How to add exceptions to the cleanup on Xiaomi Poco X3: save the right files and applications

Xiaomi Poco X3 is a popular smartphone with powerful stuffing, but even its 64/128 GB of memory is eventually clogged with unnecessary files. Built-in cleaning (Security → Cleanup) helps to free up space, but often removes what the user still needs: cache of the right applications, downloads or even save games. Today we will discuss how to configure exceptions in the cleanup so that automatic processes do not touch important data.

The problem is that by default, MIUI (even in the latest Poco X3) doesn’t offer flexible tools to fine-tune the cleaning, and users are faced with the fact that after clicking “Clean” disappear:

• 📁 Downloaded files from the Download folder (such as documents or archives);
• 🎮 Cache games, which is why you have to re-download updates;
• 📱 Logs and temporary application files that are needed for debugging;
• 📸 Miniatures and previews from the gallery, which slows down its work after cleaning.

Fortunately, there are ways around this, from manual file transfers to hidden MIUI features and third-party utilities, and we'll go through each method in detail.

1. Standard cleaning settings in MIUI: what can be turned off

Before you resort to third-party solutions, check the built-in options. In the Poco X3 (as in other smartphones on MIUI 12/13/14), there is the possibility of partially controlling what will be removed during cleaning.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Cleaning;
2. Put it on the gear icon (⚙️) top-right;
3. In the section "Autocleaning" disable unnecessary items: 🗑️ App cache – if you do not want to clear the cache of all programs; 📥 Download files – so as not to lose downloaded documents; 📤 Recycle Bin - if you store important files there.

Method limitation: Even when these options are disabled, the system can delete temporary files that do not fall into the categories indicated, such as individual game cache or application data labeled as “junk.”

2. Manually add exceptions through file manager

The most reliable way to protect files from being cleaned is to move them to folders that MIUI doesn't touch.

• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ — Application data is stored here (but only accessed from root or through ADB);
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/DCIM/ — Photos and videos (except: thumbnails in.thumbnails);
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/Music/, /storage/emulated/0/Movies/ — mediafiles;
• 📂 /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ — System folders (not recommended for user files).

Instructions for transfer:

1. Open Files (standard file manager MIUI)
2. Select one of the protected folders (for example, DCIM/Camera or create a new one in Music).

⚠️ Note: Do not move files to /Android/obb/ — This is a folder for additional game data, and some applications may not see files manually placed there.

3.Using the Protected Folders feature in MIUI

MIUI has a hidden Secure Folders feature that is originally designed to hide sensitive files, but also protects them from automatic cleanup.

1. Open Files → go to the “Category” tab;
2. Scroll down and find the Secure Folders section (if not, update Files via Google Play);
3. Create a new secure folder by setting a password or fingerprint.
4. Move files to it that should not be deleted during cleaning.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Files are not only protected from cleaning, but also hidden from strangers;
• 📱 Access to the folder is only possible through Files or Gallery (not visible in other managers);
• 🔄 When resetting the folder remains intact (if not formatting the memory).

Disadvantages: if you forget the password, it will be impossible to restore access to files without resetting your smartphone.

4. Set up exceptions for the app cache

One of the most annoying things about cleaning up is removing the cache of games and apps (like Google Maps, YouTube or Genshin Impact) to avoid this:

Method 1: Disabling cache cleaning for individual applications

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Select the app you want (like Google Chrome).
3. Tap “Clear the cache” → “Memory management”;
4. Turn off the option of “Cache Autocleaner” (if available).

Method 2: Using ADB to block cleaning (requires a PC)

For advanced users, there is a way to block cache clearing for specific packets via ADB:

adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> CLEAR_APP_CACHE deny

Where <package_name> — Application ID (e.g. com.android.chrome for Chrome) can be found through the App Inspector or Package Name Viewer from Google Play.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may ignore this command. MIUI settings may reset.

5. Third-party utilities for flexible cleaning

If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, use third-party apps that allow you to:

• 🎛️ Configure whitelists of files and folders;
• 📊 See which files will be deleted before cleaning;
• 🔄 Automate cleaning on schedule with exceptions.

Top.-3 POCO X3:

1. SD Maid – allows you to add exceptions for files and folders, supports cleaning by mask (for example, *.apk);
2. Files by Google – has the “Cleanup” function with manual selection of files for removal;
3. CCleaner is able to save the list of exceptions and clear only specified categories.

How to set exceptions in SD Maid:

1. Click on the filter icon (🔍) → «Exclusions»;

💡

Before using third-party cleaners, check their reputation on Google Play. Some utilities (such as "Clean Master") can aggressively delete data or display intrusive ads.

6.Alternative method: backups before cleaning

If neither of these methods works, you have to back up before every cleanup, and it doesn't protect files from being deleted, but it allows you to quickly restore them. X3 fit:

• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive (15GB free); Mi Cloud (5GB for Xiaomi accounts); Yandex Disk (10GB when registering).

Backup Automation: In Settings → System → Backup can enable automatic copying to Mi Cloud (but it doesn’t save user files, only settings and apps).

💡

Backup is the only way to guarantee data retention if you clear memory frequently. Even with exceptions, there is always the risk of file loss if a system crashes or MIUI updates.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting exceptions, Poco X3 users often face typical problems:

• 🚫 Ignoring System Warnings: If MIUI He says that the folder will be cleaned, it will be cleaned, even if you transfer the files there.
• 🔄 Resetting settings after update: after update MIUI all exceptions ADB or the cleaning settings are reset. Check them after each update.
• 📂 The wrong path to folders: in ADB For file managers, specify full paths (e.g, /storage/emulated/0/Download/, Not just a download).
• 🔒 Forgotten password from secure folders: if you lock the folder and forget the password, it is impossible to restore access without resetting the phone.

How do you check if exceptions work? Before a mass cleanup:

1. Create a test file (e.g. test.txt) in the folder you want to protect.
2. Start cleaning (Safety → Cleaning);
3. Check if the file is still in place.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions