Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but over time they accumulate tons of unnecessary files, from remnants of deleted apps to duplicate media. 4PDA forum users have been testing safe cleanups for years to make room without compromising system stability. This article has compiled proven methods, from manually cleaning cache to deleting preinstalled bloat with ADB, which are recommended by experienced users.
It is important to understand that not all files can be deleted without consequences, for example, cleaning the /data/dalvik-cache folder will lead to a cyclical reboot of the device, and removing the system APKs without root rights will return them after a restart, we will analyze which files and applications can be deleted on Xiaomi without the risk of “bricking”, and also provide lists of safe commands for ADB and TWRP.
1. Systemic garbage: what can be cleaned without consequences
The first thing to delete is the temporary files that MIUI creates while it's working, which take anywhere from 500MB to 2-3GB depending on user activity.
- 📁 App cache: folders /data/data/*/cache and /cache. Cleaning them won’t hurt, but apps will have to re-upload data the next time they run.
- 🗑️ Download folder: This is where you can download from browsers, messengers and email, often containing duplicates and outdated files.
- 🎬 Media miniatures: folder DCIM/.thumbnails. You can delete the system will restore the preview the next time you view it.
- 📦 Remains of updates: folder /cache/ota (if the update has been successful, or /data/ota_package.
For cleaning without root rights:
- Open Settings → Memory → Clean (newer versions of MIUI may have different paths).
- Select "Deep Clean" and select "App Cache", "Unused Files", "Update Remains".
- Click "Clear" and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: Do not manually clean the System Files section through the standard menu – this can remove critical data for work MIUI.
2. pre-installed applications (bloat): what can be removed
Xiaomi is known for an abundance of pre-installed services, many of which duplicate features or are not used at all. 4PDA a list of safe applications for removal (without root they will roll back after the restart, but the place will be vacated temporarily) ADB magisk.
| Annex | Package | Can I remove it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | Yes. | The standard browser will disappear (use Chrome or another) |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | Yes. | Removes the music player (alternative: Spotify, VLC) |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Yes. | The standard video player will disappear |
| Mi Pay | com.mipay.wallet | Yes (unless you use it) | Mi Pay will stop working (alternative: Google Pay) |
| Cleaner (Safety) | com.miui.cleanmaster | No. | It can disrupt the system optimizer. |
For removal via ADB:
- Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Open the command line and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Run the command to delete (e.g. for Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
⚠️ Warning: Deleting com.miui.home or com.android.settings will cause the system to fail. TWRP.
USB debugging enabled
Installed ADB drivers on PC
Backup of important data is made
The device model has been tested (some packages are unique to the series)
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3. Duplicates and unnecessary media files
Photos, videos and audio files are often duplicated due to synchronization with clouds (Mi Cloud, Google Photos) or moving between folders.
- 🔍 Use applications like Files by Google or SD Maid – they can find duplicates by hash.
- 📸 Check the folders: DCIM/Camera — photo Pictures/Screenshots — screenshot WhatsApp/Media — messenger Telegram/Telegram Images - files from Telegram
- 🎵 Remove unused ringtones and melodies from /system/media/audio (root).
For automation:
- Install Google Files from the Play Market.
- Open the tab "Clean up" → "Duplicates of files".
- Select unnecessary copies and click "Delete".
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Before mass media removal, check to see if the files are used as wallpaper or alarm melodies, such as wallpaper stored in /data/system/users/0/wallpaper.
4.Dalvik and ART cache: when and how to clean
Android creates optimized versions of apps in the /data/dalvik-cache folder (or /data/art in newer versions). Cleaning this section will speed up the phone's work, but you need to be careful:
- ⚡ When to clean: After mass removal/update of applications, brakes and system hangs, manual firmware updates through TWRP.
- ⚠️ Risks: When cleaned without custom recovery, the phone can boot longer (the system will recover the cache automatically).
Instructions for TWRP:
- Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Find the /data/dalvik-cache folder and delete its contents.
- Restart the device (the first boot will take 5-10 minutes).
What happens if you delete dalvik-cache without TWRP?
5 Logs and dumps: hidden memory eaters
MIUI maintains detailed logs of system events that can take up to 1 GB in /data/log, /data/tombstones (error dumps) and /data/anr (freeze logs) folders, which can be deleted without consequences, but you need root or ADB to access.
List of safe folders for cleaning:
- 📜 /data/log — system-log.
- ⚰️ /data/tombstones — dump-hole.
- ⏳ /data/anr — logs of appendices.
- 📡 /data/misc/bluetooth — Bluetooth cache (if there are no connection issues).
For cleaning through ADB:
adb shell
su
rm -rf /data/log/*
rm -rf /data/tombstones/*
rm -rf /data/anr/*
exit
exit⚠️ Note: Delete files in /data/misc/wifi If you don't want to re-enter your passwords, don't touch this folder.
6 Remains of Remote Applications and Updates
When uninstalling applications through the Play Market or settings MIUI often remain:
- 🗃️ Folders with data in /data/data/[package /data/user/0/[packet].
- 📦 Residues APK into /data/app (if the removal has been incorrect).
- 🔄 Update files in /cache/ota or /data/ota_package.
For complete cleaning:
- Install SD Maid (root required) or use ADB.
- To remove residues from a particular app (e.g. Facebook): adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana This will clear the cache and data, but will not delete the APK.
- For complete removal of APK (root required): adb shell su rm -rf /data/app/com.facebook.katana* rm -rf /data/data/com.facebook.katana exit
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Use the pm list packages command in ADB to see all packages installed and find unnecessary packages.
7 Safe Alternatives: What to Do If You're Afraid of Removing
If you are not sure about your actions, but want to make room, use safe methods:
- ☁️ Move files to the cloud: Google Photos (unlimited storage for compressed photos), Mi Cloud (5 GB free).
- 💾 Use the memory card: In camera settings (Camera settings) → Storage) select "Memory card".
- 🔄 Disable Unnecessary System Applications: Through Settings → Annexes → Select the unneeded (e.g. Mi Music) and click "Disable".
- 🛡️ Use Lite versions of apps: Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite are occupied in 2-3 lesser.
To automate cleaning:
- Set up Auto Clean in Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Settings (set a schedule).
- Turn on “Clean Up When Locked” in the same menu – the phone will delete the cache when the screen is turned off.