Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi 7: A Complete Guide to MIUI

Your Xiaomi Redmi 7 started to slow down, applications suddenly shut down and there is less than 1 GB of free memory? Most likely, the problem lies in the crowded cache - temporary files that the system and programs create to speed up work. On Redmi 7 with its modest 2/3 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of internal storage, a cache filled can turn a smartphone into a "brick" after a year of active use.

Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where the performance margin allows you to ignore cleaning for months, the Redmi 7 requires regular “clean up” but simply clicking “clean” in the settings is not enough: the cache is system, app cache and even hidden MIUI cache that is not visible to the user. In this article, we will analyze all the methods from basic to advanced, including cleaning through Recovery and ADB, taking into account the features of the MIUI 10-14 firmware.

Why Redmi 7 cache is churning faster than other smartphones

It's not just hardware constraints. Redmi 7 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor with an ARM Cortex-A53 architecture that is initially optimized for aggressive data caching. Combined with the MIUI shell, which actively uses application preloading, this leads to:

• 📱 Memory Leaks: Background Processes MIUI (For example, miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.mipicks create cache even when you are not using your phone.
• 🗑️ Duplication of files: the same image or video can be stored in the cache of the Gallery, Google Photos and messenger at the same time.
• 🔄 Update errors: after updates MIUI Old cache files are not always deleted automatically, taking up up to 500-800 MB of extra space.

According to our tests, after 6 months of using Redmi 7 without cleaning, the cache takes an average of 3-5 GB - this is 10-15% of the total memory on the version with 32 GB. At the same time, manual cleaning through the settings menu removes only 30-40% of the garbage. The rest is hidden in system folders that are not accessible without superuser rights.

Method 1: Standard cache cleaning via MIUI settings

The safest method, which does not require additional knowledge, is suitable for removing the cache of user applications (for example, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Sort by size.
3. Slip on the app (e.g. Chrome) → Storage → Clear the cache.
4. For mass cleaning: Return to Application Management → Clear the cache (button at the bottom of the screen).

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse Clear cache and Clear data. The second action will delete all the settings of the application (for example, logins in the app). VK WhatsApp, and the first is only temporary files.

Method 2: Clearing the cache through Recovery Mode (for experienced)

This method removes Dalvik cache and system cache that are not available through standard settings, which is suitable if the phone is slowing down or not updating.

1. Turn off Redmi 7.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
4. Confirm the action with a swipe or Power button.
5. Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! second item will perform a full phone reset to factory settings by deleting all your files.

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If after cleaning the cache through Recovery, the phone takes a long time to load (more than 5 minutes), don't panic.The system recovers the Dalvik cache - that's OK. Just wait.

Method 3: Using the built-in cleaning tool (MIUI Security)

The Security app (or Global Firmware Security) in MIUI has a built-in deep cleaning module. It removes:

• 🗃️ Application and system process cache.
• 🧹 Residual files after uninstallation of programs.
• 📁 Empty folders and duplicate media files.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Press Cleaning → Deep Cleaning.
3. Wait for the scan to be completed (it can take 2-5 minutes).
4. Set the boxes opposite all points and click Clear.

🔍 Hidden feature: If you pinch your finger on the scan screen and pull down, Expert Mode will open with additional options (for example, clearing the Google Play Services cache).

Method 4: Manually clean the cache through the file manager (for advanced ones)

Some cache files (such as those from the Google Play Store or MIUI Launcher) are not deleted by standard methods, but can be found manually through a root or ADB file manager.

The path to the app cache:

/data/data/<package_name>/cache/


Example: Chrome: /data/data/com.android.chrome/cache/

The system cache is stored here:

/cache/


/system/cache/

⚠️ Note: Delete files from the folder /system rooting without a root can cause a system to fail. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Method 5: Cleaning the cache through ADB (for developers)

If you're familiar with Android Debug Bridge, you can clear the cache of all apps with one command, which is useful if the phone is buggy and doesn't respond to touch.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 7 to your PC via USB and enable Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → 7 times tap on MIUI Version → return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices


adb shell pm trim-caches 100G

Where 100G is 100GB (you can specify any large number to clear the entire cache).

To clean the cache of a particular app (e.g. Facebook):

adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

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The pm trim-caches command is safer than pm clear, as it does not delete application data (logins, settings), but only cache.

What to do if after cleaning the cache problems remain

If Redmi 7 continues to slow down or make errors, it may not be because of the cache, but because of:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery: When charged below 80% of the original capacity, the system automatically limits performance.
• 🛠️ Damaged memory sections: check the health of the drive through the app AIDA64 (storage → Disc status).
• 🐞 Firmware conflicts: if you have updated MIUI via Fastboot, old cache files may have been left.

In such cases, it will help:

1. Reset to factory settings (with data saved on PC).
2. Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (for power users only).
3. Replace thermopaste (if the phone overheats and trottlites).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Redmi 7