Cleaning RAM on an Android tablet: a complete guide

Has your tablet started to slow down, applications close spontaneously, and the interface jerks when switching between tasks? Most likely, the problem lies in the overloaded Android started to slow down, applications close spontaneously, and the interface jerks when switching between tasks? Most likely, the problem lies in the overloaded random access memory (RAM). Unlike the internal storage, where files are stored, RAM is responsible for the performance of the system - and when it is not enough, even powerful devices turn into “brakes”.

In this article we will analyze 7 proven ways to clean RAM - from basic to advanced, including hidden settings Android and background optimization. Important: not all methods are equally effective for different OS versions (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 14), so we will indicate the nuances for each. And if you use a tablet Samsung, Huawei or Lenovo —you will find proprietary lifehacks for these brands.

Before you begin: cleaning RAM does not increase its physical volume, but only frees up occupied resources. If your tablet is equipped with 2 GB RAM or less, even after optimization it will not “fly” like a flagship with 8 GB. But the right settings will help you get the most out of your existing hardware.

1. Built-in Android tools: cleaning RAM without applications

Modern versions Android (starting from Android 6.0 Marshmallow) have built-in memory management mechanisms. Their advantage is that they do not require the installation of third-party software and work at the system level. Let's look at two key methods.

Method 1: "Recently used applications" menu

The fastest way to close background processes:

1. Click on the square button (or swipe up and hold your finger on Android 10+) - a list of recent ones will open applications.
2. At the bottom of the screen, find the button Clear all (or the trash icon). On some tablets (for example Samsung Galaxy Tab) it is hidden under a swipe to the left on the application thumbnail.
3. Confirm the action. This will close all background tasks, but will not remove them from memory completely - the system will save the cache for quick startup.

Method 2: “Memory” section in settings

Deeper cleaning is available through: Settings → Device (or System) → Memory → RAM.

Here you will see a diagram of RAM usage broken down by:

• 📱 Applications —active and background processes.
• 🖥️ System —Android kernel and Google services.
• 🗑️ Cache —temporary data to speed up work.
• 🔄 Free —available amount of RAM.

Click Clear memory (or Optimize on Xiaomi/Redmi) to force close unnecessary processes. On tablets with Android 12+ this option may be absent - instead, the system automatically manages memory through the function Adaptive Memory.

2. Optimizing background processes: what can be disabled

Many applications continue to run in the background even after closing, consuming RAM and battery power. To limit their activity:

Step 1: Limiting background activity

Go to: Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Battery → Background activity.

Disable background permission for apps that are not critical (for example, games, photo editors or instant messengers that you rarely use). Exception: system applications (for example Google Play Services) - disabling them may interfere with stability.

Step 2: Disabling autorun

On tablets Huawei, Honor and Xiaomi there is a separate setting autorun: Settings → Applications → [Ellipsis] → Autorun.

Disable autorun for unnecessary apps. On other devices, a similar function is performed by the section Battery optimization (for example, on Samsung this Settings → Device maintenance → Battery → Background limit).

Disable background activity for games and rarely used applications

Check autorun in the manufacturer's settings

Leave only instant messengers and system services in the background

Reboot the tablet after changes-->

⚠️ Attention: Disable background activity for Google Play Services or Android System WebView may lead to malfunctions in the application store and web pages. If errors appear after the changes, return the settings back.

3. data-i="112">Hidden settings

Hidden settings Android allow you to flexibly manage the use of RAM. To activate them:

1. Go to Settings → About phone (or About tablet).
2. Find item Build number and click on it 7 times in a row. A notification will appear You have become a developer!.
3. Return to the main settings menu - a new section will appear there For developers.

Key options for working with memory are now available:

On tablets with Android 11+ some of these options may be missing or hidden under item Memory in the section For developers. After the changes, reboot the device - this will apply the settings and free up RAM occupied by old processes.

4. RAM cleaning applications: is it worth using

Hundreds of utilities that promise "free up memory with one tap" - from Google Play hundreds of utilities that promise to “free up memory with one tap” - from CCleaner to Clean Master. But are they really needed?

The truth about "RAM boosters":

• ✅ Useful for old tablets (with 1–2 GB RAM i Android 5.0–7.0), where there is no built-in optimization.
• ❌ Useless (or harmful) on modern devices s Android 8.0+, where the system itself manages memory through the mechanism of Low Memory Killer (LMK).
• ⚠️ Many utilities mask advertising clean or collect data (for example, DU Speed Booster was removed from Google Play for fraud).

If you still decide to use third-party software, choose proven options:

• 🛡️ SD Maid - clears the cache and residual files, not interfering with system processes.
• 🔍 Greenify — “puts to sleep” unnecessary applications without closing them (requires root for full functionality).
• 📊 Simple System Monitor —shows detailed statistics on RAM usage without overclocking.

adb shell reboot

adb kill-server
adb start-server