Cleaning memory on Android Redmi: a complete guide for users

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi are known for their price-performance ratio, but even the most powerful models begin to “slow down” over time. The main reason is full memory. When the internal storage is full of unnecessary files, application cache and residual data, the system runs slower, and free space disappears before our eyes. But don’t rush to buy a new phone or expand the memory with a card microSD —in 90% of cases the problem can be solved on your own.

In this article we will look at all available methods of clearing memory on Redmi (including models Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others), from basic methods to hidden ones functions MIUI. You'll learn how to safely remove junk without losing important data, and what apps can help automate the process. And at the end - answers to frequently asked questions and warnings about typical user mistakes.

Why the memory on Redmi gets clogged and how to check it

Before cleaning, it is important to understand what exactly takes up space on your Redmi. Most often the culprits are:

• 🗑️ Application cache —temporary files that are created to speed up apps, but over time turn into digital garbage.
• 📁 Residual data —“tails” from remote applications that remain in the system and can weigh gigabytes.
• 🎥 Media files — photos in DCIM, videos from instant messengers, downloads from the browser.
• 📱 System files — log files, error dumps, backups updates MIUI.

To check the used space:

1. Open Settings → About phone → Memory.
2. Click on Details (or Storage in new versions MIUI).
3. The system will show the distribution of memory by category: Applications, Images, Video, Audio, Other.

Pay attention to the section Other —up to 30% of the garbage is often hidden here. If it takes up more than 5-10 GB, it’s time to clean it!

Method 1: Cleaning application cache manually

Cache is temporary files that applications create for quick work. For example, Instagram saves thumbnails of stories, and Google Maps offline maps. Over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes, although it can be safely deleted without data loss.

How to clear it. cache for individual applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Select an application (for example, Facebook or TikTok).
3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass clearing:

1. Open Settings → Storage → Cleaning.
2. Click Select items and check the boxes for unnecessary files (cache, residual data, temporary files).
3. Confirm cleaning with the button Delete.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Clear cache and Clear data! The second action will delete all application settings, including logins and saved files.

Method 2: Removing residual files after uninstallation

When you delete an application via Play Market or Settings, it often leaves behind “tails” - folders with settings, cache and other data. These files can occupy from 100 MB to 100 MB. 1–2 GB per application!

How to find and delete residual data:

1. Install a file manager (for example, Files by Google or standard MI File Manager).
2. Go to the folder /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/.
3. Find folders with the names of deleted applications (for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp) and delete them manually.

For automation process:

• 🤖 Use the application SD Maid (requires root access for deep cleaning).
• 🧹 In MIUI is built-in function: Settings → Memory → Deep cleaning.

What is the OBB folder and can it be cleaned?

The folder OBB contains additional data for games (graphics, levels, sounds If the game). deleted, the files in OBB can be safely deleted. But if the game is installed, cleaning will lead to its inoperability (you will have to reinstall it).

Method 3: Optimizing storage through built-in MIUI tools

MIUI (firmware Xiaomi) has several hidden functions for clearing memory, which many users do not use. Here are the most effective ones:

1. Light mode:

   Reduces background activity of applications and clears the cache automatically. Turns on in Settings → Accessibility →. Light mode.

2. Clean when screen is locked:

   Automatically deletes unnecessary files when you lock your phone. Activated in Settings → Battery and performance → Clean when locked..

3. Smart cleaning:

   Analyzes memory usage and suggests deleting rarely used files. Found in Settings → Memory → Smart cleaning.

Also in MIUI 12/13/14 appeared. function Memory compressionthat archives rarely used data. To enable it:

Settings → Memory → Advanced → Memory compression

✅ Go to "Settings → Memory"

✅ Click "Cleaning"

✅ Select "Cache", "Residual files", "Temporary files"

✅ Confirm deletion

✅ Reboot phone-->

Method 4: Cleaning system files and logs

The system Android creates many service files: error logs, memory dumps, backup copies of updates. They are rarely useful to the user, freeing up to 1-3 GB.

How to clean up system junk:

1. Install Root Explorer (required root access) or use ADB.
2. Go to folders:
   • /data/log/ — system logs;
   • /data/tombstones/ — error dumps;
   • /cache/ — update cache.

Delete all files in these folders (except recovery in /cache/).

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /system/ without root access can lead to brick (breakage) of the phone. Do not clear folders whose names are unfamiliar to you.

For users without root access, the command is suitable via ADB:

adb shell pm trim-caches 256m

This command will clear the cache of all applications, limiting its size to 256 MB.

Method 5: Transfer data to a memory card or cloud

If the internal memory is full of photos, videos or music, the easiest way to free up space is to transfer them to microSD or to cloud storage. But there are nuances:

• 📸 Photos and videos:

  Use Google Photos (free up to 15 GB) or MI Cloud (5 GB for accounts Xiaomi). Google Photos enable Free up space after loading.

• 🎵 Music and documents:

  Transfer to memory card via MI File Manager (select files → Move → select SD card).

• 📱 Applications:

  Not all apps can be transferred to SDTo check:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application → Storage.
  3. If there is a button Change, you can transfer.

⚠️ Attention: Memory cards microSD class lower A1 (or UHS-I) will slow down applications. For Redmi class is recommended A2 or higher.

File type	Where to transfer	Cons
Photo/video	Google Photos, MI Cloud	Volume limitation, you need a stable network
Music/documents	microSD (A2), Yandex Disk	SD cards can break, clouds require subscriptions
Applications	microSD (supported only)	Not all apps work with SD, lags are possible
Backups	Computer, external HDD	You need to remember about regular copying

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all the previous methods did not help, and the phone is still slow, there remains hard reset (hard reset). data-i="231">including applications, photos and settings, so make a backup first. all data, including apps, photos, and settings, so make a backup first.

How to reset Redmi to factory settings:

1. Save important data to your computer or cloud.
2. Go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Erase all data.
4. Confirm the action (you may be required to enter password).
5. After rebooting, the phone will be like new.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Redmi (for example, Note 8 Pro, K30 Proafter resetting, you may need to re-link your account Mi AccountIf you have forgotten the password, the phone. will turn into a “brick”!

Additional tips for keeping your memory clean

To prevent your memory from filling up too quickly, follow these rules: Redmi don't clog too quickly, follow these rules:

• 📵 Limit background activity:

  Turn off autorun for unnecessary applications. Settings → Battery → Battery management disable autorun for unnecessary applications.

• 🚫 Do not install memory cleaners:

  Applications like Clean Master or CCleaner often become a source of garbage and show false warnings.

• 🔄 Update MIUI regularly:

  New firmware versions have optimized cleaning algorithms. Check for updates in Settings → About phone → System update.

• 📂 Use cloud services:

  Set up automatic uploading of photos to Google Photos or MI Cloudso that they do not take up space on your phone.

Important: On models Redmi s chipset MediaTek (for example, Redmi 9A, Redmi 10C) the cache is cleared less efficiently than on Snapdragon. For them, it is recommended to carry out deep cleaning once every 1-2 months.

Why are memory cleaners harmful?

Many “optimizers” (for example, DU Speed Booster) work on the principle of “killing” background processes, which only increases the load on the processor. In addition, they often collect user data and show annoying advertisements. MIUI there are already all the necessary tools - no additional apps are needed.

Frequently asked questions. (FAQ)

Is it possible to clear the Android folder on Redmi?

The folder Android contains application data (data), cache (cache) and game files (obb).You cannot delete it entirely, but you can clear it:

• Manually - delete only the folders of deleted applications in /Android/data/.
• Via Settings → Memory → Cleaning (safe method).

Do not touch the folder Android/obbif the game is still installed!

Why does the memory quickly fill up again after cleaning?

Reasons:

• 📱 Background activity of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) - they download automatically media.
• 🎮 Games (for example, Genshin Impact, PUBG) create large cache files.
• 🔄 Auto-updating applications in Play Market.

Solution: Disable auto-downloading of media in instant messengers and Wi-Fi updates.

How to clear memory if the phone does not turn on?

If Redmi does not load, try:

1. Boot into recovery (press Power + Volume up).
2. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
3. If that doesn't help, connect the phone to the PC and use Mi Flash Tool for a complete reset (firmware will be required).

⚠️ This will delete all data!

How much memory should be free for normal operation?

Minimum recommendations:

• 📱 1–2 GB — for basic work (calls, instant messengers).
• 🎮 3–5 GB — for games and multimedia.
• 🚀 10% of the total volume —optimal reserve (for example, 8 GB is free on a 64 GB phone).

If less than 500 MB is free, the phone will slow down.

Is it possible to increase the memory on Redmi without a card memory?

Physically - no. But you can:

• 🔧 Optimize current memory (clearing cache, transferring files to the cloud).
• 📲 Use OTG drive (flash drive via adapter USB-C).
• ☁️ Store files in the cloud (Google Drive, MI Cloud).

On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro+) it is supported virtual memory (RAM expansion due to internal storage), but this does not increase the volume for files.