How to Clean Xiaomi Redmi 4X: From Cache to Deep Optimization

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget device, but over time even it begins to slow down. The reasons usually lie in clogged memory, fragmented files and overloaded cache. Unlike the new models, the Redmi 4X has only 2/3 GB of RAM and 16/32 GB of internal memory – resources that require a special approach to cleaning.

This article is not about the standard “remove unnecessary files”, but about comprehensive optimization: from safe cache cleaning to hidden MIUI functions that Xiaomi does not advertise. We will discuss how to free up to 40% of memory without removing applications, why Dalvik-cache eats gigabytes and how to return smooth interface even on the firmware of MIUI 12. All methods are tested on current versions of the software (2026) and do not require root rights.

1.Diagnosis: What exactly is stopping your Redmi 4X?

Before cleaning, you need to understand the source of the problem. On the Redmi 4X, the typical bottlenecks are:

• 📱 Lack of RAM – the system kills background processes, which is why applications are constantly rebooted.
• 🗑️ Dalvik cache – after updates takes up to 1–1.5 GB (check in the /data/dalvik-cache).
• 📁 Fragmented memory is especially important for models with 16 GB, where less than 10 GB is free%.
• 🔄 Background processes MIUI — Mi Cloud, Security and Analytics services load the processor even in a simple way.

To pinpoint the problem precisely:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the Core to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and turn on Process Statistics (will show which apps are eating RAM).
3. Install Simple App Launcher – it will show real memory usage without distortion from MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: If in Settings → The memory you see is that system files take up more than 8GB on a 16GB model, which is a sign of a bloated update cache that cannot be deleted by standard means (needs to be removed). ADB, see section 5).

2.Cache cleaning: what can be removed without risk

Redmi 4X Cash is divided into three types:

Important: Do not confuse Clear cache and Clear data! The second will delete all application settings (for example, logins in messengers).

Remove the cache manually for each application (do not use the “Clear All” in MIUI – it often resets settings)

Check the size of /data/dalvik-cache folder via Root Explorer (if there is root)

Clean Thumbnails only if you don't use MIUI Gallery (it will recreate the sketches)

Reboot phone after cleaning Dalvik-cache-->

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning the cache, applications have started to update more often (for example, Google Play Services) – this is normal. MIUI Automatically restores part of the system cache within 24 hours.

3.Memory optimization: how to free up space without deleting files

On the Redmi 4X with 16 GB of memory, only ~12 GB is actually available (the rest is taken up by the system).

Method 1. Transfer of applications to SD-map

• 📲 Not all apps are supported (for example, WhatsApp cannot be moved).
• 🔧 Required. SD-Class 10 card (cheap cards slow down the system).
• ⚙️ B Settings → Apps tap on app → Warehouse → Change. → SD-map.

Method 2: Photo compression

The DCIM/Camera folder can weigh 5+GB. Use Google Files (formerly Files Go):

1. Open the application → Cleaning → Free up the place.
2. Select Photos and Videos → Compress (quality is almost not lost).
3. Remove the originals after checking the compressed copies.

Method 3: Removal of duplicates

Install Remo Duplicate Remover, which finds repetitive photos, music and documents. On the 16GB Redmi 4X, this frees up an average of 1.5-2GB.

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If the memory is still running out quickly after cleaning, check the /Android/obb folder - there may be heavy game caches (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty take 1-2 GB), which can be deleted without consequences, but the games will have to be downloaded again.

4. Disabling unnecessary MIUI services

Xiaomi is known for loading the system with background processes, even if you don't use them. On the Redmi 4X, you can safely disable:

List of safe to disable services:

• 🌐 Mi Cloud – if you don’t use Xiaomi backup.
• 📊 Analytics (statistics collection) - Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Send usage data.
• 🔍 Security (antivirus) – if you have an alternative (e.g. Malwarebytes).
• 📢 MSA (Advertising services – Disconnected through ADB (lower).

To turn off MSA (reduces background activity by 15-20%):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable com.android.phone or com.miui.home, this will lead to system failure.

5.Deep Cleanup: ADB and Hidden Commands

If standard methods don’t work, it’s time to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), Google’s official tool for managing system files without root.

What can be done through ADB:

• 🧹 Clean Dalvik-cache (releases up to 1 GB).
• 🗑️ Remove the update cache MIUI (folder /cache).
• ⚙️ Disable system applications (see Section 4).

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into the C:\adb folder.
2. On the phone, turn on USB debugging (Settings → For developers).
3. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (should appear santoni device).
4. To clean Dalvik-cache: adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*" Warning: After this command, the phone will automatically reboot (this is normal).

The result: once the system is restarted, it will reassemble the cache, and you will get +800-1,200 MB of free space, which even works on MIUI 14 (if it ever comes out for the Redmi 4X).

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Cleaning Dalvik-cache through ADB is the only way to free up gigabytes of memory on Redmi 4X without root.This cache is not visible in the standard file manager and is not deleted through Memory Cleanup in MIUI.

6. Alternative firmware: is it worth switching to caste

If the Redmi 4X is slowing down even after all the cleanups, it's worth considering alternative firmware.

• ⚡ More free memory (like LineageOS) ~1.5 GB vs. 4-5 GB y MIUI).
• 🔄 Up-to-date security updates (MIUI Santoni has not been supported for a long time).
• 🚀 No background processes Xiaomi (no Mi Cloud, Analytics, etc.).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 📱 Some functions may not work, for example, IR-blaster).
• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader and installing through TWRP.

Recommended firmware for Redmi 4X:

If you decide to cast, follow the instructions on XDA. For the Redmi 4X, unlocking the bootloader takes 72 hours of waiting (the Xiaomi rule).

7 Hardware cleaning: what to do if the phone overheats

If the Redmi 4X is not only braking but overheating, the problem may be connector contamination or thermal paste, which is true for devices older than 3-4 years.

Signs of hardware problems:

• 🔥 The phone is heated even in a simple (more than 45).°C according to data AIDA64).
• 🔋 The battery goes down quickly (less than 3-4 hours of screen time).
• 📵 Poor network or Wi-Fi reception (may be due to oxidation of antenna contacts).

What you can do on your own:

1. Cleaning the charging connector: 🪛 Use a wooden toothpick (not metal!) and alcohol. ⚠️ Don’t blow into the connector – it drives the dust deeper.
2. Replace thermopaste (only if you have experience): 🛠️ You will need to take your phone apart (youtube has guides for Redmi). 4X). 🧴 Use the Arctic Thermopaste MX-4 (low-cost silicone!).

Battery check

• 🔋 Install AccuBattery – If the battery is under 70% healthy, it’s time to change it.
• 🔌 Do not use fast charging on a worn-out battery – this accelerates degradation.

⚠️ Warning: If after cleaning the connector, the phone stopped charging, check if the contacts bent. 4X This is a common problem with careless cleaning, and in this case, only replacing the connector will help. ~500-800 rubles).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Redmi 4X