To avoid having to clean the Redmi Note 7 regularly, follow the following simple rules:

• 📵 Clean the cache every 1-2 weeks (via Settings) → Warehouse).
• 🚫 Don't install it. APK Unverified sources – they often contain hidden debris.
• ☁️ Set up automatic photo uploads in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 🎮 Remove unused games – they take up the most space.
• 🔍 Check the “Heavy” Files in Files → Analysis of the vault.

💡 Useful Life Hack: Enable the Settings option → Battery and productivity → Performance mode → Balanced.This will reduce the background activity of applications that consume memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Redmi Note 7