Has your smartphone started to slow down, applications close spontaneously, and games crash with the error "Insufficient memory"? The reason most often lies in Android started to slow down, applications close spontaneously, and games crash with the error “Insufficient memory”? The reason most often lies in lack of random access memory (RAM). Manufacturers save on this component even in mid-budget models, and over time, the RAM becomes “clogged” with the background activity of system processes and applications.

Unlike computers, where RAM can be physically replaced, smartphones do not have this option - memory is soldered into the motherboard. But this does not mean that the situation cannot be corrected. There are several ways virtual RAM expansionto optimize its use and even hardware tricks for individual models. This article contains only proven methods that actually work on modern devices (including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Realme and others).

We warn you right away: some methods require root access or unlocking the bootloader, which may void the warranty. But there are also safe options - we will consider them first.

1. Virtual memory (RAM Expansion) is an official method from manufacturers

Many modern smartphones (starting from Android 11) support technology RAM Expansion —using part of the internal memory (ROM) as additional RAM. This method does not require root access and is absolutely safeas it is implemented at the firmware level.

How does it work? The system creates a paging file (swap) on a fast drive (UFS 2.1/3.0 or eMMC 5.1), which is used to temporarily store data from RAM. Performance is lower than that of physical memory, but it is enough for background tasks.

  • 📱 Supported brands: Xiaomi (MIUI 12.5+), Realme (Realme UI 2.0+), Oppo (ColorOS 11+), Samsung (One UI 4.0+ on flagships).
  • ⚡ Efficiency: +1–3 GB of virtual memory (depending on the model).
  • ⚠️ Cons: Accelerates the wear of the internal drive with frequent use.

To activate the function:

  1. Open Settings → About phone → MIUI/ColorOS/One UI version (press 7 times, to unlock Developer mode).
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → Memory (or Special features → RAM Expansion).
  3. Select the amount of virtual memory (we recommend 2 GB to balance performance and wear).
  4. Reboot the device.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10) after the update, the function may be reset. Check its status after installing security patches.
📊 Does your smartphone support RAM Expansion?
Yes, I use it
Yes, but I haven’t activated it
No, there is no such function
I don’t know how to check

2 Optimization of the current one. memory: closing background processes and “leaks”

Before trying to increase RAM, you should maximize the efficiency of existing memory. Many applications (especially social networks and instant messengers) consume RAM even in the background, and some services (Google Play Services, Miui Daemon) can “eat up” up to 500 MB without visible reasons.

Here's what you can do without root access:

  • 🔄 Limit background activity: In Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Battery → Background activity install Limited for unnecessary apps.
  • 🚫 Disable autostart: In the same application settings, find the item Autostart and deactivate it for little-used services.
  • 📉 Use "Lite" versions of applications: Replace Facebook with Facebook Lite, Messenger with Messenger Lite —they consume 2-3 times less RAM.
  • 🔍 Checking for "leaks": Install Simple System Monitor (from F-Droid) and sort processes by RAM usage. If any application. constantly takes up >300 MB - reinstall it.

For users with root more radical methods are available:

su

pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateActivity


pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.daemon

These commands disable background updates Google Play Services and system daemon Xiaomiwhich often overload RAM. Be careful: disabling critical services can disrupt the operation of some functions.

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If after optimization there is still little free memory, try rebooting the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → "Safe Mode"). This will disable all third-party applications, and you can estimate how much RAM the system itself consumes.

3. Using the SD card as additional memory (only for older devices)

On smartphones with Android 6.0–9.0 (and a supporting slot microSD), it was possible to format part of the memory card as internal storage, and then use it for the swap file (swap). data-i="125">for two reasons: not recommended for modern devices for two reasons:

  1. Read/write speed microSD (even UHS-I) is 5–10 times lower than on the built-in memory (UFS/eMMC).
  2. Android 10+ severely limited work with swap on external media due to security risks.

If you still want to try (for example, on Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 or Xiaomi Redmi 4X), follow instructions:

  1. Insert microSD class UHS-I U3 (minimum 32 GB).
  2. Go to Settings → Storage → SD card → Configure → Internal memory.
  3. After formatting, install ROEHSOFT RAM-Expander (SWAP) from Play Market and create a swap file of 1-2 GB in size.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ this method may cause the phone to reboot cyclically. Before experiments, make a backup copy of your data!
Method Root required Risks Efficiency
RAM Expansion (official) ❌ No Memory wear ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Optimization of background processes ❌ No Absent ⭐⭐⭐
SD card as swap ❌ No Unstable operation ⭐⭐
Change swappiness (root) ✅ Yes System failure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Root methods: changing kernel parameters for avanzed users

If you have root access and custom recovery (TWRP), you can make changes to the kernel parameters Linux, which control memory usage. This method gives the greatest performance increase, but requires technical knowledge.

Basic parameters for tweaking:

  • 🔧 vm.swappiness - determines how actively the system uses swap. value: 60 (default usually 100).
  • 🔧 vm.vfs_cache_pressure — controls file system caching. Recommended value: 50.
  • 🔧 vm.dirty_ratio — percentage of RAM that can be used to buffer writes to disk. Set 10.

