How to increase memory on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: from memory card to hidden settings

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main drawback is a modest amount of internal memory (32 GB in the basic version). Even after the first setup, users are faced with a notification “Not enough memory”, and installing 3-4 applications and shooting a couple of videos leads to hanging. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to increase memory, from the obvious (microSD card) to the little-known (hidden MIUI settings and manual optimization).

It is important to understand: physically increase the internal memory of Redmi 9A It's impossible -- the eMMC chip is soldered to the motherboard, but there are methods that can help you use the available space effectively, or transfer some of the data to external media, and we tested each method on a real device and identified the pros, cons and potential risks. If you're willing to spend 10-15 You can set up a few minutes, you can release it to 8-12 GB memory without buying a new phone.

Installation of a microSD memory card: which format to choose

The easiest and fastest way to buy a memory card is to buy a memory card. Redmi 9A supports microSD up to 512 GB (officially stated up to 256 GB, but tests confirm work with 512 GB), but not all cards are equally useful: cheap models of the Class 4 or Class 6 class will slow down when recording video or installing applications.

The best options for the Redmi 9A are:

• 🔹 Class speed: UHS-I (U1 or U3) Class 10 – For smooth recording of Full HD-video.
• 🔹 Format: exFAT (if card) >64 GB) or FAT32 (32GB). MIUI automatically prompts you to format the card when you first connect.
• 🔹 Brand: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Plus or Kingston Canvas Go! – proven models without hanging».

How to insert a map:

1. Turn off your phone (required!).
2. Use a paper clip to remove the SIM/microSD tray (the hole to the right of the charging connector).
3. Install the card in the microSD slot (top tray if you use 2 SIM).
4. Turn on your phone and wait for the notification “New memory card”.

⚠️ Warning: Do not retrieve the card while writing files or updating apps. at Redmi 9A no mechanical tray fixator - with careless extraction, the card can get stuck.

2. configure the card as internal memory (Adoptable Storage)

Adoptable Storage allows you to combine the memory card with the phone's internal memory, and then the applications and data will automatically be stored on the microSD, but there are serious limitations to the method:

• 📉 The card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
• 🐢 Application speed may fall by 15-30% (depending on the class of the card).
• 🔄 After the map is removed, all “tied” applications will cease to work.

How to activate:

1. Insert the card and wait for the notification “New memory card”.
2. Click on “Configure” → “Use as internal memory”.
3. Confirm the formatting (all data on the map will be deleted!).
4. Select “Move Data Now” (optional).

⚠️ Note: If you use the card as internal memory, do not remove it without first “mounting” in the settings (Settings) → Memory. → Memory map → Extract) Otherwise, you risk losing data or damaging the file system.

3.Inline memory optimization: what can be safely removed

Even without installing new applications, MIUI takes up to 10-12 GB of system files, some of which can be cleaned without risking the stability of the phone.

1. Application and systems cache

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Sort by size and select the heaviest (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, Google Play Services).
• 🗑️ Click on “Clear Cache” (not to be confused with “Clear Data»!).

Unnecessary system applications

MIUI has a lot of junk apps (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps, etc.) that can't be removed completely without root rights, but you can disable and hide:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Pay).
3. Click "Disable" → "Disable the application".

3. Downloads and duplicate files

Download folder and DCIM often contain unnecessary files. Use the built-in cleaner (Security) → Cleaner) or third-party utilities like Files by Google for search:

• 📁 Duplicate photo/video.
• 🎵 Large audio files (such as voice messages from WhatsApp).
• 📄 Old ones. APK-Files (remain after installing applications).

Clear the cache of all applications|Disable unnecessary system applications|Remove duplicate photos in the Gallery|Check the download folder|Transfer media files to a memory card-->

4. Transfer applications and data to a memory card

Even if the card is not configured as an internal memory, some of the data can be transferred manually to it. MIUI It's done this way:

Portability of annexes:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Telegram or Spotify).
3. Click on “Storage” → “Change” → select a memory card.
4. Confirm the transfer (the application will be temporarily closed).

Limitations:

• ❌ Not all apps support portability (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services).
• ⚠️ After the transfer, the widgets of the application may stop working.
• 🔄 When you update the application, it will automatically “return” to the internal memory.

Transfer of media files:

Photos, videos and music are easiest to transfer through the Explorer:

1. Open the File Manager app.
2. Go to DCIM, Download or Music folder.
3. Select files → “Move” → Select a memory card.

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If the memory card doesn't show up in the list of storages for transferring applications, reboot the phone, sometimes MIUI doesn't recognize it immediately after insertion.

5. Hidden MIUI settings for freeing up memory

MIUI has a few "secret" features that help free up memory without deleting important data. They're not advertised, but they work:

1. Cleaning up the system’s junk files

Enter the code in the "Phone" application:

##4636##

Go to the "Storage" section» → «Clear the data.This will delete temporary system files that are not visible through a standard cleaner.

2. Disable animations and visual effects

MIUI animations are beautiful, but they consume up to 500MB of cache.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on MIUI Version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Return to “Additional Settings” → “For Developers”.
3. Find parameters: Window animation scale → Disable. Transition animation scale → Disable. Animation duration → Disable.

3. Restriction of background activity

Many applications continue to run in the background, consuming memory, to limit them:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select “Restriction of Background Activity.”
3. Add to the list apps that shouldn’t work in the background (e.g. Facebook, TikTok).

6.Use of cloud storage and streaming services

If physical memory is catastrophically lacking, some of the data can be moved to the cloud. 9A fit:

1. Google Photo.

• 📸 Automatic upload of high quality photos/video (unlimitedly free of charge).
• 🔄 Local copies can be deleted after downloading (Settings) → Make room).
• ⚠️ Originals take up space on Google Drive (15GB free).

2. Mi Cloud

• 📱 Built-in cloud from Xiaomi (5 GB for free).
• 🔄 Synchronizes contacts, notes, photos and even SMS.
• ❌ Slower Google Photos, but more reliable for backups.

3. Streaming instead of downloading

Instead of downloading music or videos, use streaming services:

• 🎵 Spotify (cache up to 10GB, but it can be cleaned).
• 🎬 YouTube Premium (downloading videos without ads, but files are stored in encrypted form).
• 📚 Google Play Books (books don’t take up much space, but you can read online).

⚠️ Note: When using cloud services, monitor mobile traffic consumption. Automatic upload photos to Google Photos via 3G/4G maybe eat before 2-3 GB per month.

7.Extreme measures: factory reset and custom firmware

If all of these methods don't work, there are radical solutions that take time and skill, but can free up 5-7 GB of memory.

1.Reset to factory settings

This will delete all the data, including apps, photos and settings, but it will return the phone to its "clean" state.

1. Back up your important data (via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm.

2. Installation of custom firmware (for advanced)

Official. MIUI for Redmi 9A «weigh 6-7 GB, and custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can be lighter on 1-2 GB, however, this method:

• ⚠️ Requires unlocking the bootloader (the risk of a brick phone).
• 🔧 You need skills to work with ADB and Fastboot.
• ❌ Deprives of warranties and updates by air.

If you decide to go for custom firmware, follow the instructions with XDA Developers for Redmi 9A (codename dandelion).

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Factory reset is the most efficient way to free up memory, but it requires a full backup of data. Use it only if other methods have failed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory on Redmi 9A