Cleaning up data on Xiaomi: from cache to complete reset

Why it’s important to clean up data on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but over time, even they start to slow down, often because of accumulated temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and fragmented data. Cleaning up memory on Redmi, POCO or Mi is not just about freeing up space, but about getting the device back up, fixing bugs, and even extending battery life.

In this article, we will discuss all cleaning methods, from manual garbage removal to hard reset, focusing on the hidden features of MIUI 14/15, which allows you to clean the system cache without root rights, and also explain how to avoid losing important data. If your smartphone is slower, warms up or gives out errors “Not enough memory” – these instructions will help solve the problem.

1.Cleaning the app cache: A quick way to free up memory

Application cache is a temporary file that is created to speed up programs, and over time, it takes up gigabytes of memory, although many of them are no longer needed. MIUI has built-in tools to delete them, but they are not always effective. Let's look at both through settings and through the Security App.

To clear the cache of a separate application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like YouTube or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning:

• 📱 Open the Security app (shield icon).
• 🧹 Go to Cleanup (or Boost in new versions).
• 🔍 Click Deep Clean and select Cash Apps.
• ✅ Confirm removal.

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If the app gets slower after cleaning the cache, that's okay, and the cache will recover the next time it runs, but without any extra files.

It is important to understand that clearing the cache does not delete your data (photos, messages, saves in games).However, some applications (such as maps or instant messengers) may take longer to load after this procedure.

2. Removal of unnecessary files and debris

In addition to the cache, other unnecessary files accumulate on Xiaomi: downloads, duplicate photos, update remnants and even hidden folders from system applications. You can use both standard tools and third-party utilities to remove them.

Cleaning methods:

• 📁 Manual cleaning: Open Files → Categories → Downloads or Recycle Bin. Remove unnecessary ones. APK, archives and old documents.
• 🤖 Auto Cleanup: In the Security App, select Cleanup → Garbage. It'll find the remnants of the deleted applications, the temporary files, the empty folders.
• 🔍 Search for Large Files: In Files, click on three dots → Storage analysis. Here you can see the heaviest folders.

Warning: Do not manually delete files from Android or MIUI folders unless you are sure of their purpose. This can cause system failures. Use the Security App or specialized programs like SD Maid (requires root rights) to clean the system safely.

3. Reset to factory settings: when and how to do

Hard reset is a last resort measure that brings the smartphone back to the “out of the box” state, and is worth using if:

• 🐢 The phone is slowing down despite clearing the cache.
• 🔄 There was a failure after the update. MIUI.
• 🔒 You sell or transfer the device to another person.
• 🦠 Virus software is not removed in standard ways.

How to perform the reset:

1. Create a backup of your data (via Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset and confirm the action.

If your phone is not turned on or locked, use the Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.

⚠️ Warning: Reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages, if you have not made a backup, it will not be possible to restore them.

4. Cleaning the system partition (for advanced users)

Even after reset, some Xiaomi devices still have system tails: unnecessary APKs from previous firmware, update cache and duplicate libraries, which can only be cleaned with ADB or TWRP.

Instructions via ADB (requires PC):

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your computer and execute the commands: adb shell su rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* rm -rf /cache/* exit

Through TWRP (Castom Recovery):

• 📱 Install. TWRP For your model (instructions for 4PDA).
• 🔧 Come in. TWRP and select Advanced → File Manager.
• 🗑️ Delete the folders: /data/dalvik-cache, /data/system/package_cache, /cache.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect commands in ADB or TWRP If you're not sure, don't use these methods. For most users, standard cleaning through the Security App is enough.

5. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Processes

Often, the brakes on Xiaomi are caused not by memory deficiencies but by background processes. MIUI is known for its “love” for preloading applications and services that consume resources.

How to reduce the load:

• 🚫 Turn off autostart: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Autorun. Turn off autoboot for unnecessary programs (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).
• 🔄 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Choice of battery mode → Settings. For most applications, select Limit background activity.
• 📵 Freeze system applications: With the help of ADB Execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer (replace com.miui.videoplayer with an unnecessary application package).

Disable auto-run of unnecessary applications |

Set the battery mode "charge saving" |

Clear the cache in Security App|

Disable animation in Developer Settings|

Remove widgets from the main screen-->

These actions don’t clean up memory directly, but they reduce the workload on the processor and RAM, making the phone faster, especially for low-end Redmi models with 3-4 GB of RAM.

6. Backup before cleaning: what and how to save

Before any memory manipulation (especially before resetting), you need to save important data. MIUI has several ways to back up:

Reservation methods:

For a full backup without root:

1. Copy the DCIM (photo), Download (download) and WhatsApp (chat) folders on your PC.
2. Export contacts to the VCF file via Contacts → Settings → Import/Export.
3. Save SMS with apps like SMS Backup & Restore.

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Even if you use Mi Cloud, always make a local copy of important files before resetting, and cloud services may not sync your data completely or require confirmation after recovery.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi users make data cleanup mistakes that lead to loss of information or performance.

Typical errors:

• 🗑️ Delete the Android folder: this will cause the installed applications to crash. Android/data.
• 🔄 Mi Account Reset: After a hard reset, the phone may require an old account. untie it in advance in Settings → Xiaomi account.
• 📱 Play Market Cleaners: Software like Clean Master often deletes files and displays false warnings.

If there are problems after cleaning:

• 🔒 Requires password after reset: this is Mi Account protection. Enter data from the linked account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions