Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide for All Versions of MIUI

Why Xiaomi Redmi Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on the MIUI shell are known for their performance, but over time even they start to slow down. The main reason is cache clogging. These are temporary files that create applications for fast work. For example, when you open Instagram or YouTube, the system stores parts of the content (miniatures, authorization data) so that the next launch everything loads faster, but over time these files accumulate, taking up gigabytes of memory and slowing down the phone.

On the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A or POCO X3, the consequences of clogged cache manifest themselves in different ways: from small lags when scrolling the menu to the complete “reflection” of the system. The worst scenario is when the phone begins to close applications on its own due to a lack of RAM, although the characteristics should be enough. The solution is simple: regular cleaning of the cache (every 1-2 months) prolongs the life of the smartphone by 20-30% longer without the need to reset to factory settings.

In this article, we will look at all the cleaning methods, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users, and also find out which cache can be removed without risk, and which is better not to touch, so as not to break the application.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method is to remove the cache for each application manually, which does not affect personal data (photos, messages, logins), but frees up space. MIUI 12/13/14 newer.

Instructions:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Select an app (such as Chrome or TikTok).
Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
For a complete cleanup (including authorization data), select Clear all data, but note: this will reset the application settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications like com.android.systemui or MiuiHome, which can cause shell malfunctions. If you are not sure what the application does, it is better not to touch it.

📱 Telegram, WhatsApp cache – free up to 1-2 GB

🎮 Cash games (PUBG, Genshin Impact – up to 3–5 GB

🌐 Cache browsers (Chrome, Mi Browser) – up to 500 MB

📷 Cash galleries and cameras – removes thumbnails, but not original photos-->

Method 2: Automatic cleaning through MIUI Security

Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in Security tool (shield icon) that can find and delete junk files, including cache, a technique that is suitable for beginners, as it does not require manual application search.

How to use:

Launch the Security app (if not, download it from Google Play).
Select the Optimization or Cleanup tab (the name depends on the version of MIUI).
Press Deep Clean and wait for the scan.
Tick the Cash points of the applications and Residual files, then click Clear.

🔹 Pros: Quick (takes 1-2 minutes), deletes cache of even those applications that you haven't used in a long time.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to brake

Never cleaned.-->

Method 3: Clear cache via Recovery and Fastboot modes (for experienced)

If the phone is slowing down and standard methods don't work, you can use Recovery Mode, which deletes all temporary system files, including the update cache and Dalvik cache (important for Android), Suitable for Redmi with an unlocked bootloader or root rights, but works on standard firmware.

Instructions for Stock Recovery (without root):

Turn off the phone.
Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
After cleaning, restart the phone (Reboot).

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data - the second option will reset the phone to factory settings! Also do not interrupt the cleaning process, otherwise you risk getting a "brick" (defaulting device).

What is Dalvik Cache and Why is it Cleaned?

Dalvik cache is optimized files for the Android virtual machine that speed up the launch of applications. When you update the firmware or crashes, it can get corrupted, which leads to lags. Its cleaning through Recovery causes the system to reassemble the cache, which often solves performance problems.

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (without root)

For users who aren’t afraid of the command line, there’s a way to clear the cache of all apps right away. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is Google's official tool, which doesn't require root rights. It works on any Redmi, including Redmi 12 and Redmi. POCO F5.

Step-by-step:

Download ADB Tools and unpack it on your computer.
Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
Connect Redmi to your PC and enter:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear) Then do:

adb shell pm trim-caches -1

This command will clear the cache of all user applications.

🔹 Advantage: Clears the cache of even those applications that are not displayed in the settings (for example, system services). MIUI.

💡

If the command doesn’t work, try running the adb shell first, and then pm trim-caches-1. Some firmware requires proof of rights on the phone.

Method 5: Manually clean cache folders through file manager

For those who like to control the process, there is a way to manually remove the cache through any file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer), which allows you to see which files are taking up space and choose which ones to delete.

Where to find the cash:

📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ — cache of games and applications (for example, folder com.tencent.ig for PUBG Mobile).
📁 /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/ — Additional game files (can be deleted if the game is not in use).
📁 /data/data/ — System cache (available only with root rights).

⚠️ Note: Only delete folders called cache or files with the extension.tmp,.log. Do not touch files with the extension.obb or.apk - these are application data, their removal can break the work of programs.

💡

Manual cleaning is the most effective way, but it requires caution, and if you're not sure what the file is, it's best not to delete it.

How often should you clean the cache on Xiaomi Redmi?

The cleaning frequency depends on how you use your phone:

Type of use	Recommended cleaning frequency	Approximate cache volume per month
Easy (social media, calls)	Every 2 to 3 months	500 MB - 1 GB
Average (games, photos, videos)	Once in 1-1.5 months	2–4 GB
Intensive (many games, video editing)	Every 2 to 3 weeks	5–10 GB or more
After the MIUI update	Once after the update.	Up to 1-3 GB (residual files)

🔹 Signs it's time to clean the cache:

🐢 Phone starts to “hang” when opening apps.
📉 Free memory is less than 10% of the total.
🔄 Applications are closed spontaneously (especially games).
🔋 Battery discharges faster than usual (cache can load the processor).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi Redmi

❓ Can I clean the cache of system applications (for example, Launcher or MiuiHome)?

✅ Yes, but with caution, the cache of system applications (e.g. com.miui.home) can be cleaned if the phone starts to glitches (e.g., icons disappear or menus slow down). MIUI It can slow down the first 5-10 minutes, which is normal, the system restores the necessary files. ❌ Do not clean the data (clean all data) of system applications – this can cause crashes!

❓ Why some applications take a long time to load after cleaning the cache?

That's OK! Cache is just for speeding up startups. Once cleaned, apps have to re-upload data (for example, Instagram will show more feed until it caches new posts) After 1-2 uses, everything will return to normal.

❓ How to Clean Update Cache MIUI, If the phone is not updated?

If the MIUI update freezes or gives an error, the problem may be in the damaged update cache. To clear it: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Remove the downloaded packet. Restart the phone and try to upgrade again. If it doesn't work, clear the cache via Recovery (see Method 3).

❓ Can Cache Cleaning Be Automated?

Yeah, there are apps for that, like, SD Maid or CCleaner, but on MIUI They're unstable because of system constraints. Better to use built-in tools: → Battery and productivity → Enable Auto Cleanup. In the Security app, set up Regular Cleanup (weekly or monthly). ⚠️ Autocleaning doesn’t remove cache as deep as manual methods, but keeps the phone running.

❓ What to do if after cleaning the cache, the phone became even slower?

This is a rare situation, but it is possible if: You have deleted the system cache (Dalvik or Dalvik). /cache), And it's recovering with errors. 10% Free memory: the system has nowhere to save new temporary files. MIUI damaged (for example, after a failed update). 🔧 Solution: Reset your phone. Clean the cache again through Recovery. If it doesn't work, reset to factory settings (pre-save data!).