Data files in Xiaomi smartphones: understand what can be deleted and what is dangerous

Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi’s storage and seen a mysterious string of “Data Files” occupying gigabytes of memory? or received a notification of a lack of space, even though there are almost no photos and applications? POCO, But few people know what is stored there and whether it is possible to touch it.

Unlike obvious junk files (cache, temporary data), data files are a mixture of critical system components and unnecessary junk, and a mistake in cleaning them can cause phone malfunctions, loss of accounts, or even a “brick” of the device, but they can not be ignored: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra) they take up to 10-15 GB! In this guide, we will understand which data files can be deleted manually and which ones can only be deleted through special tools. MIUI, Not to break the smartphone.

What are Xiaomi’s data files and why do they take up so much space?

The term “data files” in MIUI — It's a generic name for several types of information that a system and applications create as they work, as opposed to media files (photos, videos) or installed data. APK, This data is not visible to the user directly, but without it, the phone would not be able to function:

• 📁 Application cache and systems – temporary files to speed up programs (for example, uploaded pictures in Telegram or YouTube video previews).
• 🔑 Settings and configurations – individual settings for each application (themes, languages, saved logins).
• 🗃️ SQLite databases – structured data stores (for example, WhatsApp message history or browser bookmarks).
• 🤖 System logs and dumps – error logs, crash reports (files with.log or.dmp extension).
• 🎮 Game saving – progress in mobile games (e.g. Genshin Impact or mobile games) PUBG Mobile).

On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or POCO F6 Pro) some of these files are stored in a secure partition /data, And even in the open-end, they can take up gigabytes. For example, Google Play Services sometimes grows to a cache. 1–2 GB and system logs after update MIUI — before 500 MB.

The main problem — MIUI In the Storage section, you can see a line called "Other Files" or "System Data" that weighs 5 to 8 GB but doesn't offer cleanup options, which is because some of the data is tied to a Mi Account or encrypted for security.

What data files can be deleted without risk to the phone

Not all data files are equally useful. Some of them can be easily deleted to make space. Here is a safe list (with an indication of where to look for them):

The easiest way to clean is to use the built-in utility “Cleaning” in the MIUI:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Cleanup.
2. Click on “Deep Cleanup” and select “Junk Files”.
3. Check the boxes "Cash applications", "Temporary files", "Logins".
4. Click “Clean” (the system will show how much space will be freed).

Clear the cache in Settings → Applications for each application

Delete files with the.tmp and.temp extension from the Download folder

Remove old logs from /sdcard/MIUI/debug_log (if the folder exists)

Use Files → Categories → Automatic cleaning garbage-->

⚠️ Warning: Never manually delete files from folders /data/data or /data/system This can result in loss of Mi Account data or disruption of Google services, such as deleting files from the user's account. /data/data/com.android.providers.settings Reset all system settings.

Dangerous Data Files: What You Should Not Touch Under Any Circumstance

Some data files are critical to the job MIUI And Android, which can be deleted:

• 🚨 Loss of Mi Account binding (phone will require login/password entry after reboot).
• 📱 Reset all settings (themes, wallpaper, notification sounds).
• 🔄 Bootloop due to system database damage.
• 📵 Poose. IMEI (on the old models without separate storage in /efs).

Here is a list of files and folders that are prohibited for deletion (even with root rights):

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (most devices purchased officially), deleting system data files can lead to activation of anti-rollback protection (Anti-Rollback). This means that the phone will refuse to boot even if you try to reflash it via Fastboot.

How to Clean Data Files: Step-by-step Instructions

To make room safely, follow this algorithm (suitable for the use of the MIUI 12–14):

1. Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an app (e.g. Facebook or Google Chrome). Click on Storage» → «Clear the cache».
2. Delete temporary files: Open the Files by Google app (or standard file) MI File Manager. Go to garbage or temporary files. Select files with.tmp,.temp,.log extensions (except for folders called system or miui).

Deep cleaning through MIUI:

• Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Cleanup.
• Select “Deep Clean” and wait for analysis.
• Delete only the Cache, Temporary Files, Logs (do not touch System Data!).

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If after cleaning the application began to slow down, just restart it - the cache will recover automatically the next time you use it.

For advanced users (with unlocked bootloader) can be used ADB for a more subtle cleaning, for example, a command to remove the cache of all applications:

adb shell pm trim-caches 1G

This command will clear the cache, but leave critical data intact.

Special cases: data files in games and instant messengers

Games and instant messengers often create huge data files that are not visible in a standard file manager.

• 🎮 Genshin Impact can take up to 15 GB for additional resources (folder) /Android/obb/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact).
• 💬 Telegram stores a cache of media files in /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache (before 10 GB for active users).
• 📸 Instagram and TikTok download video in the background (folder) /Android/media/com.instagram.cache).

To clean them up without losing progress:

1. For games: use the built-in “Clear Cache” option in Settings → Applications or transfer files to SD-card (if supported).
2. For instant messengers: in the application settings, find the Storage section and select Clear cache (in Telegram: Settings) → Data and memory → Clear the cache).

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Never delete a folder. /Android/obb completely - this will result in the loss of downloaded game data. Instead, clear the cache for a specific game through the settings.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI There is a bug that can stop geolocation and push notification services after cleaning the cache, so to fix this, restart your phone or manually update Google Play Services through the Play Store.

Cleaning Automation: Applications and Scripts for Xiaomi

If you're tired of manually cleaning your cache, you can automate the process with third-party tools.

For use SD Maid on Xiaomi:

1. Download and install the app from the Play Store.
2. Run and grant root rights (if any) or permissions to access the storage.
3. Go to the “CorpseFinder” section (search for residual files) and select “Run”.
4. Delete only those files that are marked as “Safe to delete”.

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Before using any automatic cleaners, back up important data through Settings. → System system → Backup.

Frequent errors in data files cleaning and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi users experience problems after a careless cleanup, and here are the typical mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🗑️ Deletion of the folder /Android whole → Solution: just clear the subfolders (cache, temp).
• 🔄 Cleaning the cache of Google Play Services → Solution: Reboot your phone after cleaning.

If something goes wrong after cleaning, try:

1. Reboot your phone (often solves cache problems).
2. Reset the settings of a particular application through Settings → Annexes → [name] → Warehouse → Drop it.
3. Restore data from a backup (if it was made through Mi Cloud).

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On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14 and later, third-party cleaners with a “deep optimization” function are not recommended – they may conflict with built-in memory management mechanisms.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Xiaomi Data Files