Xiaomi Redmi 5 - a popular smartphone with 16/32 GB of internal memory, which quickly becomes clogged with debris. Even when used carefully, the system MIUI and applications create temporary files, caches, and residual data that take up precious megabytes. If your Redmi 5 started to slow down, give notifications about low memory, or spontaneously close apps, it’s time to do a deep cleaning.

In this article you will find 7 proven methods free up memory: from standard tools MIUI to hidden functions and third-party utilities. We will look at how to delete unnecessary files without losing important data, which applications are safe to uninstall, and why clearing the cache does not always solve the problem. We will pay special attention features of the MIUI 9/10 firmware on Redmi 5that affect memory management.

Why memory clogs on Redmi 5: main reasons

A smartphone with 16 GB of memory (of which ~10-12 GB is available) requires a special approach to data storage. Even if you do not install games, the memory fills up due to:

  • 📱 MIUI system cache —the firmware creates backup copies of updates, log files and temporary data (up to 1-2 GB).
  • 🗑️ Residual application files —after uninstalling apps, folders often remain in /Android/data and /Android/obb.
  • 📸 Media files from instant messengers — WhatsApp, Telegram and Viber automatically download photos/videos to the gallery.
  • 🔄 Duplicate files —MIUI sometimes creates copies of photos when editing or backing up.
  • 📦 Pre-installed applications —even after uninstallation, some system apps (Mi Video, Mi Music) leave traces.

Feature Redmi 5 — lack of slot for microSD in the basic version (16 GB). This means that the memory cannot be expanded, and every megabyte counts. Even after resetting to factory settings, the system occupies ~4-5 GB, and the user is left with less than 8 GB for applications and files.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 with firmware MIUI 10 and below function Adaptive cleaning (in new versions) is missing. This means that the system does not optimize memory automatically - you will have to do it manually.

Method 1: Built-in memory cleaning in MIUI

Firmware MIUI has its own tool for freeing memory - "Cleaning". It removes application cache, temporary files and junk, but does not affect user data. To use it:

  1. Open Settings → About phone → Memory.
  2. Click Clear in the section "Garbage" (usually located at the bottom of the screen).
  3. Confirm the action by selecting Clear [X] MB.

The system will scan the device and show how much space can be freed up. Typically, this is 500 MB–1.5 GB, depending on the time of the last clear. It is important to understand that this method does not delete:

  • 📁 Folders /Android/obb (game data).
  • 🎵 Music and videos downloaded through the browser.
  • 📎 Attachments from instant messengers (they are stored in /WhatsApp/Media or /Telegram/Telegram Images).

Deletes the application cache

Clears temporary system files

Resets the call and message log (if enabled)

Does not touch user photos and documents-->

If after cleaning the memory is still full, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Manually clearing the application cache

The cache is temporary files that applications create to speed up work. Over time, it grows to hundreds of megabytes. Unlike completely clearing the memory, manual cache management allows you to. selectively delete data for specific apps.

How to clear the cache of an individual application:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Select a app (for example, Facebook or Google Chrome).
  3. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For mass clearing:

  1. In the same section Manage applications click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  2. Select Sort by size.
  3. Scroll through the list and clear the cache for applications occupying >100 MB.
Application Typical cache size Can I clear it without consequences?
Google Chrome 200–500 MB Yes (it will take longer to load pages when you first launch)
Facebook 300–800 MB Yes (you may have to log in to your account again)
YouTube 100–300 MB Yes (videos will buffer longer)
Mi Video 50–200 MB Yes (video preview will be downloaded again)
WhatsApp 500 MB–2 GB Partially (only media files can be deleted)
⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache for system applications (Mi Account, Security, Settings) if you are not sure of the consequences. This may lead to failures in the firmware.

Once a week

Once a month

Only when the memory runs out

I never clear it-->

Method 3: Removing unnecessary applications and their remnants

Many users Redmi 5 install dozens of applications that they then do not use. Even after uninstallation, apps often leave behind folders with data in /Android/data i /Android/obb. To completely get rid of them:

Step 1. Removal through settings:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Select an unnecessary app and press Delete.
  3. If the button is inactive (gray), then the application is a system one - you can only Disable.

Step 2. Cleaning residual files:

For this you will need file manager (for example, built-in Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer):

  1. Open the file manager and go to Internal memory → Android → data.
  2. Find folders with the names of deleted applications (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook) and delete them.
  3. Repeat the same for the folder /Android/obb (game data is stored here).

List safe for deleting system applications on Redmi 5:

  • 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player) - if you do not use the built-in player.
  • 📺 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer) - can be replaced with VLC.
  • 📰 Mi Browser (com.android.browser) - if you use Chrome.
  • 📡 FM Radio (com.miui.fm) - if you do not listen to the radio.
  • 📖 Mi Dictionary (com.miui.dictionary) - useless for most users.
💡

Before deleting system applications, make a backup copy of important data. Some apps (for example, Mi Account) are critical for the operation of the firmware.

Method 4: Clearing media files from messengers

Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) automatically save all received photos, videos and GIFs to the gallery. On Redmi 5 with 16 GB of memory this can take up to 3-5 GB. To free up space:

For WhatsApp:

  1. Open WhatsApp → press ⋮ → Settings → Data and storage.
  2. Select Storage management.
  3. Sort files by size and delete unnecessary ones (check → trash).

For Telegram:

  1. Go to Settings → Data and memory → Storage.
  2. Click Clear cache (deletes downloaded media files).
  3. To selectively delete, open the chat → click on the media file → Delete.

Manual cleaning through the file manager:

Messengers store files in the following folders:

  • 📁 /WhatsApp/Media — all media from WhatsApp.
  • 📁 /Telegram/Telegram Images — photos from Telegram.
  • 📁 /Viber/media — attachments from Viber.

You can safely delete the entire contents of these folders, but please note:

  • ✅ The files will only be deleted from your phone, not from the server.
  • ❌ If enabled backup to the cloud, the files can be restored the next time you log in.
How to disable auto-downloading of media in WhatsApp?

Go to Settings → Data and storage → Automatic media downloads. Disable downloads for mobile data and Wi-Fi or select only Photo (no video).

Method 5: Transfer data to an external drive (OTG)

Redmi 5 in the basic configuration (16 GB) does not support microSD, but can be connected flash drive or external hard drive via OTG adapter. This will allow you to transfer photos, videos and documents, freeing up internal memory.

What you will need:

  • 🔌 OTG adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB, depending on the version Redmi 5).
  • 💾 Flash drive (recommended from 32 GB) or external HDD with its own power supply.
  • 📁 File manager (Mi File Explorer, FX File Explorer).

Transfer instructions:

  1. Connect the flash drive via the OTG adapter. A message will appear in notifications USB drive is connected.
  2. Open the file manager and go to Internal memory.
  3. Select folders for transfer (for example, DCIM with photos, Download with downloads).
  4. Click Copy → select an external drive → Paste.
  5. After copying, delete the originals from the internal memory.
⚠️ Attention: Not all applications support working with external drives. For example, WhatsApp will not allow you to save a backup copy to a flash drive - only to internal memory or the cloud.

If you often connect a flash drive, turn on option “Use as internal memory” (in the notification when connecting). This will allow you to install applications on an external drive, but:

  • 🔹 The flash drive will be encrypted and will not be readable on other devices.
  • 🔹 The speed of applications may decrease (depending on the class of the flash drive).

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all the previous methods did not help, and the memory is still full of unknown files, remains full reset. This will delete all data, including applications, photos and settings, so:

Make a backup copy of your photos (Google Photos, computer)

Save contacts to your Google account

Write down logins/passwords for important ones services

Make sure you have access to your Mi account (to unlock after resetting)-->

How to reset:

  1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
  2. Select Reset settings.
  3. Check Clear internal memory (optional if you want to erase everything).
  4. Confirm action and wait for the reboot.

After the reset:

  • 🔄 The smartphone will return to its out-of-the-box state with the firmware MIUI the version that was installed.
  • 📱 The memory will be freed up by 80–90% (depending on the firmware version).
  • 🔑 You will need to log into your account again Mi i Google.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 with an unlocked bootloader, a reset may lead to locking the device (linking to a Mi account is required). If you do not remember your login information, do not reset!

Method 7: Using third-party utilities (for advanced users)

If built-in tools MIUI can't cope, you can use third-party apps. They offer deeper cleaning, but require caution.

Top 3 proven utilities for Redmi 5:

Application Functions Risks
SD Maid Removes residual files, cleans databases, finds duplicates Can delete important system files if used carelessly
CCleaner Cache clearing, startup management, storage analysis Collects user data (according to the privacy policy)
Files by Google Search large/unnecessary files, garbage cleaning, backup Does not delete MIUI system cache

How to use SD Maid (step by step):

  1. Install SD Maid from Google Play.
  2. Run application and grant rights superuser (if there is root).
  3. Go to the section CorpseFinder —it will find residual files of deleted applications.
  4. In the section SystemCleaner select Run to clean up system garbage.
  5. B AppControl you can freeze unnecessary system applications.

For Redmi 5 without root access not all functions are available, but even in this mode SD Maid will find ~500–1500 MB of unnecessary data.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use functions Deep Clean or Database Cleanup without understanding the consequences. On MIUI this may lead to malfunctions of the firmware.
💡

The utility side is more effective than the built-in MIUI tools, but requires caution. Always make a backup before mass wiping.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing memory on Redmi 5

Is it possible to increase the memory on Redmi 5 from 16 GB to 32 GB?

No, Redmi 5 does not support replacement built-in memory. The only way is to use an external flash drive via an OTG adapter or cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

Why does the memory quickly fill up again after cleaning?

This happens due to:

  • 🔄 Automatic caching of applications (especially social networks and instant messengers).
  • 📥 Background downloading of updates (Google Play, MIUI).
  • 📁 Hidden folders with system logs (/data/log).

Solution: disable auto-update of applications in Google Play and regularly clear the cache.

How to remove pre-installed games (for example, Mi Games)?

System applications can be:

  1. Disable: Settings → Applications → Select a app → Disable.
  2. Delete with root access: use Titanium Backup or ADB.

Without root, complete deletion is impossible, but disabling it will free up some memory.

Is it safe to empty the folder /Android/obb?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • ✅ You can delete files from this folder unless you play games that use them.
  • ❌ If you play Genshin Impact, PUBG or other heavy games, their data is stored here - deleting them will require you to download them again.
How to check which files are taking up the most space?

Use:

  • 📊 Built-in analysis: Settings → About phone → Memory → Storage analysis.
  • 🔍 DiskUsage (application from Google Play) - shows a graph of memory usage.
  • 📁 Files by Google - sorts files by size.