How to clear storage on Xiaomi Redmi 9: complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its 32/64 GB of memory quickly becomes clogged with unnecessary files. If your phone starts to slow down, display low-space notifications, or refuse to install updates, it's time to clean out your storage. In this article we will analyze all working methodsincluding hidden MIUI functions that will help free up from 2 to 10 GB of memory without resetting to factory settings.

The problem is not only in user data: the system MIUI actively caches files, and pre-installed ones applications (bloatware) take up to 5 GB of space. We'll show you how to remove this junk safely without breaking your phone. Important: the methods are suitable for all modifications Redmi 9 (including Redmi 9A/9C/9T), but some points may differ depending on the firmware version.

1. Analysis of occupied space: what exactly is taking up memory?

Before cleaning, you need to understand which files are eating up space. W MIUI has a built-in storage analyzer, but it does not always show the full picture. Here's how to get accurate data:

1. Open Settings → About phone → Storage.
2. Wait for the scan to complete (may take up to 2 minutes).
3. Click on a category (for example, "Applications" or "Media") to see details.

Typical memory allocation on Redmi 9 with 64 GB:

If in the "System files" section busy more than 15 GB is a sign of blockage from MIUI updates. In this case, only manual cleaning will help via ADB (we'll look at it in section 6).

⚠️ Attention: If the storage analyzer displays the “Other” category with a size of >2 GB, these may be hidden files from remote applications. They can be found through a file manager with root access or app Files by Google.

2. Cleaning cache and junk without apps

The fastest way to free up 1-3 GB is to delete temporary files. There are built-in tools for this, but they do not always work effectively. Follow this algorithm: MIUI There are built-in tools for this, but they don't always work effectively. Follow this algorithm:

• 🧹 Clearing the cache of all applications:
  

  Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Clear all application cache". This will remove up to 1-2 GB of unnecessary data.

• 🗑️ Removing garbage through "Security":
  

  Open the application Security (shield icon), select "Cleaning" → "Deep cleaning". Here you can delete residual files, thumbnails and temporary data.

• 📂 Manually cleaning the Download folder:
  

  Go to Files → Categories → Downloads and delete unnecessary APKs, archives and documents. Often gigabytes of forgotten files accumulate here.

After these steps, check the free space. If less than 500 MB is freed, then the problem is deeper - you need to clean system files or remove heavy applications.

3. Removing unnecessary applications and bloatware

Xiaomi pre-installs dozens of applications that cannot be removed using standard methods. Among them: Redmi 9 dozens of applications that cannot be removed using standard methods. Among them: Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps, Mi Browser and games from Gameloft. These apps take up to 3–5 GB and constantly work in the background, using up battery power.

There are three ways to get rid of them:

• 🚫 Disable through settings:
  

  Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications, select an unnecessary application (for example, Mi Browser) and click "Disable". This will not remove it completely, but it will stop it working and free up some memory.

• 🗑️ Removal via ADB (without root):
  

  Connect your phone to the PC, turn it on USB debugging in settings developer and run the command:

  adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

  The full list of packages to remove can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

• ⚙️ Using a debloater (requires unlocking the bootloader):
  

  apps like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools allow you to remove bloatware en masse in a few clicks. But this method is risky: incorrect actions can lead to brick phone.

If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to limit yourself to disabling applications. Complete removal of system apps can disrupt operation MIUI, especially when it comes to services Google or Xiaomi.

⚠️ Attention: Removing applications via ADB will lead to resetting some settings (for example, wallpaper or themes). Before the procedure, make a backup copy of your important data.

4. Optimizing media files: photos, videos and music

High-resolution photos and videos are the main memory eaters. On Redmi 9 the camera shoots video in Full HD, and each picture weighs 3–5 MB. If you haven't cleared the gallery for years, 10+ GB of unnecessary files can accumulate here.

How to free up space:

• 📸 Removing duplicates and blurry photos:
  

  Use the application Google Photos (section "Utilities" → "Cleaning memory") or Files by Google ("Cleaning" tab). These tools automatically find duplicate and low-quality images.

