Interface lags, constant unloading of running applications and games freezing often indicate a lack of RAM, which forces the smartphone owner to look for ways to increase the available amount of RAM on his Android device.
Most often the reason lies in the lack of free resources RAM (RAM). Unlike desktop computers, it is impossible to physically add a memory stick to a phone, since the chips are soldered directly on the motherboard.
However, there are software methods that allow you to emulate the expansion of RAM or more efficiently manage available resources. In this article we will look at all available methods, from built-in functions to complex technical manipulations.
Built-in memory expansion function (RAM Plus and analogues)
Modern smartphone manufacturers have introduced technology that allows you to use part of the internal flash memory as virtual RAM. For Samsung this function is called RAM Plus, for Xiaomi - Memory Extension, and for Realme and Oppo - RAM Expansion.
The principle of operation is to create a special swap file (swap file), where the system resets inactive processes. This frees up fast physical RAM for current tasks. You can activate the option through the device settings menu.
Usually the path looks like this: Settings → About device → Memory characteristics or Settings → Additional settings → Memory expansion. The user is asked to select the amount of virtual expansion: 2 GB, 4 GB or more, depending on the free space on the drive.
⚠️ Attention: Using internal memory as RAM reduces the life of the drive due to the increased load on write cycles. If your phone works quickly without this feature, it is better not to enable it.
The effectiveness of this method directly depends on the speed of your drive. On older devices with eMMC memory, the performance gain may be unnoticeable or even negative due to low read/write speeds.
Virtual memory works slower than physical memory. It helps keep more applications in the background, but does not speed up the launch of heavy games.
Cleaning the system and background processes
Before resorting to radical measures, it is worth freeing up resources using software methods. The constant operation of many background services and widgets eats up precious megabytes.
The first step is to remove unused applications. Even if you don't use them, they may have active services consuming RAM. Go to Settings → Applications and carefully study the list.
Pay special attention to social networks and instant messengers. Apps like Facebook or TikTok are known for their high resource consumption. Try using their light versions (Lite) or web versions in the browser.
- 🧹 Delete the cache of heavy applications through the data storage menu.
- 📉 Disable live wallpapers and complex animations in the developer settings.
- 🚫 Prohibit autorun for minor apps in the battery settings.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone at least once every 2-3 days to clear accumulated errors.
It is also useful to limit background activity. In the Settings → Applications → Accessibility → Battery optimization section you can set strict restrictions for gluttonous apps. This will force the system to more aggressively unload them from memory when you are not using them.
Before clearing the cache, make sure you have access to important data inside applications, as in rare cases, clearing the cache may require re-authorization.
Using booster applications
The store Google Play presents many utilities that promise to instantly speed up the device. They are positioned as tools for cleaning RAM and optimizing the system.
Most of these applications work on the same principle: they forcefully terminate background processes. This may feel like a speed boost in the short term, but the Android system is designed to fill all available memory with cache to quickly launch applications.
Constantly artificially clearing memory causes the processor to spend more energy on re-launching applications, which ultimately reduces battery life. However, some tools can be useful for freeing up resources once before starting a heavy game.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing aggressive “cleaners” that require permanent permissions to access system files. Many of them contain advertising and themselves consume a lot of resources.
If you still decide to use third-party software, choose proven solutions from well-known vendors, such as CCleaner or built-in cleaners from manufacturers (for example, Phone Master on Xiaomi). Avoid little-known apps with names like "Super RAM Booster 2026".
Why doesn't Android like a complete memory wipe?
The Android system is designed to keep frequently used applications in RAM. Empty RAM is useless memory. When you reopen the application, it loads from disk, which is slower and more energy-consuming than switching from RAM.
Expanding RAM through root access and Swap
For advanced users who want to get the most out of an old device, there is a method of creating a swap partition manually. This method requires obtaining root access (superuser rights).
The essence of the method is to create a special file or partition on the internal memory or SD card, which the system will perceive as an addition to the RAM. For this, applications like SWAP No Root (does not work on all devices) or Kernel Adiutor if you have root access is used.
The setup process usually looks like this:
- Get root access through Magisk or a similar manager.
- Install an application to manage the kernel or create a swap file.
- Select the size of the swap file (it is not recommended to set more than 2-4 GB).
- Activate the function and reboot the device.
It is important to understand that the speed of the swap partition on flash memory is times lower than the speed of real DDR memory. This can lead to micro-lags of the interface during active use.
☑️ Preparing to create a Swap section
| Memory type | Reading speed (approximately) | Impact on wear | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical LPDDR4/5 | 30-50 GB/s | Minimum | High |
| Internal UFS 2.1/3.1 | 0.5-2 GB/s | Average | Average |
| SD card (Class 10) | 0.05-0.1 GB/s | High | Low |
| Internal eMMC (old) | 0.1-0.3 GB/s | High | Low |
Optimization through developer settings
The hidden developer settings menu contains parameters that affect the behavior of the system with memory and animations. Although they do not increase the physical volume RAM, they make the interface work subjectively faster.
To get to the menu, you need to go to Settings → About device and quickly click on the build number 7 times. After this, the main menu will display the item For developers.
Find the section responsible for limiting background processes. By default there is a standard limit. You can change it to "No more than 2 processes" or "No background processes". This will cause the system to instantly kill applications when minimized.
It is also recommended to reduce the animation scale. Find the items “Window Animation”, “Transition Animation” and “Animation Duration”. Change the value from 1x to 0.5x. Visually, the interface will become more responsive, as the time for rendering transitions will be reduced.
⚠️ Attention: Setting a hard limit on background processes may disrupt the operation of instant messengers (messages will arrive with a delay) and widgets. Use with caution.
Another important parameter is “Activity not used”. Enabling this option allows the system to quickly release resources from applications that you have not opened for a long time.
Where can I find the exact kernel version?
The “For Developers” menu also displays information about the system kernel. This is important when searching for compatible custom kernels to replace the stock one, which can also affect memory management.
Radical measures: Custom firmware and kernels
If software methods do not help, but the phone’s hardware allows it, you can consider installing custom firmware (Custom ROM). Developer communities, such as XDA Developers, create lightweight versions of Android for specific models.
Custom firmware is often devoid of bloatware pre-installed by manufacturers, which takes up space in RAM. Pure LineageOS or Pixel Experience can work much faster than the stock shell.
It is also possible to install a custom kernel. Enthusiasts modify the Linux kernel on which Android runs, improving memory management algorithms (LMK - Low Memory Killer). This allows you to more flexibly configure application unloading thresholds.
However, it is worth remembering the risks. Incorrect firmware can turn a smartphone into a “brick”. In addition, on some devices Knox protection or similar mechanisms are triggered, which will permanently disable the ability to use banking applications and protected folders.
Installing custom firmware is the most effective, but also the most risky way to speed up an old smartphone. Requires unlocking the bootloader.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing RAM
Is it possible to physically add memory to the phone?
No, unlike PCs, RAM chips in smartphones are soldered on the board. Physical increase is impossible without the most complex reballing on factory equipment, which is not economically feasible.
Does the RAM Plus function harm the service life of the phone?
Yes, theoretically it does. Constantly writing and rewriting data to the virtual memory area increases wear and tear on the flash memory cells. However, for modern UFS drives, this wear is not critical within the normal service life of the device (2-3 years).
Why does the phone start to slow down after clearing the RAM?
Android caches applications in free memory for quick launch. When you clear RAM, the system is forced to reload applications from the slow drive, wasting CPU time and battery.
What amount of virtual memory is better to choose?
The optimal value is 2 GB or 4 GB. Setting the maximum value (for example, 8 GB on a phone with 4 GB of physical memory) often does not provide an increase, since the speed of access to the page file becomes a bottleneck.
Will formatting the phone help increase memory?
A factory reset will not increase the physical amount of RAM, but it will remove accumulated software junk and background services, which can significantly improve overall performance and free up available resources.