Maximum memory cleanup Xiaomi: from cache to hidden files

Your Xiaomi is again showing the Not Enough Memory notification, even though you deleted all the unnecessary photos and apps long ago? The problem is deeper: the system is full of temporary files, remnants of deleted programs and hidden debris that standard tools do not clean. Even after resetting to factory settings, up to 1-3 GB of unnecessary data remains on the device — they can be safely deleted manually.

In this article — 7 Proven methods that will help to free the 30% before 50% Memory on any Xiaomi smartphone (including Redmi, POCO We're going to look at not only basic methods like cache cleaning, but also advanced techniques like duplicate removal through the cache. ADB, folder-cleaning /data/local and optimizing MIUI All instructions are valid for firmware versions from MIUI 12 hyperOS (2026 year).

Why is Xiaomi’s memory clogged so fast?

The manufacturer says that Xiaomi 128 GB will last for “years”, but after six months users face a shortage of space. MIUI:

• 📁 Double cache: The system creates copies of temporary files to speed up work, but often does not delete them automatically.
• 🔄 Remnants of Remote Applications: Even after uninstallation, programs are left to the left 50-200 MB of garbage in folders /data/data and /sdcard/Android.
• 📸 Hidden miniatures: gallery MIUI It generates previews for each photo and video, taking up 1-2 GB.
• 🔒 Secure system files: folders like /MIUI/debug_log or /log It can weigh hundreds of megabytes, but it doesn’t appear in a standard file manager.

For example, on the Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ s 256 GB of memory users lose on average 8-12 GB for system debris for a year of active use, with built-in Cleanup tool (Settings) → Memory only deletes 10-15% The total amount of unnecessary files.

Method 1: Deep cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

Start with the basic methods — they don't require root rights and are suitable for beginners. With MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the cleaning algorithm has changed, so the old instructions (like using Safety → Cleanup) are no longer relevant.

The current path (2026):

1. Open the Settings → Memory.
2. Slip on "Clean" in the "Junk Files" section.
3. Select "Deep Clean" (will appear after the first scan).
4. Please note all items except System logs (deleting them may cause errors in the work of Xiaomi services).

Important: Not all types of garbage are displayed in this menu, such as Dalvik cache (can take up to 1 GB) and residues. OTA-There will be no updates here. To delete them, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the logo - the hidden menu "Additional memory settings" will open".

Delete the app cache | Clear downloads |Delete thumbnails |Delete unused APK |Clear call log-->

Method 2: Manually remove hidden folders (without root)

The standard MIUI file manager hides dozens of folders that can be safely cleaned from the user, and use a sidewise explorer (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) with the "Show Hidden Files" option enabled to access them.

List of safe folders for cleaning (paths are indicated for internal memory):

Warning: Do not delete /MIUI/backup and /Android/obb folders, which can cause crashes. Avoid folders called com.xiaomi.*, which are responsible for running proprietary services.

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for advanced)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to delete files that are not available through standard methods. This method does not require root rights, but requires a connection to a PC. Download ADB Tools and follow the instructions:

1. Turn on USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times according to version, then go back to Additional settings → For developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (you should display your device).
3. To clean the Dalvik cache (releases 500 MB - 1 GB): adb shell pm trim-caches -d 1000
4. For residue removal OTA-updates (folder) /cache): adb shell rm -rf /cache/*

Critical information: Adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* deletes temporary APK installer files, which can interrupt the download of updates. Use it only if you plan to update manually.

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Before working with ADB, back up your application via adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will save all applications and their data to your PC.

Method 4: Remove duplicates and unnecessary media files

MIUI automatically creates up to 3 copies of each photo: the original, the compressed version for the cloud and the thumbnail, to find and remove duplicates:

1. Install Files by Google or Duplicate Files Fixer.
2. Run folder scanning /DCIM, /Pictures and /Download.
3. Remove duplicates with a resolution below 1024×768 – these are compressed copies.

Pay special attention to /MIUI/Gallery/cloud, which stores downloaded Mi Cloud versions of photos that often duplicate local files. Also check /MIUI/Gallery/editor folder: there are unsaved projects from the built-in editor (can take up to 500 MB).

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete the folder /MIUI/Gallery/cloud/thumb It's going to be a cloud sync error, and you're only going to clean it up with the built-in menu. → Settings → Clear the cache.

Method 5: Optimizing MIUI to reduce waste

Some MIUI settings can be changed to allow the system to generate fewer temporary files:

• 📱 Turn off automatic photo optimization: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Auto-improvement → Turn off all options. This will prevent you from making additional copies of images.
• 🔄 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Set a "Limited" mode for all programs".
• 📊 Turn off the collection of diagnostics: Settings → The phone. → Error report → Turn off "Automatic sending".

It is also recommended to disable auto-update apps in Google Play and Mi App Store.Updates often come with bugs that cause programs to create redundant error logs (folder /data/data/*/files/log).

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Disabling the “auto-improve photo” in the MIUI gallery saves up to 20% of the space on the internal drive by preventing the creation of duplicates.

Method 6: Transfer applications to SD-map (with reservations)

If your Xiaomi supports memory cards, you can migrate some applications to microSD.

• ✅ It only works for applications that support adoptable storage (the list can be checked through adb shell pm get-install-location).
• ❌ Not all programs will work correctly from the card (especially games and instant messengers).
• ⚠️ MicroSD applications are faster than internal memory.

Instructions for transfer:

1. Insert a memory card (UHS-I Class 10 or higher is recommended).
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Select the program and tap "Move to" SD-map (option is not active for all applications).

Forcing the transfer of system applications will require ADB:

adb shell pm move-package com.example.app 2

where com.example.app is the batch name of the program and 2 is the identifier SD-map.

Method 7: Complete data retention reset (last chance)

If less than 10% of memory is free after all manipulations, perform a soft reset via fastboot.This method deletes all system files, but saves user data (photos, videos, documents).

Procedure:

1. Download the firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with ADB Tools.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (clip Volume down + Power when the device is off).
4. Execute command: fastboot flashall --wipe-user-data (flag --wipe-user-data Save media files, but remove settings and applications).

After the reboot, the system will be like after the purchase, but all your photos and videos will remain in the /DCIM folder. This method frees up to 5-7 GB of space by removing accumulated system debris.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use the fastboot erase userdata command, it fully formats the partition with user data, including photos and videos. --wipe-user-data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi memory cleanup