Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the device starts to run slower and free space on the drive disappears rapidly, the main reason for this phenomenon is the accumulation of temporary files that the system and applications create to quickly load content, which eventually ceases to be useful and turns into digital garbage, slowing down the processor.
Cache cleaning is a safe and necessary procedure that does not affect your personal photos or contacts. However, it is important to understand the difference between the system cache, application data and download files, so as not to delete the extra. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to optimize memory.
Using built-in MIUI tools or manually deleting files through the file manager, you can get the gadget back to its former sharpness. Regular maintenance of the device extends the life of the drive and prevents interface freezes. Let's look at cleaning methods from the simplest to the most advanced.
Before you start taking action, you should evaluate the current state of memory, which will help you understand which type of data is the most space-consuming and requires priority attention.
Use of the built-in Security application
The easiest and most reliable way to delete temporary files is to use a standard tool from shell developers. Each Xiaomi smartphone has a Security app preinstalled, which has access to all system folders, which eliminates the risk of deleting important system files, which can happen when using third-party software.
Launch the app and click on a large green button labeled "Clean up." The system will automatically analyze the device, find debris, app cache and unused APK installation packages. The scanning process takes a few seconds, after which you will be prompted to delete the files found.
For a deeper cleaning, go to the Cleanup section inside the app, where you can selectively remove the cache of specific programs, old screenshots or thumbnails from messengers, and clean it regularly through this tool helps keep the system on track without having to manually search for files.
It’s important to note that cleaning through this app doesn’t delete your logins and passwords in apps, only temporary data, which distinguishes this method from completely resetting settings.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use questionable software from third-party stores. They often contain ads and can aggressively unload processes from RAM, which leads to increased battery consumption when programs are re-run.
- 🧹 Click on the broom icon for quick cleaning.
- 📊 Use the Deep Cleansing section to analyze large files.
- 🔄 Set up automatic cleaning in the Security app settings».
Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings
Sometimes the problem isn't with the junk, but with a particular app that's grown to giant sizes, and social networks like Telegram or Instagram can accumulate gigabytes of cached images and videos, and you can delete them through the app management menu.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the program you want (like YouTube) and click on it. From the menu that opens, select Memory or Storage, and you will see two buttons: Clear and Clear Everything.
The Clear button only deletes temporary files without affecting your authorization. The Clear All button resets the app to the state immediately after installation, requiring you to re-enter your account. Be careful when choosing an action so you don't lose data.
This method is especially useful if a particular application is unstable or takes up a disproportionate amount of space, and spot cleaning allows you to free up space without touching other programs.
☑️ Check before cleaning the application
⚠️ Note: When you clean up your banking or messenger data without a cloud copy of your email history, you may lose your local chats. Always check your backup settings inside the app itself before resetting.
- 📱 Open the settings of a particular application in the list of all programs.
- 💾 Distinguish between “Clear Cache” and “Erase Data».
- 🗑️ Remove the cache only of those applications that need it.
Delete temporary files through Explorer
For users who prefer manual control, the File Manager Explorer provides access to hidden folders. Many applications create folders called cache or temp that can be safely removed manually, which gives more flexible control than automatic scripts.
Open Explorer, click on the folder icon, and go to the root directory of internal memory. Look for folders with application names (such as com.facebook.katana) or just an Android/data folder, often hiding cache directories, whose contents can be deleted without consequences.
It's also worth checking the Download folder, which often accumulates installation files that are no longer needed, and documents obtained through the browser, and manual sorting allows you to visually assess what exactly occupies space and make an informed decision.
Do not delete files that you do not know the purpose of, especially if they are in system partitions. Focus on file size and extension: temporary files often have.tmp extensions or no extension at all.
- 📂 Use a search by file size in the explorer.
- 🔍 Pay attention to hidden folders that start from a point.
- 🗑️ Delete files with the.apk extension if the installation is complete.
Cleaning cache in the Mi Browser and Chrome browser
Web browsers are among the main consumers of free space, and they store copies of visited pages, images and scripts to speed up the loading of sites on a second visit, but over time this cache becomes redundant and can cause page display errors.
In the standard Mi Browser browser, click on the menu (three bars), select Settings and then Privacy & Security. There will be a Clear Data button. You can choose to delete history, cache and cookies. Similar path in Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear History.
It is recommended to periodically clean the browser cache, especially if you notice that pages load incorrectly or “float” layout sites, this also increases privacy by removing traces of your stay on the network.
Remember that clearing cookies will lead to logging out of accounts on sites, so make sure to remember passwords. Cache can be deleted without fear for the safety of logins, if you do not touch the appropriate tick.
- 🌐 Clean your browser cache once a week for stable operation.
- 🔒 Do not forget about cookies if you want to stay in the system.
- ⚙️ Set up automatic data deletion when you exit.
Comparison of cleaning methods: efficiency table
There are advantages and disadvantages to cleaning, and the choice of method depends on whether you want to get a quick release of space or a deep optimization of the system.
| Method | Security | Depth of cleaning | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Annex | Tall. | Medium | Minimum |
| Application settings | Tall. | Point-point | Medium (when choosing "Erase Everything") |
| File manager | Medium | Deep. | High (human factor) |
| Developer mode | Low. | Maximum | High (system failures) |
As you can see from the table, the standard system tools are best suited for everyday use. Manual removal through the conductor requires care, and the developer mode should be used only by experienced users in critical situations.
Combining methods yields the best results, such as weekly automatic cleanup plus monthly manual checks of large files, which strikes a balance between performance and data security.
Cleaning through Developer Mode (For Power Users)
Android has a hidden feature that allows you to force the cache of all installed applications at once, which is located in the “Developers” menu and is primarily designed for testing, but can be useful in case of critical space shortage.
To activate Developer Mode, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI seven times. Then a new option will appear in the Settings menu. Find the Developer section there and scroll down to Delete Cached Data.
Clicking on this button will trigger a system alert, and confirming the action will trigger the process of clearing the cache of all applications on the device, which may take some time depending on the number of programs installed, and the system cache will be completely reset.
This method is not recommended for use at all times, as it will take time for applications to re-accumulate temporary files after cleaning, which can temporarily increase the load on the processor and battery.
⚠️ Note: Do not include other features in the developer menu unless you understand their purpose. Changing animation settings or background process limits can disrupt the stable operation of the Xiaomi interface.
- 🛠️ Activate the developer menu with seven-fold click on the OS version.
- 🧹 Use the cache removal function only when urgently needed.
- ⏳ Be prepared for a slower launch of apps immediately after cleaning.