How to remove the message “Not enough memory” on Xiaomi: 7 proven ways

The message “Not enough memory”** on Xiaomi smartphones appears unexpectedly and can block the installation of applications, system updates or even normal phone operation. Most often the problem occurs on devices with 32-64 GB of internal memory, but does not bypass the flagships with 128+ GB. The fault is not only user files, but also the features of MIUI: cache system, duplicate media files, hidden backups and “junk” from preinstalled applications.

In this article, 7 working ways to free up space, including hidden MIUI features that are not obvious even to power users.We will discuss how to disable automatic backup in Mi Cloud, which eats up to 5-10 GB imperceptibly, how to find and delete system files that take up gigabytes, and why standard cleaning through Settings is often useless. All methods are tested on Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Mi 11/12 with MIUI 12-14.

1.Why does the error “Insufficient memory” occur even when there is a free space

Paradoxically, the phone shows 5-10 GB of free space, but when you install the application, it gives an error, the reason is the memory sharing in MIUI.

• 📱 Reserve for MIUI — Up to 3-5 GB “just in case” (not displayed in the settings).

For example, on the Redmi Note 9 with 64 GB, the user actually has ~50 GB available, and the rest is occupied by the system. If you see in Settings → Storage 8 GB free, but can not install the application on 2 GB, the problem is precisely in the redundancy. The solution is to clear the Dalvik cache (see section 3) or reassign partitions (for advanced ones).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Mi 10T) post-update MIUI 13+ The system can forget the vacated space, and it can help to reset or reset the cache through Recovery.

2. Standard cleaning: what to remove first

Start with the basic procedure, which helps 60% of the time. Open Settings → Storage and analyze the sections:

Hidden moment: In the Apps section, tap the three points at the top → Show system. There are often gigabytes of cache from Mi Video, Mi Music or Browser that are not cleaned in the standard way.

3. Cleaning the Dalvik and ART cache: Hidden memory reserve

Dalvik/ART cache is a temporary file that Android creates to speed up applications, which grows to 1-3 GB over time and is not deleted through standard settings.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Choose a language → Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Important: Not to be confused with Wipe Data (full reset)! cache cleanup is secure and does not delete personal data.

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make a backup copy of important data|Close all applications|Disable password protection (if any)-->

4. Removal of system duplicates and MIUI “junk”

MIUI is known for creating duplicate files and hidden backups, such as editing photos in the Gallery, saving the original and creating the modified version as a new file to find and delete them:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (such as FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Move to the /storage/emulated/0/ and check the folders: 📂 MIUI/Backup — backup; 📂 DCIM/.thumbnails — picture-size; 📂 Android/data/ — game-cache.

Pro: Use ADB to remove unnecessary system packets, for example, to remove a preinstalled Mi Browser, do:

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

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. Create a backup with adb backup or TWRP.

5. Disable automatic backup in Mi Cloud

Mi Cloud by default reserves:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, call-in;
• 📷 Photo and video (if Gallery synchronization is enabled);
• 🎮 Game and application data.

The files are copied twice to the cloud and locally to /MIUI/Backup/AllBackup.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn off sync for unnecessary categories (such as Gallery or Notes).
3. Delete local backups to Settings → Memory → Files → Backups.

6. Transfer of applications to SD-card (if supported)

Not all Xiaomi models allow you to port apps to microSD, but if your phone supports Adoptable Storage (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 NFC), this can free up to 20-30 GB.

1. Put it in. SD-card (class 10 is recommended or UHS-I).
2. When a notification appears, select “Use as internal memory”.
3. Confirm the formatting (⚠️ All data from the map will be deleted!).
4. Go to Settings. → Applications, select the program → «Warehouse» → «Change» → «SD-map».

Limitations:

• ❌ Not all applications support portability (especially system applications).
• ❌ The card will be “tied” to the phone – it will not be retrieved without resetting.
• ❌ Application speed may decrease (depending on class) SD).

💡

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Adoptable Storage, use it. SD-Media card. In the Gallery, click "Settings» → «Save folder and select a memory card.

7.Reset to factory settings: a last resort

If nothing works and there's a critically low amount of space (less than 1 GB), do a hard reset, which will delete all the data, but return the phone to its "clean" state.

Save photos/video on PC or cloud|Export contacts to VCF-file|Record logins/passwords from accounts|Unlock the device from Mi Account (Settings) → Account. → Delete the account)-->

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select “Erase all data”.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔹 Don’t restore data from Mi Cloud backup – it can return “garbage».
• 🔹 Install only the necessary applications.
• 🔹 Turn off automatic sync in Mi Cloud (see Section 5).

💡

Factory reset is the only way to remove system files that are not manually cleaned (for example, remnants of deleted updates or cache of preinstalled applications).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory shortages on Xiaomi