How to completely clear the cache on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 5 working methods

Why Clean Cache on Xiaomi Redmi 9A and When to Clean It

The cache on Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a temporary file that is created by the system and applications to speed up work. They store data about frequently used functions, images, settings and even fragments of web pages. On the one hand, this saves time and traffic, but on the other hand, over time, the cache grows to giant sizes, occupying precious space in the memory of the smartphone.

The main signs that it’s time to clean the cache on your Redmi 9A: the phone has become slow for no apparent reason, applications take a long time to load or suddenly close, and in the Storage section you see that system data takes 5+ GB. This is especially true for budget models with 32 GB of memory, where every megabyte counts. But it is important to understand that cleaning the cache does not increase performance directly - it only frees up space and eliminates possible conflicts of corrupted temporary files.

Another nuance: on MIUI, the cache is divided into three types: system (OS files), application cache (the data of each software separately) and browser cache (history, cookies, temporary site files), each of which is cleaned differently, and we will analyze all methods from manual to automatic.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The most accurate way is to delete temporary files only for those programs that eat up memory. This is safe: you will not lose logins, settings or save games, but make room.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size, so you will see the most "gluttonous".
  3. Select an app (such as YouTube or Facebook) and click Storage.
  4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with the Clear Data button – it will delete all app settings!).

☑️ What to do before cleaning the app cache

Done: 0 / 4

Among the leaders in terms of cache volume are usually listed:

  • 📺 YouTube – up to 1 GB (video previews, thumbnails)
  • 📷 Gallery - 500MB+ (photo-sketch)
  • 🎮 Games (PUBG, Free Fire – up to 2 GB (textures, maps)
  • 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) — 300-800 MB (cookies, history)

⚠️ Warning: If the app is slower after cleaning the cache, that's OK, and the temporary files will be recreated the next time you run, but without any "junk".

Method 2: Complete cleaning of the system cache (for power users)

System cache (/cache) Stores update data, temporary files MIUI It helps if the phone is stuck on the logo, doesn't update, or it gives you errors like "com.android.systemui's process is stopped!

Method 1: Recovery Mode (without data loss):

  1. Turn off Redmi 9A.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (control – volume buttons, choice – power button).
  4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Method 2: Through Fastboot (for advanced):

fastboot erase cache

This command must be typed into Fastboot Mode (press Power + Volume Down) after connecting the phone to a PC with the Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.

What happens if the system cache is cleaned incorrectly?
If you choose Wipe Cache instead of Wipe Data in recovery, the phone will reset completely to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted!
Cleaning methodWhat's removedRisks.When to apply
Cleaning up the app cacheTemporary files of a specific softwareNo.Regularly (once every 1-2 months)
Wipe Cache in RecoverySystem temporary filesCan reset network settingsIn case of system errors or before the firmware
Fastboot erase cacheDeep cleaning of the cache sectionRequires PC and skillsAfter the failed updates

Method 3: Automatic cleaning through built-in MIUI tools

Xiaomi Redmi 9A has a built-in security utility that can clean the cache in one tap. This method is suitable for beginners, as it does not require manual search of “junk” files.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
  2. Go to Clean Up (or Accelerate in new MIUI versions).
  3. Press Deep Clean and wait for analysis.
  4. Tick the Cash of applications and Garbage files, then click Clean.

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔍 Automatically finds unnecessary files (including remnants of deleted applications).
  • 📊 Shows how much space will be available before cleaning.
  • 🛡️ Safe – does not affect user data.

📊 How often do you clean your Xiaomi cache?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when the phone is slowing down.
Never cleaned.

⚠️ Attention: In the section “Cleaning up" MIUI Sometimes I want to delete files. APK — If you downloaded them manually (not from the Play Market), you should keep them so you don't lose access to rare programs.

Method 4: Clearing the browser cache (Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox)

Browsers are the main garbage storage devices. On Redmi 9A, your browser cache can take up to 1 GB, especially if you often watch videos online or open heavy sites. Cleaning up not only frees up space, but also speeds up page loading.

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome, tap three dots. → History.
  2. Choose Clear Data.
  3. Set a period for all time.
  4. Check the boxes: 🗑️ Cookies and website data 🖼️ Cached images and files

Clear the data

For the built-in Mi Browser:

  1. Open the browser → Menu → Settings → Privacy.
  2. Choose Clear Personal Data.
  3. Mark Cash and Cookies, then confirm.

How to use SD Maid:

  1. Install an app from the Play Market.
  2. Launch and grant superuser (root) rights, if any.
  3. Go to CorpseFinder, where you can see the remnants of the remote programs.
  4. Press Run and wait for analysis.
  5. Mark the unnecessary files and delete them.

⚠️ Note: Applications like CCleaner often request unnecessary permissions (access to contacts, SMS). Check the reviews and reputation of the developer before installing. Xiaomi is better to use official utilities if you are not sure about the security of third-party software.

What to do if after cleaning the cache problems remain

Sometimes cleaning the cache doesn't solve the problem of brakes or errors.

  1. Free space in memory: If the Redmi 9A has less than 1 GB left, the system starts to slow down.
  2. Background Processes: Open Settings → Applications → Run and close unnecessary programs.
  3. MIUI Updates: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes the lags are fixed with new patches.
  4. Viruses: Scan through Security → Antivirus.

If nothing helps, try resetting to factory settings (but make a backup beforehand!):

  1. Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings.
  2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

💡

Regularly cleaning the cache (every 1-2 months) prevents 80% of performance problems on Xiaomi budget smartphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the cache on Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Can I clean the cache every day?
Frequent cleaning causes applications to constantly recreate temporary files, which can increase battery consumption and traffic, the optimal interval is once every 1-2 months or with obvious brakes.
Why do some apps fly out after cleaning the cache?
This happens if the cache is corrupted or contains critical data for the program to work. Try: Reboot your phone; update a problem app in the Play Market; clear the cache of that app only again; if it doesn't work, reinstall the program.
How to clear the cache for all apps at once without choosing each?
V MIUI There's no built-in mass cache cleanup function, but you can use: Script through ADB: adb shell pm list packages -f | sed 's/.*=//' | xargs -n1 adb shell pm clear Attention! This command will clear all application data (both cache and settings!). Third-party utilities like App Cache Cleaner (require root rights).
Does cache clearing remove my game saves?
No, game saves are stored in /Android/data or /Android/obb folder, not cache, but if you click Clear (not cache!), you lose progress. Always check what you delete.
How much space should be freed up after cleaning the cache?
Depends on how long you haven't done it: After the first cleaning: 1-3 GB (if the phone hasn't been cleaned for years). With regular cleaning: 200-500 MB System cache (Wipe Cache): usually 100-300 MB. If less than 100 MB is free, the cache was almost empty, or you're cleaning the wrong partitions.