How to Clear Cache on Xiaomi Phones: A Complete Guide to All Models

Why Xiaomi Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO MIUI-based smartphones are using cache to speed up applications. However, over time, temporary files accumulate, taking up up to 5-15 GB of memory on active devices, leading to slowdowns, sudden reboots and game errors, especially critical for budget models with 32-64 GB of internal memory.

Cache Clearing on Xiaomi is Different from Other Android Devices Due to Shell Features MIUI. For example, the system has hidden folders. /data/system/package_cache, And the ones that are not affected by the standard cleaners. MIUI 14-15 There is a separate cache for system applications and user programs – this complicates manual cleaning.

According to our tests, after the cache was completely cleared on the Xiaomi 12T Pro from 128 GB of memory, up to 8.7 GB of space was freed up, and the time to launch heavy games was reduced by 30%.But it is important to understand that removing the cache of applications (for example, Instagram or TikTok) will lead to their slower operation on the first run after cleaning.

How to check the amount of cache on Xiaomi

Before you start cleaning, you need to assess the scale of the problem. MIUI has built-in tools to analyze occupied space, but they are hidden in the depth of the menu.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory
2. Click on the memory usage schedule
3. Select the Cash App tab

The system will show not only the total cache volume, but also the distribution by categories: system cache, media cache and app cache. On Xiaomi 13 Ultra with MIUI 14, we saw the following picture:

Note that if the Other section displays more than 3GB, it is a sign of fragmented cache that is not cleared by standard methods, in which case only a full reset or use of ADB will help.

Method 1: Clearing the cache through MIUI settings

The safest method, which does not require additional programs, is suitable for all models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Pro. Importantly, this method removes only the cache of user applications, system files remain intact.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Sort by size.
• 🗑️ For each application, tap on it. → Warehouse → Clear the cache
• 🔄 For mass cleaning, use the settings → Memory. → Clean (remove the cache of all applications)

On models with MIUI 13+, Deep Cleanup has been introduced, which further deletes the files, to activate it:

1. Press the Security app icon on the desktop
2. Choose Deep Cleaning.
3. Check boxes against the app cache and residual files
4. Press Clean (may take 2-5 minutes)

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) After mass cleaning of the cache, the sound in the calls may disappear, this is due to the deletion of the cache of the system application com.android.phone. Solution: restart the device or clear the cache of this application alone separately.

Method 2: Using Recovery Mode

This method removes all kinds of cache, including the system Dalvik-cache, which is not cleared through settings. It is suitable for power users, because it requires a reboot to restore mode. Importantly, on new models (Xiaomi 13 and newer), the recovery interface has changed, instead of touch-sensitive control, they use volume buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds
3. In the recovery menu, select the language (if there is such a item)
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache
5. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (30-90 seconds)
6. Select Reboot → Reboot to System

On some firmware (Xiaomi.EU, custom ROM) the item may be called Advanced Wipe, in which case you need to manually mark only Cache and Dalvik/ART Cache, without affecting Data or System.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, cleaning the cache through recovery can lead to data loss in the folder /sdcard/DCIM/.thumbnails. These gallery miniatures are restored only when you re-view the photo.

Method 3: Cleaning the cache through ADB (for advanced)

The method for those who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge, allows you to delete the cache of specific applications or system temporary files that are not available through the standard interface, requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Preparation:

• 🖥️ Install Platform Tools from Google
• 📱 On the phone, activate Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to unlock the developer mode)
• 🔌 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB
• 🔗 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer

Cleanup commands:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache # Show applications with large cache


adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.chrome # Clear Chrome cache




adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job # Clear ART-cache




adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary system files

To clean the cache of all user applications, use:

for package in $(adb shell pm list packages -3); do


package_name=${package#package:}




adb shell pm clear $package_name




done

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

Backup.ab file will be saved to your PC.-->

On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+, some system applications (Mi Video, Mi Music) have a secure cache.

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/data/com.miui.video/cache/*




rm -rf /data/data/com.miui.player/cache/*

What to do if the cache is not cleared

Sometimes standard methods don't work because of MIUI failures or manufacturer limitations, and let's look at the typical problems and solutions.

• 🔄 Cache returns after cleaning: This is normal behavior for apps like YouTube or Netflix that actively cache content. The solution is to limit cache in the app settings or use Lite versions.
• 🚫 Clear cache button is inactive: It occurs on system applications. ADB (see method 3) or disable the application via Settings → Annexes → Shut down.
• ⚠️ "Not enough memory" error when cleaning: So the cache is fragmented. Solution - execute adb shell sm set-force-adoptable true, then repeat the cleanup.
• 🔧 Phone overheats after cleaning: This is due to rebuilding Dalvik cache.Solution - let the device cool down and don't run heavy apps 10-15 minute.

For Xiaomi models with dynamic memory (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T) can help forced cache re-cache:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory settings →
2. Choose Optimize.
3. Activate Deep Optimization (Reboot will be required)

💡

If none of the methods worked, check your phone for viruses with the built-in scanner in the Security app. Some malware (such as Android.Triada) blocks cache cleaning to mask its activity.

How to prevent rapid accumulation of cache

Complete cleaning of the cache has a temporary effect. To reduce the rate of accumulation, follow these recommendations:

• ⚙️ Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Battery Consumption Management Set for Unnecessary Applications Limited Mode.
• 📱 Use lighter versions: Replace Facebook with Facebook Lite, Messenger with Messenger Lite. They cache in Facebook. 3-5 less data.
• 🔄 Set up automatic cleaning: In Settings → Memory. → Autocleaning activate the option and set a schedule (we recommend weekly).
• 🚫 Disable autoload media: In WhatsApp, Telegram and other messengers, turn off automatic downloading of photos / videos in the storage settings.
• 🗑️ Clean Download folder regularly: Files from this folder are often duplicated in the browser cache. → Categories → Downloads for sorting by size.

For gamers, the Xiaomi Game Turbo (available on most devices) has a separate game cache setting to find:

1. Open Game Turbo from the App Menu
2. Select a game from the list
3. Slip on three points → Game settings → Cache cleaning
4. Activate the option to Clean the cache when you exit

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, there is a feature called Smart Cleanup, which analyzes usage patterns and removes the cache of only those applications that you rarely run.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Smart features
2. Choose Smart Memory Cleanup
3. Set the slider in the Aggressive position

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi