Cache Cleanup on Xiaomi HyperOS: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s HyperOS-based smartphones are slowing down over time due to accumulated cache — temporary files that take up precious memory space and slow down the system. Unlike previous versions of MIUI, the new shell has its own nuances of cleaning that many users are unaware of. This article will help you understand how to properly remove cache without risking data and why standard methods sometimes don’t work.

Cache is divided into two types: application cache (temporary program files) and system cache (updates, logs and other service data files). Cleaning the first type is usually safe, but with the second one you need to be careful - wrong actions can lead to failures. We will look at all the current methods, including hidden functions of HyperOS, which are not written in the official instructions.

Why cache accumulates and what is it dangerous

Cache is not just garbage, it's a speeding mechanism, and when you first open an application, it caches data to open faster the next time you run it, and the problem is that over time, these files are:

• 📉 Take up gigabytes of memory – this is especially noticeable in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and social networks;
• 🐢 Slow down the system – HyperOS begins to “hang” when switching between tasks;
• 🔄 Errors Cause – Outdated cache files may conflict with newer versions of apps;
• 📱 Battery discharge – the system spends resources on processing unnecessary data.

Cache accumulation is especially critical after major HyperOS updates, when old system files are not automatically deleted. For example, after switching from MIUI 14 to HyperOS 1.0, many users noticed that the free space on the device decreased by 3-5 GB precisely because of the uncleaned cache.

It is important to understand that not all cache can be deleted without consequences, for example, cleaning the cache of Google Play Services can lead to problems with authorization in the Google account, and removing the cache of the system launcher (com.miui.home) will reset the location of icons on the desktop.

Method 1: Standard cleaning through HyperOS settings

The simplest method that works for most users is to remove the cache of individual applications or all programs at once:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Select the app you want (or click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sort by size to see the most voracious programs);
3. Slip it on the vault;
4. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – this will remove all app settings!).

For mass cleaning:

1. Go to Settings → Memory;
2. Select the Cleanup tab;
3. Tick unneeded files (pay special attention to the Cash item of the applications);
4. Press Clear.

Method Limitation: Standard cleaning does not affect the system cache and cache of pre-installed applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Browser). ADB-team.

Method 2: Deep Cleaning through Recovery Mode

If the phone is slowing down and standard methods don’t work, you can use Recovery Mode, which deletes all temporary system files, including the update cache and Dalvik cache, but does not affect user data. Importantly, some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13T) may require re-authorization in some applications after this procedure.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone;
2. Press the Power and Volume buttons up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache;
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion;
6. Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

Warning: Don’t confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data – the second action will completely reset the phone to factory settings!

⚠️ Warning: On bootloader devices, clearing the cache through Recovery can cause encryption to fail. If the phone requires a password after rebooting but does not accept it, a full reset will be required.

Method 3: Cleaning through ADB (for power users)

If you need to remove the cache of system applications or those programs that do not appear in the standard management menu, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to your computer, but allows you to point clear the cache even those applications that are not normally available for manual cleaning.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers;
2. Activate Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → HyperOS version (shap 7 times);
3. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers;
4. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache

(Shows all cache packets)

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with the package name, such as com.android.chrome for Chrome).

To clean the entire cache (caution!):

adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data//cache/"

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Before use ADB-Create a recovery point in the TWRP (If it's installed, it will help restore the system in case of an error.

List of useful cleaning packages:

Method 4: Automatic cleaning with MIUI Optimizer

HyperOS has a built-in optimization tool that can automatically clean the cache on schedule, and many users don't know it exists because it's hidden in the back of the settings, and by activating it, you'll get rid of the need for manual cleaning.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Optimization
2. Activate the switch Automatic cleaning;
3. Click on the gear next to the inscription and select:

The advantage of this method is that HyperOS itself determines which files can be safely deleted without disrupting the system, but the feature does not work on all models – on some devices (for example, the POCO X6 Pro), it may not be available due to customized firmware.

💡

Automatic cleaning via MIUI Optimizer is the safest way, but it does not remove the system cache and cache of pre-installed applications.

Method 5: Clearing Dalvik and ART cache (to speed up the system)

Dalvik cache and ART-Cache is a temporary file that the Android virtual machine creates to speed up the launch of applications, and over time, it fragments and can slow down the phone, and cleaning it doesn't delete user data, but requires rebooting the device.

How to clean:

1. Install a file manager with root permissions (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/dalvik-cache/.
3. Delete all files with the.dex extension;
4. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi HyperOS