How to increase memory on Xiaomi: from cleaning garbage to expanding the drive

Xiaomi smartphone owners sooner or later face a shortage of internal memory — especially if the device from the budget line of Redmi or POCO with 32-64 GB of storage. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and downloaded files quickly fill the free space, and the warning “Memory is full” begins to appear at the most inopportune moment. But do not rush to buy a new phone: there are at least 7 ways to increase memory on Xiaomi, and most of them do not require disassembly of the device or root rights.

In this article, we will discuss software and hardware methods, from basic system cleaning to installing a microSD as an internal drive, pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12-14) and smartphone models, and warn about typical errors that can lead to data loss. If your Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 is already “choking” from a lack of memory, follow the instructions below.

1. Cleaning the system: remove garbage and cache

The first and easiest way to free up space is to delete the unnecessary files that accumulate during use. MIUI has built-in tools for this, but they don't always do 100%.

Start by manually deleting the app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management, select the heaviest app (like Facebook or TikTok) and click Clear Cache. Some apps (like Google Play Services) can have up to 1-2GB of cache, but it can’t be manually deleted — you’ll need to reset.

• 🗑️ Cleaning up the trash in MIUI: Go to Security. → Clean up and run the scan. Remove the unnecessary ones. APK-Files, Residual Data and Temporary Files.
• 📂 Remove duplicates: Use Files by Google (free in Play Market) to find and delete repetitive photos, videos, and documents.
• 🎵 Offline music and video cache: Check Download, Music and Movies folders – often there are downloaded tracks from Spotify or YouTube Music that can be transferred to a memory card.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete the Android folder in the root directory - this can disrupt the work of installed applications. Also avoid cleaning the cache of system services (for example, com.android.systemui) if you are not sure of the consequences.

2. Transfer data to a microSD memory card

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards (such as the Redmi Note 9, POCO M3 or Mi A3), installing a microSD is one of the most effective ways to expand memory.

• 📱 Compatibility check: Not all Xiaomi models support memory cards. For example, the flagships Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 13 Pro are deprived of a microSD slot.
• 💾 Formatting as an internal memory: B MIUI When you first connect the card, the system will suggest using it as Portable Storage or Internal Memory.
• ⚠️ Limitations: Not all applications can be moved to SD-Map: System utilities and some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact will remain in internal memory.

To transfer data to the memory card:

1. Insert microSD into the slot (some models require the tray to be removed for the slot). SIM-map).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
3. Click Format as internal (all data on the map will be deleted!).
4. After formatting in the Warehouse menu, the option to Transfer Data will appear.

MicroSD applications will run faster than internal memory, especially if the card is cheap or Class 10 (not UHS-I U3). For games and heavy applications, it is better to leave them in internal memory.

3. Use of cloud storage

If physical memory expansion isn’t enough or your Xiaomi model doesn’t support microSD, cloud services will be a good alternative. Xiaomi offers its own Mi Cloud, but its free fare is limited to 5GB.

To automatically upload photos and videos to the cloud:

1. Install the Google Photos app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and log in to your Google account.
3. Go to Settings → Backup and Sync and turn on the option.
4. Choose the download quality: High (unlimited) or Original (considered from Drive quota).

⚠️ Warning: When using Mi Cloud, disable autoloading of unnecessary data (such as call records or other data). SMS), Also remember that when you reset your phone to factory settings, accessing the cloud may require re-authorization.

💡

If you take a lot of pictures in RAW format, turn on the option “Delete copies from the device after download” in Google Photos – this will free up to 50% of the memory on the smartphone.

4. Application optimization: what can be removed or moved

Many Xiaomi users are unaware that pre-installed apps (called bloatware) take up to 3 to 5 GB of storage, some of which can be safely removed or disabled, and here is a list of unnecessary services (checked at MIUI 14):

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video – if you use Spotify or YouTube Music.
• 📰 Mi Browser – Replace with Google Chrome or Firefox.
• 📡 Mi Remote – if you do not use the remote for technology.
• 🎮 Game Turbo is useless if you don’t play mobile games.
• 📱 Cleaner – duplicates the function of built-in cleaning in MIUI.

To remove system applications without root rights:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 title.package For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

If you don’t want to mess with ADB, just turn off unnecessary apps: Settings → Apps → App management → Disable. This won’t delete them completely, but will free up some memory and stop background activity.

5. Factory reset: a last resort

If all previous methods failed and the memory is still full of unknowns, a complete reset could be a solution, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, so be sure to back up.

How to reset Xiaomi to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M2) You may need to re-assign your Mi Account after reset, if you forget your password, your phone may lock, and the reset will not help if the memory is clogged due to a damaged file system, in which case you will need to flash the firmware again.

💡

Factory reset deletes all data, but does not increase the physical storage capacity, only use it if other methods have failed.

Alternative methods: OTG-storage

If you support Xiaomi OTG (On-The-Go, you can plug in an external drive, like a flash drive or a hard drive. OTG-Adapter (costs 100-300 rubles). Most modern models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11) support OTG «Out of the box" but on budget devices (Redmi) 8A) Additional food may be required for HDD.

How to use OTG-accumulator:

1. Connect the adapter to the phone and insert the flash drive.
2. In the notifications will appear a message USB-drive connected.
3. Open Files and move the files to the drive folder.

For permanent access to files, you can configure network storage (NAS) use FTP-server on a PC. For example, an application FX File Explorer allows you to connect to a home router with USB-Disk and work with files as local.

• 🔌 Pluses OTG: Cheap solution, does not require disassembly of the phone.
• ⚠️ Cons: The flash drive sticks out of the connector, the risk of losing the adapter.
• 🌐 Alternative: Cloud or network storage (e.g. Synology Drive).

7. Replacement of internal drive (for advanced users)

If all software methods are exhausted and memory is sorely lacking, then a physical replacement of the drive remains, which is only suitable for confident users, since it requires disassembling the phone and risks losing warranties. UFS-a sleeve that is attached to the motherboard, but in some (POCO F1, Mi 9 SE) can be replaced.

What will be required:

• 🔧 Setting screwdrivers (T3, T5).
• 🔥 A dryer for softening the glue (or a mediator for neat opening).
• 💾 Compatible storage device (e.g, UFS 2.1 128 GB for POCO F1).
• 🧲 Antistatic bracelet (so as not to damage the board with static electricity).

⚠️ Note: Replacing the drive with Xiaomi is a complicated procedure, fraught with damage to plumes or contacts. If you do not have experience in electronics repair, you should contact the service center.

The cost of replacing the drive in the service varies from 1,500 to 5 000 rubles (depending on the model and the amount of new memory).For comparison: the new Redmi Note 12 with 128 GB costs about 15,000 rubles, so the replacement is justified only for flagship devices (Mi 11 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro).

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing memory on Xiaomi