Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from cache to complete reset

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even its 32/64GB of internal memory is eventually clogged. High-resolution photos, app cache, system updates and temporary files eat precious megabytes, and the phone starts to slow down. If your Redmi 9 shows a Memory Full notification or apps suddenly close, it's time to act.

In this article, we will analyze all methods of memory cleaning: from basic (cache and garbage removal) to radical (reset to factory settings). SD-We will discuss the common errors that lead to data loss and give a checklist to prevent memory filling.

1.Why does memory on Redmi 9 run out so quickly?

Even when used carefully, the memory on the Redmi 9 is clogged faster than on flagships.

• 📱 MIUI Xiaomi’s firmware actively caches data to speed up work, but often does not clean temporary files automatically.
• 📸 High-resolution photos and videos: the smartphone camera saves pictures in format by default 4000×3000 (12 MP), and video in Full HD.
• 🗑️ App cache: messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), social networks (TikTok, Instagram) and games (PUBG, Genshin Impact can take up 1-5 GB of cache.
• 🔄 System updates: MIUI regularly releases updates weighing 500 MB-1.5 GB, which are downloaded in the background.
• 📁 Hidden folders: files such as.thumbnails (miniatures),.nomedia (service data) and Android/data (game-play).

On Redmi 9 with 32 GB of memory, the user can actually have only ~24-26 GB (the rest is occupied by the system).If you do not monitor the cleaning, the free space can be reduced to a critical 100-200 MB, which will lead to malfunctions.

2. Method 1: Cleaning cache and debris through settings

The easiest and most secure method is to delete temporary files through the built-in MIUI tools. This does not affect personal data (photos, contacts, messages), but frees up to 1-3 GB of memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Memory (or Settings → Storage in new versions of MIUI).
2. Click Clean in the section "Junk files." The system will scan the device for:

Clean up

For deep cleaning, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select the “heaviest” app (like Facebook or TikTok) and click Clear Cache.

Delete the application cache | Clear temporary files | Delete thumbnails | Delete APK files | Delete empty folders-->

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from the folder Android/data — It can break the application. To clean it, use only built-in tools or special utilities.

3. Method 2: Manually Delete Unnecessary Files

If the automatic cleanup didn't work, you'll have to delete the files yourself.

For convenience, use MIUI Explorer or third-party file managers, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer, which allow you to sort files by size and date of creation.

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To quickly find large files, in MIUI Explorer, click on the three dots in the top right corner → Sort → By Size. Files larger than 100MB will be displayed first.

Method 3: Transfer of data to SD-map

Redmi 9 supports microSD cards up to 512 GB (in a hybrid slot, that is, simultaneously with the second one). SIM-Transfer of files to the map SD It will help to free up internal memory, but there are nuances:

• 📁 Photos, videos, music: transfers without problems through the Gallery or Files.
• 🎮 Games and applications: portability is only possible for a part of the applications (click on the application in Settings) → Apps and select Move to Transfer to SD-map).
• ⚠️ System files: you can not transfer - this will lead to failures.

Instructions for transfer:

1. Put it in. SD-card to the slot (if necessary, remove the second card). SIM).
2. Open Files → Categories → Images / Videos.
3. Select the files → Press "More» → Move it to SD-map.
4. For applications: Settings → Annexes → Select an application → Warehouse → Move it to SD-map.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications support portability SD. If the option is inactive, the developer has banned this feature, and do not carry applications that work in the background (messaging apps, banking programs) - this can cause errors.

5. Method 4: Cleaning through Safe Mode

If your smartphone is slowing down or preventing you from deleting some files, try Safe Mode, which turns off all third-party apps, allowing you to:

• 🛠️ Remove viruses or malware;
• 🗑️ Clear files blocked by applications;
• 🔍 Diagnose the cause of the brakes.

How to turn Safe Mode on Redmi 9:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Switch off" item (a suggestion will appear to go to safe mode).
3. Confirm the transition. The smartphone will reboot with the words Safe Mode at the bottom of the screen.

In safe mode:

• Remove suspicious apps through Settings → Apps.
• Clear the cache of system applications (e.g. Google Play Services).
• Check /Download and /DCIM for unnecessary files.

To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your smartphone.

6. Method 5: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If nothing works, the last resort is a complete reset, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps, so back up first:

• 📱 Contacts: sync with Google Account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization).
• 📸 Photo/video: copy to your computer or upload to Google Photos/Mi Cloud.
• 🔑 Passwords: export from your browser or use Google Smart Lock.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: After the Redmi reset 9 You will need to enter your Mi Account data if you previously enabled the device binding. If you forgot the password, you can unlock the phone only through the official Xiaomi website (confirmation is required on the device). email/SMS).

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Factory reset is the only way to get the system back clean if the smartphone is infected with viruses or clogged with system debris, but it should be the last option after all other cleaning methods.

7. Method 6: Using third-party utilities

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, try the specialized apps.The best options for Redmi 9 are:

How to use Files by Google:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open the Cleanup tab.
3. Click Free Space and select file categories to delete.
4. To search for duplicates, go to Files → Categories → Images → Duplicates.

Warning: Avoid "optimizers" promising to "speed up your phone by 300%" - they often contain adware or viruses.

8 How to prevent the memory from being filled in the future?

To avoid clearing your memory on Redmi 9 every month, follow these tips:

• 📷 Camera settings: reduce photo resolution to 8 MP and video to 720p (Camera. → Settings → Permission).
• 🗑️ Auto Cleanup: Enable the feature in Settings → Memory. → Automatic cleaning.
• 📥 Downloads: Clean the folder regularly /Download and set up the file save from messengers on SD-map.
• 🔄 Updates: Turn off automatic download of updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Downloading.
• ☁️ Cloud: set up automatic uploading of photos in Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

It is also helpful to check the list of installed apps every 2-3 months and remove those you do not use. Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management and sort by the date of last use.

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Regular cleaning of cache (once every 1-2 weeks) and transferring media files to the Internet SD-A card or cloud will avoid critical memory filling at 80-90%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Redmi memory 9