How to Clean Up Internal Memory on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: From Cache to System Garbage

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is still a popular budget smartphone, but its main problem is a small amount of internal memory (16 or 32 GB). Even after resetting to factory settings, the MIUI system takes up to 8-12 GB, and user data quickly fills the remaining space. In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods of cleaning, including hidden MIUI functions, manual cleaning of system folders and safe removal of unnecessary files without risking damage to the firmware.

The Redmi 4X feature is the lack of a microSD slot in some versions (e.g. Redmi 4X 3/32GB). This means that users have to fight for every megabyte. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese builds) and selected those that give maximum effect with minimal risks.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly eats memory?

Before you clean it, you need to figure out which files take up the most space. MIUI has an inbuilt analyzer, but it hides some of the system data. Here's how to get the whole picture:

1. Built-in MIUI: Go to Settings → Memory → Memory Analysis. This shows file categories (applications, images, videos, etc.) but doesn’t show system caches or updates.
2. Third-party apps: install Files by Google or SD Maid (the latter requires root for deep scanning) and they detect duplicates, residual files after deleting apps, and the cache of Google Play Services.

Typical memory allocation on the Redmi 4X 16GB after a year of use:

⚠️ Note: If the Other section displays more than 2 GB, it is a sign of fragmented files or residues after updates. ADB root.

2.Cache cleaning: why does the standard method not work?

Most users limit themselves to clicking Clear cache in the app settings, but this only removes surface temporary files.The real trash hides deeper:

• 📱 Cash. MIUI: It backs up the settings, the error logs, and the data to speed up the interface. /data/log.
• 🤖 Google Play Services cache: can take up to 1GB. Cleared only through Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Residual files: after deleting applications, folders remain in /data/data and /sdcard/Android/obb.

How to clean it all up:

1. Open Settings → Memory → Cleaning.
2. Click Deep Clean (in some versions of MIUI, this option is called Guidelines).
3. Select all categories and confirm removal.
4. To clear Google’s cache, go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Filter (three dots) → Show system → Google Play Services → Memory → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Attention: If the application has started to work more slowly after cleaning the cache, this is normal. The system will restore the necessary data in 1-2 days!

3. Remove unnecessary system applications (without root)

MIUI is known for a large number of pre-installed applications, many of which cannot be removed by standard methods, but there are legal methods to disable or uninstall them:

• 🚫 Disconnecting through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an unnecessary application (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music). Click Disable (this will remove updates and freeze work).

Removal via ADB

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.videoplayer

Replace com.xiaomi.videoplayer with the package of the desired application (a list of packages can be found online).

List of safe to remove system applications on Redmi 4X:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete applications with com.miui. or com.android packages. - this can lead to system failure. ADB Make a backup copy in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

4. Media File Optimization: How to Save Gigabytes?

Photos and video are the main memory eaters. On the Redmi 4X, the camera defaults to saving 13MP images, and the video to Full HD, which fills the drive quickly. Here's how to reduce their weight:

• 📸 Reduce camera resolution: Open the Camera app. Tap the icon. ⚙️ (Select Photo Resolution and set 8 MP instead of 13. HD (720p) Full instead HD.

Automatic upload to the cloud

• 📲 Install Google Photos and enable Backup and Sync.
• 🔄 Select Quality High (Free) – this will compress files without losing any visible quality.
• 🗑️ After downloading, delete local copies via Free up space in Google Photos settings.

Compression of existing files

• Use Photo & Picture Resizer (Play Market) to reduce the resolution.
• Video Compress is suitable for video – compresses up to 50% without noticeable loss of quality.

💡 Useful advice:

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If you often take screenshots, turn them off to the gallery. To do this, go to MIUI Settings → Additional → Screenshots and select Do Not Save. Screenshots will only be available in the notification bar before rebooting.

⚠️ Note: When compressing video through third-party applications, check the bitrate (optimally - no less than 5 Mbps for the video). 720p). Too much compression will make the video soapy".

5. Clean Updates and Temporary MIUI Files

Xiaomi releases updates regularly, but old packs remain in memory and can take up to 1.5 GB.

1. Remove downloaded service packs: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system. Press three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner. Select Remove the downloaded package.
2. Clean /cache folder: Install any file manager with access to root folders (like Solid Explorer). Go to /cache and delete all files inside. Reboot your phone.
3. Delete log files: adb shell rm -rf /data/log/* This command requires ADB and deletes all system logs (safe).

📊 Effectiveness of methods:

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning /cache It's slowed down, which is normal, because the system will restore the files it needs the next time it starts. /data/dalvik-cache Without root, it will lead to the collapse of applications!

6. Transfer of applications to SD-card (if there is a slot)

Not all Redmi 4X versions support microSD, but if your model is equipped with a slot, it is a chance to free up to 5-10 GB. However, MIUI limits the portability of applications.

• 📱 Standard Transfer: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Select the application and click Transfer to SD-Card (option not active for all applications).
• 🛠️ Forced transfer through ADB: adb shell pm set-install-location 2 This command forces the system to install applications SD-To return back, use: adb shell pm set-install-location 0
• 🔄 Use of the SD-Cards as internal memory (requires formatting): Insert SD-Map and wait for notifications. Click Set up → Internal memory. Follow the instructions (the card will be formatted!).

⚠️ After that, the card will not be used in other devices without formatting.

📌 Key conclusion:

💡

Transfer of applications to SD-The card does not work with all programs: system applications, widgets and games with protection (for example, PUBG) cannot be moved.

7. Factory reset: when is it really needed?

If all the previous methods didn't work, it's a hard reset, and on the Redmi 4X, it brings the phone back to the box, but there's a nuance:

• 🔄 What will be deleted: All user data (photos, videos, contacts), installed apps and their settings, Google and Mi accounts (but not the accounts themselves). 📱 How to Reset Right: Create a Backup Through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Reset. Choose to erase everything and confirm. ⚙️ Reset via Recovery (if the phone doesn't turn on): Turn off the phone. Close Volume+ Power before the Mi logo appears. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Manage volume buttons). ⚠️ Warning: After resetting the first 1-2 days, the phone will run slower, which is normal, as the system recovers cache and optimizes applications. Don't install everything at once: add 2-3 apps per day to avoid overloading. What to do if, after a reset, the phone asks for an old Mi Account?This is a Mi Account Lock feature. If you don't remember the account details, you'll have to contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase. In some cases, Fastboot helps, but it's risky. FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Redmi memory 4X Can I increase my internal memory at Redmi? 4X? No, you can't physically increase your memory. SD-Transfer some files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) Delete unnecessary system applications (see Section 3). ⚠️ Don't believe the suggestions to "expand memory through firmware" is a scam. Why does the memory fill up quickly after cleaning up? Reasons: 📱 App cache (especially Facebook, Instagram, Telegram) recovers in 1-2 days. 🤖 Auto-update apps in the Play Market (turn off in store settings). 📸 Background Media Synchronization (check Google Photos and Gallery settings). 🗑️ Hidden update files (see Section 5).Solution: Install SD Maid and set up weekly automatic cleaning. How to clear the memory if the phone doesn't turn on? Options: Recovery Mode: Click Volume+ + Power. Choose Wipe & Reset. → Wipe All Data. PC Connection: If your phone is defined as a drive, use DiskGenius to delete files. ADB fastboot.