How to Free RAM on Xiaomi: From Simple Ways to Advanced Memory

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones and the new HyperOS are known for their multitasking, but even 8 to 12 GB of RAM over time gets clogged with background processes. If your Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13T starts to “slow down,” apps take a long time to open and animations twitch — the problem is precisely the lack of RAM. Unlike internal storage, which can be cleaned manually, RAM is controlled automatically. However, there are ways to force the memory to be offloaded without harming the device.

Many users mistakenly believe that closing all applications through the cross in the multitasking menu will solve the problem. In fact, this often makes things worse: the system is forced to restart processes, spending additional resources. In this article, proven methods for 2020-2026 models, including devices with 6/8/12 GB of RAM. All methods are divided into three levels of complexity: from basic to advanced (without root rights).

Before you start optimizing, check the current RAM load:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Memory and Storage → Memory.
2. Note the RAM Usage chart, and if it's less than 15-20% free, it's time to act.

1. Built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools for RAM cleaning

The manufacturer has put in the firmware a few mechanisms for memory management, enough for 70% of freezes.

Quick cleaning through the notification panel:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🧹 Find the Cleanup icon, tap it, and the system will cover all background processes except system processes.
• ⚡️ In some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) has a “Deep Clean” option – it removes the app cache.

Cleaning through "Safety":

1. Go to Settings → Security → Cleanup.
2. Select the Memory tab and click on Clear.
3. Activate the option “Car Clean” (recommended interval – 1 time per day).

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Warning: Do not use Cleanup more than 2-3 times a day. Frequent forced closure of applications causes the system to spend additional resources to re-run them.

All active games and heavy apps (YouTube, Chrome) are closed

Charger connected (if battery level < 30%)

Backup of important data (in case of failure)

Power saving mode is off-->

2. Optimization of background processes and autoboot

The main reason for RAM overload is applications that run and hang in the background, and even after closing, many programs (Facebook, TikTok, messengers) continue to consume memory through services and notifications.

How to turn off autoboot:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📌 Select an app (such as Instagram) → «Auto-start» → turn off the slider.
• 🔄 For mass shutdown, use Settings → Battery and productivity → Autostart control.

Restriction of background activity:

1. In the same “Application Management” menu, select the desired application.
2. Slip "Background Limitations" and select Limit.
3. System applications (such as Mi Video) may need to unlock the Special Options Resolution.

💡 On devices with HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, POCO X6) Autoboot is managed through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart. You can also configure Adaptive Optimization to automatically manage memory here.

3. Set-up of performance mode

Xiaomi offers three pre-configured performance profiles that directly affect the allocation of RAM. The default is usually “Balanced”, but for devices with 6-8 GB of RAM, it is better to choose “Performance”.

How to change the regime:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Performance Mode.
3. For maximum returns, choose High Performance (increases heating and battery consumption!).

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Attention: High Performance mode activates aggressive caching of frequently used applications in RAM. This speeds up their launch, but can lead to overheating during prolonged load (for example, in games). On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60), the risk of overheating is lower due to improved cooling system.

For HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 14, POCO F6), an additional option is "Adaptive Performance," which analyzes your habits and automatically distributes RAM between applications.

Settings → Additional → Special features → Adaptive performance

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If after the change of performance mode, the smartphone began to warm up, go back to Balanced and clear the RAM through the notification panel. The temperature should normalize within 10-15 minutes.

4. Clearing cache and unnecessary data

App cache and system temporary files take up not only internal memory, but also RAM. For example, Google Play Services can store up to 200-300 MB of cached data in the RAM to speed up work.

How to clear the cache:

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 📊 Select the Cash tab and click “Clear».
• 🔍 For individual applications: Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Don’t confuse cache with app data! Data cleanup (Clean data) will result in resetting of app settings (e.g. WhatsApp will remove chats).

Removing unnecessary system processes:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Open it and find the System UI or MIUI System section.
3. In the list, find Memory Cleaner or Process Manager – you can manually complete unnecessary processes (for example, com.miui.weather2 – weather widget).

5. Use of third-party optimizers (with caution!)

Apps like CCleaner, DU Speed Booster, or Greenify promise to “magic” clean up RAM, but often do more harm than good, and many of them consume resources themselves and display false notifications of “critical” memory loading.

Safe alternatives:

• 🛡️ Simple System Monitor – shows real use of RAM without advertising.
• 📊 DevCheck – displays detailed process information (requires permissions).
• 🔄 MacroDroid – allows you to create an automatic rule to clean RAM when you reach a threshold (for example, 90% of the download).

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Note: Apps with a “boost” function often use aggressive methods that Conflict with built-in MIUI/HyperOS optimization. This can lead to cyclical reboot of processes and increased battery consumption.

If you still decide to use a third-party optimizer, follow the rules:

1. Check out reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers.
2. Do not give the application Administrator or Accessibility rights unless absolutely necessary.
3. Turn off auto cleaning – use only manual mode.

6 Advanced methods (without root)

If standard methods don't work and root access isn't (or you don't want to), there are some "grey" methods that require caution, but can release up to 500-800MB of RAM.

Disabling system applications via ADB:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the terminal, and type in: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.weather2 adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser (replace packet names with system applications you don't need).

Use of LADB (Local ADB):

💡 On devices with HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, POCO X6) shutdown of system applications ADB MiuiSystemUI may crash. Create a backup copy through Settings before experimenting. → System system → Backup.

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Before use ADB-Always check the packet names through the App Inspector (available on Google Play). A mistake in the packet name can cause an important system component to be disabled.

7. Hardware restrictions: when nothing helps

If your smartphone (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) is equipped with 2-4 GB of RAM, even the most radical methods will give a temporary effect.

Firmware update:

• 🔄 Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📲 Forums 4PDA or XDA Look for custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) optimized for low RAM.

Hardware extension (only for some models):

Some devices (Xiaomi Black Shark 4/5, POCO F3 GT) support virtual RAM using internal memory.

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Memory.
2. Select RAM Extension and set a value of 2-3 GB (maximum – half of free internal storage).
3. Reset the device.

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Note: Virtual RAM is slower than physical RAM and increases the wear and tear of internal memory (eMMC/UFS). Use this method only if free RAM is consistently less than 10%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about RAM offloading on Xiaomi