How to increase memory on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from memory card to hidden MIUI settings

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but its main drawback is limited internal memory. Even the 32GB version quickly fills with apps, photos and cache. If your Redmi 4X constantly shows a notification “Not enough memory” and games and programs are slowing down, it’s time to act.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can increase memory on the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, from the banal addition of microSD to hidden MIUI features that free up gigabytes of space. Importantly, not all methods are equally effective — some give a temporary effect, others require root rights. We’ll honestly talk about the pros and cons of each approach, so you choose the best option for your situation.

Before you start, check your current memory status: go to Settings → About Phone → Memory. If less than 10% of the total is free, the smartphone is already running at its limit, and this affects performance. Next, you will learn how to fix the situation without losing data or at minimal cost.

1.Installation of a microSD memory card: an easy way to expand memory

The most obvious and safe method is to add a microSD card. Xiaomi Redmi 4X supports cards up to 256 GB (officially up to 128 GB, but in practice, more capacious ones work).

• 📌 The card is formatted as a portable storage (files are linked to the device) or internal memory (system partition extension.
• ⚡ Speed depends on the class of the card: for applications you need UHS-I (Class 10) or higher, otherwise there will be lags.
• 🔄 When formatted as internal memory, the card is encrypted and will not be read on other devices.

To use microSD as internal memory:

1. Insert the card into the slot (under the second SIM or separate, depending on the modification of the Redmi 4X).
2. Go to Settings → Memory → SD card.
3. Click on “Format as internal” and confirm the action.
4. After formatting, select “Transfer Data” (if necessary).

⚠️ Attention: If you pull out a card that is formatted as internal memory, some applications will stop working. → Memory. → Extract.

2.Inline memory optimization: what can be safely removed

Before you spend money on a memory card, try to make room in the built-in storage. Redmi 4X often accumulates garbage that can be removed without harming the system.

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Annexes → All apps, select any and click "Clear cache." For mass cleaning, use Settings → Memory. → Clean up.
• 📁 Download Delete: The Download folder often contains unnecessary files. Check it through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
• 🎬 Media optimization: Move photos and videos to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or to a memory card. Remove duplicates with apps like Files by Google.
• 📦 APK-files: After installing applications, unnecessary.apk remains. Find them in the Download folder or through a file search.

Pay special attention to the Android/obb folder, which stores game data (sometimes several gigabytes!) If the game is not in use for a long time, you can delete the folder. Also check DCIM/.thumbnails, where you can safely clean up your thumbnails.

Critical information: On Xiaomi Redmi 4X, the /data/app-lib folder takes up to 1-2 GB and contains remote application libraries. It can only be cleaned through ADB or root-rights.

3.Moving apps to a memory card: Does it work on the Redmi 4X?

Many users are trying to migrate applications to microSD, but on Redmi. 4X It doesn't work the same way it does on other smartphones. MIUI Android architecture 6.0/7.1 (depending on the firmware. Here's what you need to know:

• 🔄 Standard Transfer: C Settings → Some programs have the option to “Move to” SD». But it is not available for all applications and often leads to failures.
• 🛠️ Forced transfer: With the help of ADB You can make the system use the card as an internal memory (Sm set-force-adoptable true).
• ⚠️ Risks: Map applications run slower, and shortcuts may disappear when maps are extracted.

For forced transfer:

adb shell


sm list-disks (see card ID, for example, disk:179.64)




sm partition disk:179,64 private

The card will then be formatted as an internal memory, and the system will suggest that the data be transferred to it, but this method requires caution: if you make errors, you can lose data on the card.

⚠️ Warning: If they start to fly out after transferring the app to the card, return them to the internal memory. Some programs (such as WhatsApp or banking applications) are not designed to work with microSD.

4.Use of OTG-drives and external disks

If the memory card is not suitable (for example, you have a two-sim version of Redmi). 4X without a separate slot, you can connect an external drive through OTG-Adapter. Smartphone supports:

• 💾 Flash drives. USB: Any storage with FAT32 Or exFAT. Speed depends on version. USB (2.0 or 3.0).
• 🖥️ External HDD/SSD: Additional power is required (e.g. via a powered hub) as Redmi 4X Cannot provide enough power for the hard disk.
• 📱 Other smartphones: Through OTG You can connect another phone in mode. USB Mass Storage (if supported).

To connect:

1. Buy it. OTG-adapter (stands) 100-300 ruble).
2. Connect the flash drive to the adapter and the adapter to the smartphone.
3. In the notification that appears, select “Open as a media device”.
4. Use Mi File Manager or other file management application.

Cons of the method:

• The adapter sticks out of the connector, which is uncomfortable when used actively.
• Not all apps are able to work with OTG (for example, you can not transfer games).
• The read/write speed is lower than that of the built-in memory.

💡

If OTG-The flash drive is not detected, try formatting it in exFAT on your computer, and check if the adapter supports your version of Android (must be compatible with Android 6.0).+).

5. Factory reset: a radical method of freeing up memory

If all the previous methods didn't work, and the smartphone is full, it's hard reset, which will delete all the data, but return the Redmi 4X to its original state with the freest possible memory.

• 📱 Make a backup: Use the settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
• 🔐 Remember accounts: After the reset, you will need to log in to Google and Mi Account again.
• 📝 Save it. SMS And calls: apps like SMS Backup & Restore will help you to restore the story.

For discharge:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select "Settings Reset."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• Don’t restore your backup completely – just select contacts, SMS, and important files.
• Install applications gradually, keeping an eye on the free space.
• Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After reset, you may need to re-assign the Mi Account. If you forget the password, restore it in advance on the Xiaomi website, otherwise the smartphone will be blocked!

💡

Resetting to factory settings is the most effective way to free up memory, but it is only a last resort when other methods have not helped.

6. Alternative methods: root, custom firmware and cloud solutions

If you’re willing to take risks or want to maximize the Redmi 4X, consider these options.

To obtain root rights to Redmi 4X:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot.
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root without the SafetyNet trigger.

Important: Once rooted, some features (like Google Pay or banking apps) may stop working, and the risk of virus infection increases.

7.Prevention: How to avoid memory overflow in the future

To avoid having memory problems again, follow these rules:

• 📵 Turn off automatic media download: In WhatsApp, Telegram and other instant messengers, turn off auto downloading photos and videos.
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly: Use a task scheduler (such as MacroDroid) to automatically clean the cache once a week.
• 📥 Control downloads: Remove the habit of saving everything for later. If you don't need a file right now, you shouldn't download it.
• 🎮 Limit the heavy games: Games like PUBG Call of Duty Mobile is now in the process 1.5-2 GB and heavily load the smartphone.

Also useful:

• Use lighter versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).
• Set up photo compression in the camera: in Camera Settings → Resolution, select 12 MP instead of 16 MP.
• Disable live wallpaper and animations in MIUI: they consume additional resources.

If you shoot video frequently, set the camera to record at 720p instead of 1080p – this will reduce the file size by 2-3 times without critical quality loss.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory on Xiaomi Redmi 4X