How to Check RAM Usage on Android Without Third‑Party Apps

Bazaronweb Android February 26, 2026

As a busy mom of two and a Marketing Manager at a tech startup in Austin, Texas, I’m always on the lookout for ways to simplify my digital life. One of the most frustrating things about using an Android device is when it starts to slow down due to low RAM. But did you know that you can check your RAM usage without having to download any third-party apps? In this article, we’ll explore the different methods and settings you can use to monitor and manage your device’s memory usage effectively.

Understanding RAM Usage on Android

What is RAM and Why is it Important?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data and applications while your device is running. The more RAM your device has, the more apps you can run simultaneously without experiencing any slowdowns. However, when your RAM is full, your device may start to slow down, freeze, or even crash. This is why it’s essential to monitor your RAM usage and manage it effectively.

Android devices come with a variety of RAM capacities, ranging from 2GB to 16GB or more. The amount of RAM your device has will depend on the model and manufacturer. Generally, devices with more RAM are more expensive and offer better performance. But regardless of how much RAM your device has, it’s still important to monitor its usage to ensure that it’s running smoothly.

How to Check RAM Usage on Android

There are several ways to check RAM usage on Android without using third-party apps. One of the easiest methods is to use the built-in “Running Services” feature. To access this feature, follow these steps:

Go to your device’s Settings app
Scroll down and select “About phone”
Tap on “Software information”
Look for the “Build number” and tap on it 7 times to enable Developer options
Go back to the Settings app and select “Developer options”
Scroll down and select “Running Services”

This will show you a list of all the apps and services that are currently running on your device, along with the amount of RAM they’re using. You can use this information to identify which apps are using the most RAM and close them if necessary.

Using the Developer Options to Monitor RAM Usage

Enabling Developer Options

As I mentioned earlier, the Developer options menu provides a wealth of information about your device’s RAM usage. To enable Developer options, follow these steps:

Go to your device’s Settings app
Scroll down and select “About phone”
Tap on “Software information”
Look for the “Build number” and tap on it 7 times

This will enable the Developer options menu, which you can access by going back to the Settings app and scrolling down to the bottom.

Using the “Memory” Tab

Once you’ve enabled Developer options, you can use the “Memory” tab to monitor your device’s RAM usage. To access the “Memory” tab, follow these steps:

Go to the Developer options menu
Scroll down and select “Memory”

This will show you a detailed breakdown of your device’s RAM usage, including the amount of free RAM, used RAM, and total RAM. You can use this information to identify which apps are using the most RAM and close them if necessary.

Managing RAM Usage on Android

Closing Unused Apps

One of the simplest ways to manage RAM usage on Android is to close unused apps. When you’re not using an app, it’s still running in the background and using up RAM. By closing these apps, you can free up RAM and improve your device’s performance.

To close unused apps, follow these steps:

Go to the Recent apps screen by tapping the square button or swiping up and holding
Swipe through the list of recent apps and close any that you’re not using

You can also use the “Running Services” feature to close unused apps. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to the Running Services feature
Look for any apps that you’re not using and tap on the “Stop” button

Disabling Animations

Animations can be a major drain on your device’s RAM. By disabling animations, you can improve your device’s performance and free up RAM. To disable animations, follow these steps:

Go to the Developer options menu
Scroll down and select “Window animation scale”
Set the animation scale to “Animation off”

You can also disable transition animations by following these steps:

Go to the Developer options menu
Scroll down and select “Transition animation scale”
Set the animation scale to “Animation off”

Tips for Optimizing RAM Usage on Android

Uninstalling Unused Apps

Unused apps can take up a significant amount of RAM, even when they’re not running. By uninstalling these apps, you can free up RAM and improve your device’s performance.

To uninstall unused apps, follow these steps:

Go to the Google Play Store
Tap on the menu button and select “My apps & games”
Look for any apps that you’re not using and tap on the “Uninstall” button

Clearing Cache and Data

Cache and data can build up over time and take up a significant amount of RAM. By clearing cache and data, you can free up RAM and improve your device’s performance.

To clear cache and data, follow these steps:

Go to the Settings app
Scroll down and select “Storage”
Look for any apps that have a large amount of cache and data and tap on the “Clear cache” and “Clear data” buttons

How to Check RAM Usage on Android Without Third-Party Apps

If your Android phone feels slow, apps keep reloading, or multitasking isn’t as smooth as it used to be, the issue might be high RAM usage. The good news? You don’t need any third-party apps to check how much RAM your Android device is using. Android already includes built-in tools that let you monitor memory usage easily.

Here’s how you can check RAM usage directly from your phone settings.

Method 1: Using Developer Options (Most Accurate Way)

Most Android devices hide detailed RAM stats inside Developer Options. Don’t worry — enabling it is safe.

Step 1: Enable Developer Options

Open Settings
Go to About Phone
Tap Build Number 7 times
Enter your PIN if prompted
You’ll see a message saying “You are now a developer.”

Step 2: Check Running Services

Go back to Settings
Open System (or Additional Settings)
Tap Developer Options
Select Running Services

Here, you’ll see:

Total RAM available
RAM currently in use
Free memory
Apps consuming the most RAM

This section gives real-time memory usage and helps identify which apps are heavy.

Method 2: Check Memory Section (On Some Phones)

Some brands like Samsung and Xiaomi provide a simpler memory overview.

Go to:
Settings → Battery and Device Care → Memory (Samsung)

or
Settings → Additional Settings → Memory Extension / RAM (varies by brand)

On many devices, this section shows:

Total RAM
Average usage
Cached processes
Option to clean memory

What Do the RAM Numbers Mean?

Used RAM: Memory currently occupied by apps and system processes
Free RAM: Memory available for new apps
Cached RAM: Temporarily stored data for faster app reopening

Android is designed to use RAM efficiently. High RAM usage isn’t always bad. In fact, Android tries to keep RAM filled for performance optimization. You only need to worry if:

Apps frequently crash
Phone becomes extremely slow
Background apps constantly refresh

Should You Use RAM Cleaner Apps?

Generally, no.

Android automatically manages memory through its system framework and services like Android System. RAM cleaner apps often:

Drain battery
Close useful background processes
Provide no real long-term benefit

Manual monitoring through Developer Options is safer and more accurate.

Bonus Tip: Reduce High RAM Usage

If RAM usage stays high:

Uninstall unused apps
Disable auto-start for unnecessary apps
Reduce widgets on home screen
Restart phone once every few days
Keep apps updated from Google Play Store

Conclusion

In conclusion, checking RAM usage on Android without third-party apps is easier than you think. By using the built-in “Running Services” feature, Developer options, and other settings, you can monitor and manage your device’s memory usage effectively. Remember to close unused apps, disable animations, uninstall unused apps, and clear cache and data to optimize your device’s performance. By following these tips, you can keep your device running smoothly and efficiently.

Disclaimer: As a Marketing Manager at a tech startup, I’m always looking for ways to simplify my digital life. However, it’s essential to note that the methods and settings described in this article may vary depending on your device and manufacturer. Additionally, some methods may require technical expertise and should be used with caution. By following the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can optimize your device’s performance and improve your overall user experience.