Users of Android devices often face the need to free RAM or clean the cache of applications. In the environment of enthusiasts Xiaomi and third-party launchers for Android, the slang phrase “pour soap”, which means starting the process of cleaning the system from temporary files, has become entrenched.
Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners have a built-in tool for this purpose that does not require the installation of third-party software, often referred to as “soap” because of its distinctive sound and visual effects when working, as well as its function to “wash” digital garbage.
There are many myths that constantly cleaning speeds up the device, but the reality is more complicated. It's important to understand how the cleaning algorithm works so that you don't harm the MIUI or HyperOS operating system. Let's figure out where to find this feature and how to use it competently.
What is “soap” in the Xiaomi ecosystem
The term “soap” in the context of Xiaomi smartphones refers to the system application Security, or rather its module Cleaner, the name is stuck due to the specific sound that the phone emits when you complete the scanning and deleting files, resembling a splash of water or squeaking spray.
The main purpose of this tool is to remove the cache of applications, residual files after deleting programs and temporary system data. However, many users mistakenly believe that this tool can work wonders, significantly improving the performance of the processor. In fact, the algorithm is quite simple: it finds files marked by the system as temporary, and deletes them.
It is worth noting that in modern versions of the MIUI 14 and HyperOS shells, the mechanism of working with memory has become more aggressive. The system itself manages background processes, so manual soap pouring is required less often than on older versions of Android.
💡
Use the built-in cleaner only to remove junk files, but don’t rely on it to speed up games or heavy apps – that’s a myth.
Where to find and how to start a cleaner
In order to “pour soap”, you do not need to download additional APK-There are a number of ways you can find the tool, depending on how your desktop is configured.
The first and most obvious method is to search for the Security app (green shield icon), which has a Cleaner tab inside it, and clicking on a round button triggers the scan, and the second is a desktop widget, often when you first turn on your phone or reset your phone, there's a widget on the lock screen or the home screen that has a percentage of the memory you're using.
If you don't see a security icon, try a global search. Pull the screen down and type in the word "Cleaner" or "Cleaner." The system will prompt you to run the module you want, which is especially useful if you've hidden the system applications in folders.
- 📱 Open the Security app (green shield).
- 🧹 Click on the Cleaning button (Broom Icon).
- ⚡ Wait for the scan to end and click Clean.
- 🔍 Alternatively, use a search by entering “Cleaner».
Detailed instructions: cleaning steps
The soap pouring process consists of several steps that are important to go through sequentially to achieve maximum effect. Do not blindly click on all buttons, as some features can delete the data you want, such as thumbnails of photos or saved passwords in the browser.
Once the scan is started, the system will suggest removing the garbage, which is a safe step, followed often by the item "Cache Clearing", where you need to be careful: cleaning the social media cache may require re-authorization, and cleaning the cache of the cards - re-load the data on the area, read carefully what exactly the system is going to delete.
Deep Clean, which analyzes large files, rarely used applications and duplicates, takes longer, but allows you to free up gigabytes of space if the memory is full of media files, deserves special attention.
☑️ Safe cleaning algorithm
It is important to understand the difference between cleaning RAM (RAM) and ROM (ROM). Soap in the classical sense cleans ROM (internal drive). To clean RAM (RAM) in the application Security has a separate button, often located on top or in the form of a floating ball. Cleaning RAM in modern versions of Android often gives only a short-term effect, since the system immediately loads the necessary services back.
⚠️ Warning: Before using the Deep Clean feature, be sure to check the file list. The automatic algorithm can tag old screenshots or documents you may still need to delete to remove them.
Automation of the cleaning process
Manual cleaning is good, but automation allows you to forget about the soap and enjoy the device. In the Security app settings, you can configure automatic maintenance settings, which will save you from having to manually run the scanner every day.
To set up, go to the app menu (three dots or gears) and find the item "Clean schedule" or "Automatic cleaning." Here you can set the frequency, for example, once a day or once a week, the system will conduct a light audit and remove obvious debris in the background.
Also worth paying attention to is the Memory Acceleration feature, which in some firmware regions, you can automatically clean RAM when you lock your screen or reach a certain filling threshold, which helps to keep the interface stable without your intervention.
| Type of cleaning | Security | The effect | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junk (Junk) | Tall. | Liberation of the place | Weekly |
| Cash app. | Medium | Acceleration of launch | If necessary, |
| Large files | Requires a check-up. | Significant seat | Once a month |
| RAM (RAM) | Tall. | Temporary increment | At lags |
Why can cleaning RAM be harmful?
Third-party alternatives and "heavy soap"
If standard functionality isn’t enough, the market offers plenty of alternatives. However, installing third-party cliners on Xiaomi is often redundant. MIUI’s built-in features have deep access rights that third-party apps from Google Play don’t have.
However, there are advanced utilities like SD Maid or Files by Google that allow for more detailed file system analysis. “Pouring soap” through such programs means doing in-depth analysis of duplicates, empty folders, and remnants of remote applications that the system cleaner may miss.
Using third-party software requires special permissions through ADB or feature menus, without which they will not be able to work effectively, for example, to deep clean the cache may require a command:
pm trim-databasesThis command compels you to compress your system databases, which sometimes helps if your phone is slow after a lot of installations and uninstallings, but only use these methods if you understand what you're doing.
- 🛡️ Files by Google – a safe option from the search giant.
- 🧹 SD Maid – a professional tool for experienced users.
- 🚫 Avoid “accelerators” with aggressive advertising.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid installing apps with names like “Super Fast Cleaner 2026” from unknown developers, often containing aggressive ads, miners, or simply imitating activities without bringing real benefits.
Frequent errors in cleaning the system
The urge to pour soap and free up memory can backfire if you act mindlessly, and one of the most common mistakes is to delete folders of app data (such as Android/data or obb), which will cause games and programs to stop running or lose progress.
Another mistake is to keep cleaning RAM. As mentioned, Android is a great memory controller, and constantly unloading apps can lead to increased battery consumption, as the processor has to re-deploy applications in memory every time, and system stability is more important than free megabytes in RAM.
Also, users often ignore the Gallery basket, and after removing the photos, they take up space for another 30 days. The system cleaner's soap doesn't always touch the Gallery basket, so there's no vacation. You need to clean it separately.
💡
The main mistake is the removal of system files and constant cleaning of RAM, which reduces the autonomy and stability of the smartphone.