How to remove excess memory Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: from cache to deep cleaning

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but even its 64 or 128 GB of memory is eventually clogged with unnecessary files. High-resolution photos, app cache, duplicate documents and residual data after deleting programs all eat up precious space. If your phone starts to slow down, issue notifications about memory shortages or just work slowly, it’s time to do a general cleaning.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 effective ways to clean up memory on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, from basic (cache and debris removal) to radical (reset to factory settings). You’ll learn how to safely free up space without losing important data, what tools are built into MIUI, and when to resort to third-party utilities. Particular attention will be paid to hidden folders with residual files after uninstalling applications – they are often overlooked, although they can take up gigabytes!

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

To start with, the simplest and most secure method is that the MIUI system on the Redmi Note 9 Pro has a built-in tool to clean up cache and temporary files that doesn't affect personal data. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on Cleanup (or Clean up the garbage depending on the MIUI version).
3. Wait for the system analysis (it can take 10–30 seconds).
4. Click Clean next to the Cash or Garbage section.

This method removes:

• 🗑️ Temporary application files (cache)
• 📁 Empty folders and residual data
• 🔄 System Logs and Error Log
• 📥 Uncompleted downloads

Normally, this way you can free up 500 MB to 2-3 GB of memory. APK-files of remaining applications after updating or duplicate media files – this will require other methods.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually clear the cache for each application through Settings → Apps! This can cause malfunctions (e.g. WhatsApp or Google Maps will have to reconfigure).

2. Delete unnecessary applications and their residual files

Many users delete apps through the standard menu, but forget that after uninstallation, there are often folders with data, for example, games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact can leave behind 1-5 GB of files in /Android/obb/ or /Android/data/ folders.

To remove the applications completely, follow the instructions:

To find dead folders, use a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer):

1. Open the file manager and go to internal memory. → Android.
2. Check the obb and data folders – remove those that are already remote applications.
3. Note the com.miui.cleanmaster folder – it often inflates to 500MB+ due to cleaning logs.

If you’re not sure if you can delete a folder, use Files by Google, which analyzes files and offers safe options for cleaning.

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Before you delete folders, back up your important data to your computer or the cloud, and folders with names like com.whatsapp or com.google.android.apps.maps are the data of active applications.

3. Optimization of media files: photos, videos and duplicates

High-resolution photos and videos are the main memory eaters on the Redmi Note 9 Pro. The smartphone camera defaults to save pictures in 12 MP resolution, and videos in Full HD or even 4K. During a year of active use, you can accumulate 20-50 GB of media files, many of which are duplicated or unsuccessful.

Here’s how to reduce the amount of space you occupy:

• 📸 Reduced photo/video resolution: Go to Camera Settings → Resolution and select 9 MP instead of 12 MP (the difference is minimal, and memory savings up to 30 MP%).
• 🔄 Duplicate search: Use apps like Duplicate Files Fixer or CCleaner to find the same photos/videos.
• ☁️ Move to the cloud: Upload media files to Google Photos (with High Quality option enabled for unlimited storage) and delete local copies.
• 🗑️ Screenshot cleanup: Folder Pictures/Screenshots It often contains hundreds of unnecessary images. ZIP.

To automatically optimize media files suitable application Gallery Doctor (from Xiaomi), which analyzes the quality of the photo and suggests to remove blurred or dark pictures.

⚠️ Note: When you delete photos from Google Photos, they disappear from the device if sync is enabled. To avoid losses, turn off the option to Delete from the device after downloading in the application settings.

4. Transfer data to a memory card or external storage

Redmi Note 9 Pro supports microSD cards up to 512 GB, which allows you to significantly relieve internal memory. SD-map - there are limitations:

• ✅ You can transfer: Photos, videos, music, documents, some applications (if you support Adoptable Storage function).
• ❌ Cannot be transferred: System applications, data WhatsApp/Telegram (without root rights, cache of most programs.

Instructions for transferring files:

1. Insert the memory card into the slot (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS formats are supported).
2. Open Mi File Manager and select files to transfer (for example, DCIM or Download).
3. Click Cut (Do Not Copy!) and paste it into the root directory. SD-map.
4. To port applications: go to Settings → Applications → Select App → Storage → Change → SD Card.

If you use the card as an internal memory (Adoptable Storage function), consider:

• The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• The speed depends on the card class (UHS-I Class 10 or higher is recommended).
• When you remove the card, some applications may stop working.

5. Resetting to factory settings: a radical method

If all previous methods failed and the memory is still full of unknown files, the last option is a full reset, which deletes all data, including apps, settings and media files, returning the smartphone to the “out of the box” state.

When to resort to resetting:

• 🔄 Smartphones are slowing down and other methods do not help.
• 📱 Memory is filled with unknown files (possibly a virus or system failure).
• 🔧 You plan to sell or transfer the device to another user.

Step-by-step:

1. Backup: Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to save contacts, photos and documents.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. Confirm the action by entering a password (if installed).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After resetting the Redmi Note 9 Pro, you will need to enter the Mi Account that was tied before the reset.If you forget your username / password, unlocking can take up to 72 hours (according to Xiaomi rules).

If the smartphone does not turn on or hangs on the MI logo, reset through the recovery mode:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the <power button> + <volume button> for 10 seconds.




3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).




4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to remove system debris that is not cleaned by standard methods, but use it only as a last resort, as it is almost impossible to recover data after a reset.

6. Additional tools: from root rights to PC

If you’re willing to go beyond standard methods, consider advanced memory cleanups that require more time and technical skills, but allow you to delete even hidden system files.

Ways for experienced users:

• 🔧 Root access: using Magisk or TWRP You can remove pre-installed system applications (bloatware) such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps. This will free up 1-3 GB of memory.
• 💻 Cleaning through PC: Connect your smartphone to your computer in mode MTP And use utilities like this. ADB To delete unnecessary files: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster (replace com.miui.cleanmaster with the desired application package).
• 📊 Memory Analysis: DiskUsage or Storage Analyzer apps show which files take up the most space, down to hidden system folders.

Warnings for root users:

• Deleting system files can result in a device blink (inoperability).
• Once root rights are granted, some features (such as Google Pay or banking apps) will no longer work.
• Xiaomi may cancel the warranty if it detects root.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is best to refer to the safer methods from the previous sections.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up memory