How to increase RAM on Xiaomi smartphone: all ways from simple to radical

RAM is a key component that determines Xiaomi’s speed on MIUI or HyperOS. The lack of RAM is manifested in hangings, spontaneous reboots of applications and “lags” when multitasking. If your smartphone slows down, don’t rush to buy a new one: there are several ways to increase the amount of RAM, from software tricks to hardware improvements.

In this article, we will look at all the current RAM extension methods on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from official features like virtual memory to non-obvious developer settings and even physical upgrades. Importantly, not all methods are safe, and some can be unwarranted. We will honestly talk about the risks and give recommendations on which methods to try first.

1. Virtual RAM: How to enable and how effective it is

The easiest and most official way to “boost” RAM is to activate virtual memory (RAM Expansion), a feature that uses part of the built-in drive as an additional RAM, which is available on most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12.5+ or HyperOS.

How does it work? It reserves 1 to 3 GB of internal memory (depending on the model) and emulates RAM. It's not actually RAM, it's actually a cache swap, but in some scenarios (e.g., when working with background applications) it gives you a smoother edge.

• 📱 Supported models: Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mix 4/5 newer.
• ⚡ Performance gains: up to 15-20% in multitasking, but no impact on multitasking FPS play.
• ⚠️ Cons: reduces free space on the disk and increases the wear of flash memory.

To enable virtual RAM:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Tap 5-7 times on RAM until the RAM Extension menu appears.
3. Select volume (recommended 2-3 GB) and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) virtual RAM This can cause accelerated wear and tear due to frequent recording operations. If your smartphone is older than 2020, it is best to use this method temporarily.

System Optimization: How to Free RAM Without Root

Before resorting to radical measures, try to free up RAM with standard means. MIUI and HyperOS have built-in tools for cleaning the background and controlling processes.

First, check which apps consume the most RAM:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Memory Use.
3. Sort the list by waning and remove or limit background activity of “gluttonous” programs.

Second, use the performance mode:

• 🔧 B Settings → Battery and productivity → Select High Performance Mode (increases CPU clock speed but reduces autonomy time).
• 🧹 Enable Auto Cleanup in Settings → Memory. → Cleaning (remove cache and unnecessary processes).
• 🚫 Turn off animation: activate Developer Mode (shap 7 times on the Version) MIUI in About Phone), then in Developer Settings set Windows Animation Scale and Off animation scale..

If you don't have enough free RAM after this manipulation, try resetting to factory settings (but back up first!) A cluttered system with hundreds of installed and remote applications can eat up to 1-1.5 GB of RAM.

3. Using microSD as RAM: myth or reality?

There are often instructions on the Internet to turn a memory card into an RAM card using applications like ROEHSOFT RAM-EXPANDER or Swapfile, which doesn’t work on modern Xiaomi smartphones for two reasons:

1. Architectural limitations: Android does not support swap on external drives without root-rights, and even with them, the speed of microSD (even UHS-I) is 10-20 times lower than that of internal memory.
2. Security: MIUI blocks low-level memory access, so RAM extension applications simply create a paging file that the system ignores.

The only option that theoretically works is to use OTG-High-speed storage (e.g. Samsung) T7 Shield) and manually create a swap partition through ADB. But even then, productivity gains will be minimal and the risk of data damage high.

⚠️ Note: Appendices promising to “increase” RAM assisted SD-Maps" often contain malicious code or show false results in benchmark tests. Do not install them without checking on VirusTotal.

4. Root access and core: radical ways for advanced

If you're willing to sacrifice the warranty, unlocking the bootloader and getting root permissions will give you access to deep RAM settings, and one of the most effective methods is to change the kernel settings through Magisk and modules like Kernel Adiutor or EX Kernel Manager.

What can be done with root:

• 🔄 Set up swappiness, which is a parameter that determines how actively the system uses the paging file. Optimal value for smartphones: 60-80 (usually 100 by default).
• 🗑️ Clear zRAM – a compressed cache in RAM, which is sometimes “clogged” with unnecessary data.
• ⚡ Change the task scheduler to cfq or bfq for better process management.
• 🛠️ Disable unnecessary system services (e.g. miui.analytics) that consume RAM background.

Instructions for setting up (unlocked bootloader and Magisk required):

1. Install Kernel Adiutor module via Magisk.


2. Go to Memory → Swappiness and set the value 70.




3. In the CPU section, select the governor (planner) - ondemand will suit for balance of performance and battery.




4. Save the settings and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect kernel settings can cause the processor to overheat or bootloop (cyclic reboot). TWRP.

5. Hardware Upgrade: Can You Physically Increase RAM on Xiaomi?

On most Xiaomi smartphones, RAM is soldered on the motherboard and cannot be replaced.

• 🔧 Modular devices: Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S (In some versions) and Black Shark (gaming smartphones) have removable memory cards, but it is extremely difficult to find compatible chips.
• 🔄 Service centers: In China and some Asian countries, there are workshops that solder chips RAM The cost of such an upgrade often exceeds the price of the smartphone itself.
• 📱 Alternative: If you critically lack RAM, cheaper and more reliable to buy a used flagship (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro with 12 GB) RAM) squat.

The RAM soldering process includes:

1. Complete disassembly of the smartphone and screen removal.
2. Heating the board to 200-250°C to remove the old chip.
3. Installation of a new chip with the help of BGA-station (the cost of equipment - from the $1000).
4. Firmware of a modified bootloader to recognize a new amount of memory.

Risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (even if upgrade is successful).
• ❌ Damage to the board during overheating (risk of detachment of contacts).
• ❌ Incompatibility of the new chip with the processor (may lead to errors in the work).

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A physical upgrade to Xiaomi’s RAM is technically possible, but economically impractical. 99% of the time it’s cheaper to buy a new smartphone.

6.Alternative solutions: when increasing RAM is not necessary

Sometimes the problem isn't with a lack of RAM, but with suboptimal settings or software bugs. Before you try to expand RAM, check:

• 🐞 Updates: In some versions MIUI (For example, 12.0.3-12.0.8) was a memory leakage bug.
• 🔄 Background Processes: Apps like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok can consume up to 500MB RAM Use Greenify for forced hibernation.
• 🎮 Game mode: In Settings → Special facilities → Game turbo mode enable the option of Memory Cleanup when exiting.
• 📱 Light firmware: Problems with RAM Often decides to switch to custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS (requires an unlocked bootloader).

If your smartphone is older than 2019 (Redmi Note 7, Mi 9), consider buying a new device. Current applications (especially games on Unreal Engine 5) require a minimum of 6-8 GB of RAM for comfortable operation.

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Before buying a new smartphone, check the actual RAM consumption in your scenarios. For example, for social networks and instant messengers, 4-6 GB is enough, and for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile you need 8+ GB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing RAM on Xiaomi