Cleaning up data files on Xiaomi: 7 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their performance, but over time, even they start to slow down due to the accumulated unnecessary files. cache of applications, residual data from deleted programs, temporary system files – all this takes up precious space in memory and slows down the device, especially for models with a small amount of internal memory (16-32 GB), where every megabyte counts.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to clean up Xiaomi data files, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features and third-party utilities, how to safely remove garbage without affecting important files, and what mistakes users often make, and how to prevent the re-accumulation of unnecessary data.

Important: The cleaning procedure on different models (Redmi, POCO, Mi) may vary slightly due to MIUI versions. We will show the universal methods that work on most devices, including the latest firmware in 2026.

1. Built-in utility "Cleaning" in MIUI

The easiest way to free up memory is to use the standard Cleanup app** (formerly called Security) pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and does not require root rights.

• 🧹 Delete the application cache (including system cache)
• 🗑️ Cleaning temporary files and residues of remote programs
• 📁 Analysis of large files (video, APK, archive)
• 🔍 Search for duplicate photos

To start the cleanup:

1. Open the Cleanup app (icon with broomstick).
2. Click Scan and wait for the analysis to be completed.
3. Select file categories for deletion (we recommend ticking the boxes on “Cash”, “Junk” and “Residual files”).
4. Click Clean and confirm the action.

Method Limitation: The utility does not delete deep system files and cache of some utility applications (e.g. com.miui.system).

2. Manual cleaning of the app cache

Some apps (especially social networks and instant messengers) accumulate gigabytes of cache that is not always deleted by a standard utility, for example, TikTok or Instagram can take up to 5-10 GB only from temporary files. Manual cleaning allows you to point-wipe data for specific programs.

Instructions:

1. Select the app from the list (sort by size is available in some versions of MIUI).
2. For a complete application data reset (including settings), use Clear Data – but this will delete accounts and saves!

Critical information: Cleaning up the data in the Google Play Store (com.android.vending) will result in resetting all app updates, which will have to be downloaded again, which will attract additional traffic.

Delete the cache in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)

Clear the data in the browser (Chrome, Mi Browser)

Check out games (cache can weigh a few GB)

Reset data in photo/video editing applications-->

3. Deletion of residual files after uninstallation

When you delete applications through MIUI, you often have folders with data in /sdcard/Android/data/ and /sdcard/Android/obb/. These files can take up hundreds of megabytes, but they don't show up in the standard file manager.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (file transfer mode).
2. Open the Internal Storage → Android → Data folder.
3. Delete folders with the names of remote applications (for example, com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).
4. Repeat the steps for the obb folder (more game files are stored here).

Warning: Do not delete folders of working applications, this will lead to their collapse. Before cleaning, check if the program is uninstalled.

4. Cleaning the system partition (for experienced ones only)

System section (/system) Over time, it gets clogged with logs, error dumps and temporary update files, and its cleaning requires root or use rights. ADB. Without them, you can only remove some of the garbage through safe mode.

The rootless method (via ADB):

adb shell pm trim-caches 256M


adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job

These commands will force the Dalvik cache to be cleaned and optimize the background processes.

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal.

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Note: improper use of ADB can cause system failure.Do not execute commands unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, adb shell rm -rf /data/* will delete all user data without recovery!

5. Use of third-party utilities

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party apps. The best options for Xiaomi are:

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Warning: Avoid “cleaners” with aggressive advertising (such as Clean Master) that often collect user data and display false warnings about “critical errors.”

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Before using third-party utilities, back up important data. Some programs may delete files from Download or DCIM folders if labeled "unnecessary."

6. Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If the smartphone is slowing down a lot and the cleaning doesn't work, it's a hard reset, which will delete all the data, including apps, photos and settings, but it will return the device to factory performance before resetting:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔐 Make sure you know the username/password from your Mi Account (required to unlock after resetting).
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi – after reset will have to download updates.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter the password (if installed) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Important: Some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) may require re-assigning your Mi Account via SMS or email after resetting.

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to completely remove viruses and system debris, but it should only be used as a last resort.

7.How to prevent the re-accumulation of garbage

To avoid cleaning your smartphone every week, follow the following simple rules:

• 🚫 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Selection of energy saving regime.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions optimized work with memory.
• 📥 Delete. APK-files after installing applications (they remain in Download).
• 🎮 For games, use cloud versions (such as Xbox Cloud Gaming) to avoid clogging memory.

It is also useful to disable automatic download of updates for apps in Google Play:

1. Open Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update applications.
2. Choose Not to Update Automatically.

This will allow you to control which applications are “inflated” after updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions