How to increase RAM on Xiaomi Redmi: from virtual memory to upgrade iron

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones sooner or later face a shortage of RAM, especially if the device is used for multitasking, gaming or working with “heavy” applications. Slowing down, hanging up and forced closure of background processes are typical symptoms of RAM deficiency. But don’t rush to buy a new phone: there are several ways to increase the available RAM, and not all of them require disassembly of the device or root rights.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods, from software optimization of MIUI and the use of virtual memory to the physical upgrade of RAM modules on supported models. It is important to understand that not all methods are equally effective — some give a gain of 1-2 GB, others only optimize existing resources. We will also tell you which Redmi models allow you to expand RAM by hardware, and where you should limit yourself to software configuration.

Before you start, check your current memory usage: go to Settings → About Phone → Memory Status. If less than 20% of RAM is left at standard load, it’s time to act.

1. Virtual memory (RAM Expansion) in MIUI

The easiest and safest way to do this is to activate the RAM Expansion feature available in MIUI 12.5 and later, which uses a portion of the embedded memory (ROM) as an additional RAM, creating what's called a swap file. It's not going to replace physical RAM, but it's going to help smooth out peak loads.

How to turn on:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Memory Extension (Memory Extension).
• 🔧 Select the amount of virtual memory: 1 GB, 2 GB or 3 GB (maximum depends on the model).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone to make the changes take effect.

Important: Virtual memory is slower than physical memory, so don’t expect miracles in games. But for background processes (messengers, music, navigation) it is a good buffer. On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer, the function is officially supported, and on older models, manual activation via ADB may be required.

⚠️ Note: Do not install virtual memory more than 3 GB – this reduces the life of the device ROM It's because of the frequent recording cycles, and optimally, 1-2 GB for everyday tasks.

2. Optimizing MIUI for RAM Freeing

Often the problem is not memory deficiency, but rather inefficient use. MIUI firmware is known for being gluttonous, with background processes, widgets, and system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps) eating up to 1.5GB of RAM idle. Here's how to fix it:

Step 1: Turn off auto-run of unnecessary applications:

• 🚫 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start.
• 🔍 Sort by Auto Start and disable it for instant messengers, games, and underutilized programs.

Step 2: Activate the "Lite Mode"

• ⚡ Included in Settings → Special facilities → Easy regime.
• 📉 Simplifies animations and reduces the load on RAM (useful for Redmi) 9A/9C s 2–3 GB RAM).

Step 3: Cleaning up cache and “junk” processes:

• 🧹 Use the built-in security utility → Cleanup (deletes up to 500MB of temporary files).
• 🔄 Once a week, reboot your phone – it resets the “hang” processes.

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications

Activate Light Mode (Lite Mode)

Clear the cache through "Security"

Remove or disable system applications (ADB requires)

Reboot your phone once every 2-3 days-->

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro and similar models, these measures can free up to 800MB of RAM without losing functionality. For advanced users, there is a way to disable system applications via ADB (see next section).

3. disable system applications via ADB (without root)

Many pre-installed Xiaomi applications cannot be removed by standard means, but they can be disabled through debugging via USB. This will free up to 300-500 MB of RAM, which previously went to the background work of unnecessary services.

Instructions:

1. 🔌 Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI.
2. 🖥️ Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging by USB.
3. 📋 Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the command:

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


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




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

List of safe to disable packets:

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable packages with the names com.android, com.qualcomm or com.miui.home, this will cause the system to fail. → System system → Backup.

4. Increase RAM through root access (for advanced)

If you don't have the radical measures, you can try to expand RAM by overclocking or modifying the kernel, which requires root rights and is only suitable for advanced users, risks: loss of warranty, unstable operation, overheating.

Method 1: Change of kernel parameters:

• 🔧 Install Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel from Magisk.
• 📈 In Memory, increase swappiness settings (optimally: 60–80) and vm.vfs_cache_pressure (significance 50).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Using the RAM Expander (SWAP) module in Magisk:

• 📦 Install the module with Magisk Manager.
• 🖥️ Allocate up to 4GB of virtual memory (up to 2GB is recommended for stability).
• 🔧 Set the swap priority in /system/etc/sysctl.conf.

On the Redmi K40 and POCO F3 models with the Snapdragon 870, overclocking RAM through the core can give an increase of up to 10-15% in synthetic tests, but in real tasks the difference will be minimal.

5. Hardware increase of RAM: is it possible?

Unlike PCs, most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones do not support upgraded RAM — memory soldered to the motherboard.

• 🔧 Redmi K30 Pro Zoom (2020) – some modifications allow you to replace RAM modules in service centers (sweeter equipment is required).
• 📱 Black Shark 3/4 (Xiaomi gaming smartphones have removable memory modules, but the procedure is informal and expensive (~5 000 ₽).
• 🚫 All other models (Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10, etc.) – RAM is integrated into the chipset, upgrade is impossible.

If you are critically short of memory, consider buying a model with large RAM.

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Before buying, check the actual amount of RAM available in benchmarks (e.g. AnTuTu).Some Chinese versions of Redmi have “stripped” memory for the local market (e.g. Redmi K50i with 6GB instead of 8GB in the global version).

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing RAM on Xiaomi Redmi

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The greatest performance gains come from a combination of methods: RAM Expansion (1–2 GB) + MIUI optimization + disabling system applications via ADB. This is safe and works on 90% of Redmi models without loss of warranty.