How to increase RAM on Android: real methods and myths

Random access memory (RAM) on Android - what is it like? desk in the office: the more space, the more comfortable it is to lay out documents and work faster. When the RAM runs out, the smartphone begins to slow down, applications crash, and games freeze. But unlike a PC, where you can physically add a RAM bar, on Android everything is more complicated: manufacturers rarely provide hardware upgrades.

However, there are ways optimizing the use of RAM —from basic settings to advanced tricks with root access and microSD. In this article, we’ll look at what really works on modern smartphones (including 2023–2026 models), and what are marketer tricks or relics of the past. Let us warn you right away: physically increasing the amount of RAM on 99% of Android devices is impossible without a soldering iron and deep knowledge electronics, but competent optimization can give the effect of “extra gigabytes”.

Why does Android “eat up” RAM?

Before you try to “add” RAM, it is important to understand how it is used. Android works on the principle dynamic memory allocation: the system itself decides which processes to keep in RAM and which to unload. That’s why even on a “clean” smartphone, part of the memory is always occupied:

• 📱 System processes: Android kernel, drivers, Google Play services. They take up from 500 MB to 1.5 GB depending on the OS version.
• 🔄 Application cache: Android stores data from frequently used apps in RAM for quick access. This is not “garbage”, but optimization!
• 🎮 Background tasks: instant messengers, synchronization, location tracking. Even closed applications can leave processes in memory.
• 🖼️ Graphics and animation: modern shells (for example, One UI or MIUI) consume up to 1 GB for visual effects alone.

Many users mistakenly believe that free memory = good. In fact, Android specifically fills RAM to reduce the load on the storage and processor. If the system unloads applications at the slightest lack of memory, this is a sign lack of RAMand not its proper use.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with 4 GB of RAM or less (especially budget models Redmi, Realme, Samsung Galaxy A-series), the problem of brakes is often associated not with the amount of memory, but with processor or firmware. Before optimizing RAM, check the CPU load in Settings → Device Maintenance.

Method 1: Clearing the cache and background processes

The simplest and safest method is free RAM from unnecessary data. This will not increase the physical amount of memory, but will help the system use it more efficiently. Start with these steps:

1. Clear application cache:

   Caches are temporary files that speed up apps, but accumulate over time and take up space. To clear it:

   Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Storage → Clear cache

   For mass clearing, use the built-in tools (for example, Optimization v MIUI or Device maintenance in Samsung).

2. Limiting background processes:

   Android by default allows applications to run in the background To reduce their number:

   Settings → Applications → [Three dots] → Special access → Battery optimization → All applications

   Select apps that you do not want to run in the background (for example, rarely used games) and set them to Restricted mode.

These no action required root access and is safe for the system. However, the effect is temporary: after a few days the cache and background processes will accumulate again. For a permanent result, more radical measures are needed.

Method 2: Using microSD as virtual RAM (SWAP)

One of the most controversial methods is creating a swap file (SWAP) on a memory card. Theoretically, this allows you to use part of microSD as additional RAM. However, in practice there are nuances:

• ⚡ Pros:
  • Can give a performance boost on devices with 2–4 GB of RAM.
  • Does not require disassembling the smartphone.
• ⚠️ Cons:
  • Memory cards microSD (even class A2) is 10–100 times slower than real RAM.
  • Constantly writing to the card reduces its resource.
  • Android 10+ requires root access.

If you still want to try, here are the instructions for devices from root:

1. Install the application Swapper for Root or ROEHSOFT RAM-EXPANDER from Google Play.
2. Insert microSD class UHS-I or A2 (minimum 16 GB).
3. In the application, select the SWAP size (no more than 1-2 GB is recommended).
4. Activate SWAP and reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS or Flyme) SWAP may conflict with the system and cause overheating or spontaneous rebootsBefore use, create a backup copy of your data!

Smartphone model	SWAP support	Recommended size	Notes
Samsung Galaxy A52	Yes (with root)	1 GB	Possible lags when writing to the card
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro	Yes (with root)	1.5 GB	It is better to use UFS cards
Google Pixel 6	No	—	Blocked at the kernel level
Realme 9 Pro+	Partially	512 MB	Requires disabling Dynamic RAM Expansion

Why does SWAP not work on new Androids?

Since Android 8.0, Google has limited access to kernel functions that are responsible for virtual memory. Even with root, many SWAP applications simply create a file on the card, but the system ignores it. The only reliable way is to modify the kernel. (which requires deep knowledge and risks “bricking” the device).

Method 3: Optimizing the firmware and kernel

If your smartphone supports custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience), you can try replacing the stock software with optimized Some firmware. (for example, Havoc-OS or CrDroid) have built-in tools for managing RAM:

• 🔧 LMK (Low Memory Killer): adjusts the thresholds for unloading processes from memory.
• 🚀 ZRAM/ZSWAP: data compression in RAM for saving space.
• 📉 Undervolting: reducing the voltage on the processor to reduce heat dissipation (indirectly affects memory consumption).

To install custom firmware you will need:

1. Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Flash the firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Samsung Exynos or MediaTek Helio) unlocking the bootloader resets Knox (permanently voids the warranty) or blocks data encryption. Before flashing, check the compatibility of your model on the forum XDA Developers.

If custom firmware is too radical a step, try optimize stock software:

• Disable animation: in Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times to enable developer mode), then in Settings → System → Developer mode install Window animation = 0.5x.
• Remove bloatware (pre-installed applications) via ADB:

  adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.sec.android.app.launcher

  (replace com.sec.android.app.launcher to the package of an unnecessary application).

