Why Telegram cache takes up gigabytes of memory on Xiaomi and where to look for it
Have you noticed that Telegram is on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Even after deleting chats and media files, the messenger continues to eat gigabytes of internal memory, and it's all about cache, temporary files that the application saves to speed up work. But where exactly does Telegram store cache on Android, especially on devices with a proprietary shell? MIUI? The answer is not as obvious as it seems.
Unlike standard Android devices, Xiaomi smartphones have features in the storage structure. Telegram cache can be scattered across several folders, some of which are hidden from the user. MIUI (For example, before version 14 or 15, file paths sometimes change and old instructions stop working. In this article, we will look at all possible cache locations, including hidden directories, and show you how to clean them safely without risking losing important data.
Before you start searching, consider that simply removing folders through the file manager can cause messaging, such as if you manually delete files from the messaging app. /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/, Telegram may start to slow down or stop opening chats altogether, so itβs important to understand which files can be deleted and which ones should not be touched.
Official ways to store Telegram cache on Xiaomi
Telegram messenger uses two main types of data storage on Android:
- π The internal cache of an application is a temporary file that is automatically cleared by the system when there is a lack of memory. /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/.
- ποΈ User data β media files, stickers, documents and chat databases stored in open folders accessible through the file manager.
On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI The official paths to the cache look like this:
| Type of data | The way to the folder | Can I remove it manually? |
|---|---|---|
| Application cache (temporary files) | /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/ | β No (root rights required) |
| Media files (photos, videos, voice) | /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/ | β Yes (except for the Telegram Images folder if you use autoloading) |
| Chat databases | /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/files/ | β No (risk of loss of messages) |
| Stickers and animations | /storage/emulated/0/Android/media/org.telegram.messenger/ | β Yes (will be reloaded if necessary) |
β οΈ Attention: Folder /data/ It is hidden by default and is only available with root rights or through ADB. Trying to access it without the superuser's permission will result in a "No permission" error. Use the built-in Android tools to clean the cache in this directory. MIUI.
Hidden folders Telegram on Xiaomi: where to look for non-obvious cache
In addition to the standard paths, Telegram on Xiaomi can create additional folders that users often do not know about. MIUI And storage policies. That's where the cache can hide:
- π /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/ β Alternative cache for media files that have not been saved to the main folder.
- π /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/org.telegram.messenger/ β Large files are sometimes stored here (for example, voice cache or high-quality video).
- π /storage/emulated/0/Download/Telegram/ β if you manually saved files from the messenger in βDownloadsΒ».
- π /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/Telegram/ β automatically created folder for photos sent through the βCameraβ in Telegram.
Especially a lot of βjunkβ accumulates in the folder. Android/media/org.telegram.messenger/. They're kept here:
- π΅ Audio files from voice messages (even if you haven't saved them).
- π₯ Low-resolution video (previews that Telegram downloads automatically).
- πΌοΈ Miniature images (thumbs) that take up to 500 MB when used.
π‘ Useful tip: To see hidden folders in Xiaomi file managers (like File Manager or Files by Google), turn on the display of hidden files in the settings. β Settings β Show hidden files.
Make sure important media files are saved in the cloud or on PC|
Close the messenger (so as not to damage the database)|
Make a backup of chats in Telegram Settings|
Check the folder size in Settings β Warehouse|-->
How to clear the Telegram cache on Xiaomi without root rights
If you do not have root access, you can clear the cache in several ways - from built-in tools. MIUI before manually deleting unnecessary files, consider all options in order of effectiveness.
Method 1: Clean up via Telegram settings
The safest method is to use the built-in tools of the messenger:
- Open Telegram and go to the βοΈ Settings β Data and memory.
- Slip on Memory Use β here you will see a list of chat rooms that occupy the most space.
- Select chat and click Clear History (only media files can be deleted by leaving text messages).
- To completely clear the cache, go back to Data and memory and click Clear Telegram cache.
Method 2: Manual deletion through file manager
If the built-in cleanup didnβt help, manually delete unnecessary files:
- Open the File Manager (or any other conductor).
- Move to the /storage/emulated/0/Telegram/.
- Delete folders: Telegram Audio - voice messages. Telegram Video - video files. Telegram Documents - documents (PDF, APK et al.>
Telegram Images
β οΈ Note: If after manual cleaning Telegram started to slow down or does not show preview media files, restart the application.
Method 3: Cleaning through settings MIUI
Xiaomi offers its own memory management tool:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Telegram in the list and tap on it.
- Select Warehouse. β Clear the cache.
- For deep cleaning, click Clear Data, but note: this will remove all settings and chats (except cloud ones).
π‘
Cleaning the cache through Settings MIUI β The safest way, but it doesn't delete the media files stored in the Telegram folder.
How to find and delete Telegram cache with root rights
If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can clear all temporary files, including the system cache, which is not available in the usual way.
Step 1: Getting access to root folders
Use a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer:
- Open the manager and provide root access when requested.
- Move to the /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/.
- Delete the contents of the folders: cache/ β time-file. files/temp/ β squatting.
Step 2: Cleaning up databases (optional)
If Telegram is unstable, you can reset your databases (but this will delete chat history!):
- In a file. /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/databases/ Find files with the.db extension.
- Remove them (or rename them by adding.bak at the end).
- Re-launch Telegram β the databases will be created again.
β οΈ Note: Delete files in /data/data/ Without backup, you may lose all local messages, including secret chats.Before cleaning, export the chats through Settings β Export of data.
Step 3: Automating cleaning with Tasker
With Tasker and root, you can set up automatic cleaning of Telegram cache on schedule:
- Install Tasker and the Root Actions plugin.
- Create a Run Shell task (command: rm) -rf /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/cache/*).
- Set up a trigger (for example, once a week or when your memory is low).
2.Tune cleaning the cache on schedule
V MIUI There is an automatic cleaning function:
- Open Settings β Battery and Performance β Cleanup.
- Turn on Autoclean and add Telegram to the list of apps.
- Set the cleaning frequency (e.g. once every 3 days).
3.Use cloud storage
Telegram allows you to save media files in the cloud, not on your device:
- π Turn on Save in Telegram Cloud in chat settings (long tap on chat) β Media management).
- π Clean local files regularly through Settings β Data and memory β Clear the cache.
π‘ Useful tip: If you often share large files (video, archives), use the Save in downloads instead of autoload. /Download/, from where it is easier to remove.
Frequent errors in clearing Telegram cache on Xiaomi
Many users have problems after trying to make space on Telegram, and here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Telegram will not open after cleaning | Critical files removed from /data/data/ backup | Reinstall the application or restore data from the backup |
| All the chat rooms are gone. | Cleared application data through Settings MIUI | Restore chats through Settings β Export of data (if there was a backup) |
| Photos and videos are not displayed in chat rooms | Telegram Images or Telegram Video folder removed | Restart your phone or request a resend of files in chat |
| Messenger brakes after cleaning | Database damaged (.db files) | Clear the cache through Settings MIUI and restart the application |
β οΈ Note: If you use Telegram X (alternative client), the cache paths will be different: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/org.telegram.messenger.x/ and /data/data/org.telegram.messenger.x/. Donβt confuse it with the main app!