Memory on smartphones Huawei runs out unexpectedly quickly: high-resolution photos, application updates, game caches - and now the system warns about lack of space. The problem is especially acute on budget models of the series Nova, Y or P Smart, where the built-in memory is only 32–64 GB. But even flagships Mate or P60 over time face storage overflow.

In this article we will look at all current methods of increasing memory on Huawei - from basic (garbage cleaning) to advanced (use NM Card as an internal drive). Attention is paid to the features of the firmware EMUI (including versions 13/14), as well as nuances for devices without services Google. Important: some methods require root access or unlocking the bootloader —we will honestly warn you about the risks.

If your smartphone is slowing down due to lack of memory, first check what exactly is taking up space. To do this, go to Settings → Memory and analyze the distribution. Often the culprits are duplicate photos or unnecessary APK files. Let's start with the simplest and safest solutions. application cache, duplicate photos or unnecessary APK files. Let's start with the simplest and safest solutions.

1. Cleaning the built-in memory: deleting unnecessary files

The first step is to free up space by deleting temporary files and garbage. On Huawei this can be done either manually or using built-in tools. EMUI. Start by analyzing the storage:

  1. Open Settings → Storage.
  2. Click Storage & Performance (or Storage in new versions).
  3. Wait until the scan is completed - the system will show how much space is occupied by application cache, downloads, duplicates and unused files.

Pay special attention to the following categories:

  • 🗑️ Application cache: often takes up 1–3 GB. It can be cleared without consequences for the operation of apps.
  • 📁 Downloads: the folder Download is clogged with APK, PDF and other files that you have not opened for a long time.
  • 📸 Duplicate photos: Huawei automatically creates copies when editing in Gallery.
  • 🎵 Offline music: Spotify cache, Yandex Music or local tracks can weigh tens of gigabytes.

For deep When cleaning, use the built-in application Phone Clone (available on all Huawei): it will find unnecessary files, including remnants of deleted applications. An alternative is third-party utilities like Files by Google or CCleaner, but they require access to the storage.

⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache of system applications (for example, Huawei Mobile Services) - this may lead to failures in the firmware. Also avoid deleting the folder Android manually: game and application data is stored there.
📊 How often do you clear the memory on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never

2. Transferring data to a memory card: NM Card vs microSD

Smartphones Huawei support two types of memory cards:

  • 📱 NM Card (nanoMemory): proprietary format Huawei, compatible only with their devices. Supports internal memory expansion (function Fusion Storage).
  • 📱 microSD: standard card, works as an external drive. Not all models Huawei have a slot for it (for example, P60 Pro only supports NM Card).

If your smartphone supports NM Card, it can be used as internal memory (analogue Adoptable Storage in pure Android). For this:

  1. Insert. NM Card into the slot (usually combined with a SIM card).
  2. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory card.
  3. Select Use as internal memory and follow the instructions. After formatting, the card cannot be removed without losing data!

Only external storage mode is available for microSD However, you can manually transfer some of the data:

  • 📸 Photos and videos: to Gallery select files → More → Move to SD card.
  • 🎵 Music and documents: use a file manager (for example, Files from Huawei).
  • 🎮 Games: some titles (for example, Genshin Impact) allow you to transfer the cache to an SD card in the settings.
Card type Max. volume Internal memory mode Compatible models
NM Card 256 GB Yes (Fusion Storage) Mate 50, P60, Nova 11 and newer
microSD 1 TB No (external only drive) Y7a, P Smart 2021, old models
NM Card (hybrid slot) 256 GB Yes Mate 40 Pro, P50 Pocket
⚠️ Attention: When using the NM Card in internal memory mode, it cannot be read on another device. Also, the speed of the card. lower than that of the built-in memory - this may slow down the launch of applications.

