One of the most recent features that Android phone manufacturers have added is virtual RAM. Because RAM is an integral component of every device, it can be limited when processing heavy or complex tasks. Virtual RAM is a way to increase RAM, add more resources and improve the performance of your phone. Brands like Samsung, Realme and OnePlus have all used virtual RAM. All of these brands have integrated virtual RAM into their custom UI skins. In this article learn about how to create Virtual RAM on your Android phone.
What is Virtual RAM on an Android phone?
Virtual RAM refers to a technique that allows a portion of the internal storage (ROM), to be set aside and added into the RAM of the device. This increases the number of tasks and processes that can run in the background. The device will perform better and be more efficient if virtual RAM is enabled. Virtual RAM allows the device to stop killing apps that are filling up its memory. Apps will also remain in the same state as when you quit them, which provides a better user experience.
How to use virtual RAM in Android mobile phones
Many OEMs have started rolling out virtual RAM features with their own twists through software updates. Here are step-by-step instructions to create virtual RAM for Android smartphones of different brands.
Redmi, Xiaomi and Poco
Xiaomi recently announced virtual memory extension for phones with MIUI 12.5 or higher. Here are the steps to increase your Xiaomi phone’s RAM.
- Open the Settings app on your Xiaomi smartphone
- Scroll down to “Additional Settings” and click it
- You’ll now be presented with the ‘Memory Extension’ option
- Turn it on, and you will have more RAM in your phone
Realme
Realme’s virtual RAM expansion is Dynamic RAM Expansion (DRE). It was introduced first on phones that run on Realme UI 2.0 and Android 11. Here are the steps to increase your RAM on Realme phones.
- Open the Settings app for your Realme smartphone
- Scroll down to section ‘About Phone’ and choose it
- Next, find the RAM information section and tap it
- Next, toggle ON the switch
- You can now expand your RAM to 3GB by simply sliding to the appropriate option
- To allow the changes to take effect, you will need to restart your device
OnePlus
The steps for enabling virtual RAM (which OnePlus calls ‘RAM extension’) are similar to those of Realme or Oppo phones. Here are the steps.
- Go to the settings app of your OnePlus smartphone
- Scroll down to section ‘About Phone’ and choose it
- Select the RAM section in About phone.
- Click here to toggle the feature
- You can increase the RAM by up to 2GB, 3GB or 5GB by selecting the appropriate option.
- Next, reboot your phone to allow the changes to take effect and you can enjoy the extra RAM!
Samsung
Samsung has been using OneUI 4 to bake its own version virtual RAM, known as RAM Plus. RAM Plus was first introduced to the Galaxy A52s last summer and has been included on nearly all new Samsung phones. Here’s how you can enable it on your Galaxy smartphone.
- Open the settings app on your Samsung smartphone
- Scroll down to “Battery care” and choose it
- Next, select the ‘Memory” option
- The last option is ‘RAM Plus’, so you just need to select it
- You can choose the storage you want to convert into virtual RAM. There are options from 2GB, 4GB and 6GB.
- After you have selected an option, you will be prompted to restart your device to allow the changes to take effect.
- Just hit “Restart now” and you are good to go
Oppo
Oppo phones with ColorOS 11 or higher can be converted to RAM by a select group of phones. This will increase their efficiency and performance. Here’s how it works.
- Open the Settings app on your Oppo smartphone by going to this link
- Select the “About phone” section at the bottom.
- Now, tap on “RAM”
- Next screen: Turn on the RAM expansion feature
- You can also choose the storage that you want for the extra RAM by moving the meter from 2GB to 3GB or 5GB
- After you have completed the above, reboot your device to allow the changes to take effect.
Vivo/iQOO
FuntouchOS phones Vivo and iQoo have an option that allows users increase their RAM to improve performance. These are the steps required to activate this option.
- Go to the Settings app
- Scroll down to the ‘RAM and Storage Space’ option and click it
- Now, tap the first option named “RAM”
- You will find the option of extending the RAM at your discretion here. Just enable it
- You might experience a smoother and better user experience once enabled