Where is the cache stored in Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to search and clean up

The cache in Xiaomi smartphones is temporary files that create apps and a system to speed things up. Over time, they take up gigabytes of memory, slow down the device and can cause crashes. But where exactly to look for this cache? Unlike iOS, where access to system folders is limited, MIUI allows users to look deeper — if you know where to look.

In this article, you'll find not only the standard ways to clean through settings, but also hidden methods of accessing cache through File Manager, ADB and even root rights. We'll look at which files can be deleted without consequences, and which can be touched dangerously, and also explain why the cache returns after cleaning and how to reduce its volume on a permanent basis.

What is Xiaomi Cache and Why Clean It

Cache is buffer data that is stored on your device to speed re-access. For example, when you open Instagram, the app uploads photos to cache so that it can show them instantly the next time it runs, and so does web pages in your browser, maps in Google Maps, and even MIUI system animations.

The problem is that over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, users often find that 128 GB of memory is eaten up to 20-30 GB of cache.

• 📉 Slowing down the device (especially on budget models like Redmi) 9A).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – the system spends resources on managing unnecessary files.
• 🚫 App crashes (for example, WhatsApp stops opening media files).
• 📱 Lack of room for updates MIUI or new pictures.

However, not all cache can be deleted without consequences. For example, cleaning the cache of system applications (com.miui.home) can cause a launcher to crash, and deleting Dalvik-cache files can cause a cyclic reboot of the phone.

Where is the cache stored in Xiaomi: the main locations

Cache in Xiaomi is divided into three types and each is stored in its place:

1. Application cache – temporary files of specific programs (for example, Telegram or YouTube) located in the /data/data/name packet/cache folder.
2. System cache: MIUI files, including theme covers, fonts and animations, stored in /cache and /data/dalvik-cache.
3. Browser cache is history, cookies and downloaded media. For Mi Browser, it is /data/data/com.android.browser/cache.

Access to these folders depends on the version of MIUI and the availability of root rights:

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has hidden direct access to system folders even through the File Manager, but there are workarounds, which we will discuss in the following sections.

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If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, it will restore the necessary files the next time you run it. Do not clean the cache more than 1 time every 2 weeks unless there is an urgent need.

How to find cache through standard settings Xiaomi

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. They do not require root rights and are suitable for all models, from Redmi 7 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook) and tap it.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For mass cleaning: Settings → Memory → Cleaning (in some versions of MIUI this item is called Optimization).

Please note: in MIUI 14 Clear cache button can be hidden behind menu ⋮ (There are three dots in the upper right corner of the app screen, and some system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) do not allow manual cache cleanup.

Close all background applications

Check the free space on the device

Backup important data (e.g. saved in games)

Disable automatic updates in the Play Market-->

If the Clear Cache button is inactive, it means that:

• 🔒 The application is protected by the system (for example, Mi Account).
• 📱 You do not have enough rights (on a work profile or guest account).
• 🔄 Cache is already empty or the app uses alternative storage (e.g. Netflix caches video to the app). /Android/data).

Cache search via File Manager (no root)

The standard file manager from Xiaomi does not show all folders, but some of the cache can be found without root rights.

Open the File Manager and go to:

• 📁 Internal storage → Android → data – it stores cached application data (for example, downloaded maps in Google Maps). folders are like com.google.android.apps.maps.
• 📁 Internal storage → Android → Obj – Temporary compilation files (can be deleted if you are not engaged in development).
• 📁 Internal storage → MIUI → Camera - Camera cache (miniatures and processed photos).
• 📁 Internal storage →.thumbnails - hidden folder with gallery miniatures (can be deleted).

To see hidden folders (such as.thumbnails), click on the File Manager ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.

Important: not all folders in /Android/data can be cleaned. For example, deleting content from com.tencent.mm (WeChat) will result in loss of chat history, but YouTube cache (com.google.android.youtube) or TikTok (com.zhiliaoapp.musically) will be cleaned safely.

Cleaning cache through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that lets you control your phone through a computer, and it works for all Xiaomi, including the POCO F4 and Black Shark.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on your computer.
2. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and in the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) do:

adb devices


adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache

This command will show all cache apps. To clear the cache of a particular app (like Facebook), use:

adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

For mass cleaning of the cache of all applications:

adb shell "su -c 'find /data/data -name 'cache' -exec rm -rf {} +'"

⚠️ Attention: Su command requires root rights. It won't work without them. Also don't use rm. -rf /data/data — This will delete all application data, including game saves and settings!

How to Clean System Cache with Recovery Mode

The system cache (/cache) accumulates after MIUI updates and can take up to 1-2 GB. It can not be deleted through standard settings, but can be reset via Recovery Mode. This method is suitable for all models, including the Xiaomi Mi 11 and Redmi Note 12.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (if there is one).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone (Reboot).

This method is secure – it does not affect user data, but only cleanses:

• 📂 Cash updates. MIUI (/cache/ota).
• 📂 Temporary recovery files (/cache/recovery).
• 📂 Logs of the system (/cache/log).

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will erase all your data, including photos and apps. Also, don't use Format Data - this will lead to a complete reset of the phone.

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Cleaning up the cache through recovery does not require root rights and does not affect the warranty.This is the official method recommended by Xiaomi to resolve issues after updates.

What to do if the cache returns too quickly

Many Xiaomi users complain that after cleaning the cache again takes several gigabytes in a couple of days.

• 🎵 Streaming services (Spotify, YouTube Music) cache songs for offline listening.
• 📺 Social networks (TikTok, Instagram) automatically upload videos to cache.
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator) save offline maps.
• 🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact Cache Texture Packages.

Decisions:

1. Limit the cache for individual apps: For Google Play Market: Settings → Apps → Google Play Market → Storage → Limit cache (set 50–100 MB). For YouTube: Settings → Background → Mobile Video Quality (select Low).
2. Turn off autoload media: On WhatsApp: Settings → Storage → Media Autoboot (turn off for mobile data). On Telegram: Settings → Data and Memory → Media Autoboot (select Never).

Use lightweight versions of applications

• 📘 Facebook Lite instead of Facebook.
• 📺 YouTube Go instead of YouTube.
• 🗺️ Google Maps Go for weak devices.

If the problem is in games, check your graphics settings. For example, PUBG Mobile can reduce the texture quality in Settings → Graphics, and Genshin Impact can disable resource caching in the background.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cache in Xiaomi