How to expand memory on a Xiaomi TV: the complete guide

Owners of modern Smart TVs from Xiaomi often face a situation where built-in storage is no longer enough to install new applications or games. Android TV or PatchWall operating system itself takes up a significant part of the disk space, leaving the user with a limited resource. When the free space runs out, the interface begins to work slower, and new programs simply stop installing.

There are several proven methods to address this, from simple cleaning of junk files to more complex manipulation of system partitions. You don't need to be an engineer to free up a few gigabytes of usable volume. We'll look at all the available ways to optimize your device without losing warranty or critical data.

Before we get to the radical steps, we need to understand the architecture of storage in Xiaomi TVs. Unlike smartphones, you can't just replace the memory chip with a more capacious one. All methods are aimed at managing the existing resource correctly or connecting external drives, which the system will perceive as part of a single storage.

Analysis of occupied space and search for memory eaters

The first step is always to diagnose, to understand exactly what is taking up precious megabytes, and it often turns out that half the space is occupied by cached streaming data or long-deleted, but not cleaned files.

For detailed analysis, go to Settings → Device → Memory. This shows general statistics, but for deep verification, you should use specialized utilities. Install the TV App Repo or Sending TV app using the remote to access advanced information about the file system.

Note the Apps section. Some programs, like YouTube or Netflix, can accumulate gigabytes of temporary files. Cache is temporary data that speeds up work, but excess slows down the system. Cache removal is safe and does not require re-authorization in services.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove system applications with names that contain "System", "Framework" or "Google" unless you are sure of their purpose.

Use the built-in storage analyzer to find the heaviest files. Often users forget about downloaded movies or APK installation files left over from installing programs, and deleting them will instantly free up space.

Use of external USB-flash drives as internal memory

The most effective way to expand memory on a Xiaomi TV is to use an external one. USB-The storage device. TV Box and TVs allow you to format a flash drive or external hard drive so that the system begins to consider them part of internal storage.

You'll need a speed drive to do this. It's recommended that you use USB 3.0 flash drives with a capacity of 16 GB or higher. Slow drives can cause delays when you start the applications that are installed on them.

The activation process is as follows:

• 🔌 Put it in. USB-drive to the TV port (preferably to the port with markings) USB 3.0, usually blue).
• 📺 Go to Settings. → The device → Memory and select your storage device.
• 🛠 Click on “Format as internal storage).
• 🔄 Wait for the process to complete and restart the device.

Once formatted, the system will suggest moving existing applications to a new drive. Agree to free up the internal memory. Now, when installing new programs, the TV will default to an external drive.

⚠️ Warning: Once the flash drive is formatted to internal memory, it will become unreadable on computers and other devices without re-formatting.

This method is especially relevant for models with a small amount of internal memory, for example, 8 GB or 16 GB. It allows you to increase the number of available slots for applications almost unlimited.

Cleaning the cache and removing unused applications

Regular file system hygiene is key to the fast operation of Android TV. Even if you do not install new games, the operating system constantly generates temporary files, their accumulation leads to fragmentation and slowing the response of the interface.

For manual cleaning, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Go through the list of heavy programs (social networks, browsers, video players) and select the option “Clear cache.” Don’t confuse this with the “Clear data” button, which will reset the application to factory settings and require you to log in again.

Also, you should remove programs that you don't use. Xiaomi TVs have a lot of pre-installed software, and some of them can be removed in the standard way by clicking the menu button on the pulse in the app list and selecting "Delete."

Use the built-in Cleanup tool in the memory section if it is available in your version of MIUI for TV firmware.It automatically finds large files and offers options for deleting them, making it easier for inexperienced users to maintain.

Removal of Systemic Garbage Through ADB-team

For advanced users who want to make the most of the device, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) cleaning method is available, which allows you to remove system applications that are not removed through the standard menu and clean hidden partitions.

To start, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About TV and quickly press 7 times on “Build number” and then the “Developers” option will appear on the menu, where you need to turn on “Debugging by USB”.

Connect your TV and computer to the same Wi-Fi network. ADB Platform Tools. Enter the command line IP-TV address:

adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555

Once successfully connected, you can run commands to delete packets, such as using a command to remove a standard browser or unnecessary Google services:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

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Before removing system packets via ADB, write down their exact name (package name). Removing a critical component can cause the TV to reboot cyclically.

This method requires caution: Incorrect removal of system libraries can disrupt the operation of the Smart TV. Always check the purpose of the package on the Internet before removing it.

Install applications on an external drive by default

If you've already connected USB-As the storage device and formatted it as internal memory, it is important to set the installation priority. By default, the TV can continue to offer installation to the built-in storage if it is not fully filled.

Some versions of Android TV have a hidden setting of the preferred installation location, which can be activated through special launcher applications or memory management utilities available from the Google Play store on the TV.

Also, not all applications allow external installation, which developers can prohibit in the manifest, in which case the application will still take up space in internal memory, even if the bulk of the data is on a flash drive.

⚠️ Attention: Don't pull out USB-a drive while the TV is running if it is formatted as internal memory, which will result in an "Application not running" error and possible damage to the installed program database.

To check where a particular application is installed, go to its properties. It will indicate "Storage: Internal" or "Storage: USB." If there is a "Move to USB" button, use it safely.

Resetting to factory settings as an extreme measure

If none of the methods worked and the TV continues to signal a lack of space, it is possible that the file system is damaged or overflowing with system debris that cannot be removed by regular means, in which case a complete reset helps.

Resetting will put your device back out of the box, and all your accounts, Wi-Fi settings, and installed apps will be removed, a radical but often the only way to get your old TV back on track.

You can reset via the menu: Settings → Device → About TV → Reset. You can also use a physical button on the remote (press the power button or reset button on the case, if any) during the turn on.

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A complete reset is the only way to ensure that the system partition is cleared of accumulation errors that occur over years of use.

Before the procedure, make sure to write down the passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts. After the reboot, the TV will be as new, with the maximum amount of free memory available at the time of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)