Cache Cleanup on Xiaomi: How to properly remove unnecessary files without harming the system

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It slows down over time because of the accumulation of temporary files called cache, which helps applications load faster, but over time takes up gigabytes of memory, slows down the system and can cause crashes. Cache cleaning on Xiaomi Android devices has its nuances: Incorrect actions can lead to the loss of important data or even to soft-brick (software “brick”) of the phone.

In this article you will find the latest methods of cleaning the cache for MIUI 14/15 Android-based 13/14, Including hidden system tools that are not shown in standard settings, we will discuss how to clear the cache of individual applications from the system cache, when to use Recovery mode, and why some “tips” from the Internet can harm your Xiaomi. Particular attention will be paid to models with dynamic memory (RAM Expansion, where improper cache cleaning affects performance.

Why Xiaomi Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly

Cache on Android devices has two key functions: it speeds up app launches and saves traffic by storing frequently used data. However, there are three types of cache on Xiaomi smartphones, each of which behaves differently:

• 📱 Application cache – temporary files of individual programs (such as thumbnails in a gallery or Telegram cache) cleared without risks, but can slow down the first download of an application after cleaning.
• 🖥️ Dalvik-cache – optimized data for fast work MIUI. Cleaning it helps with lags, but requires a reboot.
• 🗃️ Update cache – firmware files that are downloaded in the background can take up to 3-5 GB and is not automatically deleted.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14/15 cache accumulates faster due to aggressive optimization of background processes. For example, after updating the firmware system may leave old versions of the cache, which leads to the error "Insufficient memory" even when free 10+ GB Regular cleaning (once in a week) 1–2 months) prevent:

• ⚡ Freeze when opening apps (especially Google Play Store or Camera).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to overcrowded cache MIUI Optimization.
• 📉 Decline in performance in games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 🚨 Errors in installing updates ("I failed to mount) /cache").

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13/14 series and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ cleaning the cache through Settings → Memory can reset AdaptiveSync (dynamic refresh rate of the screen). Before cleaning, check the current display settings.

How to Clear the Cache of Individual Applications on Xiaomi

The safest way is to delete the cache for specific programs, which does not affect system files and does not require root rights. POCO F5, Redmi K60 Xiaomi 13T:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like WhatsApp or Chrome).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For a complete cleanup (including login details), select Clear all data, but this will delete accounts and settings!

Some apps (like Facebook or TikTok) store the cache in hidden folders to remove it completely:

• 📁 Use a file manager (e.g., Mi File Manager).
• 🔍 Move to the /Android/data/[name-packet]/cache.
• 🗑️ Delete all files manually (requires permission to access hidden folders).

Remember the username/password from the application (if you clear "all data")

Check if the application is currently in use.

Close the application via "Recent" (swipe up)

Back up important data (e.g., chats in Telegram)

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In the models with MIUI 15 (like Xiaomi 14 Ultra) has a feature called "Cache Autocleaner:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory settings.
2. Activate the Automatic Cleaning Switch.
3. Select frequency: Daily or with memory shortage.

⚠️ Warning: Autocleaning can delete the cache of Google Play Services, which leads to the error "Google Play services stopped." If you notice such failures, disable the function and clean the cache manually.

Cleaning the system cache through Recovery Mode

If Xiaomi’s smartphone started to slow down after the update or shows an error “Android system is not responding”, it will help to clean the Dalvik-cache and cache partition through Recovery Mode. This method is safe, but requires accurate follow-up instructions.

Suitable for all devices on MIUI, including the Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite. Not to be confused with factory reset! cache clearing doesn't delete user data.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have a choice).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-3 minutes).
6. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

After the system is restarted MIUI It will automatically restore the necessary cache files. The first run can take up to 5-10 minutes - this is normal. If after cleaning the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes, perform a forced reboot (press the Power). + Loudness down for 10 seconds).

Once a week | Once a month | Only when the phone is slow | Never cleaned | I don't know what a cache is-->

Hidden methods of cleaning cache in MIUI

Xiaomi hides some cleaning tools to prevent users from deleting critical files, but these methods can free up to 1-3 GB of root-free memory.

1.Cache cleanup MIUI Optimization

The com.miui.optimization system app stores up to 500MB of cache to clean it up:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to enable the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find Do Not Save Actions and turn on this option.
5. Restart the phone and the cache will be cleared automatically.

2. Removing the update cache OTA

The firmware files are stored in /cache/ota and can borrow up to 5 GB. You can delete them through ADB:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /cache/ota/*

If you don’t have root rights, use Mi File Manager with the hidden files enabled.

3. resetting Google Play Services cache

The Google Play Services app is often slowed down due to overcrowded cache.

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show all the processes.
2. Find Google Play Services.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Reboot the phone.

💡

If push notifications stop working after clearing the Google Play Services cache, go to Settings → Notifications → Additionally. → Notification Channels and Enable Permissions for Android System.

When Cache Cleaning Could Hurt Xiaomi

Despite the benefits, there are situations where cleaning the cache will lead to problems.

• 🚫 Clearing the cache of system applications (such as com.android.phone or com.miui.home) can reset network or launcher settings.
• 🚫 Deleting the Mi Account cache (com.xiaomi.account) will cause a synchronization error and require re-entry.
• 🚫 Cleaning up the Google Play Store cache (com.android.vending) will reset the list of installed apps in your Google account.
• 🚫 Using cleaners (such as Clean Master or CCleaner) – they often delete important files MIUI.

On devices with dynamic memory (RAM Expansion (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi K50 Ultra) cleaning the cache can temporarily reduce performance, because the system uses part of the cache as virtual RAM:

• 📉 Game performance could fall by 10 to 15 percent in the first hours.
• 🔄 The system will be more active to use the swap file, which will increase memory wear.
• ⚡ Application loading time will increase until cache recovery.

⚠️ Attention: On models with UFS 3.1 (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) Frequent cache cleaning speeds up memory wear. Optimal frequency is every 1-2 months.

Automation of cache cleaning: useful tools

Manually cleaning the cache is tedious, especially if you're actively using your smartphone. Fortunately, there are ways to automate the process without harming the system.

1. Tasker + AutoTools (for advanced users)

With Tasker, you can create a task that will clear the cache on a schedule:

1. Install Tasker and AutoTools plugin.
2. Create a new task: Plugin → AutoTools → File Actions.
3. In the Command field, type rm -rf /data/data/*/cache.
4. Set the trigger by time (e.g. every Saturday at 3:00 a.m.).

Macrodroid (simple version)

A more affordable alternative to Tasker:

1. Install Macrodroid from Google Play.
2. Create a new macro with a time/date trigger.
3. Add the action Execute the shell command:
4. Enter: pm clear --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster (cleaning the cache of Security App).

3. ADB-PC-script

If you often connect your phone to your computer, you can use it. ADB-clean-up:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "/data/" | cut -d"=" -f2 | xargs -n1 adb shell pm clear

This command will clear the cache of all user applications (except system ones).

💡

Automatic cache cleaning is useful, but don't overuse it. The optimal interval is once every 2-4 weeks. Frequent cleaning (daily) can lead to the opposite effect - the system will have to constantly restore deleted files, which will increase the load on the processor.

What to do if Xiaomi works worse after cleaning the cache

In rare cases, cleaning the cache can cause failures. Here's how to fix typical problems:

1. Applications are constantly rebooted

Symptom: After cleaning the cache, apps (such as Instagram or YouTube) close immediately after opening.

Decision:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🛠️ Clear the data of the Google Play Services application (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clear all data).
• 📥 Reinstall the problem app.

2. "Android is not responding" error

Symptom: After cleaning the system cache, a message appears: "Android system is not responding."

Decision:

1. Squeeze the power. + Volume up for reboot in Recovery.
2. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (repeated cleaning often solves the problem).
3. If it doesn’t help, do Factory Reset (reset all data!).

3 Mi Account sync missing

Symptom: After cleaning the cache, contacts, notes, or photos of Mi Cloud are no longer synced.

Decision:

• 🔑 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account and perform exit/entry.
• 🔄 Enable manual synchronization for each type of data (contacts, gallery, etc.).
• 📡 Check your internet connection – sometimes settings are reset after cleaning VPN or Proxy.

4. Increased battery consumption

Symptom: After cleaning the cache, the battery goes down faster than usual.

Decision:

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery → Battery usage and check which apps are spending the most.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache. MIUI Battery Saver (com.miui.powerkeeper).
• ⚡ Turn off Adaptive Battery for 1 day: Settings → Battery → Adaptive Battery.

💡

If after cleaning the cache, the phone began to warm up stronger, check the load on the processor in the AIDA64 or CPU Monitor. Often the mediaserver background process, which re-indexes media files, is to blame. Give the phone 10-15 minutes to stabilize.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi