How to increase memory on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: from memory card to hidden MIUI features

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its main drawback is limited internal memory. Even the version with 64 GB quickly fills with photos, videos and apps, and models with 16/32 GB and require constant cleaning. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to increase memory, from the banal addition of microSD to little-known tricks with MIUI and alternative firmware.

It's important to understand that you can't physically increase the amount of internal memory (eMMC) -- it's a hardware constraint. But you can efficiently allocate resources, transfer data to external media, or optimize the system. We tested each method on Redmi Note 4 (mido and nikel models) with different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12.5 and custom firmware).

If you're looking for a way to save money on a new phone, this is the guide for you. If your memory is critically filled and your smartphone is slowing down, it might be time to consider upgrading to a modern model.

Installation of a microSD card: which format to choose?

The most obvious and safe way is to add a microSD card. Redmi Note 4 supports cards up to 256 GB (officially up to 128 GB, but tests show work with large volumes).

• 🔹 File system format: for cards up to 32 GB — FAT32, ExFAT (otherwise, the smartphone will not see the full volume).
• 🔹 Speed class: minimum Class 10 or UHS-I (Otherwise, there will be lags when recording video. 4K).
• 🔹 Manufacturer: avoid no-name cards - they often fake volume. Top options: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO, Kingston Canvas.

To set up the map:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Insert the card into the microSD slot (located next to the slot for the microSD slot). SIM-map).
3. Turn on the device and wait for the card to be identified.
4. In Settings → Storage, choose how to use the card: as a portable storage or as internal memory (more on this below).

⚠️ Note: If you choose the option "Inner Memory", the card will be formatted and encrypted, and once extracted, the data on it will not be available on other devices!

2. Formatting microSD as internal memory: pros and cons

Adoptable Storage is a feature that appeared on Android 6.0 and is available on the Redmi Note 4, which allows you to combine the internal memory and microSD into a single storage, but this method has critical drawbacks:

How to activate:

1. Insert the microSD card.
2. Go to Settings → Storage → [Map Name] → Three Points (menu) → Storage settings.
3. Select "Inner Memory."
4. Confirm the formatting (all data will be deleted!).
5. After the reboot, the system will suggest moving the data.

⚠️ Note: If the card suddenly turns off (for example, due to poor contact), the applications on it may become corrupted.

Backup card data | Check card for errors (via PC) | Select card with speed class UHS-I| Charge phone at least 50% | Connect to charging for formatting time-->

3. Transfer applications to a memory card: what can and cannot be transferred

Even without formatting the card as internal memory, some applications can be migrated to microSD, but not all programs support this feature, such as WhatsApp, Telegram and most games allow you to transfer only media files, not the APKs themselves.

How to move applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or Spotify).
3. Press "Storage" → "Change".
4. Select a memory card (if the option is active).

• 📱 You can transfer: most social networks, messengers (media only), light games (Candy Crush, Subway Surfers).
• 🚫 Cannot be moved: System applications (MIUI Launcher, Google Play Services, heavy gaming (PUBG, Genshin Impact, banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff).

To port system applications, root rights and special utilities like App2SD or Link2SD will be required, but this is risky – you can disrupt the stability of the system.

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Before you move the application, clear the cache (Settings → Applications → [Application] → Clear the cache) and this will reduce the amount of data you carry and reduce the risk of errors.

4.Inline memory optimization: what can be safely removed

Often users are unaware of how much debris is accumulating in the memory of the Redmi Note 4.

• 🗑️ Application cache: cleared in Settings → Warehouse → Cache data can be deleted before 1-3 GB.
• 📁 Downloads: folder /Download often contains unnecessary APK, documents and archives.
• 🎵 Offline music and podcasts: Spotify, Yandex Music and Google Podcasts save files in the Internet /Android/media.
• 📸 Use Google Photos or Gallery Doctor to find repetitive photos.
• 🗂️ Old updates MIUI: folder /MIUI/backup can weigh up 500 MB.

For deep cleaning, use the built-in Cleanup utility (Safety → Cleanup).

• Unnecessary APK-file;
• Empty folders;
• Residual files after deleting applications.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete folders with Android names, MIUI, system or files with the extension.odex,.vdex - this can lead to the collapse of the system!

5.Use of OTG-Drivers and external hard disks

If the microSD doesn’t solve the problem, you can connect an external drive via OTG. Redmi Note 4 supports:

• 🔌 USB-flash drives (via adapter) OTG);
• 💾 External HDD/SSD (Additional power is required if the disk is not portable);
• 📀 Cardreaders (for SD, CompactFlash and other formats).

How to connect:

1. Buy it. OTG-Adapter (for example, Baseus or original from Xiaomi).
2. Connect the drive to the adapter, and the adapter to the smartphone.
3. A new section will appear in the file manager (for example, USB-accumulator).
4. Move files manually or use applications like FX File Explorer to automatically back up.

Limitations:

• Annexes to OTG-The storage device cannot be moved (only media files).
• Some drives may not be detected due to power shortages (use powered OTG-hub).
• The file system of the drive must be FAT32 or exFAT (NTFS is not supported without root).

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OTG-drives are a good option for backup or storage of media library, but not for expansion of memory for applications.

6. Alternative firmware: can you increase memory programmatically?

It is often claimed that custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can unlock the hidden memory of Redmi Note 4. It is a myth that the physical volume of eMMC cannot be changed, but alternative firmware offers other benefits:

• 🛠️ More flexible memory management (e.g. transfer) /data mapping MIUI).
• 🗃️ No duplicate system applications (c) MIUI lots of pre-installed software).
• 🔄 Best cache optimization (some firmware automatically clears unnecessary files).

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (mido or nikel version).
3. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 for Redmi Note 4).
4. Fly through TWRP (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forum).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the device to break. TWRP!

7. Cloud Storage: When to Use

If physical memory expansion is not possible, consider cloud services, which won’t increase internal memory, but will free up space by moving files to the network.

How to set up automatic synchronization:

1. Install the service app (e.g. Google Photos).
2. In the settings, turn on "Shoot and synchronization".
3. Choose which files to sync (photos, videos, documents).
4. After downloading files can be deleted from the phone (they will remain in the cloud).

To save traffic, use Wi-Fi sync and photo compression only (in Google Photos, select “High Quality” instead of “Original”).

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory enhancement on Redmi Note 4