Where to look for cache in Xiaomi: hidden folders, system files and secure cleaning

Xiaomi's cache is temporary files that are created by apps and systems to speed things up. Over time, it takes up gigabytes of memory, slows down the device, and can cause crashes. But where exactly is that cache stored? Unlike visible folders in a gallery or downloads, the system cache is hidden deep in the MIUI file structure, and it's hard to find it without knowing the firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible cache locations on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from user data to hidden system partitions, how to view these root-free files, which folders can be deleted without risk, and which ones can not be touched categorically, and we’ll show you how to clean the cache correctly so as not to break the application and lose important data.

What is Xiaomi Cache and Why You Should Look for it

Cache is buffer data that is created to speed up re-access information. On Xiaomi smartphones, cache is divided into three types:

• 📱 Application cache – temporary files that programs save for quick download (for example, thumbnails in the gallery, messenger data).
• 🖥️ System cache - firmware files MIUI, which are responsible for the smoothness of the interface and the speed of response.
• 🗃️ Dalvik cache – optimized data for Android virtual machine that is created after updates.

Why does it matter? Over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes, taking up space on the internal drive. For example, YouTube cache can weigh up to 1-2 GB, and the system cache after a major update can weigh up to 500-800 MB. If you do not clean it regularly, the smartphone begins to slow down, applications fly out, and free space melts before your eyes.

But the main problem is that not all cache files are visible to the user through standard Explorer, some of them are hidden in system partitions that require special permissions or knowledge of exact paths, and then we will show you where to look for these files on different versions of MIUI.

Where the app cache is stored: visible and hidden folders

The most obvious part of the cache is the files that create the installed programs, and you can find them in several places:

1. /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ – This store stores app data, including the cache of games, social networks and instant messengers, such as Facebook’s com.facebook.katana folder and WhatsApp’s com.whatsapp.
2. /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/ – cache of games and heavy apps (e.g. additional resources for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
3. /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails are miniature photos and videos that are created by the gallery.

To see these folders:

1. Open Explorer (Files app from Xiaomi).
2. Go to the Category tab → Internal storage.
3. Enable the display of hidden files: click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Show hidden files.

Not all folders will be viewable, however, for example, some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) may be cached in /data/data/, a partition that is only visible with root rights or through ADB.

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If the folder doesn’t open and gives you an error “No access”, try using a root-rights file manager (such as Root Explorer) or connect your smartphone to your PC and use ADB Pull to extract files.

MIUI System Cache: Where to Look and Can It Be Deleted

System cache is a file that MIUI creates to speed up the interface, stored in protected partitions, and usually not visible to the user without special tools.

The safest way to clean the system cache is to use Recovery mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

If you need to clear the cache of a particular system application (such as Mi Home or Mi Account), use ADB:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

Replace com.miui.home with the desired application package (you can find out through App Inspector in Settings → Applications).

How to find a cache of games and heavy apps

Games and resource-intensive programs (e.g. TikTok, Instagram, PUBG Mobile) create huge cache folders that can weigh several gigabytes.

• 🎮 /Android/obb/ — basic game data (e.g., graphics packages for Genshin Impact or Call of Duty).
• 📦 /Android/data/<package>/cache/ — Temporary files (for example, YouTube or Netflix cache).
• 🖼️ /Android/media/<package>/ — uploaded media files (for example, Instagram stories or TikTok videos).

To clear the game's cache without removing saves:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a game (like PUBG Mobile) and click on it.
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

If the cache takes up too much space (e.g. 5+GB), it can be manually removed through the conductor. however, be careful: some games (e.g. Genshin Impact) after cleaning the cache will require rebooting all resources, which can take hours and waste traffic.

Check the cache size in Settings → Storage

Back up your saves (if the game supports the cloud)

Clear the cache through Settings → Apps

Reboot your smartphone

Make sure the game is working correctly-->

Hidden folders with cache: how to access without root

Some cache folders are hidden from the user, but they can be opened without root permissions using special methods.

• 🔍 /data/data/ — cache of all installed applications (required) ADB File Manager with Extended Rights).
• 📁 /data/app-lib/ — Application libraries (old in newer versions of Android, but may contain garbage).
• 🗂️ /data/system/package_cache/ — packet-cache MIUI (can be cleaned without consequences).

To view these folders without root:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Open the command line on your PC and type: adb shell su ls /data/data/ (if su doesn’t work, you don’t have root rights).
3. To copy files to your PC, use: adb pull /data/data/com.example.app/

For users without a PC, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer with root mode enabled (if rights are obtained) are suitable, these managers allow you to view hidden system folders and delete unnecessary files.

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Never delete files from /data/data/ for system applications (e.g. com.android.settings or com.miui.securitycenter).This may cause MIUI to fail and a complete reset is necessary.

Dangerous zones: which cache can not be removed

Not all cache files are safe to delete, some are critical to the system, and cleaning them can lead to:

• 🚨 Cyclical reboot (bootloop) – if you delete files from the /dev/block/bootdevice.
• 🛑 Losing your Mi Account when cleaning folders /data/system/users/.
• 📵 Failure of the camera or sensors – if you erase the cache of modules /vendor/.

Here is a list of folders that you should not touch:

If you accidentally deleted files from these folders, try recovering them via Fastboot or reflashing your smartphone.In some cases, resetting via Recovery (Wipe Data) helps, but this will delete all user data.

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Before experimenting with system folders, always back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP, which will save your data if something goes wrong.

Automatic Cache Cleanup: MIUI Tools and Third Party Apps

Instead of manual cleaning, you can use built-in and third-party tools, and MIUI has several useful features:

• 🧹 Optimizer (Settings) → Annexes → Optimizer – Clears unnecessary files and cache.
• 🗑️ Waste management (Safety) → Cleaning up – removes temporary files, application residues and duplicates.
• ⚙️ Autocleaning (Settings) → Warehouse → Automatic cleaning – sets up regular cache removal.

For deeper cleaning, third-party utilities will be suitable:

• 🛠️ CCleaner – removes cache, history and unnecessary APK.
• 🗃️ Files by Google – Finds and cleanses large cache files.
• 🔍 SD Maid – scans system folders and removes debris (requires root).

However, be careful with third-party cleaners: some of them (such as Clean Master) can delete useful data or show false warnings about “critical errors”, and use built-in MIUI tools or proven applications like SD Maid.

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The built-in MIUI optimizer is safer than third-party utilities, since it does not delete system files and does not conflict with firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cache on Xiaomi