• ☁️ Transfer to the cloud with deletion of local copies:
  

  Upload the photo to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then enable the option "Free up space" (deletes files already saved in the cloud). Saves up to 5–8 GB.

• 🎞️ Video compression:
  

  Applications like Video Compress or InShot allow you to reduce the size of video files by 2-3 times without much loss of quality. For example, a video 1080p weighing 500 MB after compression will take 150-200 MB.

• 🔍 Search for heavy files:
  

  In Files by Google there is a section "Storage analysis" → "Large files". Here you can find and delete videos/photos >100 MB in size.

If you often shoot videos, consider purchasing memory cards (up to 512 GB). Redmi 9 supports microSD with a separate slot, allowing you to transfer media files and applications without loss performance.

5. Transferring data to a memory card or cloud

If the internal memory is sorely lacking, some of the data can be transferred to microSD or to cloud storage. But there are nuances here:

Transfer to a memory card:

• 📁 Files (photos, videos, music):
  

  Use any file manager (for example, Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer). Select files → "Move" → select a memory card. Important: after transfer, check that the files open (sometimes the paths in the database are confused).

• 📱 Applications:
  

  In MIUI you can transfer only some apps. Go to Settings → Applications → Select an application → Storage → Edit → SD card. Not all applications support this feature.

Cloud storage:

• ☁️ Google Drive / Mi Cloud:
  

  Automatic upload of photos and videos (in Google Photos set up "Backup and synchronization"). For documents, use Google Drive with the "Free up space on your device" option.

• 🔗 Symbolic links (for advanced):
  

  Using ADB or Termux you can create symlinks that redirect folders (for example, Download) to the memory card. This is risky: if an error occurs, the system may lose access to files.

⚠️ Attention: Memory cards of class UHS-I (grade 10) work faster than cheap ones Class 4. If, after transferring the application to SD, they start to slow down, the problem is in the card’s read/write speed.

6. Manual removal of system garbage (for advanced)

If standard methods did not help, and >10 GB are occupied in the “System Files” section, it’s time to clean out hidden folders. This method requires caution: incorrect actions can lead to data loss or system failure.

What can be deleted manually:

• 🗃️ Folder /data/log:
  

  System logs are stored here. You can delete all files older than 7 days. Use Root Explorer or ADB:

  adb shell rm -rf /data/log/*

• 📦 Remaining MIUI updates:
  

  Folder /cache i /data/ota_package can weigh up to 1–2 GB. Delete its contents via TWRP or ADB.

• 🧹 Dalvik cache:
  

  After updates, garbage remains in /data/dalvik-cache. It is cleared only through custom recovery (for example, TWRP).

To access these folders you need root or an unlocked bootloader. If you are not ready for such manipulations, it is better to use an alternative method:

1. Install SD Maid (requires root).
2. Run a scan in the "CorpseFinder" section (will find residual files of uninstalled apps).
3. Remove the junk found and reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from /system without root access will result in a "Read Only" error. Do not try to bypass this restriction through chmod - this may violate the security of MIUI.

7. Reset to factory settings: last chance

If none of the methods helped, and there is <1 GB of free memory left, you will have to do hard resetThis will delete all data, including accounts, photos and applications, so first:

• 🔄 Make a backup:
  

  Use Mi Cloud, Google Account or app Titanium Backup (requires root). Be sure to save:

  • Contacts (export to VCF).
  • Photos and videos (copy to PC).
  • SMS (application SMS Backup & Restore).
• ⚙️ Reset:
  

  Go to Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Erase all data. The phone will reboot and return to its out-of-the-box state.

After the reset:

1. Do not restore the backup via Mi Cloud it may return garbage. It is better to selectively download the necessary files.
2. Do not install all the old applications at once. Start with the most necessary ones and keep an eye on the free ones. place.
3. Disable automatic downloading of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

If after resetting the memory quickly becomes clogged again, the problem may be damaged file will help system. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory on Redmi 9

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