Method 4: Software "expansion" of RAM (Dynamic RAM Expansion)

Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo) have implemented the function Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE). It allows you to borrow up to 3–5 GB from internal memory (UFS) for temporary use as RAM. Unlike SWAP, this solution works at the kernel level and is less harmful to the drive.

How to enable DRE:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → Storage (or Settings → Advanced → Memory).
2. Find item RAM expansion or Virtual RAM.
3. Select the volume (usually 1, 2 or 3 GB is offered).
4. Reboot the device.

The effectiveness of DRE depends on the model:

• 📈 Pros: Works without root, does not require microSD, wears out the drive less than SWAP.
• 📉 Cons: Takes up space from internal memory (may be critical for devices with 64/128 GB), not all applications support this function.

Manufacturer	Function name	Max. volume	Supported models
Xiaomi	Memory Extension	3 GB	Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4 GT
Oppo/Realme	RAM Expansion	5 GB	Find X5 Pro, Realme GT 2 Pro
Vivo	Extended RAM	4 GB	X80 Pro, V23
Samsung	RAM Plus	4 GB	Galaxy S22+, Galaxy A73

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with UFS 2.1 i older (for example Samsung Galaxy S20 or OnePlus 8) DRE works more efficiently than on budget models with eMMC. The read/write speed of internal memory directly affects the performance of virtual RAM.

Method 5: Hardware increase of RAM (only for experienced ones)

If all software methods have been exhausted, it remains physical interventionThis is an extreme measure, suitable only for:

• 🔧 Devices with removable memory (for example, some models Fairphone or old Samsung Galaxy with a connector for RAM).
• 🛠️ Smartphones where the RAM is soldered on separate board (rare, but found in Chinese models like UmiDigi).

The process includes:

1. Disassembling the device (risk of damaging the cables!).
2. Searching for a RAM chip on the board (usually the marking starts with K4, H9 or MT).
3. Replacing the chip with a similar one with a larger capacity (for example, from 4 GB to 6 GB).
4. Firmware of a modified bootloader (if required).

As of 2026, only about 0.1% of Android devices support hardware expansion of RAM without specialized equipment. In most cases, this is either impractical (the cost of the work exceeds the price of the smartphone) or impossible (the chips are soldered to the SoC).

Myths about increasing RAM on Android

The Internet is full of advice that not only does not work, but can also cause harm. Let's look at the most popular myths:

• ❌ "Apps for cleaning RAM speed up your smartphone":

  apps like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster often make things worse: they forcefully close processes, which forces Android to restart them again, wasting more resources. The exception is built-in tools (for example, Device Care in Samsung).

• ❌ "Disabling animation frees up RAM.":

  Animation has almost no effect on memory consumption. It only makes the interface visually faster, but does not add real performance.

• ❌ "The swap file on a microSD will replace real RAM":

  As we wrote earlier, SWAP on a memory card is 100+ times slower than physical RAM. It can help in extreme cases (for example, to run one heavy one. games), but not as a permanent solution.

• ❌ "Root automatically increases RAM":

  Root access only opens up opportunities for modifications (for example, SWAP or custom kernels), but does not add memory in itself.

If you see advice like "enter into the engineering menu ##36446337## and increase RAM" — this fraud. Such codes either do nothing or reset the settings to factory settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about RAM on Android

Is it possible to increase RAM on Android without root?

Yes, but very limited. Options:

• Use the built-in function Dynamic RAM Expansion (if supported by your model).
• Optimize existing memory (clear cache, limit background processes).
• Update firmware (sometimes new versions of Android manage RAM better).

All other methods (SWAP, kernel modification) require root.

How much RAM is needed for modern games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile)?

Minimum requirements for popular games:

• Genshin Impact: 4 GB (6+ GB recommended for medium settings).
• Call of Duty Mobile: 3 GB (4 GB for maximum FPS).
• PUBG Mobile: 2 GB (3 GB for mode HDR/Ultra).
• Diablo Immortal: 4 GB.

If you have less memory, try:

• Close all background applications before starting the game.
• Use performance mode (for example, Game Turbo v Xiaomi).
• Lower graphics settings in the game.

Why is there less free RAM after the Android update?

This is normal. New versions of the OS (especially Android 12+) are more demanding on resources:

• Android 11: ~1.2 GB for systems.
• Android 12: ~1.5 GB.
• Android 13/14: up to 2 GB.

In addition, updates often add new background services (for example, Google Play System Update), which take up additional memory. slow down, try:

• Reset settings to factory settings (while saving data).
• Disable unnecessary system applications via ADB.

How to check how much RAM each application uses?

There are several ways:

1. Built-in tools:

   Go to Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Memory. There will be a RAM usage graph.

2. Mode developer:

   Activate developer mode (tap 7 times on Build number in About phone), then open Settings → System → Developer mode → Memory. There you can see the average RAM consumption for 3/6/12 hours.

3. Third-party applications:

   Utilities like Simple System Monitor or DevCheck show detailed statistics for each process.

Can a USB drive be used as RAM?

Technically, yes, but in practice it is useless:

• USB. 2.0 (even with OTG) has a speed of ~30 MB/s, while LPDDR4X (RAM in smartphones) is up to 4266 MT/s (100+ times faster).
• Android does not support paging to external USB drives without deep modification of the kernel.
• Constant writing to a flash drive quickly kills it (especially cheap models).

The only more or less working option is to use USB 3.1 Type-C with a drive based on NVMe (for example, Samsung T7 Shield), but even in this case there will be a performance increase minimal, and the risk of data corruption is high.