How to Clean Memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: The Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

all possible ways to make room

Redmi Note 9

MIUI 12/13/14

Many users mistakenly think that it is enough to delete a few photos or clear the basket, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, system debris, app cache, duplicate files and background processes take up the lion's share of memory. We will show you how to find and delete everything unnecessary without resorting to a radical reset, and we will also tell you which files can be safely deleted and which ones should not be touched so as not to break the phone.

If you've never cleaned a smartphone's memory before, start with the first section, which is the easiest and safest way to do it. Power users can go straight to deep cleaning or working with hidden files. All instructions are tested on the Redmi Note 9 with current versions. MIUI, But it is also suitable for other models of the Note series (for example, Note 9 Pro or Note). 9S).

1. Basic cleaning: What can be removed right now

Start with the obvious -- check which files take up the most space. Redmi Note 9 has built-in tools for this, but they don't always show the full picture. Here's what you can do in 5 minutes:

• 📸 Photos and videos: sort the gallery by size and remove duplicates, blurred shots or old screenshots. 4K photo-format RAW.
• 🎵 Music and podcasts: check the Music folder – often there are tracks that you have not listened to for a long time.
• 📄 Download: Download folder is a real dump PDF, APK Other files that are downloaded “just in case».
• 📱 Unused apps: Remove games that haven’t run in six months and programs like flashlights or scanners QR».

To quickly find the most “heavy” files:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Tap on Files (or Memory Analysis in New Versions) MIUI).
3. The system will show the distribution of memory by category – choose the one that takes up the most space.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders with names MIUI, Android or system — these can be critical system files, and do not touch files with the.odex or.apk extension in folders other than Download.

If you are actively using messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), check their settings - gigabytes of media files often accumulate there. → Data and memory → Use memory and delete unnecessary files.

2.Cache Cleanup: Why It’s Important and How to Do It Right

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications to run quickly, accumulates over time and can take up to 5-10 GB on the Redmi Note 9. Cache needs to be cleaned regularly, but not everyone knows how to do it without sacrificing performance.

There are two types of cache:

• 🗑️ Cache of individual applications - can be cleaned selectively.
• 🧹 System cache - requires caution.

How to clean the cache of applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or Instagram).
3. Slip it on the vault. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning:

1. In the same Application Management menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Sort by size.
3. Clear the cache from applications that are larger than 100-200 MB.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. Settings, Phone, Messages) – this can cause malfunctions MIUI. Also, do not clean the cache of Google Play Services – after that, Google services may stop working.

On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12+ There is a hidden function of deep cache cleaning: pinch the app icon on the home screen → Choose Application Information → Warehouse → Space management: Not only can you delete the cache, but you can also delete the data you don't need from the app (e.g. offline maps in Google Maps).

3. Built-in tools MIUI: What is “Optimization” and “Security»

Xiaomi added to MIUI Some useful memory cleaners, but many users don't use them -- either they don't know they exist or they think they're useless. In fact, if used correctly, they can free up 1 to 3 GB of space.

1. Security Appendix (Security)

This is the primary cleaning tool on the Redmi Note 9.

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization tab (or Cleaner in English firmware).
3. Press Deep Cleanup. → Start.

2. “Emptying the space” function

The same app, Security, has a section called Free up a Place (or Storage Cleaner), which analyzes:

• 🗑️ Unnecessary APK-Files (remains after application installation).
• 📁 Empty folders.
• 🔍 Duplicate files.
• 📥 Large files (>50 MB) that have not been opened for a long time.

3. Automatic cleaning

MIUI Allows you to set up automatic garbage cleaning:

1. In safety → Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Turn on Auto Cleanup and select a schedule (e.g. once a week).

⚠️ Attention: Built-in tools MIUI Sometimes they delete files from the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — These are gallery miniatures, and after cleaning, the gallery can slow down when it opens for the first time until the miniatures are overgenerated.

If you do not want to use standard tools, you can install third-party utilities like SD Maid or Files by Google. They're more flexible, but they require permission to access files.

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After cleaning through “Security” reboot your phone – it will help MIUI correctly calculate the free space.

4.Deep Cleanup: Deletion of Hidden Files and Garbage

If the basic methods didn’t work, it’s time to dig deeper. Redmi Note 9 accumulates files that are not visible through standard Explorer. Delete them will require a file manager with root rights or access to system folders (for example, Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer). FX File Explorer).

What hidden files can be deleted:

How to access hidden folders:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Enable the display of hidden files: ☰ → Settings → Show hidden files.
3. Go to the root directory (/) and find the folders from the table above.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system/ or /vendor/ If you're not sure, don't touch those folders, and don't delete root:root files. -l Termux).

For advanced users: If you have an unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can use the command:

su


rm -rf /data/local/tmp/*




rm -rf /cache/*

This will clear the temporary files of the system, but requires caution.

5. Application Optimization: What Takes Memory and How to Cut Costs

Many of the apps on the Redmi Note 9 run in the background, consuming not only battery power but also memory. Here's how to cut their appetite:

1. Restriction of background activity

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📱 Select an app (such as Facebook or TikTok).
• 🚫 Tap on battery consumption → Limit background activity.

2. Shutdown of autostart

MIUI Allows you to prevent applications from running automatically:

1. In safety → Auto-start (or Permissions) → Auto-start).
2. Turn off autoplay for unnecessary apps (especially games and social media).

3. Use of Lightweight Versions (Lite)

Replace the “heavy” applications with their lightweight counterparts:

• 📘 Facebook Lite instead of Facebook.
• 💬 Messenger Lite instead of Messenger.
• 📷 Instagram Lite (if available in your area).

4. Application data cleanup

Some apps (like Google Chrome or YouTube) store gigabytes of data to clean them up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application Name] → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data (not cache, data!).
3. Be ready to log in again - this will reset all the settings of the application.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear data in Settings, Phone or Contacts apps – this can erase your contacts and SMS. Also, do not touch Google Play Services – after the data is cleared, Google services (including Play Market) may stop working).

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Lightweight versions of applications (Lite) are consumed in 2–3 It's less memory and less battery, but it's a bit more functional than the Redmi Note. 9 s 64/128 GB memory.

6. Transfer data to the cloud and external media

If the Redmi Note 9 is running out of space, it might be time to move some of the data to the cloud or to a memory card.

1. Cloud storage

• ☁️ Google Photos: automatically uploads all photos and videos (you can choose High quality to save space).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: built-in cloud from Xiaomi (gives 5 GB for free).
• ☁️ Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud: suitable if you often work with documents.

2. Memory Card (microSD)

Redmi Note 9 supports memory cards up to 512 GB to transfer data:

1. Insert the card into the slot (hybrid, so you have to choose the second one). SIM microSD).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → SD card.
3. Select Transfer Data (available for photos, videos, and some apps).

3. USB-OTG and external storage

If you have a flash drive with a connector USB-C adapter OTG, You can connect it to your phone and copy files manually:

1. Connect the flash drive through the adapter.
2. Open the Conductor. → USB-accumulator.
3. Move files from internal memory to the flash drive.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications can be migrated to a memory card, depending on the developer. Also note that the speed of applications with microSD will be lower than with internal memory (especially if the card is Class 10 or lower).

If you are using Google Photos to back up, turn on the Free Space function:

1. Open Google Photos → ☰ → Settings → Make room.
2. The app will remove local copies of photos and videos that have already been uploaded to the cloud.

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Before transferring data to a memory card, format it in exFAT format (not in the form of a memory card). FAT32), To avoid the 4GB file size limit.

7.Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If nothing works, and the Redmi Note 9 still runs out of space, the last option is a complete reset, which will delete all data, but return the phone to a "clean" state. Make sure to back up before resetting!

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

What will be removed:

• 📱 All installed applications and their data.
• 📸 Photos, videos and music (unless saved to a memory card or cloud).
• 📞 Contacts, SMS Call logs (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other personal data settings.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, Redmi Note 9 may require you to enter the Mi Account that was tied before the reset. If you forgot your username / password, it will be difficult to unlock the phone - you will have to contact Xiaomi. Make sure to remember your account details!

If the phone is still slowing down after reset, the problem may be the wear and tear of the internal memory (especially if the smartphone is used for more than 2-3 years), in which case only replacing the memory module in the service center will help.

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Resetting to factory settings is a last resort, and before you do that, try all other ways, including transferring data to a memory card and cleaning up hidden files.

8 How to prevent memory filling in the future

To avoid having to clean up every few months, follow these tips:

• 📲 Check your memory regularly: Open Settings once a month → Memory and see what takes up the most space.
• 🚫 Limit background activity: Turn off auto-start and background work for unnecessary apps.
• ☁️ Set up automatic backup: in Google Photos or Mi Cloud, enable autoloading photos and videos.
• 🗑️ Clear the messenger cache: Telegram and WhatsApp regularly delete unnecessary media files.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Often optimize the work with memory.

You should also give up the habit of downloading everything.

• 🎬 Do not save videos from TikTok or Instagram unless you plan to watch them.
• 📕 Don’t store files on your phone – transfer them to your PC or cloud.
• 🎮 Remove games you haven’t played in a while (especially heavy games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).

If you often install APK-files not from Google Play, clean the Download folder after installation – there are unnecessary installation files.

FAQ: Frequent Memory Cleanup Questions on Redmi Note 9