What takes up memory on Xiaomi Android smartphones: a full analysis + cleaning instructions

You see again, "Not enough memory" on your Xiaomi, even though you didn't seem to install anything extra? Even after you delete a few apps, the space melts like snow in the sun. What's the matter? The fact is that the MIUI operating system (and any other Android) hides dozens of processes from the user that quietly eat away at gigabytes of memory. And it's not always obvious: cache, temporary update files, duplicate media files, system logs — all of these take up space, but don't show up in the standard file manager.

In this article, we will not only list what takes up memory on Xiaomi, but also show you how to find and safely delete unnecessary data. You will learn about hidden folders that can be manually cleaned, why the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X5 “clog” faster than flagships, and what MIUI settings help to automatically control memory.

1. App cache: why it takes gigabytes and can it be removed

Cache is temporary files that create applications for fast work. For example, YouTube saves video thumbnails, Google Maps saves offline maps, and messengers save avatars and stickers. The problem is that over time the cache grows into uncontrollable sizes. On Xiaomi with MIUI 14, the cache can take from 1-2 GB to 10+ GB (if you haven’t cleaned it for a long time).

Many users are afraid to delete the cache, thinking that it will hurt the applications.

• 📱 Securely Delete: Apps will simply re-download the data they need the next time they run.
• ⚡ Does not speed up the phone: Cache cleaning doesn't affect performance (myth from the 2010s).
• 🔄 Auto-cleaning: B MIUI There is a function of settings → Memory. → Cleaning, but it doesn't remove everything.

How to check and clean the cache manually:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
3. Click on the app (like Facebook or TikTok) → Storage → Clear the cache.

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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK. Give it 1-2 days to recover the data.

2 System files and updates: where gigabytes of “garbage” are hiding

MIUI creates a lot of service files that the user doesn't even know about, and here are the main memory eaters:

The update files are particularly large, and once you install a new version of MIUI, the system doesn't always delete the old packets.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable File Transfer Mode (MTP).
2. Open the Internal Storage folder → data → ota_package (root access may be required).
3. Delete files with the.zip or.pkg extension.

If you have Xiaomi on Android 12+, Some of the system files are hidden, and you'll need a root-access file manager to see them, FX File Explorer or ADB-team:

adb shell ls -la /data/ | grep -E "log|cache|ota"

3.Duplicate photos and videos: how the Xiaomi Gallery steals your place

The Gallery app in MIUI automatically creates duplicate media files, and this happens because:

• 📸 Photo editing: When trimming or using filters, the original is saved, and a new version is created.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud Sync: Sometimes files are duplicated when uploaded to the cloud.
• 🤖 Optimization for social networks: When sending photos to WhatsApp or Telegram, compressed copies are created.
• 📁.thumbnails folders: Miniatures for quick browsing (can weigh up to 1-2 GB).

How to find and remove duplicates:

1. Use applications like Files by Google (Cleanup → Duplicates tab).
2. Manually check folders: DCIM/.thumbnails Pictures/Screenshots (there are often copies of screenshots) MIUI/Gallery/cloud (if you use Mi Cloud)

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13/14, duplicates can appear due to a bug in the Smart Grouping function - it creates copies of photos when sorting by album. To disable: Gallery → Settings → Smart Grouping → Turn off.

4.Eater apps: which programs "eat" memory unnoticed

Some apps consume more memory than they think.-5 «The invisible eaters on Xiaomi:

How to find the most “glutty” applications:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Applications.
2. Sort by size (slip on the icon) ⚙️ top-corner).
3. Check the apps marked “Cash” or “User Data”.

How to access hidden folders:

1. Use a file manager that supports hidden files (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Be careful with system, data, and vendor folders, and it’s best not to touch them without root rights.

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Don't delete Android/obb and Android/media folders, which store game and media data, and cleaning them can break apps.

If you are not sure if you can delete a folder, check its contents through Google or specialized forums (for example, the site is not open to users, 4PDA). Like a folder. MIUI/extra It contains branded wallpaper and sounds – it can be cleaned if not needed.

6. Cloud services and sync: how Mi Cloud and Google Photos clog memory

Cloud sync is a convenient feature, but it often duplicates files on the device.

• ☁️ Mi Cloud creates local copies of photos and contacts in a folder MIUI/CloudBackup.

How to avoid duplication:

1. In Google Photos, disable Settings → Backup and Sync → Save originals on your device.
2. In Mi Cloud, check Settings → Xiaomi Account → Cloud → Delete local copies.
3. Clean your MIUI/CloudBackup folder regularly (if you don’t use backups).

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If you use Google Photos in High Quality mode (not original), you can safely delete all photos from your phone – they will remain in the cloud.

Note that instant messengers automatically upload media, for example, WhatsApp defaults all photos and videos to the WhatsApp/Media folder to disable this:

1. Open WhatsApp. → ⚙️ Settings → Warehouse and data.
2. Turn off Automatic Media Download for Mobile Data and Wi-Fi.

7. MIUI settings that help save memory

MIUI has several built-in memory management features that are often ignored, but they can save 1-3GB:

• 🧹 Autocleaning: Settings → Memory. → Autoclean. Enable cache and unnecessary files cleanup on schedule.
• 📦 Easy mode: Settings → Special facilities → Light mode. Reduces the background activity of applications.
• 🔄 Memory optimization: Settings → Additionally. → Optimizes. Runs the cleaning in one tap.
• 📱 Background Limitation: Settings → Battery and productivity → Background process management.

Another useful tool is built-in memory analysis:

1. Go to Settings. → Memory.
2. Slip on Memory Analysis (may be called Details).
3. The system will show you what exactly takes place: applications, media, system files or “Other”.

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The Autoclean feature in MIUI only works for cache and temporary files, and it doesn't delete duplicate photos or large media files -- you have to do that manually.

If you have Xiaomi with Android 12+, there is another useful option – memory sharing:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Additional → Memory Sharing.
2. Now the system will automatically transfer rarely used files to the microSD (if installed).

8.When Nothing Helps: Radical Cleaning Techniques

If you're running out of memory after all this manipulation, you'll have to use radical methods, but be careful, they can lead to data loss!

• 🛠️ Cleaning up the section /cache Recovery: Turn off the phone. Press Volume up. + Power to log in to Recovery. select Wipe Cache Partition.