Why does Redmi 6A slow down and what does it have to do with memory?
Your Xiaomi Redmi 6A is slowing down, apps are constantly crashing out, and “Not enough memory” is flashed every time you try to take a photo? 90% of the time is due to clogged system memory. Despite a modest 16 GB of internal memory (of which only ~10 GB is available to the user), this budget smartphone can be brought back to life without buying a new device.
System memory on Android devices is divided into three types: RAM (RAM) - is responsible for multitasking, internal (ROM) - stores files and applications, cache - temporary data to speed up the operation of programs.
On the Redmi 6A with its 2GB of RAM and outdated 9/10 MIUI firmware, even 500MB of cache debris can lead to critical lags. But the good news is that most of this debris can be manually removed in 15 minutes.
In this article, we will look at the unique cleaning methods for the Redmi 6A, which will not be suitable for new models with MIUI 12+. We will analyze both standard system tools and hidden features that Xiaomi does not disclose in the official instructions.
Method 1: Clearing the application cache through settings
So, to start with, the simplest and most secure method that doesn't require third-party software installation, application cache is a temporary file that's created to speed up programs, and over time, it accumulates and takes up gigabytes of memory, and Redmi 6A is particularly cached.
- 📷 Camera – Photo and video miniatures can weigh up to 1 GB
- 🎵 Music apps (Spotify, Yandex Music) – cache tracks for offline listening
- 🌍 Maps (Google Maps, Yandex Maps) – save map sections to save traffic
- 📺 Social networks (Facebook, TikTok) – store stories, videos and thumbnails
To clear the cache:
- Open Settings → Applications
- Select the All Apps tab (not “Downloaded”!)
- Slip on the app (for example, Gallery)
- Click Warehouse → Clear the cache
- For complete cleaning, click Space Management → Clear all data (⚠️ This will remove the usernames and settings of the application!)
Clear the Gallery cache
Clear the cache of Google Play Services
Delete the cache Card (if not using offline)
Clear the cache of social networks (VK, Instagram)
Check the size of the messenger cache (WhatsApp, Telegram)
-->
Once you clear the cache, restart the phone, which is a must, because some system processes can continue to take up memory until the reboot, and if there is more space after rebooting, but the phone still slows down, the problem may be in the background consumption of RAM, which we will discuss in the next section.
⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications called com.android. or com.miui. – this can lead to malfunctions MIUI. Exceptions: com.android.vending (Google Play Store) and com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services).
Method 2: Optimization of RAM (RAM)
The Redmi 6A is equipped with only 2GB of RAM, and even after cleaning the cache, the system can brake due to a lack of RAM. MIUI has a built-in tool for controlling RAM, but it is hidden in the depths of settings. Here's how to find it:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (this will open the hidden developer settings)
- Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Find Process Limitation and select Process Maximum 2 in the background
- Activate the option Do not save actions (this will cause applications to close immediately after folding)
These settings forcefully limit the number of background processes, freeing up RAM for active tasks.
| Advantage | Shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Increases the speed of work by 30-40% | Applications will be rebooted more often when they are returned to them. |
| Reduces processor heating | The notifications may come with a delay |
| Saves battery life | Some messengers will have to be opened manually to receive messages |
To further optimize RAM, you can use the hidden MIUI function, which is automatic memory cleanup, which starts when you lock the screen and closes all unnecessary processes.
Settings → Battery and Performance → Memory Cleanup → Enable💡
If your phone still brakes after optimizing RAM, try turning off the animation interface. To do this, in the developer settings (Settings → For developers), set all three animation parameters (Size of animation, Size of transition animation, Duration of animator) to Turn off animation.
Method 3: Removing System Garbage Through Safe Mode
If standard methods didn’t help, there may be a problem with system debris — remnants of deleted applications, temporary update files, or corrupted MIUI data — that can be cleaned through Safe Mode, where only system applications work.
To download to Safe Mode:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button and hold it until the Redmi logo appears.
- As soon as the logo appears, immediately press and hold the Volume Down button until the system is fully loaded.
- In the lower left corner of the screen will appear the inscription Safe mode.
In safe mode:
- 🧹 Delete all suspicious files in the File Manager → Internal memory. → Download and MIUI
- 🗑️ Clear the folder. Android/obb — It contains heavy games (may weigh up to a maximum of two). 3-5 GB!)
- 🔍 Check the folder. DCIM/.thumbnails — Here are the thumbnails of all your photos and videos (may take up to a few minutes). 1 GB)
Once cleaned, restart your phone as normal, and if you notice in Safe Mode that your phone is faster, the problem is exactly one of the apps installed, and then you can uninstall the software one by one, and check the performance after each deletion.
