How to expand RAM on Xiaomi: from virtual RAM to hardware upgrade

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their price-quality ratio, but even flagship models after 2-3 years of operation begin to “slow down” due to a lack of RAM. If your Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 began to slow down to open applications, and games constantly fly out with an error “Insufficient memory” – the problem is not always in the processor. Often it is the limited amount of RAM that the manufacturer laid down during the build stage.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi can increase RAM on its devices, from software tricks with virtual RAM to radical methods like soldering new chips (yes, it’s real!). It’s important to understand that not every method will work for your model, and some manipulations can disqualify warranties or turn your phone into a “brick.” So read the warnings carefully and check compatibility before you act.

1. Virtual RAM: How to get Xiaomi to use internal memory as RAM

The easiest and safest way is to activate RAM Expansion (or “Additional Memory” in Russian firmware), which allows a smartphone to use part of the internal drive as RAM, for example, on Xiaomi 12T you can add up to 3 GB of virtual RAM, and on POCO F5 - up to 5 GB.

How does it work? The system creates a swap file on a fast one. UFS-It's not a substitute for physical RAM, but it's a way to avoid sudden application closures).

• 📱 Supported models: All smartphones on MIUI 12.5+ (Other than the most expensive lineups like Redmi A1).
• ⚡ Requirements: Minimum 3-5 GB of free space on the internal storage.
• ⚠️ Restriction: Virtual RAM It only works with the original firmware. ROM LineageOS may not support the function.

To enable virtual memory:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Tap 5-7 times on the RAM item until the RAM Expansion menu appears.
3. Select the amount of virtual memory (we recommend starting with 1-2 GB).
4. Reset the device.

Close all background applications|Check the vacant space (minimum 5GB)|Connect the charger.|Make a backup copy of the data-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) after activation of the virtual RAM You may be able to record video in 4K. This is because of the memory bus's lack of bandwidth, and if you make videos often, you can go back to the standard settings.

2. Optimization of current RAM: how to free memory without root rights

Before you think about upgrading, try to make the most of your existing RAM. Many users are unaware that their Xiaomi is spending up to 40% of RAM on MIUI background processes and preloaded applications.

• 🧹 Turn off autoboot: Go to Settings → Annexes → Auto-run management and ban background work of unnecessary programs (especially messengers and social networks).
• 🔄 Limit background activity: In the same app menu, select “Restricting background activity” and set a limit for energy-intensive services.
• 🚫 Remove Bloatware: Apps like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps can be disabled via Settings → Annexes → Show all applications (button "Disable»).
• 🔧 Activate Developer Mode: Enable the option Do Not Save Actions in Developer Settings to limit the number of background processes.

Another effective trick is to force system services to stop eating RAM, such as com.miui.analytics, which can take up to 300MB of memory to turn it off:

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

This will require an ADB connection (instruction in FAQ).

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If the smartphone still brakes after optimization, check the temperature of the processor using the CPU Monitor app. Overheating can artificially limit performance, creating the illusion of a lack of RAM.

3. Root-methods: increasing RAM through the kernel and firmware

For advanced users, there are ways to physically increase the available RAM by modifying the kernel or firmware, which require an unlocked bootloader and root rights, so not everyone is suitable, but the result can be impressive: the POCO X3 Pro managed to “overclock” RAM from 6 to 8 GB due to the hidden reserves of the Snapdragon 860 chipset.

The most popular methods are:

• 🔧 Editing build.prop: Changing the dalvik.vm.heapsize setting allows you to increase the memory limit for individual applications.=512m Increase the available memory for games.
• 🖥️ Modified cores: Custom core firmware (like FrancoKernel or Perseus) can unlock hidden RAM reserves. 11 gives +1-2 GB by optimizing memory management.
• 📦 Patches for MIUI: Some Magisk modules (e.g, RAM Expander allows dynamically reallocating memory between system and user processes.

⚠️ Note: On Mediatek chipsets (e.g. Helio) G96 Redmi Note 11) Modification of build.prop can lead to loss of network (bug with the Internet) IMS-Before changing, back up the section /system.

Example of build.prop editing to increase heap memory:

Open the file in the root-rights editor (for example, in MiXplorer)


ro.config.dha_cached_max=10




dalvik.vm.heapsize=768m




dalvik.vm.heapstargetutilization=0.5




dalvik.vm.heapminfree=8m

4. Hardware expansion of RAM: soldering of new chips

The most radical way is to physically increase RAM by replacing or adding chips, which is possible on most Xiaomi smartphones, since their motherboards have backup falls for additional RAM chips. For example, the Redmi K40 in the basic version has 6 GB of RAM, but the board is designed for 8 or even 12 GB.

The process requires:

• 🔬 Soldering station with thermal air soldering (for example, Quicko) T12).
• 🧩 BGA-Compatible type of RAM chips (e.g. Samsung) K3QF7F70BM For Snapdragon 870).
• 📏 Exact payment scheme (can be found on forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
• 🛠️ Experience with working with SMD-Components (one error and the fee is sent to the scrap).

Upgrade cost:

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with Dimensity chipsets (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) RAM upgrade may require flashing the memory module through SP Flash Tool. Without it, the system won't see new chips!

Yeah, I have experience.|No, it's too hard.|I'd give it to the service center.|I'll buy a new phone.-->

5. Alternative solutions: when to increase RAM is impossible

If none of the above methods work (e.g. you have a Redmi 9A with 2GB of RAM and eMMC), consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Cloud RAM: Services like Shadow PC GeForce NOW They allow you to play games on a remote PC without loading your smartphone. POCO M3 and other weak models.
• 📱 Light mode: B MIUI 14 appeared mode Ultra Battery Saver, which limits the use of RAM to 1 GB, but allows you to keep instant messengers and calls active.
• 🔧 Replacement with a model with more RAM: In the secondary market you can find Xiaomi with a 8-12 GB of RAM at the price of a new budgetary, POCO F4 GT s 12 GB is often sold cheaper than Redmi Note 12 Pro 8 GB.

If you are selling your old smartphone, first:

1. Reset settings through Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.
2. Delete your Mi Account in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
3. Check the battery status in ##4636## (Battery Information menu).

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Virtual RAM and software optimization can boost performance by up to 30%, but won’t replace physical RAM. Hardware upgrades are the only way to really increase RAM.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to expand RAM, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔴 «Insufficient memory after activation of virtual RAM: Delete the file. /data/ram_expand/swap and restart the device. Then turn the function on again, selecting a smaller volume (e.g, 1 GB instead 3 GB).
• 🔴 Smartphone overheats after modifications: Turn off virtual RAM And check the heatpaste on the processor. 7xxseries It often helps to replace pasta with Arctic. MX-6.
• 🔴 Apps fly out with an error OUT_OF_MEMORY: In build.prop, reduce the value of dalvik.vm.heapsize to 20-30%. For example, with 512m before 384m.
• 🔴 After soldering the new RAM chips, the phone won't turn on: Check the power chain with a multimeter. A common mistake is not selling contacts. VCC_IO or VCC_CORE.

If after all the manipulations the smartphone began to work worse, go back to the factory settings:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

FAQ: Answers to popular questions