The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it is slowly slowing down, mainly due to overcrowded cache, which takes up precious memory and slows down the system. Unlike the new models with UFS 2.2, the Redmi Note 5 is equipped with an eMMC 5.1 drive, which is especially sensitive to data fragmentation.
This article will not just list the standard methods of cleaning cache, but will reveal the hidden nuances for MIUI 9-14, including little-known features like “Memory Optimization” and manual cleaning through ADB. You will learn how to free up up to 3-5 GB of space without deleting personal files, and why some methods (such as cleaning through Recovery) can harm your device.
Why Redmi Note 5 cache is churning faster than new Xiaomi
The Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) came out in 2018 with a Snapdragon 636 processor and 3/4GB of RAM. Its architecture has three key features that speed up garbage accumulation:
- 📉 5.1 eMMC instead of UFS: Slower data recording leads to frequent “hangs” when cleaning the cache through standard means.
- 🗑️ MIUI Optimized Storage: In versions MIUI Below 12, the system automatically reserves up to 1 GB of app cache, even if they have not been used for a long time.
- 🔄 Background activity: due to a weak processor, Redmi Note 5 often “freezes” applications in memory, which increases the volume of temporary files.
By comparison, Redmi Note 10 (2021) uses UFS 2.2, which optimizes cache storage itself, and MIUI 13+ adds Deep Clean, which is not available on older devices, so Redmi Note 5 owners have to manually clean the cache more often - about once every 1-2 months.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is even slower after cleaning the cache, it's a sign of wear and tear on the eMMC drive, and if you're done, you'll only need to replace the motherboard or switch to custom firmware with optimization for older chips.
Method 1: Standard cleaning through “Settings” (for beginners)
The safest method, which does not require root rights or technical knowledge, is suitable for MIUI 9-14, but the interface has changed a little in the new versions.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Memory (in MIUI 12+, the path can be Settings → Storage).
- Slip on the item "Clean" or "Free" (depending on the firmware version).
- Select Cache and confirm the action, and the system will show how much space will be vacated.
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 Does not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.miui.home or com.android.systemui).
- 📊 Releases an average of 500 MB-1.5 GB – this is enough for 1-2 weeks of active use.
- ⏳ Redmi Note 5 can take up to 3-5 minutes to process due to slow eMMC.
☑️ Preparation for cache cleanup
Method 2: Manually cleansing cache for individual applications
If the phone is slowing down because of a particular app (like Facebook or TickTok), you can clear the cache just for it.
- 🎮 The game starts to "lay" after the update.
- 📸 The camera opens for a long time or gives an error "I failed to connect to the camera».
- 🌐 Mi Browser or Chrome browser does not load pages, although the Internet works.
How to clean:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want (e.g. com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
- Slip "Storage" → "Clear the cache."
- Do not click “Clear Data” – this will delete all settings and accounts!
| Annex | Average cache size | Frequency of cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 GB | Once every 2 weeks | |
| 500 MB - 1.5 GB | Once a month | |
| Google Play Services | 200-800 MB | Only when you make mistakes. |
| Mi Browser | 100-500 MB | Once in 3 months |
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache for Google Play Services may cause an authentication error in apps. After the procedure, restart your phone and check for Gmail or YouTube.
Method 3: Cleaning with Recovery Mode (for power users)
This method deletes all temporary files, including the system update cache and residual data after the deleted applications.
- 📱 The phone is very slow even after a standard cleaning.
- 🔄 You need to prepare the device for sale (but without a complete reset).
- 🛠️ You're going to install custom firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Redmi Note 5.
- 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).
- Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
What's important to know:
- ✅ Removes the update cache MIUI (file /cache), weighable 1–2 GB.
- ❌ Does not touch user data (photos, messages, applications).
- ⚡ On the Redmi Note 5, the process takes 5-10 minutes – don’t interrupt it!
What happens if you choose Wipe Data instead of Wipe Cache?
Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to remove the cache of even system applications, which requires a computer and a little technical knowledge.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- 📥 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
Instructions:
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item "Version" MIUI».
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
- Connect the phone to the computer and enter the following commands in the terminal (command line):
adb devices
adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.example.packageReplace com.example.package with the name of the application package (e.g. com.miui.gallery for Gallery).
💡
To see a list of all applications with their packages, use the adb shell pm list packages command. The cache of system applications usually starts with com.miui. or com.android.
Method 5: Automatic cleaning with third-party applications
If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use cache cleaning apps, but on Redmi Note 5, many of them are unstable due to MIUI limitations. We tested 5 popular utilities and picked out the two most effective ones:
| Annex | Medium cleaning | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD Maid | 1–2.5 GB | Deletes residual files after uninstallation, supports root | The paid version is needed for deep cleaning. |
| Files by Google | 500 MB - 1.2 GB | Free, simple, integrated with Google Drive | Does not clear the cache of system applications |
How to use SD Maid:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Launch and provide access to the storage.
- Select the tab “CorpseFinder” (to remove remnants of remote applications) or “SystemCleaner” (for cache).
- Press "Run" and wait until it is completed.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Clean Master or CCleaner on Redmi Note 5 often cause freezes due to aggressive optimization. MIUI, which will lead to errors in the launcher or design themes.
💡
The most secure option is Files by Google, as it is developed by the company and does not conflict with MIUI optimizations.
What to do if after cleaning the cache problems remain
Sometimes, cleaning the cache doesn't work as expected, and here are the possible causes and solutions.
- 🔋 Battery wear: If the phone runs out in 2-3 hours, the cache has nothing to do with it. → Battery. → Battery status. With a capacity below 70 percent of the original capacity, it's time to change.
- 🛠️ Faulty File System: Run the verification through ADB Team: Adb shell fsck /dev/block/mmcblk0p1 (root).
- 🦠 Viruses or malware: Install Malwarebytes and scan the device. Especially dangerous is software masquerading as "cache cleaners».
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: Redmi Note 5 latest official version — MIUI 12.5 If you are older, update via Settings → Updating the system.
If none of these methods worked, consider:
- 📥 Switching to custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🔄 Hardware reset (but you will lose all data!).
- 💰 Buying a new phone – Redmi Note 5 is morally outdated, and even after all the manipulations it will lose to modern smartphones in performance.