Owners of the popular budget model often face slowdowns and unexpected freezes. After a year or two of active use, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 accumulates a huge number of temporary files that slow down the system. Clearing the cache is the first and most secure step to restore the performance of your device without losing personal data.
Temporary files are created by applications to quickly load frequently used items such as pictures or logos. However, over time, this data can reach several gigabytes, taking up precious internal memory space. Regular maintenance of the gadget allows you to maintain optimal performance and avoid critical errors in the operation of the MIUI operating system.
In this article, we will take a look at all available cleaning methods, from standard system tools to advanced developer tools. You will learn to distinguish between types of cache and understand when you need to interfere with the operation of specific applications. The correct approach to maintenance Redmi 5 will extend its life and make use of it more comfortable.
What is cache in Android and why clean it
Cache is a memory area where temporary data is stored to speed up programs. When you open an application for the first time, it downloads all the resources from the disk, but when it starts again, it takes them from the cache, which significantly reduces the interface response time and reduces the load on the smartphone processor.
However, uncontrolled cache growth can backfire: Files can get corrupted or conflict with new versions of apps, causing crashes. In the case of Xiaomi Redmi 5, which has limited internal storage, overflowing this partition is especially critical.
⚠️ Cache cleaning does not delete your personal photos, contacts or correspondence. It is a secure procedure that affects only temporary system and application files.
Regular cleaning of temporary files is necessary to prevent logical errors in the software. If the application is not working correctly, often closed or not updated, the problem often lies in the damaged cache.
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Use the cache cleaner feature once a month to keep your Redmi 5 running fast without having to reset your settings.
Cleaning the cache through the standard Security app
The easiest and fastest way to free up space is to use a built-in tool from Xiaomi. The MIUI shell is equipped with a powerful optimization module that automatically scans the device for debris. To start the procedure, search for an icon on your desktop called Security and launch it.
Once you open the app, click on the big green Clean up or Speed button, and the system will analyze and suggest that you delete unnecessary files, and you will see a list of categories, including the Cash item, where you can find the space you occupy.
- 📱 Click on the "Clear" button to delete all temporary files found immediately.
- 🔍 Use the “Analysis” button to see in detail which apps occupy the most space.
- ⚙️ In the Cleanup section, you can configure automatic garbage removal when a certain threshold is reached.
This is ideal for rapid prevention, where you need to instantly release a couple hundred megabytes. Xiaomi's standard cleaner is smart enough not to touch important system files. However, it does not always deeply clear the cache of individual heavy applications.
☑️ Monthly prevention of Redmi 5
Deep Cache Cleaning of Individual Applications
Some programs, such as social media or instant messengers, can accumulate gigabytes of data that a standard cleaner doesn’t always see fully. For careful cleaning, you need to go to the settings of each heavy application separately. Go to the Settings menu → Apps → All applications.
Find a program you want to use, like YouTube or Telegram, and click on it. In the menu that opens, select Memory or Storage, and you'll see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear everything.
It is important not to confuse these functions. The Clear Cache button will only delete temporary files, saving your logins and settings. The Clear All button will reset the application to the first install state, deleting all accounts and data.
| Type of cleaning | What's removed | Whether entry data are retained | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing the cache | Temporary files, thumbnails | Yes. | Safe, the app will run a little longer. |
| Clearing the data | All files, settings, accounts | No. | Full reset, reauthorization required |
| Deletion of the annex | The program and all its files | No. | The application disappears from the system |
This is the method that is recommended if a particular application is not running smoothly. For example, if VKontakte is not loading the tape, cleaning its cache often solves the problem.
Why is the cache growing so fast?
Using an engineering menu for complete cleaning
For more advanced users of Xiaomi Redmi 5, there is access to a hidden recovery menu, which allows you to clear the system cache, which is not available through the normal interface, and to get there, you need to turn off the smartphone completely.
Once you turn off, press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power, keep the volume up, and you'll be taken to the Recovery Mode menu, where you control the volume buttons and select the power button.
Find Wipe & Reset or Wipe Cache Partition, which will remove the system cache but not affect your personal files, and is a deep cleanup that is recommended after major system updates.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to the charger before entering recovery mode.
- 📉 Use volume buttons to navigate up and down the menu.
- ✅ Confirmation of selection is made by a short press of the switching button.
Be very careful when navigating this menu, and choosing the wrong item, like Wipe All Data, will cause your phone to reset completely, and if you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better limit yourself to software-based cleaning methods.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical buttons on the device body.
Cleaning the browser cache and system services
Web browsers are among the major users of temporary memory. When browsing sites, images, scripts and cookies are stored, which can take up a significant amount of space. To clean up a standard Chrome or Mi Browser browser, you need to go to the settings through a three-dot menu.
In the "History" or "Privacy" section, look for the "Clear History" section, where you can select a period (e.g. "All the time") and tick only "Images and other files stored in cache." The rest of the data, such as passwords, can be saved.
Also worth paying attention to is Google system services. In the app settings, find Google Play Services and Google Play Store. Cleaning their cache often helps solve update download problems or authorization errors.
Regular cleaning of your browser cache not only frees up space, but also increases privacy. Older cookies can contain information about your preferences and online activities. For Redmi 5, it is also a way to reduce the load on RAM when surfing.
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Cleaning the cache of the browser and Google services solves 80% of problems with loading pages and updating applications.
Automation of the process and useful tips
To avoid manual cleaning, you can set up automatic maintenance. The Security app has a Schedule feature where you can set the time for automatic cleaning. The smartphone will remove garbage at a given hour, such as at night.
Also, you should disable auto-save media files in messengers, WhatsApp or Telegram settings can prevent saving photos and videos to the gallery, which will prevent duplication of files in memory, this is especially true for models with a small storage capacity.
Third-party cleaners from the Play Market are not recommended. MIUI's built-in tools are more efficient and safer. Third-party software often contains advertising and can consume resources on its own, reducing the benefits of its operation to zero.
Can I delete the cache of system applications?
Why does the cache grow again after cleaning?
Does cleaning the cache affect the Redmi 5 battery?
⚠️ Warning: If after cleaning the cache, the application starts to work slower in the first minutes, it is normal.
Compliance with the simple hygiene of the digital device will allow your Xiaomi Redmi 5 to remain fast and responsive even after years of use. Regularity is more important than radical measures, so take a couple of minutes a month to check the memory.