Has your Xiaomi Redmi 5 started to slow down, applications constantly crash, and the memory is full to the limit? This problem is familiar to many owners of budget smartphones with 16/32 GB built-in memory. Even after deleting unnecessary files, the system continues to show that the disk space has run out. What's the matter and how to really free up space?

The fact is that Android systems (especially on older versions like MIUI 9/10, which are on Redmi 5) actively use cache, temporary files and backups. They take up gigabytes of memory, but are not displayed in the standard file manager. In this article we will look at 7 proven methods cleaning - from basic to radical, including hidden functions MIUI and working with ADB.

Before you begin, check exactly how much memory busy: go to Settings → About phone → Memory. If less than 1 GBfree, the smartphone will lag even after a reboot. Our guide will help you return up to 40% free space without buying a new device.

1. Removing cache and garbage through built-in MIUI tools

Let's start with the simplest thing - clearing the application cache and system garbage. Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a built-in utility "Cleaning"that deletes temporary files, uninstallation remnants and unnecessary data. Here's how to use it:

  • 📱 Open the application "Security" (shield icon).
  • 🧹 Select a tab "Clean" → click "Check".
  • 🗑️ Check all categories (cache, leftovers, unnecessary APK) and click "Clear".
  • 🔄 After cleaning, reboot your phone - this is necessary to apply the changes.

Please note: in the "Deep cleaning" section you can delete the cache of individual applications (for example, YouTube or Facebook), which often take up space. data-i="69">. But do not clear the cache of system utilities (for example, 500 MB - 1 GB. But do not clear the system utilities cache (for example, com.android.systemui) - this can lead to interface crashes.

⚠️ Attention: If after clearing the cache, applications take longer to load, this is normal. The cache speeds up restart, but its excess slows down the system. After 1-2 days, the work will stabilize.
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To prevent clearing the cache from slowing down frequently used applications (for example, instant messengers), add them to exceptions in the settings of the "Security" → "Cleaning" → "Exceptions" utility.

2. Manual deletion of unnecessary files and folders

Standard cleaning does not delete hidden folders backups, logs and update data. They can be found manually through any file manager (for example, Mi File Explorer or Total Commander). Here's what is safe to delete:

Folder/file Path What can be deleted Danger
Download /storage/emulated/0/Download All files except the ones you need documents Low
DCIM/.thumbnails /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails Thumbnails of photos and videos (will free 100–500 MB) Low
Android/data /storage/emulated/0/Android/data Folders of deleted applications (for example, com.tencent.mm for WeChat) Medium (do not delete current application folders!)
MIUI/backup /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/backup Old backups (take up to 2–3 GB) Low
log i logs /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/debug_log System error logs (you can delete everything) Low

To access hidden folders in Mi File Explorer click on the three dots in the upper right corner → "Settings" → enable "Show hidden files". Be careful: deleting system folders (for example, MIUI or Android/obb) may cause crashes!

How to recover accidentally deleted files?

If you have deleted important data, try apps like DiskDigger or Recuva (requires root or connection to a PC) The chances of recovery are higher if you did not write new files to the phone after deletion.

3. Transferring data to a memory card or cloud

Redmi 5 supports cards microSD up to 256 GB, but by default applications and files are saved to internal memory To free up space:

  • 📁 Transferring applications: Go to Settings → Applications → Select an application → Memory → Edit → SD card. Not all applications support transfer! System utilities and games with OBBfiles cannot be transferred.
  • 🖼️ Photos and videos: In the gallery, select files → "More" → "Move to SD card". Or set up autosave to the camera: Camera settings → Save location → Memory card.
  • ☁️ Cloud storage: Upload photos to Google Photos (free up to 15 GB) or Mi Cloud (5 GB), then delete local copies. Google Photos enable "Free up space" after downloading.

Important: cards microSD class UHS-I (for example, SanDisk Ultra) work faster than cheap Class 4/10. If after transferring applications lag, the slow card is to blame.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use the memory card as internal memory (function Adoptable Storage on Redmi 5 this leads to slower operation and faster operation). wear out of the drive. It is better to store only media files on SD.

I delete the cache manually|Transfer files to a memory card|Use cloud storage|Delete unnecessary applications|Never clear it-->

4. Removing system applications (without root)

MIUI is known for the abundance of pre-installed applications (bloatware), which cannot be removed using standard methods. However, they can be disable or deleted via ADB (without superuser rights). up to 1–1.5 GB memory.