To apply changes:

  1. Install Kernel Adiutor or EX Kernel Manager from Play Market.
  2. Go to section Virtual Memory.
  3. Change the settings as recommended above.
  4. Save the settings and reboot the device.

For experienced users - manual file editing /sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree:

echo "3072,6144,12288,24576,40960,57344" > /sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree

This command configures LowMemoryKiller an Android mechanism that kills processes when there is not enough RAM. The values ​​set thresholds (in KB) for different process priority levels.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect values ​​in minfree can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot). Before experiments, create a backup via TWRP!

Make a backup via TWRP|Check kernel compatibility|Install Kernel Adiutor|Write current parameter values|Prepare an OTG cable for recovery-->

5. Alternative firmware with optimized memory management

Stock firmware (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS) are often overloaded with unnecessary services that consume RAM. Switching to custom firmware (for example LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) can free up to 1–1.5 GB of memory due to:

  • 🗑️ Removing bloatware (pre-installed applications).
  • 🔄 Optimized LowMemoryKiller.
  • 🛠️ Possibility of fine-tuning the kernel through FrancoKernel or ElementalX.

Installation process:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (for Xiaomi - via Mi Unlock Tool, for Samsung - via Odin).
  2. Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
  3. Download the firmware from the official website (for example, LineageOS) and GApps (minimum package pico).
  4. Flash through recovery by running Wipe → Format Data.

An example of saving RAM on Redmi Note 8 Pro after switching from MIUI 12 on Pixel Experience 12:

  • 📉 Before: 3.2 GB occupied from 6 GB (system + background processes).
  • 📈 After: 1.8 GB occupied (without loss of functionality).
Which firmware is better for weak devices?

For smartphones with 2–3 GB of RAM we recommend LineageOS without GApps + micro-GMS (via NikGAppsThis will allow you to use Google Play, but without background services that eat up memory. Also pay attention to DerpFest - firmware with aggressive RAM optimization for weak chipsets (Snapdragon 4xx/6xx, Helio Pxx).

6. Hardware tricks: connecting external memory via USB (only for enthusiasts)

On some devices (for example, Samsung DeX or smartphones with support USB OTG) you can connect flash drive or SSD and use it as a swap-section. This method is extremely niche, but can save old tablets (Samsung Tab A, Lenovo Yoga) with 1–2 GB of RAM.

What you will need:

  • 🔌 Adapter USB-C/OTG → USB-A.
  • 💾 Drive with high read/write speed (Samsung T7 Shield, SanDisk Extreme).
  • 🐧 Terminal with root (for example, Termux).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the drive and format it in ext4 via TWRP.
  2. B Termux execute: 
    su

    mkswap /dev/block/sda1
    

    swapon /dev/block/sda1

  3. To ensure that changes are saved after a reboot, add the line /dev/block/sda1 swap swap defaults 0 0 to /etc/fstab.
⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ you may need to disable SELinux (mode Permissive), which will reduce the security of the device. This method is only suitable for experiments!

7. When nothing helps: upgrading your phone or cloud solutions

If all of the above methods did not work, perhaps your device is simply outdated (Chrome, Instagram, Genshin Impact) require a minimum 4 GB of RAM for comfortable operation. In this case, consider:

  • 📱 Upgrade to a new smartphone: even budget models (Redmi Note 12, Samsung Galaxy M34) are now equipped with 6–8 GB of RAM.
  • ☁️ Cloud services: Shadow PC, GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming allows you to run heavy games on a weak phone using a remote server.
  • 🔄 Trade-in: Many stores (for example, Svyaznoy, MTS) offer a discount on a new phone when you return the old one.

If you are tied to your current device, try alternative OS:

  • 🐧 Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS - lightweight Linux distributions for smartphones.
  • 🤖 Android Go - optimized version of Android for weak devices (available on Nokia 1.4, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core).
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If your smartphone was released before 2018 and has less than 3 GB of RAM, none of the software methods will give a significant increase performance. In this case, it is more logical to consider buying a new device or switching to cloud services.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing RAM on Android

❓ Is it possible to physically add RAM to a smartphone?

No, in 99% of cases the RAM is soldered into the motherboard. The exception is some Chinese ones. monoblocks (for example GPD Pocket), but these are not mass-produced devices.

❓ Why did the phone start to slow down after enabling RAM Expansion?

You probably selected too much virtual memory (for example, 4 GB on a weak processor) Try reducing the value to 1-2 GB and disabling the function for. resource-intensive games.

❓ Does increasing RAM work through applications like "RAM Booster"?

No, such applications only close background processes, but do not add real memory. Many of them (Clean Master, DU Speed Booster) consume RAM themselves and show false notifications about "optimization".

❓ Is it possible to use a flash drive as RAM on Android 12?

Technically yes, but only with root and disabled SELinuxThe practical benefit is minimal due to the low speed even for USB 3.0-drives (maximum 100–150 MB/s versus 500–1000 MB/s for UFS 2.1).

❓ How to check how much RAM is actually used?

Install Simple System Monitor or DevCheck. In the section Memory pay attention to:

  • Used — used memory.
  • Buffered/Cached —cache (it can be freed without harm).
  • Free —free memory.

If Free constantly <100 MB, it’s time to optimize the system.