Xiaomi Redmi 9: how many gigabytes of memory in a smartphone and how to expand it

Why it is important to know the memory of Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi 9, launched in 2020, is still a popular choice due to its price-performance balance, but one of the key things that is often overlooked when buying is the amount of internal memory that determines how many apps, photos and videos you can store without constantly cleaning.

Many users are faced with a space shortage after a few months of use, especially for the base 32GB version, where after installation, the system is left with only a few more spaces. ~20 GB of free space. In this article, we will analyze all the Redmi 9 modifications by memory, learn how to check the current state of the drive and consider how to expand it - from memory cards to file optimization.

It's important to understand that memory storage not only affects the amount of data stored, but also performance. When you fill the drive by more than 80%, the smartphone begins to "slow down" due to fragmentation of files and lack of space for the cache of applications.

Redmi 9 official versions by memory

Xiaomi has released the Redmi 9 in three major versions in terms of internal memory, all of which differ not only in the number of gigabytes, but also in the amount of RAM, which affects multitasking:

• 📱 32GB + 2 GB of RAM - the basic version, the most budget, but with serious restrictions on the free space after installation MIUI.
• 📱 64 GB + 3/4 GB RAM – the “golden mean”, the best choice for most users.
• 📱 128GB + 4 GB of RAM – the top modification, suitable for active users who store a lot of media files.

Important: the characteristics often indicate the total memory capacity, but the actual user space is smaller. 32 GB after installing firmware MIUI And the pre-installed applications are all ~18-22 GB of space is critically small for modern needs, given that a single system upgrade can weigh. 1-2 GB.

It is worth noting that all versions of Redmi 9 support microSD cards up to 512 GB. However, there is a caveat: a slot for a memory card is combined with a second slot for a memory card. SIM-This means you can't use two cards at the same time. SIM-memory-card.

How to check the memory capacity of Redmi 9

If you're not sure what the modification is, or if you want to know the current state of the drive, there are a number of ways to do this.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Select Warehouse.
4. At the top of the screen will be the total memory and the diagram of occupancy.

Alternative method - through the storage menu:

1. Go to Settings → Memory.
2. At the top of the screen will be indicated all / available.
3. Below is a detailed breakdown by category (applications, images, videos, etc.).

For more detailed information, you can use third-party utilities, such as DiskUsage or AIDA64. They will show not only the amount of memory, but also the distribution of files to folders, which will help to find the “garbage” that takes up space.

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To free up space quickly, go to Settings. → Memory. → Clean up and click Clear.This will delete temporary files and cache without risking data.

How much memory do you really need in 2026?

The storage requirements for smartphones are growing every year, and if 32GB seemed to be enough in 2020, it is critically low in 2026, consider how much space is occupied by typical data:

• 📸 Photo: One photo in high resolution (12 MP borrows ~3-5 MB. 1000 photo = ~3-5 GB.
• 🎥 Video: One minute of video in Full HD (1080p) weight ~100-150 MB. 10 minute = ~1-1.5 GB.
• 🎮 Games: The average mobile game takes 1-2 GB, yeah. AAA-Projects (e.g. Genshin Impact) 15 GB.
• 📱 Applications: social networks, messengers and utilities in the amount can take 5-10 GB (cache-adjusted).
• 🔄 System Updates: One Major Update MIUI weigh 1-2 GB.

Based on this, the minimum comfortable amount of memory for a modern user is 64 GB.

• 📷 You often take pictures or take videos;
• 🎮 set up heavy games;
• 🎵 store music offline;
• 📁 Work with large files (documents, archives),

You should consider the option with 128 GB or use a memory card.

How to expand memory Redmi 9: all the ways

If you don't have enough internal memory, you have a few options to solve the problem, and let's take them in order, from the simplest to the most radical.

1.Use of microSD memory card

The most obvious way is to install a memory card. Redmi 9 supports microSD up to 512 GB (officially tested cards up to 256 GB). UHS-I (U1 or U3) steady-work.

How to set up:

1. Insert the card into the slot (the second slot). SIM-The card will be blocked).
2. When you first connect, the system will suggest formatting the card as a portable storage or internal memory.
3. For maximum compatibility, choose portable storage.

