Cached videos in Xiaomi phone: why they are needed and how to remove them

Have you ever looked into your Xiaomi storage and wondered why space is melting away when you barely install new apps? Cached videos — temporary files that accumulate invisibly but can take up gigabytes of memory — are often the culprits, especially for users who are actively consuming content on YouTube, TikTok, MIUI Video or streaming services.

In this article, we’ll explore what Xiaomi’s video cache is, why it’s being created (and why it’s not always a bad thing), and show you 4 proven cleanup methods, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users, and how to turn off automatic video caching in the background so that the problem doesn’t come back.

What are cached videos and why do they need them?

Cached videos are temporary copies of clips that your smartphone stores in memory to speed up playback. For example, when you watch a video on YouTube or TikTok, the app downloads some of the content in advance to avoid buffering in weak Internet. These files are stored in cache folders and are usually deleted automatically... but not always.

On Xiaomi, video cache can accumulate from several sources:

• 📱 Apps: YouTube, TikTok, MIUI Video, Netflix, VK Videos and even instant messengers like Telegram (when viewing Stories).
• 🌐 Browsers: Mi Browser or Chrome cache videos from sites (for example, previews from social networks).
• 🤖 Systemic processes: MIUI Can cache gallery previews or background update downloads.

Why isn't it always bad? Cache speeds up applications and saves traffic when you re-browse, but if you don't clean it for months, temporary files turn into digital junk, taking up 5 to 10 GB of storage.

Where are cached videos stored on Xiaomi

The video cache files are scattered across different folders in the system.

To see these folders, you’ll need a file manager with access to root directories (e.g., Mi File Manager with the “Show Hidden Files” option enabled or Solid Explorer) and note that the /data/ path is only available on rooted devices or via ADB.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders manually unless you are sure of their purpose! /Android/obb/ game data is stored – their removal will lead to malfunctions in applications.

How to clean video cache with standard MIUI tools

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require root rights and are guaranteed to not damage the system.

Method 1: Clearing the cache for a separate application

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube or TikTok).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Mass cleaning of the cache

1. Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage in newer versions of MIUI).
2. Click Clear in the "App Cache" section.
3. Confirm the action.

Method 3: Using Security App

The Security app (shield icon) in MIUI has a built-in cleaner:

1. Open Security. → Optimization (or Acceleration).
2. Choose Deep Cleanup.
3. Check "Cash" and click "Clear".

⚠️ Attention: Security’s Deep Cleanup feature can delete not only cache, but also temporary messaging files (such as WhatsApp media.

Advanced cleaning methods (without root)

If the standard methods didn't work, try these methods. They don't require superuser rights, but they require a little more action.

Method 1: Cleaning with Recovery Mode

This method removes all temporary system files, including video cache:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Method 2: Use of ADB (for experienced)

If you are familiar with ADB, you can clear the cache of specific applications with the command:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

Replace com.google.android.youtube with the package of the desired application (for example, com.zhiliaoapp.musically for TikTok).

💡

Before using ADB, enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the version to unlock the developer menu).

Method 3: Third-party annexes

Apps like SD Maid or Files by Google can find and delete video cache that is not available through standard means, but beware: some cleaners aggressively delete data, which can lead to crashes.

How to disable automatic video caching

To prevent the problem from returning, you can limit caching in application settings:

For YouTube:

1. Open YouTube → click on the avatar → Settings.
2. Select Background playback and downloads.
3. Turn off the options: 🔄 Cache video in the background 📥 Downloading via mobile network (if not necessary)

For TikTok:

1. Go to Profile → Settings → Data settings.
2. Turn off video caching and Autoplay.

For MIUI Video:

1. Open the app → Settings → Cash.
2. Set a cache limit or turn it off completely.

If in doubt, use the standard MIUI.