⚠️ Attention: In the folder Android/data You can save games and app data. You can only delete files from here if you know you don't need them. For example, the com.tencent.ig folder is data. PUBG Mobile, and com.miHoYo.Yuanshen - Genshin Impact.
Method 4: Using Hidden MIUI Codes for Diagnostics
Xiaomi hides from users several engineering codes that allow you to get detailed information about the state of memory and even force it to clear, these codes only work on the Redmi 6A and some other models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 430.
Open the Phone app and enter the following combinations:
| Code. | Appointment | What to do after entering |
|---|---|---|
| ##4636## | Information on battery and memory usage | Go to the Usage statistics tab and see which apps take up the most RAM |
| ##225## | Storage Calendar Check (Shows Hidden Files) | Look for records marked temp – this is garbage that can be removed |
| ##7780## | Resetting settings (without deleting data) | ⚠️ Use only if other methods don't work! This will bring back the factory settings, but it won't affect the files. |
The most useful code for cleaning memory is ##36446337## (some firmware may not work) and it opens up a hardware testing menu where you can see the actual memory status, including hidden system partitions, on the Storage tab. If the System partition is more than 80% occupied, it's a sign that it's time to reset to factory settings.
What to do if the codes don't work?
Method 5: Transfer applications to SD-card (if supported)
The Redmi 6A officially supports microSD cards up to 256GB, but not everyone knows that it can port applications.This won't solve the system memory problem completely, but it will help free up 1-3GB of internal storage.
Instructions for transfer:
- Put it in. SD-map (preferably class) UHS-I or Class 10 for speed)
- Go to Settings → Applications
- Select the app you want to migrate (such as Facebook)
- Press Warehouse. → Change. → SD-map
- Confirm the transfer and wait until it is completed (may take 5-10 minutes)
Important nuances:
- 🚫 Not all apps support portability (especially system and anti-cheat games)
- 🔄 After the transfer, the application may work slower (SD-cards slower than internal memory)
- 🔌 Do not remove the memory card without first Secure Retrieval in the settings
- 📱 Ported applications widgets may stop working
If the port option is inactive, try formatting. SD-map as an internal memory:
- Go to Settings → Storage
- Tap it on. SD-map → Three dots in the upper right corner → Storage settings
- Choose formatting as internal (⚠️ All data on the map will be deleted!)
⚠️ Attention: Formatting SD-The card as internal memory will make it tied to this phone, and once removed, the card will not be read on another device without full formatting, and it can also shorten the life of the card due to the increased load.
Method 6: Reset to factory settings (last chance)
If all previous methods have failed and your Redmi 6A is still slowing down, it’s time for a hard reset that will remove all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, so back up first:
- 📱 Save your contacts in Google Account (Contacts) → Settings → Imports/Exports)
- 📷 Move photos and videos to your computer or the cloud (Google Photos gives you 15GB free)
- 🔐 Write down logins and passwords from important apps (use Google Password Manager)
- 🎮 Save progress in games through your Google Play Games account or social media
When the backup is ready, reset:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset
- Select Settings Reset.
- Check the tick to clear internal memory (this will delete all files)
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes)
After discharge:
- 🛠️ Don’t restore all apps at once – install them one at a time and keep an eye on free memory.
- 🚫 Don’t install memory optimizers and antiviruses – they only boot the system.
- 🔄 Clean the cache regularly (once in a week) 1-2 weekdays)
- 📴 Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play Store
💡
Factory reset is the only way to get the Redmi 6A back to factory speed.After reset, the phone will run as fast as it did on the day of purchase, but only if you don't download it with unnecessary apps again.
Method 7: Alternative firmware (for advanced users)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, you might want to consider installing custom firmware. Redmi 6A works well.
- 🐉 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services MIUI
- 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel
- ⚡ Havoc-OS – Optimized for weak devices
Advantages of custom firmware:
- 🚀 Increased productivity by 40-50% by removing unnecessary services MIUI
- 🆕 Security Updates to 2026 (Official Redmi Support) 6A finished in 2020)
- 🔧 More opportunities for fine-tuning the system
But there are also serious risks:
- 💥 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid)
- 🔌 Possible brick (turning the phone into a “brick”) when a firmware error
- 📵 Problems with camera, sensors or mobile network
If you decide to take this step, follow the instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account and wait 7 days)
- Install TWRP Recovery (special menu for firmware)
- Download the firmware from the official website (for example, LineageOS)
- Sweat through TWRP by following the instructions for your model (Redmi 6A = cactus)
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 6A With a Snapdragon 430 processor, some custom firmware may not support hardware video acceleration. 4PDA or XDA Developers.