Random access memory (RAM) is one of the key components that affects the performance of a smartphone. When it is not enough, applications begin to crash, the device slows down, and multitasking turns into torture. The problem is especially acute on budget models with 2–4 GB of RAM or on older gadgets, where the system and background processes “eat up” the lion’s share of resources.

Many users are looking for ways increase RAM on Android, but not all methods are equally effective. In some places, software optimization helps, in others – hardware solutions, and some “tips” from the Internet can even do harm. In this article we will look at actually working ways to expand RAM, their pros and cons, and also explain why some popular methods are nothing more than a myth.

It is important to understand: physically increase the amount of RAM on most smartphones are not possible (unlike PCs), but there are workarounds. We analyzed current solutions for Android 12–15including methods using external drives, the Linux kernel and even alternative firmware. Let's start with the simplest - and gradually reach advanced techniques.

📊 How often do you encounter a lack of RAM on your smartphone?
Constantly
Sometimes (with multitasking)
Nearby (only in heavy games)
Never

1. Optimizing current RAM: what can be done without root

Before you try expand RAM, you should make the most of what you already have. Modern versions of Android (starting from 10) can automatically manage memory, but user settings still play a role. Here's what you can do without superuser rights:

  • 🔄 Disable auto-loading of unnecessary applications. Many apps (messengers, social networks, games) start when the system starts and hang in the background, taking up RAM. Check the list in Settings → Applications → Autorun (the path may differ depending on the shell).
  • 🗑️ Clear the cache regularly. Cached application data can take up hundreds of megabytes of RAM. Use the built-in cleaning utility or third-party tools like CCleaner (but do not be fanatical - completely clearing the cache can slow down frequently used apps).
  • ⚙️ Activate developer mode and limit background processes. In the menu for developers (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times) find the option Limiting background processes and set the value Maximum 2-3 processes.
  • 📱 Use “Light” versions of applications. Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite consume several times less RAM than their “full-fledged” counterparts.

These measures will not increase the physical amount of RAM, but they will help save up to 30-40% of RAM in everyday tasks. For example, on a smartphone with 3 GB RAM, after optimization, up to 1 GB can be freed up for active applications.

⚠️ Attention: Limiting background processes to 1-2 can lead to messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) will take a long time to load when switching. Test the settings gradually.
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If your smartphone supports the function RAM Plus (virtual memory), activate it in the settings. It automatically reserves part of the internal memory for RAM. For example, on Samsung Galaxy this is done in Settings → Device care → Memory → RAM Plus

2. Virtual memory: how to use a flash drive or internal drive as RAM

One ​​of the most discutable methods is creating swap file (a swap file) on a memory card or in internal memory. Theoretically, this allows you to “add” RAM at the expense of a slower but more capacious drive. In practice, the effect depends on the speed of the flash drive and the Android version.

For implementation you will need:

  • 📁 UHS-I class memory card (U3) or faster (slow microSD will only worsen performance).
  • 🔧 root access (without them you cannot create swap).
  • 📱 Android smartphone 6.0–11 (on new versions the kernel can block swap on external media).

Instructions:

  1. Install Terminal Emulator from Google Play.
  2. Connect the flash drive and format it in ext4 or f2fs (via TWRP or mkfs in terminal).
  3. In the terminal, enter the commands: 
    su

    dd if=/dev/zero of=/sdcard/swapfile bs=1024 count=524288
    

    mkswap /sdcard/swapfile
    

    swapon /sdcard/swapfile

    Here 524288 is the swap size in kilobytes (512 MB). For 1 GB, use count=1048576.

  4. For swap to be activated automatically, add the line /sdcard/swapfile none swap sw 0 0 to the file /etc/fstab.

Result? On weak devices (for example Redmi 4A or Samsung Galaxy J5) this can give a 10-15% increase in performance when multitasking. On flagships, the effect will be minimal or negative due to the slow read/write speed of the flash drive.

⚠️ Attention: Frequent use of swap on microSD reduces its resource (especially on cheap cards). For internal memory, the risk is less, but still present. Don't create a swap larger than 1-2 GB - it's pointless.
Why doesn't swap work on new versions of Android?

Since version 12, Google has limited the ability to use swap on external media due to security and stability issues. The Linux kernel in the new Androids is built taking into account zRAM (real-time memory compression), which makes the classic swap less efficient.

3. ZRAM and KSM: hidden capabilities of the Android kernel to save RAM

If you do not want to risk data on a flash drive, but still want to optimize RAM, pay attention to the built-in mechanisms of the Linux kernel: zRAM (memory compression) and KSM (merging identical memory pages). These technologies are already integrated into Android, but are often disabled or do not work at full capacity.

zRAM compresses data in RAM, allowing you to “fit” more information into the same amount of RAM. KSM finds duplicate memory blocks (for example, the same libraries in different applications) and combines them. Together they can increase the effective amount of RAM by 20–50% without physical expansion.

How to activate (root required):

  • 🔧 Install Kernel Adiutor or EX Kernel Manager.
  • 🔄 Enable zRAM in section Virtual Memory and set the size (recommended 50-100% of physical RAM).
  • 🔀 Activate KSM in section Memory Management and install parameters: 
    echo 1 > /sys/kernel/mm/ksm/run

    echo 1000 > /sys/kernel/mm/ksm/pages_to_scan

The effect is noticeable on devices with 2–4 GB of RAM. For example, on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro after setting up zRAM, free memory increased from 300 MB to 800 MB with the same applications running.

Technology Requires root Effect on 2 GB RAM Effect on 6+ GB RAM Risks
zRAM Yes +30–50% of “virtual” memory +5–10% Increased load on the CPU
KSM Yes +15–25% +3–7% Conflicts with some applications
Swap on microSD Yes +10–20% (if the card is fast) Minimum or negative Wear of flash drive, lags
RAM Plus (virtual memory) No +1–2 GB (due to internal memory) +2–4 GB Reducing free storage
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zRAM and KSM are the safest ways to optimize RAM, but require root. Their effectiveness drops on devices with 6+ GB of RAM, where there is already enough physical memory.

4. Alternative firmware: is it possible to increase RAM using custom software

Some custom firmware (for example LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS) offer advanced memory management settings. They can:

  • 🔧 Optimize the kernel for better RAM allocation.
  • 📊 Change LMK (Low Memory Killer) parameters - a mechanism that “kills” processes when there is not enough memory.
  • 🔄 Enable zRAM/KSM by default with more aggressive settings.

For example, in LineageOS you can manually configure minfree the threshold values ​​at which the system begins to free up memory. To do this, edit the file /sys/module/lowmemorykiller/parameters/minfree. Typical values for 2 GB RAM: 3072,6144,12288,18432,24576,32768.

However, there are nuances:

  • ⚠️ Not all firmware works stably on all devices.
  • ⚠️ Incorrect LMK settings can lead to random reboots.
  • ⚠️ On some devices (for example, Samsung Exynos), custom firmware blocks hardware functions (for example, Samsung Pay).
⚠️ Attention: Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with your model on the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA. Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Oppo) block the bootloader, which makes the installation process extremely risky.

Unlock the bootloader (bootloader)|Make a backup of your data (TWRP or Titanum Backup)|Download the firmware and GApps for your model|Check the compatibility of the kernel and modifications|Charge the phone at least 70%

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5. Hardware solutions: is it possible to physically add RAM to a smartphone

Unlike a PC, where RAM is possible purchase and install in free slots in 99% of smartphones the RAM is soldered to the motherboard. This means that it is impossible to physically increase its volume without serious repairs (and often completely unrealistic). However, there are rare exceptions:

  • 🔧 Modular smartphones like Fairphone 4 or LG G5 (with plug-in modules). In them, it is theoretically possible to replace the board with RAM, but in practice this is expensive and not always justified.
  • 📱 Some engineering samples (for example, Google Project Ara, which never went on sale) supported RAM upgrade, but this is not the case in production models.
  • 🔄 Replacing the motherboard to a similar one, but with a larger amount of memory (for example, from 4 GB to 6 GB in Xiaomi Poco X3This is risky and often leads to the loss of IMEI or other functions.

If your smartphone does not belong to the above categories, the only “hardware” way to increase RAM is buy a new phoneWhen choosing, pay attention not only to the amount of RAM, but also to its type:

  • LPDDR4X —an optimal balance of speed and power consumption (found in most modern smartphones).
  • LPDDR5 —faster by 20–30%, but significantly increases the price of the device (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra).

⚠️ Attention: Buying a smartphone “in reserve” (for example, with 12 GB RAM, when 6 GB is enough for you) is not always justified. Manufacturers often save on other components (for example, on the processor or screen) to reduce the cost of a model with a large amount of memory.

