If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed the Cleaner app (or “Cleaning” in Russian firmware) on the menu, and many users underestimate it as a garbage collector. In fact, Cleaner is a powerful system assistant that not only frees up memory, but also optimizes the operation of the device at the level of the system. MIUI. In this article, we will analyze in detail what is hidden behind this name, what tasks the application solves and how to configure it correctly so that the smartphone works faster and more stable.
While Xiaomi has positioned Cleaner as a standard tool for removing unnecessary files, its capabilities go far beyond basic cleaning, such as the app’s ability to manage program startups, analyze real-time memory usage, or even find duplicate photos, and misuse of some features can slow down your phone, which we’ll talk about later.
Unlike the third-party cleaners on Google Play, the built-in Cleaner doesn't require root rights, doesn't show annoying ads, and is integrated into the system at the kernel level, which means it can delete cache and temporary files where regular applications don't have access. But there's a downside: some features work aggressively, removing data that a user could save, so before active use, it's worth figuring out what exactly cleans the program and how it affects performance.
In this article, we will not limit ourselves to a superficial description, we will analyze the hidden settings of Cleaner, compare it with its counterparts (for example, CCleaner or Files by Google), and give clear recommendations on which options should be included and which ones should be avoided. If you want to have your Redmi, POCO Or Mi worked like new, read on.
What is Xiaomi Cleaner and Why You Need It
Cleaner is a system application preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones under the control of the shell MIUI. Its main task is to free the device's memory from unnecessary files, cache and residual data from remote programs, but the functionality is not limited to simple cleaning: The app also analyzes RAM usage, suggests optimizing autoloads, and can even remove duplicate media files.
Unlike many other applications, Cleaner is not a standalone program, but is deeply integrated into the system, which allows it to work more efficiently, but also requires caution: some operations (such as cleaning the cache of all applications at once) can lead to a temporary slowdown of the phone until the data is restored.
The main tasks that Cleaner solves:
- 🗑️ Remove unnecessary files (application residues, temporary data, empty folders).
- 🔄 Cleaning the cache of applications and systems, which is especially important for devices with a small amount of memory.
- 📱 Optimizing the use of RAM by closing background processes.
- 🔍 Search and remove duplicate photos, videos and documents.
- ⚙️ Managing application autoloads that extend battery life.
It's important to understand that Cleaner isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, like it won't be able to delete viruses (that's Mi Security) or recover deleted files, but its primary goal is to keep the system clean and prevent it from slowing down due to accumulated debris.
⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Cleaner with Security, the latter being responsible for protecting against viruses and fraudulent sites, while Cleaner is solely dedicated to optimizing memory and performance.
Where to find Cleaner on Xiaomi smartphone
You can find Cleaner in several ways, depending on the version. MIUI And the phone model, and most of the time, it's on the desktop or on the menu of all the programs. If it's not there, try the following:
1. Through Settings → Annexes → Cleaning (in some firmware, the path may be different).
2. Using a search system: scroll down the main screen and type in the search bar "Cleaner" or "Clean".
3. on certain models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi Note 10 Pro) the application can be hidden in the Tools or Utilities folder".
If you didn't find Cleaner in any way, it may have been disabled or removed (on some custom firmware). → Annexes → Application management → Show all applications → Cleaner → Turn on.
Appearance of the application may differ depending on the version MIUI:
- 📱 V MIUI 12/13/14 The interface is designed in a minimalist style with an emphasis on visualization of occupied space.
- 🔄 In older versions (e.g, MIUI (11) design is more textual, with a detailed description of each section.
- 🎨 On the devices. POCO Black Shark can be used by default.
Cleaner: What can and cannot be cleaned
The Cleaner interface is divided into several tabs, each of which is responsible for a specific type of cleaning, and we'll break them down in detail so that you can consciously choose which data to delete and which to leave.
1. Garbage (Junk Files)
This displays temporary files, remnants of deleted applications, empty folders and other unnecessary data, which can be cleared without fear — the system will not delete anything important, but after cleaning some applications (such as instant messengers) can take longer to load on the first run, because they will have to recover the cache.
2. App cache (App Cache)
Cache speeds up programs, but takes up a lot of space over time. Cache cleaning is safe, but you should not do it too often (every 1-2 weeks is enough), otherwise the applications will slow down when you open.
3. Duplicate Files (Duplicate Files)
The feature looks for the same photos, videos and documents. Before deleting, always check duplicates manually - the system may mistakenly identify as a duplicate of a slightly edited photo or screenshot.
4. Autoboot (Auto-start)
You can turn off apps that start automatically when you turn on your phone, which is useful for saving battery power, but don’t turn off system processes (such as com.android.phone or com.miui.securitycenter) – this can cause crashes.
5. RAM (RAM Boost)
The feature closes the background processes to release RAM. Use it only if the phone is really slowing down - the constant forced cleaning of RAM can, on the contrary, slow down, as the system will have to reload frequently used applications.
| Function | What's he doing? | Recommendation for use |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning up garbage | Deletes temporary files, application residues, empty folders | You can clean it once a week. |
| Clearing the cache | Removes the cache of applications and systems | Clean once every 1-2 weeks, no more often. |
| Search for duplicates | Finds the same files (photos, videos, documents) | Check manually before removal |
| Autoboot management | Disables automatic application launch | Do not disable system processes |
| Optimizing RAM | Closes the background processes | Use only with the brakes. |
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is slower after cleaning the cache or debris, restart it because the system needs time to recover the necessary temporary files.
