How to remove old updates on Xiaomi Android smartphones: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones automatically download firmware updates in the background, even if you don’t install them. Over time, these files take up gigabytes of memory, slow down the device and can cause errors when installing new versions. Unlike iOS, where the system cleans the update cache itself, Android requires manual intervention for Redmi, POCO or Mi.

The problem is that the folder with updates (/cache or /data/ota_package) It is often hidden from the user, and standard cleaning tools (such as the built-in Optimizer) do not affect it. In this article, current ways to delete old update files without root rights and with them, including hidden methods for power users. We will also discuss why a simple deletion through a file manager can cause the next update to fail and how to avoid it.

Why Old Updates Take Place and How to Check

Every downloaded MIUI update is stored in the device’s memory as a backup. Even after installing the new version, files are not deleted automatically – the system stores them in case of rollback or re-installation. For example, the firmware for Xiaomi 12T weighs ~2.5 GB, and for POCO F5 up to 3 GB. If you haven’t cleaned the cache in years, 10+ GB of unnecessary files can accumulate in memory.

Check the occupied space can be as follows:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Memory and see the "System" or "Other Files" section".
• 🔍 Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) and go to the folder. /data/ota_package (rooting).
• 🛠️ Enter in. ADB Command: Adb shell du -sh /data/ota_package It will show the exact size of the folder with updates.

If the folder ota_package weighs more 1 GB, it's definitely worth cleaning. But be careful: deleting the active update file (with the.zip extension and current date) can interrupt the installation of the new firmware.

Method 1: Remove via built-in Optimizer (without root)

The safest, but least effective method is to use standard MIUI tools, which are suitable for beginners and do not require additional programs.

1. 🔧 Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. 🗑️ Go to the Optimizer section → Cleaning up garbage.
3. 🔍 Press Deep Cleanup and wait for analysis.
4. ✅ Select Update Files (if it is in the list) and confirm deletion.

The downside is that it only removes the bootloader cache, but not the firmware files themselves. Other methods will be needed to clean it completely.

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If the Optimizer does not have Update Files, try updating the Security app first via Google Play. In newer versions of MIUI 14+, this section may be called System Garbage.

Method 2: Manually clean through file manager (with root rights)

To completely remove old updates, you need access to system folders. If you have root permissions (for example, through Magisk), follow this instruction:

Back up important data | Make sure the battery is charged >50% | Install a root-enabled file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) | Check if there is an active download of the update (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Update)

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Next:

1. 📁 Open the file manager and go to the root directory (/).
2. 🔍 Find the folders: /data/ota_package — firmware-storage; /cache — loader; /sdcard/Download/rom — Backups of firmware (if you downloaded them manually).

.zip

.pkg

🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If you delete an active update file (for example, miui_HM2013011_23.4.12.zip), The system may give an error "Can't check the service pack" on the next install attempt. To avoid this, cancel downloading the current update to Settings before cleaning. → The phone. → Update MIUI.

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don’t have root rights, but you have a computer, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools;
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB);
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Follow the commands in turn: adb shell su (if there is root) rm -rf /data/ota_package/* rm -rf /cache/ota/* Without root, the second and third commands may not work – in this case, use the alternative: adb shell pm clear com.android.updater (this will clear the cache of the System Update application").
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Method 4: Resetting cache in Recovery Mode (for all models)

If previous methods didn’t work, try clearing the cache through Recovery mode.This won’t delete personal data, but will reset temporary system files, including the update cache.

Instructions:

1. 🔄 Turn off the phone.
2. 🔘 Press the power button. + Volume upwards before the appearance of the Mi logo (on some models, for example) POCO F4, You need to keep the volume up. + Loudness down + Nutrition).
3. 📱 In the Recovery menu (manage volume keys, select the power button) select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. 🔄 Restart the device (Reboot) → System).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable) Wipe Cache may not be available. In this case, select Advanced → Wipe Dalvik Cache, but it's less effective at cleaning updates.

Method 5: Disabling Automatic Update Download

To prevent the problem from recurring, you can disable the background download of updates, which will not delete files that have already been downloaded, but will prevent them from accumulating in the future.

How to turn it off:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update MIUI.
2. 🔧 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. 🚫 Disable options: Automatic download over Wi-Fi; Automatic installation; Roaming boot (if any).

✅ Save the changes.

Now, updates will only be downloaded after your explicit confirmation. To completely disable update checks, you can turn off the Internet for the com.android.updater app via Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Data and Wi-Fi.

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Disabling automatic updates does not block critical security patches. They will be installed manually through Settings → Update MIUI, but without background boot.

What to do if no updates are installed after cleaning

Sometimes, after you delete the old firmware files, the system will produce errors like "Can't check the service pack" or "Signature error" because of the corrupt metadata of the bootloader.

• 🔄 Reboot the device – often helps to reset the bootloader state.
• 📥 Download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website and install through Settings → Update MIUI → Three points. → Select a firmware file.
• 🛠️ Reset the loader settings through ADB: adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job (requires reboot after execution).
• 🔧 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), If the error is repeated, it will allow you to manually flash updates without checking the signature.

If none of the methods worked, the /cache system folder may be damaged, in which case only a complete reset (with loss of data) or flashing through Fastboot will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing updates on Xiaomi