Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9A have powerful hardware, but they start to run slower over time. The main reason for the performance decline is often overcrowded memory and accumulated app cache. These are temporary files that the system saves for fast downloading programs, but over time they turn into digital garbage.
Budget users face a shortage of internal memory more often than flagship owners. If your Redmi 9A has started to slow down or app crashes have become the norm, cleaning the cache is the first thing to do.
In this article, we will look at all the available cleaning methods, from standard MIUI tools to advanced methods for power users, learn how to distinguish between cache types and understand when to delete data in its entirety, and when it is enough just to clean temporary files.
What is Cache and Why Does It Take Place in Xiaomi?
Cache is a buffer memory designed to store temporary data. When you open an application, such as a browser or a social network, your smartphone downloads pictures, scripts and interface elements. Instead of downloading them again every time you log in, the system stores them in cache memory, which speeds up work, but takes up precious space.
On the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, which is often available with limited internal memory (32 or 64 GB), this process becomes critical. Over time, the cache grows, taking up gigabytes. If you do not maintain, the free space ends, and the system begins to work unstable.
It's important to understand the difference between cache and app data. Data is your settings, logins, chats and saves in games. Cache is just temporary garbage. Cache removal is safe, whereas data cleaning will return the application to a "post-installing" state.
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the Clear Data button with the Clear Cache button. The first action will delete all your correspondence and authorization in the application, the second - only temporary files.
There are several levels of caching: system cache, individual app cache, and DNS cache. For normal operation, Xiaomi 9A is enough to work with the first two categories, but in some cases, a deeper cleaning is required.
Cleaning the cache through the standard Security app
The easiest and most affordable way to free up space on the Redmi 9A is to use a built-in tool from Xiaomi. The MIUI shell (or HyperOS) already contains all the necessary utilities for maintenance.
Find an app on your desktop called Security and a green shield icon, run it and wait for the automatic scan to be completed, and the system will analyze the amount of garbage accumulated and suggest solutions.
In the main menu of the app, select Clean up. After re-scanning, you'll see a list of files that can be deleted, temporary files, remnants of deleted applications, and of course, cache.
☑️ Checking before cleaning
Click Clean to remove any debris found, but for more detailed work, you'd better click on the Garbage icon or go to the Memory section inside the app, where you can selectively clear the cache of heavy programs like Telegram, YouTube or browsers.
This method is ideal for regular maintenance, and it is enough to do this once a week to make the Xiaomi 9A work quickly, and the process automation allows you to not think about manually deleting files every day.
Removing the cache of individual applications through settings
If a particular program is not working properly or takes up too much space, it's best to clear the cache individually, which solves problems with freezes and authorization errors without affecting other parts of the system, and this approach is more accurate and secure.
To do this, go to the Settings menu of your smartphone. Find the Apps section, then select All Apps. You will see a complete list of installed software, sorted by frequency of use or volume.
Find a problem app (such as Instagram or TikTok) on the list. Click on it to open the control menu. In the window that opens, look for the Memory button or you will immediately see the Clean button at the bottom of the screen.
Click on Clear and select Clear Cache from the menu that appears. The system will instantly delete temporary files. If you choose Clear All or Clear Data, the app will reset to factory settings, requiring you to log in again.
Why is the cache growing so fast?
This method is especially useful for Xiaomi Redmi 9A, as it allows you to spot free up space before installing a new big game or updating the system. Regularly checking "heavy" applications helps keep the system on track.
Cleaning the cache in Recovery mode for deep cleaning
Sometimes standard methods don't work, and you need to clean the system cache more deeply, which is true after major firmware updates or strange interface errors. Recovery mode allows you to delete system temporary files that are not visible in the regular menu.
To enter Recovery mode on Xiaomi 9A, you need to turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, you can navigate with volume buttons (up and down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Select English, then find Wipe Data. In the menu that opens, select Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe All Data!).
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, be extremely careful. Selecting Wipe All Data will result in a complete reset of the phone to factory settings with the loss of all photos and contacts.
Once the cache is cleared, the system will prompt you to return to the main menu (Back to Main Menu) or reboot (Reboot). Select a reboot. The phone will be on a little longer than usual, as the system needs to recreate the necessary temporary files.
Recovery is an advanced method that doesn't require root rights. It's safe for user data if you select the right menu item. It's a great way to shake up the system if the Redmi 9A starts behaving strangely.
Automation and third-party cleaning utilities
While MIUI is effective, some users prefer third-party solutions for more flexible control. However, be careful: many cleaners consume resources and display ads. On the Xiaomi 9A, with its limited RAM, this can be critical.
One of the tools we've tested is Files by Google. It can find duplicate files, blurred photos and really unnecessary cache. It works gently and doesn't try to impose unnecessary features. Installation from Google Play guarantees security.
Another option is SD Maid, which is known for its deep scanning of the system, finding tails from remote applications and empty folders, and for basic cleaning, the free version is enough to keep the disk in order.
It is not recommended to install antivirus applications with the function of “acceleration” that promise to increase RAM by 50%. On modern versions of Android, it is often a marketing ploy that simply forcibly closes the processes, forcing the system to waste energy to restart them.
The main principle when choosing software is minimalism: the less rights you give to a third-party program, the better for the security of your data. In most cases, the standard tool Security on Xiaomi is more than enough.
Table of comparison of methods of cleaning cache
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the risks and effectiveness of each method for your specific situation with the Redmi 9A.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Annex | Low. | Absent. | Medium |
| Application settings | Medium | Low (if not confused) | High (point) |
| Recovery mode | Tall. | Medium (requires attention) | Maximum (systemic) |
| Third-party software | Low. | Depends on the app. | Medium |
As you can see from the table, the best way to use it on a daily basis is to use it on a built-in application. Recovery mode should only be used when problems arise. Spot cleaning through settings is the best way to deal with a particular voracious application.
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If after clearing the cache, the browser stopped opening sites, try to also clear DNS. To do this, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS and select Auto.
Regular maintenance of the smartphone extends its life. Xiaomi Redmi 9A is able to work quickly even after years of use, if you monitor the fullness of its memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the answers to the most popular questions that Xiaomi 9A owners have when working with memory devices. If you do not find the answer here, chances are that your situation requires individual consideration.
Will my WhatsApp correspondence be deleted after the cache is cleared?
How often do I need to clean the Redmi 9A cache?
Why is the app's cache growing so fast?
Can I turn off the caching completely?
What if the "Clear Cache" button is inactive (gray)?
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Regularly cleaning the cache is a prevention, not a panacea. If the phone is slowing down all the time, it may be a problem with overcrowded memory or having to reset to factory settings.