Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: A Complete Guide with Nuances for MIUI

Why Redmi Note 9 Pro cache needs to be cleaned regularly โ€“ and when itโ€™s dangerous

Cache on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is like a temporary warehouse for these applications: it speeds up their work, but eventually turns into digital junk. If you notice that the phone began to โ€œslow downโ€, applications are loaded for a long time, and there is less than 10% of free memory left, the problem is clogged. This is especially true for the Redmi Note 9 Pro with its 64/128 GB of memory: even with apparent โ€œspaceโ€ the system can begin to โ€œgโ€ due to fragmented temporary files.

But blindly cleaning the cache of all apps in a row is a common mistake. For example, clearing the cache of Google Play Services or Mi Account, you risk getting authorization or notification errors. And deleting the WhatsApp cache will lead to media files being reloaded, which will eat up traffic. In this article, precise instructions for MIUI 12-14, taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware, including hidden methods and warnings about possible consequences.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method is to manually clean the cache for specific applications, which wonโ€™t delete your data (photos, messages, accounts), but will free up space and eliminate lags. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the path to the menu depends on the version of MIUI:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ MIUI 12/13: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ [Select an application] โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear the cache
  • ๐Ÿ”„ MIUI 14: Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ All applications โ†’ [Choose] โ†’ Memory. โ†’ Clear the cache
  • โš ๏ธ Exceptions: Do not clear the cache of the com.miui.securitycenter and com.android.phone system applications โ€“ this can disrupt call and security.

How do you determine which apps to clean first? Sort them by cache size:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort โ†’ by size.
  3. Apps with a cache >500 MB (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) are the main candidates for cleaning.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Clearing the Google Chrome or Mi Browser cache will delete saved passwords and history if you don't have Google account sync enabled!

Close all background applications

Check the vacant space (should be >1 GB)

Synchronize important data with the cloud

Remember passwords from sites (if you clear the browser)-->

Method 2: Automatic cleaning through Optimization (inbuilt-in MIUI tool)

MIUI has a built-in Optimization tool that analyzes the system and suggests clearing unnecessary files, including cache. However, it does not work perfectly: it often skips large files or, conversely, offers to delete useful data.

  1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
  2. Go to the Optimization tab (or Acceleration in MIUI 14).
  3. Press Deep Clean and wait for analysis.
  4. Uncheck the boxes Logs and Downloads โ€“ these are your personal files!
  5. Leave only the App Cache and Residual Files, then click Clear.

The advantage of this method is speed. The disadvantage is that the tool does not show which applications cache is deleted, and if after cleaning an application starts to work unstable (for example, Mi Fit stopped syncing data), you will have to reinstall it.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you clean your Xiaomi cache?
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when the phone is slowing down.
Never cleaned.
Cleaning methodSpeed.SecurityEfficiencySuitable for
Manual cleaning through settingsโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญExperienced users
Optimization in MIUIโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญNovice
Cache reset via RecoveryโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญโญTechnically savvy
Third-party cleaners (CCleaner)โญโญโญโญโญโญโญNot recommended

Method 3: Recovery Mode Cache Reset (for experienced)

If the phone is slowing down a lot and standard methods don't work, you can reset all the cache data through Recovery Mode. This won't delete your files or apps, but reset system settings (like app permissions). On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 13+, this method also resets the power saving settings, which can increase battery life.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Volume Up + Power buttons and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Power.
  4. Go to Wipe & Reset โ†’ Wipe Cache.
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-3 minutes).
  6. Choose Reboot. โ†’ Reboot to System.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings by deleting all data. On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, after resetting the cache via Recovery, the first system start can take up to 10 minutes - that's normal.

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?
If the phone just turns on after holding Volume Up + Power, try: 1. Connect the charger (on some firmware Recovery only works when charging). 2. Use the combination Volume Up + Volume Down + Power. 3. If nothing helps, maybe the developer mode is turned off or custom firmware is installed. In this case, a Fastboot and a computer will be required to reset the cache.

Method 4: Cleaning the cache of system applications (to solve specific problems)

Some Xiaomi system applications accumulate cache over time that interferes with their work.

  • ๐Ÿ“ž com.android.phone - answers calls. MIUI lost sound in the tube, cleaning the cache of this application can help.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ com.miui.securitycenter is a security center, and its cache sometimes blocks the installation. APK-file.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ com.android.providers.telephony โ€“ if mobile data is not working or SMS.

How to clean the cache of system applications:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version (tap 7 times).
  2. Return to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and use the command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 [name packet] For example, to reset the call cache: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.phone

If you donโ€™t have access to a PC, you can try clearing the cache through Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Show all apps (three dots) โ†’ System processes. However, many system applications in this menu are hidden โ€“ you will need ADB to display them.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before clearing the system application cache, back up via Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup and Reset โ†’ Local Backup. This will save your Wi-Fi settings, SMS and some application data.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Apps โ€“ Risks and Alternatives

Google Play is full of cache cleaners like CCleaner or Clean Master, but on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, they often do more harm than good:

  • ๐Ÿšซ False positives: Delete useful files by passing them off as โ€œjunkยป.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security breach: Some cleaners request administrator rights, which is dangerous.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery discharge: Background cleaner processes consume up to 15% charge per day.

If you still want to use third-party software, choose Files by Google (the official app from Google) or SD Maid (requires root rights), but even these wonโ€™t replace manual cleaning through MIUI settings.

Alternative: Use the built-in file manager from Xiaomi:

  1. Open Files (Folder Icon)
  2. Go to the Category section โ†’ Garbage.
  3. Select Residual Files and Cache of Apps, then click Clear.

๐Ÿ’ก

Third-party cache cleaners on the Redmi Note 9 Pro often conflict with MIUI optimization, resulting in increased CPU heat. Use them only if the built-in techniques don't help.

What if after cleaning the cache problems remain?

If the Redmi Note 9 Pro continues to slow down, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Free space: The system partition should be >1GB. Look at the settings. โ†’ Warehouse.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Updates: Go to Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update the system. MIUI 14 critical corrections are released weekly.
  • ๐Ÿงน Background Processes: C Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Power Saving Mode Turn Off Optimization for Frequently Used Applications.

If nothing helps, try:

  1. Resetting network settings: Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Reset the network settings. It solves Internet or call problems.
  2. Factory Reset: Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup and Reset โ†’ Reset. Attention: This will delete all data!

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware older than MIUI 12.5, disabling animation also helps:

  1. Enable Developer Mode (see Method 4).
  2. In For Developers, find:

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up the cache on the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Can I clear the cache for all applications at once without deleting the data?
Yes, but only through ADB. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm trim-caches -f 1000000000 This will clear the cache of all user applications without affecting the system. Alternatively, use TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader).
Why doesnโ€™t Google Play Market update apps after cache cleaning?
This is due to a device ID reset. Solution: Open Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ App Management โ†’ Google Play Market. Click Storage โ†’ Clear data (not just cache!) Reboot your phone and re-enter your Google account.
How much space should be freed up after cleaning the cache?
Depending on usage: Average user: 1-3 GB (if you haven't cleaned long ago); Active gamer: Up to 5-7 GB (game cache like PUBG or Genshin Impact); Social media and instant messengers: 500 MB-1.5 GB (TikTok, Instagram); If <500 MB is free, the problem is not the cache, but the fragmentation of memory or viruses.
Can we turn off the caching altogether?
No, it will disrupt Android. However, you can limit its size: For individual applications: in Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ [Select] โ†’ Memory Press Background Activity. Globally: In Developer Mode, set a Background Process Limit to No Background Processes (not recommended!). The Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 14 also has a Light Mode feature (Settings โ†’ Special Opportunities โ†’ Easy Mode) that reduces the use of cache by system applications.
Why does the cache accumulate so quickly again?
Causes: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Social networks and instant messengers: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok caching videos and images aggressively. ๐ŸŽฎ Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire saves up to 2GB of cache per session. ๐Ÿ”„ Auto-updates: MIUI It updates applications in the background by default, which creates temporary files. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Auto Update Turn off background updates or limit them to Wi-Fi only.