Xiaomi’s “Not Enough Memory” Error: 7 Ways to Remove Warnings and Restore Functions

Did you see a message on Xiaomi's screen saying, "Not enough memory, some features may not work," and the smartphone started to slow down, apps crashed, and the camera refused to save photos? This error occurs when the system runs out of internal memory, but the problem is not always lack of space. Often, clogged cache, file system errors or improper MIUI work is to blame.

In this article, 7 proven ways to remove memory warnings on Xiaomi, including hidden settings and commands for power users, we’ll look at how to free up space without losing data, which system files can be safely deleted, and why even with 10 GB of free space, an error can occur.

Why does the error “Not enough memory” occur even when there is a free space?

Paradoxically, there's a warning on the screen, and the storage settings show 5 to 8 GB of free space. What's the point?

• 📱 Real memory shortage: the system reserves up to 20% of the memory for your needs (updates, cache, temporary files.
• 🔧 Software failures: The section damaged /data (often after a failed update MIUI). Mediaserver error: App cache abuse (e.g. Facebook or TikTok may take up to a maximum of 10 GB).

Especially vulnerable devices with 32 GB of memory: after installing MIUI and basic applications, the user is only ~ 20 GB, of which the system “eats” another 3-5 GB for service needs. On the Redmi 9A or Poco C31, the problem manifests itself after 2-3 months of active use.

⚠️ Note: If an error occurs after the update MIUI — Don't rush to reset your settings! First check firmware integrity through Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (must be displayed without an exclamation mark).

Method 1: Freeing Memory Through Embedded MIUI Tools

Xiaomi offers its own memory cleaner utilities, but they often work superficially. Here's how to use them effectively:

1. Cleaning up garbage: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean. Click "Deep Clean" (not fast!) The utility will remove: 🗑️ Temporary application files (cache). 📁 Empty folders and duplicates. 🎵 Unused. APK-Files (remains after application installation).
2. Delete large files: In the same Memory section tap on "Files» → «Large files. Delete them: 🎥 Videos over 500MB (especially from TikTok or YouTube). 📸 Photo format.HEIC (They take up 2 times more space than.JPG). 🎮 Cash games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile can weigh 5-8 GB).

Transfer your important files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud)

Check Downloads folder for unnecessary files

Delete screenshots older than 3 months

Clear history in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)

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Once cleaned, restart the device, which is a must for the application of the changes. If there is more space but the error remains, move to the next method.

Method 2: Manually cleansing cache applications (including system)

App cache is the main memory eater, for example, Google Play Services can take up to 2 GB, and Facebook can take up to 5 GB.

1. Normal apps: Open Settings → Apps → App management. Select an app (like Instagram) → Storage → Clear cache. Don't delete data! This will result in logging out and losing settings.
2. System applications: In the same section, tap three dots in the upper right corner → «Show all the apps. Find out: 🔄 com.android.providers.media (media storage). 📱 com.miui.home (launcher) MIUI). 🔍 com.miui.securitycenter (security).

Clear the cache only for these applications. Deleting the data could disrupt the system!

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If the application becomes unstable after cleaning the cache, restart the phone. The system will restore the necessary temporary files automatically.

Method 3: Transfer applications to a memory card (with reservations)

Many users try to solve the problem by migrating applications to microSD, but this works with serious limitations:

• ✅ It can be carried over: 📱 Apps from Google Play (for example, VK, Yandex Maps). 🎮 Some games (but not all) - Genshin Impact does not support portability).
• ❌ You can't carry it: 🔒 System applications (MIUI Camera, Security). 📲 Applications with a widget (for example, Google Widget). 🔐 Banking applications (due to security requirements).

How to move:

1. Insert microSD (UHS-I or A2 class is recommended for speed).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the application → “Storage” → “Change” → “Memory Map”.
4. Confirm the transfer and wait until the completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After the transfer, the application will run slower – even a microSD class A2 3-5 times slower than internal memory. Don't tolerate instant messengers and frequently used programs!

32GB

64GB

128GB

256 GB or more

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Method 4: Correcting File System Errors Through ADB

If previous methods failed, the problem could lie in damaged memory areas, and a computer and a USB cable would be needed to diagnose and fix it.

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate "Debugging by" USB».

Step 2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell


su




fsck -f /dev/block/mmcblk0pXX

Replace mmcblk0pXX with the current section (you can find out through the command mount | grep /data).

Step 3. Reset the device:

reboot

If the instructions were executed without error, the problem was solved. If there were messages like fsck failed, you might need to reset to factory settings.

Method 5: Disconnecting unnecessary system processes

MIUI runs dozens of background processes, many of which can be safely disabled, freeing up to 1-2 GB of storage.

How to turn it off:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Open it and find the “All Actions” section.
3. Search: com.miui.analytics → disable. com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop if you don’t use it) → disable. com.miui.player → disable if you use Spotify.

Through ADB (for experienced):

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


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable processes called com.android or miui.core, this will cause the system to fail. Before changing, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (last chance)

If none of these methods work, you'll have a hard reset, which will delete all the data, but it will bring the phone back to working order.

How to reset correctly:

1. Make a backup copy: 📸 Photos and videos in Google Photos or on PC. 📱 Contacts – sync with Google Account. 🔑 Passwords - export from MIUI Password Manager.

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings

"Erase all data."

Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Do not restore data from the backup immediately – first check if the error has disappeared.
• 📥 Install applications gradually, keeping an eye on the free space.

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Factory resets not only remove user data, but also file system errors, which solves the “insufficient memory” problem on Xiaomi in 90% of cases.

Method 7: Alternative solutions for advanced users

If you are ready for experiments, try these methods:

• 🔧 Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP): Allows you to clean sections /cache and /dalvik Risk: loss of warranty and possible device "brick.

Warning: These methods require technical knowledge. Mistakes can result in data loss or device failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Insufficient Memory” error on Xiaomi