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

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a balance of price and performance, but its internal memory (32/64/128 GB depending on the modification) often becomes a bottleneck. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and games quickly eat up the free space, forcing users to look for ways to expand. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of increasing memory – from the obvious (microSD cards) to the little-known (hidden MIUI settings and cloud tricks).

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective. For example, porting applications to a memory card in Redmi 9 works limitedly due to the features of Android 10/MIUI 12+, and some "life hacks" can even reduce the performance of the phone by 15-20% if used incorrectly. We tested each method in practice and indicated their real effectiveness, pros and pitfalls.

1. MicroSD Memory Card: How to Choose and Configure

The most obvious way is to install a microSD card. Redmi 9 supports microSDXC formats up to 512GB, but there are nuances:

• 🔹 Speed class: for recording video in 4K And fast application needs a map UHS-I Class 10 (U1/U3) or A1/A2 (Application-optimized cards. Cheap Class cards 4/6 They'll slow down the system.
• 🔹 Formatting: Redmi 9 offers to format the card as Portable Storage (for files) or Internal Storage (for applications). The second option allows you to transfer some of the software, but binds the card to the phone - on another device, the data will not be available.
• 🔹 Brands: Optimal price/quality ratio from SanDisk Ultra, Samsung EVO Plus and Kingston Canvas Go! Plus. Avoid no-name cards - they often have less than the actual volume claimed.

To set up the map as an internal storage:

1. Insert the card into the slot (supports hybrid slot – either 2 SIM or 1 SIM + microSD).
2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card.
3. Select Set up as internal storage and follow the instructions. Attention: the phone will suggest moving some of the data, which will take 10-30 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Once formatted as an internal storage card, it cannot be retrieved without data loss, and some apps (such as WhatsApp or banking) may refuse to work with the transferred data.

2. Transfer of applications to a memory card: limitations and workarounds

MIUI has a built-in memory card porting feature, but it doesn't work with all programs, such as system applications (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher) and protected games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) can't be moved. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to migrate (like Facebook or Telegram).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → SD Card.

If the Change button is inactive, the app does not support the transfer, and the workaround will help:

Make sure the card is formatted as an internal storage

Close the application before the perenosom

Free at least 1 GB on the card

Reboot the phone after the transfer-->

• 🛠️ Use of the App2SD or Link2SD: These applications (require root rights) allow you to force data to be transferred to a map.
• 📁 Cache and media transfer: Even if the application itself is not portable, you can specify the way to save files to the card in its settings (for example, in WhatsApp: Settings). → Warehouse → The Road to Media).

⚠️ Attention: Transfer applications to a Class memory card 10 (not A1/A2) They may increase the time they are launched. 30-50%. Test performance after the transfer.

3. Cleaning the system: delete unnecessary files without harm

Before buying a memory card, you should check how much space is taken up by unnecessary files. MIUI has a built-in cleaning tool, but it doesn't delete everything.

• 🧹 App cache: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean. You can remove the cache for all applications at once (releases) 1-3 GB).
• 📥 Downloads: The Download folder is often clogged with old files. Check it through Files → Categories → Downloads.
• 🎵 Offline music and podcasts: Apps like YouTube Music or Spotify save tracks in the Warehouse → Music, remove unnecessary playlists.
• 📷 Duplicate photos: Use Google Photos (Utilities tab) → Free up space) or Files by Google to search for duplicates.

For deep cleaning:

1. Open Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable Do Not Save Actions (reduce the size of system logs).

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Before clearing the cache, close all applications – this will prevent failures in the operation of open programs.

Hidden files that can be manually deleted (via root or Total Commander File Manager):

/data/local/tmp/ – Temporary update files


/sdcard/Android/obb/ – cache of games (remove only for remote games)




/sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails - photo miniatures

4. Cloud Storage: Which Service to Choose for Redmi 9

If physical memory expansion is not possible, cloud services will be an alternative, suitable for backing up photos, videos and documents, but not for applications.

How to set up autoload in Google Photos:

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Open Settings → Backup and Synchronization.
3. Choose High Quality (unlimited storage for photos up to 16 MP) or Original Quality (counted from 15 GB).
4. Enable the option of Backup when connecting to Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, photos are uploaded in compressed format (maximum 12 MP), and videos with a resolution up to 1080p. For original quality, choose Google Photos or Yandex Drive.

5. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Settings to Save Memory

MIUI has a few hidden features that help save space, and they're not advertised, but they work.

• 🔧 System Compression: Go to Settings → The phone. → Memory and click Optimize. The system will delete unnecessary kernel files.
• 📦 Light versions of applications: B MIUI There are lightweight versions of Facebook, Messenger and other apps. Install them through GetApps. → Categories → Lite.
• 🔄 Limitation of background processes: C Settings → Battery → Select mode turn on charge saving – this will reduce memory consumption by background applications.

For advanced users:

1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).


In the Developers' section, include:




Do not save actions (reduces the size of logs)




Limit background processes (maximum 2 processes)




Disable window animation (accelerates work)

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Disabling animation in MIUI not only speeds up the phone, but also reduces the load on RAM, which indirectly reduces the consumption of internal storage for cache.

Alternative methods: from OTG-root-drive

If standard methods do not help, consider non-standard solutions:

• 🔌 OTG-drive: Through the adapter USB-C → USB-A You can plug in a flash drive (up to 2 TB). File systems are supported. FAT32, exFAT, NTFS (The latter requires additional drivers).
• 🔓 Root access: using Magisk or TWRP You can transfer all applications to a memory card, and you can also remove system debris.
• 🖥️ Streaming instead of storage: Services like Google Play Games or Xbox Cloud Gaming allow you to play without installation (requires a stable Internet connection).

Instructions for connection OTG-storage:

1. Buy it. OTG-cable USB-C (for Redmi 9).
2. Put the flash drive on the phone.
3. In the notifications will be the option to Open as USB-accumulator.
4. Use the File Manager to work with files.

⚠️ Attention: When in use OTG-Redmi 9 can overheat when writing / reading large files (>1GB. Monitor the temperature through Settings → Battery.

7 What should I do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods but still don’t have enough memory, consider the following steps:

• 📱 Reset to factory settings: Delete all data, but return the phone to its original state. → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: New firmware versions optimized memory usage. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛒 Phone Replacement: If Redmi 9 with 32GB of storage and you are actively shooting video in the video 4K, It is worth considering the models with 128 GB (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).

Before resetting, check which apps take up the most space:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Storage Analysis.
2. Sort the applications by size.
3. Remove or transfer the heaviest ones to the memory card (for example, Facebook can weigh 500+MB with cache).

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Factory resets free up to 30 percent of memory, but deletes all data. Use this method only after you back up!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 memory enhancement