How to Increase Free Space on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to 2026

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones sooner or later face the problem of memory shortage. 128 GB and 256 GB free space is melting before the eyes: systems MIUI It's cacheing data, apps are growing, and junk files are accumulating unnoticed. POCO s 64 GB of internal memory, where after installing firmware and basic applications, only 40-45 GB.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to free up memory on Xiaomi - from basic (deleting cache and unnecessary files) to advanced (transferring applications to the Internet). SD-map, system log cleanup, each method tested on current versions MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (including HyperOS for new models) You will learn how to identify the main memory eaters, which files can be safely deleted, and which should not be touched so as not to break the system.

Important: some methods require root rights or PC connectivity, and we've marked them with special warnings -- don't skip them unless you're confident in your skills. MIUI, Free up 5 to 20 GB of space.

1.Analysing Occupied Space: What Eats Memory on Xiaomi?

Before you can clear your memory, you need to understand what's taking up space. MIUI There's a built-in storage analyzer, but it doesn't always show the whole picture:

Open the Settings. → Memory (or Storage in newer versions) will show the memory distribution by category: Apps, Images, Video, Audio, Cash and Other. Click on each category to see details:

• 📱 Apps: This shows all installed programs, sorted by size. Pay attention to games (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile can weigh 10 each).+ GB) and instant messengers (Telegram and WhatsApp accumulate gigabytes of media files).
• 🖼️ Images/Video: MIUI automatically backs up photos in the folder MIUI/Backup. Also check the folders. DCIM/Screenshots (screenshots) and DCIM/Camera (camera).
• 🗑️ Cache and garbage: this includes temporary application files, system log files and remnants of deleted programs. 3-8 GB.
• 📄 Other: the most mysterious category. Download, files, can hide here. APK (Installation packages, and even duplicate photos created by editors like Google Photos.

For more detailed analysis, use third-party utilities, such as Files by Google or SD They'll show you hidden folders and files that MIUI It doesn't show up by default. /data/log There may be gigabytes of system logs, and /Android/obb — game-cash.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from folders /system, /vendor or /data/app It can lead to a system crash or the inability to boot a smartphone.

2. Cleaning cache and junk files without root

The easiest way to free 1-5 GB - Delete cache and temporary files. MIUI It's done in a few clicks:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory. → Cleaning (or Settings) → Warehouse → Clean in new versions).
2. Click on “Scan” and wait for the analysis to be completed.
3. Check all categories (App Cache, Unnecessary) APK, Logs, Advertising Files) and click “Clear».

For deeper cleaning:

• 🧹 Cache of individual applications: go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select a program (like Facebook or Instagram) and click Clear Cache. For some apps (like Google Play Services), the cache can weigh up to 1GB.
• 🗃️ Download folder: Open Files (standard application) MIUI) And delete everything from the Download folder. It's where the installation files often accumulate (APK), documents and archives.
• 🎮 Cash games: in the folder /Android/obb game data is stored (for example, PUBG Only remove if you are not playing this game or it will stop running.

Tip: Once the cache is cleared, some apps (like YouTube or TikTok) will load longer on the first run - that's OK. the cache will recover automatically.

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If the app becomes unstable after cleaning the cache, restart the smartphone. This will reset the temporary data in memory.

3. Removal of duplicates and unnecessary media files

Photos and videos are the main memory eaters on Xiaomi, and even if you don't shoot much, it creates duplicates, thumbnails and backups. Here's how to deal with it:

Method 1: Integrated MIUI tools

• 📸 Open the gallery. → Albums. → Duplicates. The system automatically finds duplicate photos. You can delete all duplicates at once or choose which ones to leave.
• 🎥 For the video: go to the Gallery → Video → Control and sort the videos by size. Remove old or unnecessary (such as random screen recordings).
• 🗑️ Check the folder. MIUI/Backup/AllBackup — Here you can find backup photos created when you update the system.

Method 2: Third-party applications

For deeper cleaning, use:

• 🛠️ Files by Google: shows not only duplicates, but also blurred/dark photos that can be deleted.
• 🔍 CCleaner or SD Maid: Find files that are “orphaned” (for example, thumbnails left over after photos are deleted).

Method 3: Optimizing Photo Storage

If you are using Google Photos:

1. Turn on “Free space” in the app settings. This will delete local copies of the photo, leaving only thumbnails (the originals will remain in the cloud).
2. Configure Backup to High Quality instead of Original – this will reduce the size of files in the cloud.

⚠️ Before mass deletion of photos, check whether backup is enabled in Google Photos or Mi Cloud. Without cloud copy, recovery of deleted files will not be possible.

4. Transfer applications and files to SD-map

If your Xiaomi supports microSD cards, you can transfer some of the data to an external drive.

What can be transferred:

• 📁 Photos, Videos, Music: Use Files or Gallery to move media files to the site. SD-map.
• 📱 Some applications: Not all programs support portability:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Spotify or VLC).
3. Press "Storage» → «Change" and choose SD-map.

