Memory Cleanup on Xiaomi: Where is the feature and how to use it

Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI shell are known for their functionality, but over time even they begin to “brake” due to clogged memory. App cache, temporary files, duplicate photos and unnecessary APKs take up gigabytes, although the user often does not know about this. Where is the memory cleanup on Xiaomi, and how to use it correctly so as not to harm the system?

In this article, we'll look at everything from standard MIUI tools to hidden engineering menu features, how to clear the cache without losing data, which files can be deleted without risk and which ones shouldn't be touched, and why memory re-enters after cleaning after a couple of days, and how to prevent it.

Where is the standard memory cleanup in MIUI?

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Cleanup (formerly Security) utility, which can be found in several ways depending on the version of MIUI:

• 📱 Through the notification panel: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen and find the Cleanup icon (brush or trash can). Click on it to open the tool.
• 🔍 Through Search: Swipe down the home screen and type in the search bar "Clean up." The system will show the "Security" or "Clean up" app».
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Cleaning (on some models, the path may be different: Settings) → System system → Cleaning up memory).

Inside the utility you will see several tabs:

• “Junk” – temporary files, application cache, remnants of remote programs.
• Duplicates: Repeated photos, videos, and documents (not available on all models).
• Large files are media files as small as 10MB that can be manually deleted.

Note that standard cleaning does not remove user files (photos, music, documents), but only system debris. However, it often misses the cache of some applications (such as TikTok or Telegram), which can weigh several gigabytes.

Hidden cache cleanup through application settings

If the built-in utility doesn't work, you can manually clear the cache for each application, which is especially true for social networks, instant messengers and games that actively accumulate temporary files.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to clear (like YouTube or Instagram).
3. Click Warehouse (or Memory on older versions of MIUI).
4. Tap Clear cache. If you want to delete all data (including logins), choose Clear data, but this will result in logging out.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or MiuiSystemUI) This may cause interface failures.

To speed up the process, you can sort applications by cache size:

1. In the Application Management section, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Sort. → By cache size.
3. Clear the cache for the most “heavy” applications.

Engineering menu: deep cleaning for advanced

For power users who want to free up their memory as much as possible, there is an Enginer Mode that allows you to remove system debris that is not visible in standard tools, but you need to work with it carefully, because wrong actions can disrupt the stability of the system.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select Storage Information (or Storage in Russian).

Here you will find detailed information about memory usage, including:

• 📁 System data (do not delete it without need!).
• 🗑️ Dalvik cache – cleaning it can speed up the phone, but will require a restart.
• 🔄 Residual files after updates (OTA).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files marked system or vendor - this can lead to a device blink (breakdown). /efs, If you are not sure of your actions.

Cleaning through Recovery Mode: A last resort

If the phone is slowing down a lot and standard methods aren't working, you can use Recovery Mode, a radical way that deletes all user data, including apps, photos and settings. Use it only as a last resort!

To access Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
3. When the Mi logo appears, release the buttons.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

From the Recovery menu, select:

• Wipe Data – Complete reset (deletes everything, including accounts).
• Wipe Cache Partition – Clearing cache only (safe, data is not affected).

Once reset, the phone will reboot in a factory state, a method guaranteed to free up memory but requiring reconfiguration of the device.

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Before resetting via Recovery, copy important data to a PC or cloud. Even if the phone doesn't turn on normally, you can connect it to your computer in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down) and try to extract files via the Mi Flash Tool or ADB.

Automatic Cleanup: Configure MIUI to keep your memory in order

MIUI can clean up memory automatically, but this feature is often disabled by default.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Memory Cleanup.
2. Turn on the Auto Clean switch.
3. Set up a schedule: for example, clean up every day at 3:00 a.m.

You can also optimise your memory in real time:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find Do Not Save Actions and turn it on, which will limit the background activity of the applications.

Another useful tool is the “Lite Mode”, which simplifies the interface and reduces memory usage:

• 🌙 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Light mode.
• 🔄 Turn on the mode and select the applications for which it will be active.

What to do if your memory is quickly refilled

Many users are faced with the fact that a day or two after cleaning the memory is again clogged.

If the problem persists, check your phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes) – some malware creates hidden files that take up gigabytes.

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Regular cleaning of cache + disabling autoload media in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) reduces memory consumption by 30-50% per month.

Top.-5 Memory Cleaning Applications on Xiaomi

If standard MIUI tools aren't enough, you can use third-party utilities, the best of which are:

• 🧹 CCleaner - deletes cache, temporary files and analyzes memory usage. Free version is limited.
• 🗑️ Files by Google — finds duplicates, big files, and suggests cleaning up garbage.
• 🔍 SD Maid – Deep Cleanup, including system files (requires root for full functionality).
• 📊 Storage Analyzer – visualizes which files are taking up space (useful for finding “invisible” gigabytes).
• 🛡️ AVG Cleaner combines memory cleaning and virus protection.

⚠️ Note: Do not use aggressive optimization cleaners (such as Clean Master or Clean Master). DU Speed Boosters often delete the files they want and show false alerts about the phone's "critical state.

Before using third-party utilities:

1. Check out reviews on Google Play (avoid apps rated below 4.0).
2. Don’t give root software unless you’re sure it’s safe.
3. Create a backup copy of important data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about memory cleanup on Xiaomi