Deep Cleanup on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to a Feature You Didn't Know About

Have you ever noticed that your Xiaomi smartphone is starting to slow down despite regular cache cleaning through standard tools? Perhaps you should pay attention to the deep cleaning feature, a hidden but extremely effective system optimization tool, which is not available on all Android devices, and it is implemented especially competently in MIUI and HyperOS firmware.

Unlike surface cleaning, which only removes temporary files, deep cleaning on Xiaomi affects system processes, background services, and even residual data of remote applications. But here lies the main paradox: the feature can both save your phone from lags and harm if you use it inappropriately. In this article, we will understand what deep cleaning does, when to use it, and when to refrain – taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

What is deep cleaning on Xiaomi and how it differs from the usual

Standard cleaning (via Settings → Memory → Cleanup) removes only the app cache, temporary files and debris from the Download folder. Deep cleaning goes further:

• 🧹 Removes residual files from long-deleted applications (including settings and databases)
• 🔄 Resets background processes that can consume resources even after applications are closed
• 🗑️ Clears the system cache, including update data and log files
• 📱 Optimizes memory partitions by defragmenting the file system (relevant for eMMC devices)

The key difference is that deep cleaning affects system partitions that are normally not available to a user without root rights. For example, it can delete the Google Play Services cache, which takes hundreds of megabytes but does not appear in the standard file manager.

But there’s a downside: After deep cleaning, some apps (especially instant messengers and social media) can take longer to run when they first open, as they have to re-upload data, and some settings, such as app permissions or autoboots, are reset.

When you really need a deep cleaning (and when it is harmful)

Despite the obvious advantages, this feature is only worth using in specific cases, and here are the signals that it is time to start a deep cleanup:

• 🐢 The phone is noticeably slowing down even after a reboot and standard cleaning.
• 📉 Free memory disappears “by itself” (for example, it was 10 GB, became 3 GB without installing new applications)
• 🔄 Apps fly out or reboot for no apparent reason
• 📱 The device overheats in standby mode

Here are some situations where deep cleaning can be harmful:

• ⚠️ You use banking applications with two-factor authentication (device binding may reset)
• ⚠️ The phone has custom firmware or Magisk modules (the risk of disrupting their work)
• ⚠️ You are actively playing online games with cached data (you will have to download them again)

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Deep cleaning automatically resets Adaptive Performance settings. After the procedure, it is recommended to reconfigure the power consumption profile in Settings → Battery.

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Before deep cleaning, check if the developer mode is turned on (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times). In this mode, the function can delete critical log files needed for debugging.

Step-by-step: how to start a deep cleaning on Xiaomi

Depending on the firmware version, the path to the feature may vary, and we'll look at current ways for MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

Method 1: Through the built-in optimizer (for MIUI)

This method works on most models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T:

1. Open the Settings → Memory
2. Slip on the Cleanup (broom sign in upper right corner)
3. Select the Deep Cleanup tab
4. Click Start Cleaning and Confirm the Action

Close all background applications|Connect your phone to charge (recommended) ≥50%)|Save important data (cleaning doesn’t delete files, but it’s better to be safe)|Turn it off. VPN (It may prevent scanning of system files)-->

Method 2: Safe Mode (for HyperOS)

On new HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra), deep cleaning is hidden in security mode:

1. Press the power button and hold the power off until the Safe Mode option appears.
2. Confirm the transition to safe mode
3. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
4. Select System Cleanup → Deep Optimization

After the procedure is completed, the phone will automatically restart.

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not help, you can start cleaning through the computer:

adb shell pm trim-caches -d 1000


adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

These commands will remove the cache of all user applications and optimize the Dalvik cache. USB and established ADB-driver.

What Happens to Your Phone During Deep Cleaning

The process can be divided into 4 stages, each of which affects the performance of the device:

1. System scan (1-3 minutes): All memory partitions, including /data and /cache, are checked.
2. Disposal (2-5 minutes): Clear temporary files, Dalvik cache, residual APKs. Here it may seem that the device is "hang" - this is normal.
3. Optimization of the database (3-7 minutes: Defraged SQL-Application databases (e.g. Telegram or WhatsApp) on weak processors (e.g. Snapdragon) 6xx) This stage takes longer.
4. Reboot (automatic): The system applies changes and reassembles the cache of applications.

On UFS 3.1 devices (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), the process is faster due to the high read/write speed, while on low-end models with eMMCs (such as the Redmi 10A), cleaning can take up to 15 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: If the battery runs out during deep cleaning (below 15%), the process will stop and the system may be booted with errors (POCO F3, Redmi K50) This leads to a network reset – you will have to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi.

How to speed up your phone after a deep cleaning: 5 mandatory steps

Even after a successful cleaning, the device may not work optimally for the first hours.

• 🔄 Restart your phone manually (some processes only apply after a cold reboot)
• ⚡ Turn off autoloading of unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery → Autoboot
• 📱 Set up a performance profile: For games: Settings → Special facilities → Game mode → Turn on Improved Performance For Battery: Choose Balanced or Saved Charge
• 🗃️ Move frequently used applications to internal memory (if they were on the computer) SD-map)
• 🔒 Update all apps via Google Play – after cleaning, old versions with bugs may remain

Pay special attention to adjusting Adaptive Brightness and Adaptive Update Rate (if any). On HyperOS, these parameters are reset to factory, which can affect autonomy.

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After deep cleaning, avoid installing apps for 1-2 hours – give the system time to rebuild the cache and optimize background processes.

Myths and Truths About Deep Cleanup on Xiaomi

There's a lot of rumors going around this feature, and we're going to look at the most popular ones.

One of the most enduring myths is that deep cleaning increases battery life, and in fact, the effect is temporary: the first day of autonomy can increase by a few days. 10-15%, But then it all comes back to normal, because the system caches the data again.

Alternatives to Deep Cleaning: When to Try Other Techniques

If deep cleaning hasn’t helped or you’re afraid to use it, consider these options:

• 🔧 Resetting cache in Recovery: Turn off phone Press down power + Select the Wipe Cache Partition

It is suitable for devices with a corrupted file system.

Retrace to factory settings

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings

• Delete all data, but return the phone to a "clean" state
• Recommended before selling the device
• 🛠️ Manual cleaning through ADB: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.home Removes launcher cache only without affecting the system.