Buy a microSD class card U1/U3 (We recommend SanDisk or Samsung)|Format the map in FAT32/exFAT on PC (if it is new)|Insert the card in the slot (at the same time) SIM-card from the second slot is removed)|Configure saving photo/video to the map in the camera settings-->

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Not all applications can be transferred to a memory card (depending on the developer).
• ⚠️ The memory card runs slower than the internal memory, which can affect performance.

2. Optimization of current memory

Before buying a memory card, try to free up space on the built-in drive:

• 🧹 Remove the app cache in Settings → Annexes → [select] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ Move your media files (photos, videos) to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) or PC.
• 🎮 Remove unused games and applications (in Settings) → Memory. → Applications can be sorted by size).
• 📂 Use the built-in Cleanup function in Settings → Memory.

3. Transfer applications to a memory card (if supported)

Some applications can be transferred to the memory card:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the appropriate application.
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.

Note that not all applications support this functionality, and some may not work as smoothly after the transfer.

4. Use of cloud storage

If you can’t physically expand your memory, consider cloud services.

• 🌥️ Google Photos – Automatic uploading of photos / videos with the ability to free up space on the device.
• 🌥️ Mi Cloud – 5GB free for backups and files.
• 🌥️ Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud — 10-20 GB free.

The downside of clouds is the Internet dependency, and you have to download files back to your device to get offline access.

5. Replacement of the drive (for advanced users)

In theory, Redmi 9 can replace the internal memory, but it is:

• ⚠️ Requires disassembly of the smartphone and the risk of damage.
• ⚠️ Special tools and soldering skills are needed (memory soldered to the motherboard).
• ⚠️ The cost of repairs may exceed the price of a new smartphone.

This method is recommended only in case of failure of the original drive.

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The most balanced solution for most users is a combination of built-in memory. 64 GB + microSD card 128-256 GB: This will allow you to store media files on the map, and applications in internal memory for maximum performance.

Frequent memory problems on Redmi 9 and their solutions

Redmi 9 users often face typical memory problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. “Insufficient memory” when installing applications

Even if there is space on your smartphone, the system can make a memory deficiency error.

• 📁 File system fragmentation (especially relevant for 32GB version).
• 🔄 Insufficient space in the section /data, where applications are stored.
• 🗑️ Cache filled in.

Decisions:

• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it will free up temporary files.
• 📂 Move some applications to a memory card (if supported).
• 🔧 Perform a reset to factory settings (pre-return a backup copy!).

2. The memory card is not determined

If your smartphone doesn’t see a microSD, check:

• 🔌 Is the card inserted correctly (contacts should be directed upwards).
• 🛠️ Is the card working on another device (it may be damaged).
• 📱 Does the smartphone support the card size (maximum 512 GB, but it is better to use up to 256 GB).
• 🔄 Try formatting the map in FAT32 or exFAT via PC.

If the card is identified but not stable (for example, photos are not saved), try:

• 🔧 Format it directly in the smartphone (Settings) → Memory. → Memory map → Format).
• 📁 Check for broken sectors with the help of the utility SD Card Formatter on PC.

3. slow work with a full memory

When less than 10 percent of the space is left, the smartphone starts to slow down.

• 🐢 Fragmentation of the file system.
• 🗃️ Lack of space for app cache.
• 🔄 Frequent operations of recording / deleting temporary files.

Decisions:

• 🧹 At least release him. 15-20% for memory 32 GB version. ~5-6 GB).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates on Google Play.
• 📵 Reduce the number of background processes in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
• 🔧 Perform a cache reset via recovery mode (clamp Power supply) + Volume up when the phone is off).

Redmi 9 compared to other models in memory

If you haven’t bought the Redmi 9 yet and are in doubt about the choice, compare it with other popular Xiaomi models in terms of memory and expansion capabilities:

Please note that Redmi 9A Newer models (e.g. Redmi 10) have a separate memory card slot, allowing two different types of memory. SIM-It's a big advantage if you want extra memory without the loss of life.

It is also important to note that the Redmi Note and POCO The minimum storage starts at 64GB, making them more resilient. If budget allows, consider these options instead of the Redmi 9 with 32GB.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions