The app cache on Xiaomi smartphones is like a double sword: on the one hand, it speeds up programs, on the other hand, it takes up gigabytes of memory over time and can cause lags. If your Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 started to slow down, and in the Storage section you see that the cache takes 5+ GB, it's time to act. Cleaning the cache of each application individually is a ted activity, but there are ways to do it en masse in a few clicks.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to click Clear Cache in the storage settings, but this method only removes the system cache, not application data. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to mass clean the cache on MIUI 12-14, including hidden functions and ADB commands that work even on blocked downloaders.
Before you start, check how much cache your device takes up. Go to Settings → About Phone → Storage. If the cache partition is greater than 3-4 GB, this is a reason to clean. On new models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60), cache can accumulate especially quickly due to aggressive optimization of MIUI HyperOS.
1. Standard method through "Storage" (no root)
The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, it requires no additional rights and is suitable for beginners. However, note that this method only clears the system cache, not the data of individual applications.
Instructions:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to the About Phone section. → Warehouse.
- At the bottom of the screen, click the Clean (or Clear Cache) button.
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for POCO F4) If the "Clear" button is inactive, try restarting your phone or using alternative methods from this article.
2 Mass cleaning through Security (Mi Security)
Xiaomi’s Security app has a built-in deep cleaning tool that removes the cache of all user apps at a time, a method that is more efficient than the standard one, but requires an installed app (all Xiaomi smartphones are default).
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Open the Security app (shield icon).
- 🔍 Go to the Optimization tab (or "Cleaner").
- 🗑️ Press Deep Cleanup. → Choose the Cash Apps.
- ✅ Check all applications (or click "Select All").
- 🧹 Click Clean and confirm the action.
Once cleaned, it is recommended to restart the device so the changes take effect.On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and other models with AMOLED-This method also helps reduce the heat of the processor, as it removes temporary files that could cause increased load.
Close all active applications
Connect your phone to charge (recommended)
Make a backup copy of important data
Check the available space on the device (needs at least 500 MB)-->
3.Use of ADB for forced cleaning (no root)
If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands directly through your computer, which is suitable for power users and works even on locked downloaders.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
Instructions:
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Run the command to clear the cache of all applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -1 Alternative command (for new versions of MIUI): adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job
⚠️ Attention: Trim-caches team -1 It only removes the cache from the applications that accumulate it. Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.home) may ignore this command.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4.Cache clearing through Recovery Mode (for advanced)
If the phone is slowing down and doesn’t respond to standard methods, you can use Recovery mode, which will reset the entire partition cache, including the system, but will not affect user data (photos, messages, etc.).
How to do this:
- 🔄 Turn off the phone.
- 🔘 Press the power buttons simultaneously + Loudness up before the appearance of the Mi logo.
- 📱 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset (manage volume buttons, select power button).
- 🧹 Select Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!).
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone (Reboot).
This method is especially useful after the MIUI update, when the new cache has not yet formed and the old one takes up space. On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and other flagships, cleaning through Recovery can take up to 5-7 minutes - this is normal.
| Cleaning method | Need root? | Deletes the system cache? | Deleting the app cache? | Implementation time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Warehouse. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | 1-2 minutes |
| Through Security (Mi Cleaner) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | 3-5 minutes |
| ADB-team | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Partially. | 5-10 minutes |
| Recovery Mode | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | 5-15 minutes |
| Root + applications (e.g. SD Maid) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | 2-3 minutes |
5. Automatic cache cleaning with a scheduler (MIUI 14)
Recent versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 14) have introduced a feature that automatically cleans the cache on schedule, allowing you to set up regular cleaning of temporary files without your involvement.
How to set up:
- 📅 Open the Settings. → Battery and productivity → Cleanup.
- 🔄 Activate the Auto Cleanup switch.
- ⏰ Click Cleaning Settings and select the frequency: Daily, Weekly or Low Charge.
- 📌 In the File Types section, mark the Application Cache and Residual Files.
This feature is especially useful for users of the POCO X5 Pro and other devices with limited memory (64-128 GB), where every gigabyte is in the account.
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If the applications have been loading longer after cleaning the cache, don’t worry, it’s temporary. The cache will recover after 1-2 days of active use, and the speed will return to normal.
6. Cleaning the cache with root rights (maximum efficiency)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root permissions will open up access to deep cache cleanup, including system applications, a method that's suitable for enthusiasts, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.
The best root cleaning tools:
- 🧹 SD Maid – removes cache, duplicates and residual files.
- 🔍 Root Cleaner – cleans Dalvik cache, system logs and temporary files.
- 📦 Titanium Backup – allows you to selectively clear cache for individual applications.
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) can lead to the collapse of the interface MIUI. Before using root tools, make a backup copy through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
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Root rights give you maximum control over cleaning, but they take away warranties and increase the risk of bricking your device, and use this method only if other methods have not worked.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users have problems cleaning the cache, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
1.Cash is not cleared through the Storage.
- 🔹 Check if the power saving mode is turned off (it can block background processes).
- 🔹 Restart your phone and try again.
- 🔹 Update. MIUI until the latest version - in old firmware there are bugs with cleaning.
2.After cleaning, the applications fly out
- 🔹 This is normal for first launches - the cache will recover after 1-2 uses.
- 🔹 If a system application (such as Settings) crashes, try clearing its cache separately in Settings. → Annexes.
3.ADB fails to execute command
- 🔹 Make sure the debugging is done USB included and drivers installed.
- 🔹 Try the adb shell pm clear command --user 0 com.miui.home to clean the launcher cache.
If neither method worked, it might not be the cache, but the fragmented memory or corrupted files of the system, in which case only resetting to factory settings or flashing through Fastboot will help.