Limitations:

• ❌ System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages) cannot be transferred.
• ❌ Big cash games (PUBG, Genshin Impact may not work with SD-Cards due to low reading speed.
• ❌ On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 11) porting applications to the Internet SD blocked by.

How to use SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

This method allows for the “combination» SD-A card with internal memory but with risks:

1. Put it in. SD-map (preferably) UHS-I grade 10).
2. When a notification appears, select “Use as internal memory”.
3. Follow the system instructions. After that, the map can't be retrieved without losing data!

⚠️ Attention: Formatting SD-And the memory card, as an internal memory, will reduce its lifespan because of the frequent census, and if the card goes down, you'll lose all the data that you've transferred to it.

5. Cleaning system logs and update residues

System system MIUI It actively logs work that takes up gigabytes over time, and after updates, temporary files remain, which can be deleted without root, but carefully.

Method 1: Cleaning through Recovery

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select “Wipe & Reset” → “Wipe Cache” (not to be confused with “Wipe Data” – it’s a factory reset!).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

This will delete the update cache and temporary system files, freeing up the 1-3 GB.

Method 2: Manual folder cleaning (requires a root file manager)

If you have root rights, check the following folders:

• 📂 /data/log — System logs (you can delete everything except current files).
• 📂 /cache — update cache (cleared automatically when restarted, but sometimes left with tails»).
• 📂 /data/dalvik-cache — Dalvik cache (remove only if you know what you're doing!).

Method 3: Remove old firmware

MIUI It saves copies of the rollback firmware to remove them:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI», To activate “Additional settings».
3. Back to Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Remove the service pack.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from the folder /data/ota_package manually, this can disrupt the work of O TA-Update only, use built-in tools. MIUI.

6. Disabling unnecessary system applications

MIUI It preinstalles dozens of applications, many of which are never used, and you can't remove them without root, but you can turn them off by freeing up space and reducing background activity.

How to disable system applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Pay, Mi Video, Games, or Browser).
4. Click "Disable" and confirm the action.

What applications can be safely disabled:

• 🎮 Games (if not playing).
• 💳 Mi Pay (if you don’t use Xiaomi payments).
• 🌐 Browser (if you use Chrome or Firefox).
• 📺 Mi Video and Music (if there are alternatives).
• 📰 Mi Community and Mi Home (if you don’t need a forum and a smart home).

What can't be turned off:

• ❌ Google Play Services – is responsible for all Google services.
• ❌ Security – Antivirus and System Protection.
• ❌ Settings and System UI — critical MIUI.

Disabling system applications will free up 100-500 MB and reduce background activity, which will prolong battery life.

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Disabling unnecessary system applications not only frees up space, but also speeds up the smartphone by reducing background processes.

Advanced methods: root, ADB custom-made

If standard methods don't work and there's a huge shortage of space, you can use advanced methods, which require technical skills and can void warranty.

Method 1: Cleaning through ADB (no root)

Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) You can delete unnecessary system files:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer # Deletes Mi Video


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player # Deletes Mi Music




adb shell pm clear com.android.providers.downloads # Clears downloads

The full list of Xiaomi commands can be found on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience takes up less space than MIUI, They don't contain any pre-installed garbage:

• ⚠️ Requires unlocking the bootloader (cancellation of warranty).
• ⚠️ The risk of a “brick” (turning a phone into a “brick»).
• ⚠️ Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may stop working.

Method 3: Transfer of applications to SD root

With root rights, you can forcibly transfer any applications to the SD-maps, even the ones that don't support it by default:

1. Install. Link2SD Or FolderMount from Google Play.
2. Select the application and transfer it to SD.
3. Create symbolic links for data (required!, otherwise the application will not work).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB or root can cause data loss or smartphone inoperability. If you are not sure about your actions, contact a specialist.

8.Prevention: How to Prevent Memory Filling

To avoid having to clean your memory regularly, follow these rules:

• 📱 Set up automatic cleaning: in Settings → Memory. → Autocleaning Enable Deletion of Unnecessary Files Once a Week.
• 📸 Limit media saving in messengers: in WhatsApp and Telegram, turn off automatic downloading of photos and videos (chat settings) → «Mediavisors»).
• 🎮 Delete the cache of games after you play: Games like Call of Duty Mobile can download up to 5 GB of updates that remain even after you delete the game.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI: In new versions, data storage is optimized (for example, in the MIUI 15 cache is automatically cleared when space is scarce).
• ☁️ Use Cloud Storage: Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex Drive will help relieve internal memory.

Also avoid:

• ❌ Installations APK Unverified sources (often containing hidden debris).
• ❌ Saving large files (such as movies) into internal memory.
• ❌ Use cleaners like Clean Master – they often delete files and show false warnings.

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Preventing memory filling will save you hours of cleaning in the future, just 5 minutes a week to keep your smartphone in order.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory on Xiaomi