Buy an NM Card memory card (recommended class A1/A2)

Make a backup copy of data from your phone

Charge your smartphone for at least 50%

Connect to Wi-Fi (needed to transfer data)-->

3. Optimizing applications: cache, data and APK

Applications are the main “eater” of memory, even messengers like Telegram or WeChat can take up gigabytes due to cached media files. Let's take a look at how to reduce their "appetite":

Clearing the cache and data

The cache speeds up applications, but over time it grows to unreasonable sizes. it:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Instagram or TikTok).
  3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass clearing, use Settings → Memory → Cleaning (there is an option “Clear cache of all applications”) Do not confuse the cache with data: clearing data will lead to logging out of your account and deleting settings!

Deleting unnecessary APKs and updates

Many applications (especially games) leave old APK files after updating. Find them in the folder. Download or using a file manager. You can also roll back updates for system applications if they take up too much space:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Tap on the three dots → Show system processes.
  3. Select an application (for example, Huawei Browser) → Uninstall updates.

Transfer applications to a memory card

Not all applications support transfer to an SD card, but it’s worth a try:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select application → Storage.
  3. If the option is available Change, select SD card.

List of applications that cannot transfer to the card:

  • 🔒 System utilities (Huawei Mobile Services, Phone Manager).
  • 🎮 Games with anti-cheat (for example, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire).
  • 📱 Applications with widgets (for example, Weather).
💡

To reduce the weight of messengers, in the settings Telegram or WhatsApp disable auto-downloading of media files. This will save up to 5–10 GB per month.

4. Using cloud storage: Huawei Cloud and alternatives

If physical memory is sorely lacking, some of the data can be transferred to the cloud. U Huawei has its own solution - Huawei Cloudwhich is integrated into the firmware. By default, it offers 5 GB for free, but the volume can be expanded:

  • 📁 Photos and videos: automatically uploaded to the cloud in original quality.
  • 📄 Documents: PDF, DOCX, XLSX formats are supported.
  • 🔄 Backups: contacts, SMS, system settings.

To enable automatic synchronization:

  1. Open Settings → Huawei ID.
  2. Go to Huawei Cloud → Synchronization settings.
  3. Select data types for backup.

Alternative clouds (if Huawei Cloud not satisfied):

  • 🌥️ Google Drive: 15 GB free, but requires installation Google Mobile Services (on new ones Huawei without GMS this is problematic).
  • ☁️ Yandex Disk: 10 GB free, there is automatic photo upload.
  • 📦 Mega: 20 GB free, but download speed limited.
⚠️ Attention: When using cloud storage, take into account the Internet speed and tariffs of the mobile operator. Uploading 10 GB of photos over 4G can cost 500–1000 rubles (depending on the tariff).
Cloud Free volume Auto-uploading photos Works without GMS
Huawei Cloud 5 GB Yes Yes
Google Drive 15 GB Yes No (need GMS)
Yandex Disk 10 GB Yes Yes

5. Resetting to factory settings: a last resort

If all the previous methods did not help, a radical solution remains - hard reset. This will erase all data from your phone, including apps, photos, and settings, but return the device to its original state. Before resetting, be sure to:

  • 🔄 Make a backup via Huawei Backup or manually copy the files to your PC.
  • 📝 Write down logins and passwords for your accounts (they will be erased!).
  • 🔋 Charge your phone for at least 70% - the process may take 10–30 minutes.

Reset instructions:

  1. Open Settings → System and updates → Reset.
  2. Select Reset all settings (or Restore factory settings in older versions EMUI).
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After reset:

  • 📱 The phone will be like new - you will need to configure it again.
  • 🔓 Do not restore the backup copy right away - first check if there is enough memory without it.
  • 🛡️ Install only the necessary applications, avoiding “junk” utilities.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, Mate 30 Pro), a reset may block access to Huawei IDif you have forgotten your password!
What should I do if after a reset the memory runs out again?

If the problem persists, the system application or virus is to blame. Try:

1. Install an antivirus (for example, Dr.Web) and scan the device.

2. updating applications in AppGallery.

3. Check the folder Android/obb —files of deleted games may remain there.

6. Root access and advanced methods (for experienced ones)

If standard methods do not help, you can try expanding memory at the system level. This requires root access or unlocking the bootloader, which voids the warranty and may cause the device to “brick”. Consider two methods:

Method 1: Connecting a flash drive as internal memory (OTG + Adoptable Storage)

If your Huawei supports OTG, you can connect a USB flash drive and format it as internal memory. this:

  1. Get root access (for example, via Magisk).
  2. Connect the flash drive via an OTG adapter.
  3. In the terminal (application Termux) run the command: 
    sm set-force-adoptable true
  4. Format the flash drive as internal memory in Settings → Memory.

Method 2: Transferring applications to an SD card using ADB

Even if the application does not support transfer to SD, this can be done via ADB:

  1. Install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. Connect your phone in debugging mode (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → For developers → USB Debugging).
  3. Run the command: 
    adb shell pm set-install-location 2

    This will force the system to install new applications on the SD card by default.

Risks of advanced methods:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
  • 🐛 Unstable operation of the system after modifications.
  • 🔒 Blocking Huawei ID in case of incorrect actions.
⚠️ Attention: On new models Huawei (for example, Mate 60) unlocking the bootloader is officially prohibited. An attempt may lead to permanent IMEI blocking.
💡

Root access and system modifications are an extreme method. Before experiments, weigh the risks and use reliable sources (for example, the forum XDA Developers).

7. Alternative solutions: external drives and network storage

If the internal memory is not enough even after all the manipulations, consider external devices:

  • 💾 Portable). SSD: connects via USB-C (for example, Samsung T7 ShieldThe read/write speed is higher than microSD.
  • 🖥️ Network-attached storage (NAS): if you have a router with a USB port at home, you can connect a hard drive and access files over the local network.
  • ☁️ Cloud PC: services like Shadow or GeForce NOW allow you to play heavy games without downloading to your phone.

To connect an external SSD:

  1. Buy an adapter USB-C → USB-A (if it is not included).
  2. Connect the SSD to the phone.
  3. In the file manager, select USB drive and transfer the files.

Advantages of external drives:

  • ⚡ High speed (up to 1000 MB/s for SSD versus 100 MB/s for microSD).
  • 🔄 Easy to transfer files between devices.
  • 📦 Capacity up to 2 TB (versus a maximum of 1 TB for microSD).

Disadvantages:

  • 💰 More expensive than a memory card.
  • 🔋 Battery consumption during active use.
  • 🎒 Inconvenient to carry.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about increasing memory on Huawei

Can microSD be used as internal memory on Huawei P40 Pro?

No, Huawei P40 Pro only supports NM Card in internal memory mode MicroSD in this device only works as an external drive.

Why after clearing the cache, the memory is freed for a short time?

The cache is cleared temporarily - applications create it again when used. To solve the problem radically, delete or transfer to the memory card the applications themselves that take up the most space (check in Settings → Memory → Applications).

How to transfer WhatsApp to SD card?

WhatsApp does not officially support transfer to SD, but you can:

  1. Make a backup copy of chats in Settings → Chat → Backup.
  2. Delete the application.
  3. Install it again, selecting the SD card as the installation location (if available).
  4. Restore chats from a backup.

⚠️ Media files (photos, videos) will still be saved to the internal memory if you do not change the path in the messenger settings.

How much memory does EMUI 13 take on Huawei Nova 10?

Firmware EMUI 13 on Huawei Nova 10 takes about 12–15 GB (including pre-installed applications). unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications (but do not delete!).

Is it possible to increase the memory on Huawei without a memory card?

Yes, there is several ways:

  • Cleaning the cache and unnecessary files (see section 1).
  • Using cloud storage (section 4).
  • Removing heavy applications or games.
  • Reset to factory settings (section 5).

If these methods are not enough, the only option left is to buy a device with a large amount of built-in memory.