How to increase memory on Xiaomi smartphone: from cleaning the cache to connecting an external drive

Xiaomi smartphone owners sooner or later face a lack of internal memory. Even models with 128 GB and 256 GB after a year or two of active use begin to issue notifications about overflow of storage. The reasons are standard: app cache, duplicate photos, undeleted MIUI updates, background processes of Google Play Services and the applications themselves, which take up more space with each update.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase memory on Xiaomi – from basic (cleaning up garbage and transferring files) to advanced (use of the device) SD-Cards as an internal storage device or connection OTG-All methods tested on current firmware MIUI 14/15 They work on Redmi Note models. 12 Pro+, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T Importantly, some solutions require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, and we will specify the risks and alternatives separately.

Before you start, check what exactly takes up space on your device. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI). The system will show the distribution by category: applications, media, cache, etc. This will help you choose the most efficient way to free up space.

1. Clearing cache and temporary files

The fastest way to free up 1 to 5 GB of memory is to remove the cache of applications and system debris. Cache accumulates automatically: these are temporary files that speed up programs, but over time take up gigabytes. Xiaomi has built-in cleaning tools, but they don’t always delete everything.

How to clean the cache manually:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select the app (start with the hardest ones – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
• 🧹 Press Warehouse. → Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).
• 🔄 For mass cleaning, use the settings → Warehouse → Cleaning (in) MIUI 14+).

For deep cleaning of system debris, SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google (works without superuser rights) are suitable, these utilities find residual files after uninstallation of programs, duplicate APKs and unnecessary logs.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) - this can cause interface failures. Also avoid clearing the cache of Google Play Services if you do not want problems with updates.

Delete the cache of social networks (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)

Clear downloads (Download folder)

Remove the old ones APK-file APK)

Check the DCIM folder for duplicate photos

Run the built-in cleaning MIUI-->

2. Transfer of files to SD-map

If you have a microSD slot on your smartphone, you can transfer photos, videos and documents to it. Importantly, Xiaomi supports memory cards up to 1 TB (depending on the model), but not all applications can work with external storage, for example, WhatsApp and Telegram do not allow you to transfer media files to SD automatically.

How to transfer files:

• 📁 Use the built-in conductor (MIUI File Manager: Select files → Move it → SD-map.
• ☁️ To back up, connect Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex Disk. → Accounts set up automatic photo uploading.
• 🔄 For applications: some programs (e.g. Spotify) allow you to save data on the SD. Go to the application settings and find the Storage option.

Cloud services are convenient, but have limitations:

⚠️ Attention: When in use SD-The card as the primary storage for applications (Adoptable Storage) cannot be retrieved without data loss, which also shortens the card's lifespan due to frequent overwriting.

3.Use of SD-The card is an internal memory (adoptable storage)

Adoptable Storage (in the MIUI It is called internal memory, which allows formatting. SD-It's a map as part of the main storage, and then you can install applications and transfer data to it:

• 🔧 It only works on Xiaomi with Android 6.0+ (All models after 2016).
• 💾 The card should be a class. UHS-I (U1/U3) or higher, or else it will slow down.
• 🚫 After formatting, the card cannot be used in other devices without data loss.
• ⚡ When you remove the map, the application will stop working on it.

How to set up:

1. Put it in. SD-slot-card.
2. Go to Settings. → Warehouse → [Name of name SD-map] → Threefold (⋮) → Storage settings → Internal memory.
3. Confirm the formatting (all data will be erased!).
4. After rebooting to Settings → Applications, the option of transferring programs to SD will appear.

Critical moment: if SD-The card will fail, all applications installed on it will stop working, and data may be lost).

4. Connecting an external drive over OTG

If there is no smartphone slot for SD-maps (as in Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or POCO F4 GT), can be used USB-OTG adapter and external drive: flash drive or hard drive. Modern Xiaomi supports OTG "out of the box, but for NTFS/FAT32 Additional settings may be required.

What you need:

• 🔌 adapter USB-C → USB-A (or micro-USB → USB-A old-model).
• 💾 flash drive or HDD/SSD feed-on USB (for HDD You may need a Y-cable with additional power).
• 📱 Turn it on. OTG in settings: Settings → Connected devices → OTG-storage.

How to use:

1. Connect the adapter to the smartphone, and to it – the drive.
2. Notifications will appear USB-It's connected. Press it.
3. Choose Use as storage (for flash drives) or Transfer files (for HDDs).
4. Through Explorer, transfer files to an external disk.

For automatic mounting NTFS-Discs install the Paragon app exFAT/NTFS (paid) or Total Commander with a plugin USB Plugin. It'll allow you to write more files. 4 GB (limitation) FAT32).

1.Cable – Some cheap adapters do not support data transmission.

File system format (FAT32/exFAT/NTFS)

3. Nutrition — HDD It may not have enough power from the port. USB-C (Use an externally powered hub).-->

5. Optimization of applications and system

Many programs consume memory inefficiently: store unnecessary data, work in the background or duplicate files. Xiaomi with MIUI has built-in optimization tools, but they are often not enough.

Top.-5 How to reduce memory consumption:

• 🛑 Limit background activity: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Battery → Limit background activity.
• 📥 Turn off auto-update apps: Go to Settings on Google Play → Auto-update of applications → Never.
• 🗑️ Remove unused items APK: After updates in the Download folder remain old versions APK (Look for files with the.apk extension).
• 🎵 Compress Media: In Google Photos, enable Save Space (Photos will be saved in compressed form).
• 🔄 Use the "Lite" version of the application: Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Spotify Lite take up 2-3 times less space.

For advanced users, ADB can disable system applications that cannot be removed by standard means, such as:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

You will remove the MIUI analytics module that collects data about smartphone usage, and be careful: removing critical applications (e.g. com.android.phone) will cause your phone to fail.

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all previous methods failed and there is less than 10% of free memory left, the last option is a full reset (Hard Reset), which will delete all data, including apps, photos and settings, but return the smartphone to a “clean” state.

How to reset Xiaomi:

1. Save important data to your PC or cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if set) and confirm the reset.
4. After the reboot, set up your smartphone as new.

Alternatively, reset via Recovery Mode (useful if the system doesn’t boot):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 13+ After reset, you may need to re-assign your Xiaomi account (if you have enabled the function Device Protection!

7. Replacement of internal drive (for advanced)

If all the software methods are exhausted, then the hardware solution is to replace the internal memory, and that's only possible on removable chip models. eMMC/UFS (For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 NFC). On flagships (Xiaomi) 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2) The memory is soldered to the motherboard, and replacement requires BGA-The winding station is expensive and risky.

What you need:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (for Xiaomi you usually need a set of screwdrivers) T3, T5).
• 🕶️ Plastic mediator for disassembling the body.
• 💾 New memory chip (for example, UFS 2.1 128GB instead of eMMC 5.1 64GB).
• 🔥 Hair dryer for heating glue (if the battery is glued).

Step-by-step:

The cost of replacing memory in the service: from 3 000 to 10 000 rubles (depending on the model and type of chip).For Xiaomi with UFS 3.1 (for example, Black Shark 5 Pro), the price is higher due to the complexity of soldering.

The smartphone supports removable chips (eMMC).

- You're ready to lose your warranty.

- Other ways didn't work.

In most cases, it is cheaper to buy a new phone with a large amount of storage.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi memory enhancement