6. Myths about increasing RAM: what does not work (and why)

The Internet is full of “tips” that supposedly help increase RAM on Android. Most of them are either useless or. are harmful. Let's look at the most popular myths:

  • 🚫 "RAM cleaning apps" (for example, Clean Master, DU Speed Booster). They only forcefully close processes that Android will soon load again. As a result, performance decreases, since the system has to waste resources on re-loading. RAM"
  • 🚫 "Increasing RAM through engineering mode". In the engineering menu (##3646633##), you can change some parameters, but they do not affect the physical amount of RAM. Incorrect settings can lead to network loss or overheating.
  • 🚫 "Using an SD card as RAM without root". Applications like ROEHSOFT RAM-EXPANDER require superuser rights. Without them, they simply simulate the action without giving a real effect.
  • 🚫 "Disable animation to free up RAM.". Animation almost does not consume RAM - it only affects the response speed of the interface. It only makes sense to disable it on very weak devices (for example, Android Go).

Another common myth is "the more free RAM, the better". In fact, Android specifically keeps frequently used applications in memory so that they opened faster. Empty RAM is inefficiently used RAM.

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If you see in the task manager that less than 10% of RAM is free, this is a reason for optimization. If 30-50% is free, the system is working normally, and there is no need to “free up” memory.

7. Optimization for gamers: how to get the most out of the available RAM

Games are one of the most power-hungry applications. For example, Genshin Impact requires at least 4 GB of RAM, and Call of Duty: Mobile - 3 GB. If your smartphone can barely handle modern projects, try these. tricks:

  • 🎮 Use the performance mode. Many devices (for example, ASUS ROG Phone or Black Shark) have special gaming modes that reserve maximum RAM for the game.
  • ⚙️ Disable background processes before starting the game. command: 
    adb shell am kill-all

    or an application like Greenify (requires root for full effect).

  • 🔧 Reduce the load on the GPU. In the game settings, lower the texture resolution and disable shadows. This will reduce the consumption of both video memory and. RAM.
  • 📱 Use “Light” versions launchersFor example, Nova Launcher consumes less RAM than standard shells MIUI or One UI.

For the most demanding games (for example, PUBG New State or Diablo Immortal), you can go to extreme measures:

  1. Install Game Guardian or GLTools (requires root) and reduce the render resolution.
  2. Disable all notifications and background synchronization (Settings → Accounts → Synchronization).
  3. Use adb command to force limit FPS (if the game does not support graphics settings): 
    adb shell setprop debug.hwui.render_dirty_regions false
⚠️ Attention: Forcibly limiting background processes can lead to loss of progress in the game if it saves data to the cloud (for example, Clash of Clans or Brawl StarsBefore such manipulations, save manually.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing RAM on Android

Is it possible to increase RAM on Android without root?

Yes, but very limitedly Without root you can:

  • Optimize the current one. using RAM (disable startup, use light applications).
  • Activate built-in functions like RAM Plus (if they are supported by your device).

It is impossible to increase RAM physically or programmatically without root It is impossible.

How much RAM is needed for modern games in 2026?

Minimum requirements:

  • 2 GB - light games (Among Us, Subway Surfers).
  • 4 GB - medium projects (Free Fire, Mobile Legends).
  • 6–8 GB - heavy games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile).
  • 12+ GB - future AAA projects (for example, Assassin’s Creed Jade or Resident Evil Mobile).

Please note: on Android 14+, the system reserves up to 1–1.5 GB of RAM for its needs, so there will be fewer “clean” gigabytes.

Is it true that closing applications frees up RAM?

Partially, forcing an application to free up memory, but Android is designed to keep frequently used apps in. cache for quick access. If you manually close the application and then open it again, the system will spend more resourcesthan if it left it in the background.

The exception is frozen or problematic applicationswhich really “eat up” RAM without necessary.

Can a USB drive be used as RAM?

Technically yes, but in practice it is almost useless. To do this you need to:

  1. Connect a USB drive via OTG.
  2. Format it to ext4 or swap.
  3. Create a swap file (requires root).

Problems:

  • The speed of USB 2.0 (even 3.0) is several times lower than that of RAM.
  • The drive will be constantly connected to the phone, which is inconvenient.
  • Android is not optimized for working with external swap.

Conclusion: the method only works for experiments, but not for everyday use.

Why after updating Android it became “not enough” RAM?

New versions of Android (especially 12+) are more demanding on resources due to:

  • Enhanced security (for example, Scoped Storage, Work Profiles).
  • Google background services (for example, Google Play Services occupies up to 500 MB RAM).
  • New interface features (animations, widgets, dynamic wallpapers).

Solution:

  • Disable unnecessary Google services in Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Notifications.
  • Use custom firmware based on Android Go (for example, for Redmi 9A).
  • Reset the phone to factory settings after a major update (this will remove outdated caches).