How to remove the notification “Not enough memory” on Xiaomi Redmi: working methods 2026

Notification “Not enough memory”** on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones does not only appear when the internal drive is packed to the end. Often the system shows it incorrectly – even at 10-15 GB of free space. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware, which reserves memory for system processes, cache and updates. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to remove the inscription once and for all, including hidden settings and radical measures for older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5).

It’s important to understand that the bug can be associated not only with a physical lack of space, but also with memory fragmentation, MIUI Storage Service malfunctions or application conflicts. We tested all methods on current firmware (including MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14) and highlighted those that work without root rights. If you see the notification constantly, start with the first method and move on the list until the problem disappears.

1.Cache and garbage cleanup through built-in MIUI tools

The first step is to use Xiaomi’s standard tools to free up memory. Unlike third-party cleaners, they don’t delete critical files or break the system.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Open each application from the top-10 by volume and press Clear cache.
4. For system applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery), use the Clear Data button – but only if you are ready to reset the application settings.

Next, run the built-in optimization:

• 🔍 Open the Security app (shield icon).
• 🧹 Go to the Cleanup tab and tap Deep Cleanup.
• 📊 Scroll down and delete the files. APK, Temporary files and Logs.
• 🔄 After cleaning, restart the phone – it will reset the background processes.

💡

If files with the.xapk or.obb extension appear in the cleanup list, do not delete them manually! This is game data (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile). → Apps and then reinstall it.

For Redmi models on Android 12+, a separate Storage section has been added in the settings, where you can see what exactly takes up space:

• System data – this includes backups and update cache.
• Other files – often there are hidden downloads from instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• Apps – sort by size and remove unused ones.

2. Transfer applications to a memory card (if supported)

Many Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi 9A) support memory expansion via microSD.

• 📱 The card must be formatted as an internal storage (in which case it becomes part of the system and is encrypted).
• ⚠️ After formatting, the card will not be used on other devices without losing data.
• 🔧 Not all applications can be ported – system and some games (for example, PUBG Mobile remains in internal memory.

How to move applications:

1. Insert the memory card and go to Settings → Storage.
2. Slip on the card and choose Format as internal storage (pre-copy the data!).
3. After formatting, go to Settings → Apps, select the desired and click Move to SD-map.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ Transferring applications to a map can be unstable. If the application crashes after moving, return it to internal memory.

3. Disable automatic MIUI backup

MIUI firmware by default backs up every 24 hours, which can take up to 5-7 GB on some models, stored in the MIUI/backup folder and often causes a memory shortage notification.

How to turn off auto-reservation:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Turn off the automatic backup slider.
3. Tap Remove backups and select all available ones.

Also check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder, which stores photo and video thumbnails that can weigh several gigabytes, and can be safely removed (they will recover automatically).

4. reset partition cache (does not delete data)

If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the Wipe Cache Partition, which doesn’t affect personal files, but clears temporary system data that could be causing a memory error.

Instructions for Redmi with physical buttons:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power to select).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Reboot the device (Reboot → System)

For models without physical buttons (e.g. Redmi K50):

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge (required!).
• 🔄 Squeeze the power. + Loudness up on 10-15 A few seconds before the menu appears.
• 📱 If the menu is in Chinese, look for the character (clear the cache).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global Stable) after resetting the cache may lose access to Google Play Services. If after the reboot does not work Google services – go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and sync your data again.

5. Setting restrictions for applications

Some apps (especially messengers and social networks) are growing uncontrollably, downloading media files in the background, for example, Telegram caches all videos and GIFs by default, and WhatsApp stores copies of photos sent to the gallery.

How to limit the appetite of applications:

• 📸 For Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Turn off autoload media in chat rooms.
• 💬 For WhatsApp: Settings → Warehouse → Delete unnecessary files by category (video, photo, documents).
• 🎵 For Spotify/Yandex Music: Limit Cache to Cache 1-2 GB in the application settings.

Also check the background activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Turn off autoplay for unnecessary apps (such as games or Xiaomi promotional services like Mi Video or Mi Music).
3. In the same section, check battery consumption in the background and limit "gluttonous" applications.

Disable autoload media in messengers

Limit music cache to 2 GB

Remove unused games (especially from the OBB-file)

Close background applications through recent

Disable notifications from unnecessary services-->

6 Manual removal of system updates (for experienced)

One of the little-known places that occupy memory is a folder with downloaded updates. MIUI. Even if you haven't installed updates, the system can download them in the background. /cache or /data/ota_package and can weigh 1.5-3 GB.

How to delete:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Download/ota or /cache.
4. Delete files with.zip extension or type names miui_*.zip.

For Android 11+ models, the path may be different. Alternatively, through ADB:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /cache/*.zip




rm -rf /data/ota_package/*




exit




exit

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /cache If the phone has already started installing an update, wait until the process is completed, otherwise you risk getting a "brick».

7. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If none of these methods work, it's a complete reset, and it deletes all the data, but it puts the phone back in its "clean" state.

• 🔄 Backup your contacts, photos and messages (via Settings) → The phone. → Backup or Google Account).
• 📝 Write down account logins/passwords (especially if you use two-factor authentication).
• 🔌 Charge your phone at least 50% – reset at low charge can be interrupted.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase All Data (not Reset!).
3. Enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• ✅ Do not restore backup immediately – check if a memory error appears on a “clean” system.
• ⚡ Install only the necessary applications, avoiding “junk” utilities.
• 🔧 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

💡

Factory resets not only remove user data, but also system errors, including MIUI Storage Service failures, which solves the problem of notifying a memory shortage for good in 80% of cases.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory shortages on Xiaomi Redmi