How to increase the available RAM on Xiaomi: proven methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi has started to slow down when multitasking and apps are constantly being unloaded from memory?The reason is often a lack of RAM (RAM). Even the flagship Mi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ models have run into a shortage of RAM over time due to background processes and heavy applications. Fortunately, there are ways to increase the available RAM without buying a new smartphone.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, from official MIUI functions to hidden settings and system optimization. You will learn how to activate virtual RAM, clear background processes, disable unnecessary services and even use external drives to offload memory. All instructions are tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and adapted for models from POCO X3 to Xiaomi 14.

Importantly, not all methods are equally effective. For example, virtual RAM based on embedded memory (UFS) works 2-3 times faster than microSD, and disabling system applications can disrupt stability. We noted the risks and give checklists for the safe use of each method.

1. Enabling virtual RAM (Memory Extension)

The official Memory Extension feature (or Extension of Memory in Russian firmware) allows you to use part of the internal memory as RAM. It is not a physical increase in RAM, but helps to keep more applications in the background. The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 12.5+.

How to activate:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → The phone. → All characteristics.
• 🔍 Find the line "Memory Extension" and tap it.
• ⚙️ Select the amount of virtual memory: 1 GB, 2 GB or 3 GB (maximum depends on the model).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Advantages of the method: it does not require root rights, works stable. Disadvantages: takes up space in internal memory (for example, 3 GB of virtual RAM = 3 GB less for files). On the POCO F4 GT and Xiaomi 12T Pro, the feature supports up to 5 GB of virtual memory.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) virtual RAM may slow down the system due to the low speed of the internal memory eMMC 5.1. Before activation, check the type of drive in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Full specifications.

2. Optimization of background processes

MIUI is known for aggressive memory management, but sometimes the system itself wastes RAM on unnecessary processes, and optimization will help to free up 500 MB-1.5 GB without losing functionality.

Steps for cleaning:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show system".
3. Find apps like Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps and turn off AutoRun (AutoRun → Disable).
4. In Battery and Performance → Battery Management, set the “Limited” mode for unnecessary applications.

In addition:

• 🚫 Turn off the animation. MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 5 times on the line, then select animation ×0.5).
• 📵 Reduce the number of widgets on the home screen – they consume RAM even in the background.

3.Use of microSD as virtual RAM (root only)

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards, you can allocate a part of the microSD to a swap file (virtual memory), which requires root rights and is only suitable for A2 or UHS-I cards (for example, SanDisk Extreme).

Instructions:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid and give root access (su).
2. Type the commands: mkdir /sdcard/swap dd if=/dev/zero of=/sdcard/swap/swapfile bs=1M count=1024 mkswap /sdcard/swapfile swapon /sdcard/swap/swapfile Here count=1024 creates a 1GB swap file (change value if necessary).
3. Add /sdcard/swap/swapfile none swap defaults 0 0 to /etc/fstab for automatic mounting.

⚠️ Note: Using swap on a microSD reduces card life due to frequent write operations.Do not use this method on cards with important data.+ It is better to use internal memory (see section 1).

4. disable MIUI Bloatware (without root)

Xiaomi preinstalles dozens of system applications that take up RAM and are not removed in standard ways. They can be disabled without root through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the line "Version" MIUI", Then go back to the settings. → Additionally. → For developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb devices (the device should appear).
3. Disable unnecessary apps (example for Mi Video): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

List of safe applications to disable:

• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
• 🛒 com.xiaomi.mipicks — GetApps
• 📰 com.miui.analytics - Analytics MIUI (turn off carefully!)

5. Setting up the swap file on the built-in memory

Xiaomi’s alternative to virtual RAM is to manually create a swap file in internal memory, which requires root rights but is more stable than microSD.

Instructions:

1. Install Terminal Emulator or use Termux with root.
2. Create a swap file (e.g. 2GB): su dd if=/dev/zero of=/data/swapfile bs=1M count=2048 chmod 600 /data/swapfile mkswap /data/swapfile swapon /data/swapfile swapon /data/swapfile
3. Add /etc/fstab: /data/swapfile none swap defaults 0 0

Check swap activity:

free -h

The output should appear Swap string with the specified volume.

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For Xiaomi 12/13/14 with UFS 3.1, the speed of a swap file in internal memory is comparable to physical RAM. On models with UFS 2.2 (for example, the POCO X4 Pro), the difference is noticeable, but still better than microSD.

Update MIUI and system core

RAM performance is not only about volume, but also about optimizing the Linux kernel and firmware, and Xiaomi regularly releases updates to improve memory management.

How to update:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📥 If a new version is available MIUI or kernels (e.g. Linux 4.19) → 5.4), set it up.
• 🔧 For manual firmware, download the latest version from the official website and select Update via file.

What improvements are provided by the updates:

• 🚀 MIUI 14+: Optimized algorithm for downloading applications from RAM.
• 🔄 Core 5.4+: zRAM support (real-time memory compression).
• 📉 MIUI 15: Reducing fragmentation RAM 15-20%.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models 9A/9C and others 1–2 GB RAM renewal MIUI It may impair performance due to increased system requirements. Check the feedback on forums before updating (for example, check the reviews on the forums, 4PDA).

7.Alternative methods: from reset to chip replacement

If software methods don’t help, consider radical solutions:

A. Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

It deletes all the data, but it returns the system to factory status, freeing up RAM from debris.

1. Create a backup in Settings → System → Backup.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Delete all data.

B. Replacement of the RAM chip (power users only)

On some models (Xiaomi 11T Pro, Black Shark 4), it is possible to upgrade RAM by replacing the chip.

• 🔧 Salting station and experience with BGA-chip.
• 💰 Compatible chip (e.g, LPDDR5 8GB → 12GB).
• ⚠️ Risk of losing warranty and disabling device.

B. Using cloud-based RAM (experimental method)

Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) supports Cloud RAM, which is the upload of inactive applications to the cloud.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🌐 A stable Internet (traffic consumption) ~50–100 MB/hour).

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Hard reset is the surest way to bring back factory RAM performance, but only use it if other methods have failed. Replacing the RAM chip is only justified for enthusiasts with soldering experience.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing RAM on Xiaomi