List of system applications safe to remove on Redmi 5:

  • 🎵 com.miui.player — Music (can be replaced with Spotify or VLC)
  • 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Video player
  • 📖 com.xiaomi.scanner — Document scanner
  • 💼 com.miui.analytics — MIUI Analytics (sends data to Xiaomi)
  • 🎮 com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service — Gaming center

To delete via ADB:

  1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times) → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB Tools and run the command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player

    Replace com.miui.player with the package of the desired application.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete applications with packages com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.xiaomi.updater —this will lead to the phone not working!

USB debugging is enabled|ADB drivers are installed on the PC|A backup of important data has been made|Application packages have been checked for safety of removal-->

5. Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the previous methods did not help, and free memory is critically low (<500 MB), the only radical way is full reset. This will delete all data, including accounts, photos and settings, but will return the phone to a “clean” state.

How to make a Hard Reset on Redmi 5:

  1. Create a backup via Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Local backup.
  2. Go to Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Reset settings.
  3. Select "Erase all data" and confirm the action.
  4. After rebooting, the phone will be like new. Restore data from backup selectively —do not copy old cache and unnecessary files.

Alternative method (if the phone does not turn on): press Volume+ + Power until the logo appears Mi, then select Wipe Data via the volume buttons.

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Resetting to factory settings removes viruses, fixes system errors and frees up to 80% of memory. But use it only as a last resort - data recovery will take several hours.

6. Memory optimization using third-party utilities

If you don’t want to delve into the settings manually, use specialized applications. Best options for Redmi 5:

  • 🛠️ SD Maid —removes residual files, empty folders and duplicates. There is a function "CorpseFinder" for searching for garbage from uninstalled apps.
  • 🧹 Files by Google - a simple manager with a function "Cleaning"that finds large and unnecessary files.
  • 🔍 CCleaner - clears the cache, history and temporary files. On Redmi 5 it is better to use the version without excess water (for example, CCleaner Pro).

Example of working with SD Maid:

  1. Run a scan in the section "CorpseFinder".
  2. Delete files marked "Orphaned" (orphaned).
  3. In the "AppControl" section, sort applications by size and remove the heaviest ones.
⚠️ Attention: Some utilities (for example, Clean Master) themselves become a source of advertising and background processes after use. delete them so as not to clog the system.

7. Preventing memory clogging in the future

To prevent the problem from recurring, follow simple rules:

  • 📵 Limit background activity: T Settings → Battery → Select applications disable autostart for unnecessary apps.
  • 🚫 Block ads: Install AdGuard or Blokada —they reduce traffic and prevent loading advertising garbage.
  • 🔄 Regular cleaning: Once a month, run the built-in utility "Cleaning" and delete the cache.
  • 📥 Download control: Set Google Chrome or Mi Browser to save files directly to the memory card: Browser settings → Downloads → Save location.

Also turn off automatic application updates in Google Play: Settings → Automatic application updates → Only via Wi-Fi or "Do not update automatically"This will prevent unexpected memory filling.

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If you often install and uninstall games, use the application APK Extractorto save APK files to the memory card. When you reinstall, you will not have to download the data again.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the memory of Redmi 5

Is it possible to clear memory without losing data?

Yes, if you use the methods from sections 1–4 (clearing the cache, deleting garbage, transferring files). Resetting to factory settings (section 5) will delete everything, so do it only after a backup.

Why is the memory fast again after cleaning? is filling up?

The culprits are background processes MIUI and applications (especially instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram). apps.

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

Connect Redmi 5 to the PC via USB in the mode Recovery (press Volume+ + PowerIn the recovery menu, select Wipe Cache Partition (clear cache) or Wipe Data (full reset). If the phone is not detected, use Mi Flash Tool to flash it.

Is it worth using root to clear memory?

Root gives access to deep cleaning (for example, deleting system applications via Titanium Backup), but Redmi 5 this is risky: you can disrupt the operation of the module Wi-Fi or the camera. If you are not sure, use the non-root methods from this article.

How to check which application is taking up the most memory?

Go to Settings → Applications → All applications and sort by size. You can also use SD Maid (section "Storage Analyzer") or Files by Google (tab "Memory Analysis").