How to increase memory on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from memory card to hidden MIUI settings

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its modest 16 or 32 GB of internal memory often become a headache for users. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates all quickly fill the storage, leaving you with the words “Not enough memory.” Fortunately, there are several ways to solve this problem, from the banal addition of a microSD card to fine-tuning the system files MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for increasing memory on Redmi. 5, And you'll learn how to migrate apps to the right places. SD-The map, which files can be safely deleted, and why it's sometimes better not to save on a quality memory card, and also to reveal the secrets of hidden functions. MIUI, who help to free up 3-5 GB of space without losing important data.

Important: Not all methods are equally effective. SD-The card can slow down your smartphone, and cleaning up the cache of some system applications will cause malfunctions, so we're not only going to tell you how to increase memory, but we're also going to explain when to do it and when to refrain from doing it.

1. Add physical memory: microSD card

The most obvious and safe way is to install a microSD card. Redmi 5 supports cards up to 256 GB (officially up to 128 GB, but in practice it works more).

• 🔹 Speed class: Applications require Class 10 or UHS-I (Otherwise they'll slow down).
• 🔹 Formatting: The card is better formatted as an internal storage (but then it can not be retrieved without losing data).
• 🔹 Brand: Cheap no-name cards are often forged (the actual volume may be less than the stated amount).

To install the card as an internal storage:

1. Insert microSD into the slot (on Redmi 5 it is hybrid - 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.
4. After formatting, restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: When formatting a card as an internal storage, all data on it will be deleted. Also, do not remove it without first safely retrieving it in the settings - this can lead to file corruption.

2. Transfer of applications to SD-map: pros and cons

MIUI allows you to transfer some applications to a memory card, but this does not work with all programs. For example, system applications (Google Play Services, MIUI Launcher) can not be transferred, and some games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) may not run from the card.

How to move the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and click Storage.
3. If the option is available, click Change → SD Card.

Cons of this method:

• 📉 Performance: Card applications are slower (especially if the card is cheap).
• 🔄 Updates: Some applications automatically return to internal memory after updating.
• 🚫 Restrictions: Many popular apps (such as WhatsApp, Instagram) do not support portability.

4. MIUI Optimization: Hidden Settings to Free Memory

MIUI has several hidden features that help free up space, such as turning off automatic downloading of themes that eat up to 1GB of memory, or limiting the background activity of applications.

How to do this:

1. Turn off auto-update themes: Go to Topics → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update themes. Turn off the option.
2. Limit background activity: Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management. Select Limit background activity for unnecessary applications.

Turn off MIUI diagnostics

• Go to Settings → About Phone → Debugging → Send an error report.
• Turn off the option (this will stop collecting logs).

Important: Disabling MIUI diagnostics may prevent you from receiving technical support when contacting the service center.

Clearing the cache manually | Move files to memory card | Delete unnecessary applications | Use cloud storage | Don't do anything-->

5. Use of cloud storage and external storage

If physical memory is catastrophically lacking, you can transfer some of the data to the cloud or to an external drive (for example, a flash drive through the cloud). OTG-adapter, for example:

• ☁️ Google Photos: Automatically uploads photos and videos to the cloud and allows you to delete them from your device.
• 💾 OTG-drive: you can connect the flash drive through the adapter and transfer media files to it.

How to set up Google Photos for automatic download:

1. Install the Google Photos app from the Play Market.

⚠️ Note: When using Mi Cloud, keep in mind that when you reset your phone to factory settings, all unsynchronized data will be lost. Xiaomi can also delete files from the cloud if you do not log in to your account for a long time.

Radical methods: resetting and firmware

If none of these methods worked, radical measures remain:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: deletes all data, but returns a “clean” system.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware: some firmware (for example, LineageOS) are optimized better than standard MIUI.
• 🗃️ Replacement of internal drive: technically possible, but requires disassembly of the phone and soldering skills.

How to reset:

1. Save all important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Reset all settings and confirm.

Warnings:

• Once reset, the phone will be like new – all apps and settings will disappear.
• Castom firmware can deprive you of warranty and lead to unstable work.
• Replacing the drive is risky - if the phone fails, it can fail.

💡

Factory reset is the most effective way to free up memory, but it should be a last resort. Always back up before resetting!

7. Alternative solutions: what to do if nothing helps

If memory runs out too fast, maybe the problem isn't just how much memory it's used, but how it's used.

• 📱 Turn off automatic download of media in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🎮 Remove the game cache (for example, in the PUBG Mobile cache can weigh a few GB).
• 📂 Use file managers with memory analysis (e.g. Files by Google).
• 🔍 Check for viruses – some malware creates hidden files.

It's also worth checking if the memory is taking up debris from old updates.

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Cleanup → Updates files.
2. Delete old firmware files (they can weigh up to 2 GB).

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing memory on Redmi 5