Cleaning the cache of Yandex Browser on Xiaomi: a complete guide with pictures and tips

Is the Yandex Browser slowing down on your Xiaomi? Pages load longer than usual and the app takes up gigabytes of memory? The problem lies in cached data โ€” temporary files that the browser saves to speed up the loading of sites. Over time, this โ€œgarbageโ€ accumulates, eating up precious space and slowing down work. Especially relevant for low-end models of Redmi and POCO with limited internal memory.

Cache cleaning is a simple procedure that will return the browser to speed and free up to 1-3 GB of memory (depending on the intensity of use). But it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose saved passwords, bookmarks or history. In this article, 4 proven ways to clean the cache, including hidden MIUI settings, which are not written in the standard instructions.

If youโ€™ve never cleaned a cache or done it in a long time, be prepared for a surprise: in some cases, temporary files take up to 40% of the total browser memory. For example, on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 with 128 GB of storage, users found up to 5 GB of โ€œinvisibleโ€ data from Yandex Browser, and standard methods of cleaning through settings often leave up to 30% of garbage โ€” it is removed only by special techniques, which we will discuss below.

Before you start, check if the problem is in the cache. Launch your browser and notice:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Long loading of previously visited sites (cache should speed up this process, not slow down)
  • โš ๏ธ Message "Lack of memory" when trying to download a file
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Hanging when scrolling pages with a large number of images
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Fast battery discharge when using the browser (cache can cause background activity)

If there's one thing that's right, it's time to act. Let's start with the simplest and safest method.

1. Standard cleaning of cache through the settings of Yandex Browser

This is a solution that works for 90 percent of users, and it doesn't require any technical skills, and it deletes temporary files, but it saves bookmarks, history, and passwords, and it runs for 1-2 minutes.

Open Yandex Browser and follow the following steps:

  1. Slap the icon. โ‹ฎ (three points) in lower right corner.
  2. Select the "Settings" (cog icon).
  3. Scroll down and click "Clear Data".
  4. Check the box just in front of "Cached Images and Files" (do not touch other items if you do not want to lose data!).
  5. Click "Clear" and confirm the action.

After cleaning, the browser can work slower for the first 5-10 minutes โ€“ this is normal: it caches frequently visited sites again. If the speed does not recover after 15 minutes, the problem is not the cache (see section on alternative methods).

Close and reopen your browser |Reboot your smartphone | Check the loading speed of sites | Make sure that bookmarks are in place-->

An important nuance for Xiaomi: On some MIUI firmware (especially versions 12.5-14), standard cleaning may not work due to system limitations. If the cache volume has not decreased after the procedure in the storage settings (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Yandex Browser โ†’ Storage), use the methods from the following sections.

2. Deep cleaning through MIUI settings (hidden method)

MIUI has its own memory manager, which sometimes blocks the complete cache clearing through the browser, which bypasses restrictions and deletes all temporary files, including those not visible in the standard interface.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

  1. Open the phone's Settings.
  2. Go to the "Applications" section โ†’ "Applications Management".
  3. Find in the list "Yandex Browser" (use search if there are many applications).
  4. Stick the "Storage" (or "Memory" in older versions of MIUI).
  5. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data button โ€“ it will delete all browser settings!).
  6. For a complete cleanup, also click โ€œSpace Managementโ€ โ†’ โ€œClean Unnecessary Filesโ€.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), an additional Deep Clean menu will appear after this step. Activate it - this will delete up to 20% of the "invisible" temporary files that standard methods do not affect.

Why does MIUI block the cleanup?
MIUI aggressively caches data to speed up the system. In some versions (especially 13-14), it considers Browser Yandex files "systemically important" and does not allow them to be deleted through standard means.

Warning for users MIUI 14+: If after cleaning the browser began to issue an error "No Internet connection", despite the operating Wi-Fi/mobile data, perform the following actions:

โš ๏ธ Warning: This is a firmware bug associated with the removal of security certificates. To fix, go to Settings. โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Cleanup RAM, Then reopen the browser and accept the terms of use (they will reset).

3. Clearing the cache without losing data (for advanced users)

If you want to delete only the cache without affecting history, passwords or bookmarks, but standard methods did not work, use manual cleaning through the file system.

Step-by-step:

    Critical information: Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ has default access to /data/data folder blocked. To get it, you need to turn on Developer Mode (Settings โ†’ Phone โ†’ MIUI version โ€“ tap 7 times) and activate the option โ€œDebug via USBโ€. Without this step, cache files will not be available.

    Standard Browser Cleaning |Through MIUI |Manual File Cleanup |I don't clean cache at all-->

    For users POCO F4, Redmi Note 12 and other models with AMOLED-screens have a bonus: after cleaning the cache, the browser will consume on 15-20% less energy, as you do not have to constantly redraw cached elements of pages.

    4. Automatic cache cleaning (scheduled setting)

    To avoid manually clearing the cache, set up automatic cleaning through built-in MIUI tools or third-party applications, which is true if you are actively using the browser and do not want to monitor the volume of temporary files.

    Method 1: Through "Security" MIUI

    • ๐Ÿ”’ Open the Security app (shield icon).
    • ๐Ÿงน Go to the "Cleaning" tab".
    • โš™๏ธ Settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
    • ๐Ÿ”„ Enable the option "Autoclean" and select "Yandex Browser" in the list of applications.
    • ๐Ÿ•’ Set a schedule (recommended "Every week").

    Method 2: SD Maid App (for power users)

    If standard MIUI tools fail, install SD Maid from Google Play:

      โš ๏ธ Attention: Xiaomi with firmware MIUI Global (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) SD Maid may not see the browser cache due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, use CCleaner - it is better integrated with the browser. MIUI.

      5.What to do if the cache is not cleaned?

      If none of the methods worked, the problem may be:

      • ๐Ÿ” Data protection MIUI: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) It turns on Application Protection, which blocks changes to their data. โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Application protection.
      • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Damaged browser files: Delete and reinstall Yandex Browser via Google Play.
      • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Firmware error: On MIUI 14.0.4-14.0.6 there is a bug that doesn't clear the cache. โ†’ Update of the PO.
      • ๐Ÿ”„ Conflict with other browsers: If you have Chrome or Firefox installed, their cache can block the cleanup of Yandex Browser. Close all browsers before the procedure.

      For diagnosis, check the system logs:

      1. Install the Logcat Extreme app.
      2. Run the cache cleanup through any method.
      3. If an error appears, the logs will contain a line with the text Failed to delete cache: Permission denied, which means that MIUI blocks access.

      In extreme cases, reset your browser settings (not to be confused with cache cleaning!):

      โš ๏ธ Warning: This will delete all your bookmarks, history and saved passwords. Before reset, export your bookmarks through your browser settings โ†’ Imports/Exports.

      6.How to prevent rapid accumulation of cache?

      To avoid cleaning the cache every week, follow these tips:

      • ๐ŸŒ Turn off page preloading: In browser settings (Settings) โ†’ Save traffic) deactivate the "Page Preload" option, which will reduce the cache volume on your site. 30-40%.
      • ๐Ÿ“ธ Block Autoplay Video: C Settings โ†’ Disable "Autoplay Video" - this will reduce the cache on the 15-25%.
      • ๐Ÿ”„ Use "Light Mode": In the same settings, activate "Light Mode" - the browser will load simplified versions of sites.
      • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Clear your history once a month: Visit history also takes up space. delete it regularly through Settings โ†’ Confidentiality โ†’ Clear history.

      For owners of Xiaomi with a small amount of memory (32-64 GB), it is also recommended:

      1. Transfer the browser cache to SD-map (if supported). To do this, select Settings in your browser settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Preservation site (SD-map).
      2. Limit the cache size to 500 MB via the engineering menu (available on MIUI 12โ€“13 firmware). To do this, type browser://flags/#max-disk-cache-size and set the value 524288000 (500 MB).

      ๐Ÿ’ก

      If you use your browser in incognito mode a lot, the cache is not saved, but remember, incognito doesn't have extensions or autofill forms.

      Comparison of Cache Cleaning Methods on Xiaomi

      To choose the best way, use the table:

      MethodDifficultyEfficiencySaves the data.It's good for MIUI.
      Standard cleaning through the browserโญ60%Yes.12โ€“14
      Cleaning through MIUI settingsโญโญ85%Yes.All versions.
      Manual file cleaningโญโญโญ95%Yes.Requires root or debugging
      Reinstallation of the browserโญโญ100%No.All versions.
      Auto Cleaning (SD Maid/MIUI)โญโญ70%Yes.12โ€“14 (with restrictions)

      ๐Ÿ’ก

      For most users, Xiaomiโ€™s second method (cleaning through MIUI settings) is optimal โ€“ it does not require root rights, saves all data and deletes up to 85% of unnecessary files.

      FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the Yandex Browser cache

      ๐Ÿ” Why do sites load longer after cleaning the cache?
      This is normal: the browser reloads elements of pages (images, styles, scripts) that were previously taken from the cache, the speed will return to normal after 5-10 pages visited, if the brakes remain, the problem is in the Internet connection or the site itself.
      ๐Ÿ“ฑ How to clear the Yandex Browser cache on Xiaomi without access to settings?
      If your browser is blocked (such as parental controls), use Restore Mode: Turn off your phone. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears. Select Wipe Cache Partition. Confirm the action and restart the phone. โš ๏ธ This will clear the cache of all apps, not just the browser!
      ๐Ÿ”„ Can you clear the cache for just one site?
      Yes, but only through manual cleaning: Open the desired site in the browser. ๐Ÿ”’ (lock) in the address bar. Select "Site settings" โ†’ "Clear the data. This will delete the cache, cookies and other data only for this domain.
      ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Cleaning the cache removes saved passwords?
      Not unless you activate the option to "Clear Form Data" or "Delete Passwords" in the clearing settings, passwords are stored separately from the cache in the encrypted browser storage, however, if you reinstall the browser, passwords will be lost if not synced with your Yandex account.
      ๐Ÿ“ˆ How much memory does cleaning the cache free up?
      Depends on the phone model and the intensity of browser usage: Xiaomi Redmi 9A/10A: 500 MB โ€“ 1.5 GB POCO X3/X4: 1โ€“2.5 Xiaomi GB 11T/12 Pro: 2โ€“4 GB (due to high screen resolution, more images are cached) For accurate pre/after cleaning check, use Settings โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Analysis of the vault.