Why Redmi 5 is slowing down and how to fix it
Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphone with 2/3 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB of internal storage gradually starts to work slower, the main reason is clogged applications, accumulation of temporary files and residual data of remote programs. Even after uninstallation, many applications leave behind dozens of megabytes of “junk” in the /data and /cache folders.
The second problem is MIUI system applications that can't be removed by standard methods, but that are very resource-consuming, like Mi Video, Mi Music or Cleaner, which can take up to 500 MB of space and hang in the background all the time, and there's a solution: they can be disabled or cleaned without root rights.
In this article, we will explore the unique cleaning methods for Redmi 5, taking into account the features of MIUI 9/10, which do not require root access, how to remove the cache of system and user applications, which files can be safely erased manually, and why Xiaomi’s standard Cleaner often works inefficiently.
Method 1: Clearing the cache through MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for deleting temporary files (cache) without losing personal data (photos, messages, accounts), and Importantly, this method does not delete the applications themselves, but only their temporary data.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
- Select an app (like Facebook or YouTube) and click Clear Cache.
- For complete cleaning, click Clear Data (⚠️ This will delete all settings and files of the application, including logins!).
For mass cleaning:
- 🔹 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning up memory.
- 🔹 Click Deep Clean and select unnecessary files (cache, residual data, APK).
- 🔹 Confirm the action – the system will show how much space is freed up.
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of MiuiHome, SecurityCenter or TeleService system applications – this may cause interface or mobile network failures.
Method 2: Remove unnecessary applications (including system applications)
Redmi 5 has a lot of Xiaomi and Google apps that can’t be removed in the standard way, but can be disabled or removed via ADB (no root licenses), which will free up to 1-1.5 GB of storage.
List of safe to disable system applications:
| Annex | Package | What happens after the shutdown |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | The standard video player will disappear (you can use VLC) |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | The music player will be removed (alternative: Poweramp) |
| Cleaner | com.miui.cleanmaster | The built-in cleaner will disappear (replaced with SD Maid) |
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | Removes the standard browser (remains Chrome) |
| com.android.email | The email client will disappear (you can use Gmail) |
How to disable system applications:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app (such as Mi Video).
- Click Disable (the button will appear if the application is system).
- Confirm the action – the application will disappear from the menu and stop updating.
How to Uninstall System Applications via ADB (For Advanced)
Method 3: Manually clean folders through file manager
Many temporary files and residual application data are stored in hidden folders that are not cleaned by standard methods. On Redmi 5, you can manually delete:
- 📁 folder /sdcard/Android/obb/ — Here are stored game caches (may weigh several gigabytes!).
- 📁 folder /sdcard/Android/data/ — residual data of remote applications.
- 📁 folder /sdcard/MIUI/ — temporary system files (e.g., screenshots for cropping).
- 📁 folder /sdcard/Download/ — Downloaded files that are often forgotten to be deleted.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with access to root folders (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
- Go to /sdcard/Android/obb/ and delete folders with games you haven’t played in a while (e.g. com.supercell.clashofclans).
- In /sdcard/Android/data/, delete the folders of applications that have already been deleted (their names match the packages, for example com.facebook.katana).
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete folders of existing applications - this will lead to crashes. /sdcard/MIUI/backup/, If you are using backup MIUI.
☑️ Checklist before manual cleaning
Method 4: Reset the partition cache (Wipe Cache Partition)
If the phone is slowing down a lot, but you don't want to reset to factory settings, try resetting the partition cache.This deletes temporary system files that can cause lags.The method doesn't affect personal data, but requires a reboot in Recovery Mode.
Instructions:
- Turn off Redmi 5.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language and tap Wipe & Reset.
- Select Wipe Cache (not Wipe All Data!)
- Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-2 minutes).
- Reboot your phone with Reboot → Reboot to System.
This method helps if:
- 📱 The phone hangs on the logo. MI switch-on.
- 📱 Apps suddenly close with an error.
- 📱 The system says "lack of memory" even though there's a place.
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If the phone still brakes after resetting the cache, check the free space in the /data partition through the DiskUsage app. If it is less than 1 GB, you will have to delete some of the applications or make a full reset.
Method 5: Using third-party cleaners (which works on MIUI)
Xiaomi’s standard Cleaner often skips unnecessary files.Alternative apps can find more “junk,” but it’s important to choose those that don’t conflict with MIUI.
Top.-3 purifier 5:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SD Maid | Deep cleaning of residual files, works without root | Paid version for full functionality |
| Files by Google | Remove duplicates and large unnecessary files | Does not clear the cache of system applications |
| CCleaner | Convenient interface, cache cleanup and history | Can delete files (cautious with settings!) |
How to use SD Maid:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Start the storage analysis (it will take 2-5 minutes).
- Go to the CorpseFinder tab, where you can see the residual files of remote applications.
- Select unnecessary files and click Delete.
⚠️ Note: Do not use the Optimization features in cleaners – on Redmi 5 with 2GB of RAM, they often lead to background processes closing and new lagams.
What to do if nothing helps
If Redmi 5 continues to slow down after all the manipulations, the reasons may be deeper:
- 🔋 Battery worn out: with capacity below 70%, the phone begins to artificially limit performance. Check the battery status via ##4636## (menu Battery Information).
- 🛠️ Damaged firmware: if system files are damaged, only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.
- 📉 Memory shortage: if less than 1GB is free - even after cleaning the lag is inevitable.Solution: move applications to the next one SD-card (if supported) or make a factory reset.
Extreme measures:
- Reset to factory settings: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings. ⚠️ Delete all data, including photos and contacts!
- Fastboot firmware: If the system is damaged, download the official firmware for Redmi 5 (codename rosy) from MIUI Download and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
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If your phone is slowing down after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version via Recovery Mode. Download the desired firmware and select Install update.zip from the recovery menu.