How to use Cleaner correctly: step-by-step instructions
To make the Cleaner work, follow this guide, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO base MIUI 12–14.
1. Launch system analysis
Open Cleaner and press the Scan (or Analysis) button. Wait a few seconds for the app to collect the space occupied.
2. Cleaning up garbage and cache
Go to the Garbage or Cash tab, tick all categories except Download (if there are files you want to use). Click Clear.
3.Duplicate search
In the "Dublicates" section, select the file type (photos, videos or documents). After scanning manually check each duplicate, as the system may mistakenly identify unique files as identical.
4. Optimizing autoloading
In the Autoboot section, disable applications that should not be automatically launched. Leave only messengers, alarms and other critical programs on.
Cleaning of RAM (if necessary)
If your phone is slowing down, go to the RAM tab and click Optimize. Don't use this feature too often, because it shuts down all background processes, which can keep some apps open longer.
Conduct a complete analysis of the system|Clean up garbage and cache|Check duplicates manually|Disable unnecessary apps in autoboot|Optimize RAM only with brakes-->
Once cleaned, restart your phone so that the changes take effect. If you notice some apps are slowing down, give them time to recover the cache (usually 1-2 runs are enough).
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If Cleaner doesn’t find garbage, try clearing app data through Settings. → Annexes → Cleaner → Warehouse → Clean the data. It resets the program and makes it scan the system again.
How Cleaner is Different from Third Party Cleaners
Many users install third-party cleaning apps like CCleaner, Files by Google, or SD Maid.com, however, has several key benefits:
✅ Deep integration with MIUI
Because Cleaner is a system application, it has access to memory areas that are not available to third-party programs, for example, it can clear the cache of system processes that is not available to CCleaner.
✅ Security
Third-party cleaners often request permissions to access personal data, while Cleaner operates without additional rights and does not share information with third parties.
✅ No advertising
Unlike many apps from Google Play, the built-in Cleaner doesn’t show banners or offer premium purchases.
✅ Cleaner's automatic optimization can run in the background, periodically clearing the cache and closing unnecessary processes.Third-party applications typically require manual start-up.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- ❌ Less flexible settings compared to SD Maid or CCleaner.
- ❌ Cannot delete deeply hidden system files (root rights are required).
- ❌ In some versions MIUI It works unstable, especially on custom firmware.
If you need advanced features (such as cleaning Dalvik cache or managing application rights), it is better to use specialized utilities like SD But for most users, the cleaner will be enough.
Common Errors When Using Cleaner
Not only can the use of Cleaner fail to improve the phone’s performance, but it can also make it worse, and here are the most common mistakes users make:
🔹 Too frequent cache cleaning
Many people think that the more often they clean the cache, the better, and in fact, this leads to applications having to reload data every time they run, which slows down, and the optimal frequency is once every 1-2 weeks.
🔹 Removal of all duplicates without verification
The system can identify a duplicate of a slightly edited photo or a screenshot of important information. Always check files before deleting them.
🔹 Disabling system processes in autoboot
Some users, in an effort to save battery power, turn off all processes in a row, including critical ones (such as com.android.phone or com.miui.home), which can cause phone malfunctions.
🔹 Using "Optimization of RAM" without the need
The constant forced closure of background processes causes the system to waste resources restarting them, and only use this feature if the phone is actually slowing down.
🔹 Ignoring warnings
If Cleaner shows a warning that deleting certain files may affect your system, don’t ignore it.
What happens if you delete all files from the garbage section?
⚠️ Warning: If after cleaning through Cleaner, any functions (such as notifications or widgets) stop working, try restarting your phone. If the problem persists, check if you have deleted important data in the Autoboot or Garbage section".
Cleaner Alternatives: When to Use Third-Party Apps
While Cleaner does most of the work, in some cases it is better to use third-party utilities.
🔧 We need a deep cleaning of the system.
If you want to delete the Dalvik cache, clear the folder /data or manage the rights of the application, use SD Maid. This app requires root rights, but offers much more features.
📂 You need to find and delete large unnecessary files.
Files by Google or DiskUsage are good for finding large files (for example, forgotten videos or backups), which visualize occupied space and help you quickly find memory eaters.
🛡️ You need protection against viruses Cleaner does not scan the system for malware. For this, use Mi Security (embedded) or Malwarebytes.
🔄 Recover deleted files.
If you accidentally delete something important, Cleaner won't help, in which case try DiskDigger or Recuva (requires a PC connection).
Comparison of Cleaner and popular alternatives:
| Function | Cleaner (Xiaomi) | CCleaner | SD Maid | Files by Google |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing the cache | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Search for duplicates | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Autoboot management | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Deep cleaning of the system | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (root) | ❌ |
| Memory visualization | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
If you decide to use a third-party app, don’t install multiple cleaners at once – they can conflict with each other and slow down the phone.
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For most users, the capabilities of the built-in Cleaner are sufficient. Third-party utilities are only needed for specific tasks, such as deep cleaning of the system or file recovery.