Where is the cache in the phone Xiaomi Redmi: full analysis

Every Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone owner is faced with a situation where the internal memory of the device is filled and the system starts to work slower, the main reason for this phenomenon is the accumulation of temporary files, which in technical jargon are called cache, which are created to speed up the work of applications, but over time their volume can reach tens of gigabytes, occupying valuable space.

Many users mistakenly believe that cleaning the cache is a complex procedure that requires access to hidden parts of the file system or installing third-party software. In fact, the Android operating system in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS provides enough tools to control this data. It is important to understand that the cache is not garbage in the literal sense of the word, but a functional element that requires a competent approach.

In this article, we will take a closer look at where temporary files are hiding on Xiaomi’s drive, how to securely delete them, and whether radical cleanup methods should be used, learn about the differences between system cache and application data, and get answers to questions that users often have when trying to free up space.

The Nature of Caching in the MIUI Shell

Cache is a buffer memory that stores frequently used app data. When you run Instagram or Telegram, the system does not reload images and profiles from the Internet, but takes them from local storage, which greatly speeds up interface response and reduces traffic consumption. However, over time, this buffer grows, including outdated or corrupted files.

In Xiaomi smartphones, a dedicated system service is responsible for memory management; it automatically determines which files can be deleted without harming the operation of programs; the user can interact with this mechanism through standard settings or resort to manual deletion through the file manager. Automatic cleaning often ignores certain types of temporary data, considering them important for the work.

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Use the built-in Security app for weekly memory checks, but don’t rely on it entirely as it may skip some types of temporary files.

There is a common misconception that cleaning the cache completely makes the phone faster, and in practice, after deleting this data, applications take time to recreate it, which can temporarily increase the load on the processor, so regular but moderate cleaning is more effective than constant radical actions.

Standard cleaning methods through settings

The safest and most recommended way to manage temporary files is to use the system’s regular functionality. Redmi Note or Xiaomi Mi owners can use built-in tools that do not require superuser rights, which ensures that you do not delete anything that could disrupt the operating system.

To start, you need to open the Security app, which is pre-installed on all the brand devices. In the main menu, select Cleanup. The system will scan and suggest removing the garbage. However, this is only a surface cleaning. For a deeper analysis, go to Memory Cleanup or Application Management.

In the management menu of a particular application, such as YouTube or Viber, you will find a button to Clear the cache. It is important not to confuse it with the button Clear everything or Reset, since the last action will delete your logins, correspondence and saves. The cache contains only temporary files that the application can recover.

• 📱 Open Settings and go to the Application section.
• 📂 Select Application Management to access the full list.
• ⚙️ Find the right program and click Memory.
• 🧹 Click the Clear Cache button, avoiding data reset.

The use of standard tools is especially relevant for newer models such as the Redmi Note 13 or Xiaomi 14, where the file system has additional layers of protection.

Physical location of cache files in the file system

For advanced users who want to know where files are physically located on the drive, consider the structure of Android directories, which can be accessed through file managers with advanced rights, such as MT Manager or Root Explorer, or through a connection to a PC.

/Android/data/com.name.appendices/cache

This folder stores temporary images, scripts and other data, and there is also a /data/cache system folder that is only available with root rights, and it stores temporary files by the MIUI operating system itself, and the average user does not see these partitions, but they occupy a significant space.

It is important to note that in modern versions of Android 11 and above, access to the /Android/data folder for third-party file managers is limited by Google’s security policy.This means that a standard Explorer may not show you the contents of this directory.

• 📁 folder /Android/data contains a cache of user applications.
• 🛠 folder /data/cache Reserved for System Processes.
• 🔒 Access to system partitions requires Root rights.
• 📉 Cleaning these folders manually frees up more space than the standard folder.

When working with a file system, always be aware of the risks: Accidental deletion of an important configuration file can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot) of the device. Always back up important data before interfering with the structure of the system folders.

Use of engineering menu and hidden functions

Xiaomi and Redmi have a hidden engineering menu designed to test hardware, which also allows you to access some memory statistics, although direct cache cleaning is usually not available without special skills.

More useful for cleaning is the debugging menu, available after the developer mode is turned on. This requires several times clicking on the build number in the About Phone section. In the developer menu, you can find the option to force process closure, which indirectly affects the reset of the active cache in RAM, but not in internal storage.

Some users are using the ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which is a powerful tool that requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer, and the command to clean the cache of a particular application is this:

adb shell pm clear com.package.name

Using ADB allows you to clear the cache batch or systemically, but requires care. An error in the command syntax can lead to the deletion of the wrong data, a method recommended only for advanced users familiar with the command line.

Comparison of cache cleaning methods

The choice of cleaning method depends on your goals and level of training. Standard methods are safe but less effective. Manual deletion through the file manager gives the maximum result, but carries risks. Below is a table comparing the main approaches to cache management on Xiaomi devices.

As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is a combination of a standard application and manual cleaning of heavy programs such as messengers. Using root rights opens up new opportunities, but deprives you of device warranties and can disrupt banking applications due to the operation of SafetyNet protection.

And it's worth mentioning the memory extension feature that's in the new Redmi models, which uses a portion of the internal storage as RAM, and if the cache fills that area, the phone can start to run extremely slowly, and in these cases, cleaning the cache becomes a critical procedure.

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The optimal strategy for the average user is monthly cleaning through a regular application and manual cleaning of the messenger cache once a week.

The effect of cache on performance and battery

The accumulation of excess cache affects not only the free space, but also the autonomy of the device. When the storage is filled by more than 85-90%, the speed of writing and reading data decreases, which causes the Xiaomi processor to work harder, performing more I/O operations, which leads to increased battery consumption.

In addition, corrupted cache files can cause background processes that "wake up" the phone and prevent it from going into deep sleep. You may notice that the smartphone warms up in your pocket or quickly discharges in standby mode. In such cases, cleaning the cache of a problematic application often solves the problem.

⚠️ Warning: If the app continues to consume a lot of energy or warm up after cleaning the cache, try removing it completely and installing it again.

Also, consider that some applications, such as navigators or streaming services, use cache for offline work. Deleting it will prevent you from using maps without the Internet or watching saved videos. Always check if the cache contains important data before cleaning.

• 🔋 Cache overflow increases the load on the memory controller.
• 🌡 Damaged temporary files can cause the housing to heat up.
• 📉 A filled storage system slows down the entire system.
• 🔄 Regular cleaning extends the life of the drive.

Modern UFS drives used in Xiaomi flagships have a limited rewrite life. Excessive cache generation and cleaning (such as permanently writing and deleting gigabytes of data) can theoretically shorten memory life, although in normal conditions this is unlikely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: Do not use "memory accelerators" that promise to increase your memory. RAM On Android, it's a marketing ploy that just reboots processes, causing the system to spend more energy restarting them.

Good cache management is a balance between performance and space: Don’t strive for sterile cleanliness, let applications run efficiently, but control their appetites, especially on devices with little internal storage.