Owners of budget smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9A often face a lack of space and slowdowns in the interface, due to the accumulation of temporary files created by using the MIUI operating system and various applications, and cleaning this data regularly helps return the device to its previous response speed and frees up valuable megabytes of internal memory.
The process of deleting temporary files does not require any special technical knowledge or superuser rights. All the necessary tools are built into the manufacturer's shell, which makes the procedure safe for the average user. However, it is important to understand the difference between the application cache and important user data so that photos or contacts are not accidentally deleted.
In this article, we will take a look at a few proven cleaning methods, from standard settings to deeper methods. You will learn to use an in-built cleaner, manage the memory of individual programs and perform a complete cleanup through the recovery menu. Systematic cache cleaning every 2-3 weeks extends the life of flash memory on budget devices.
What is the cache and why is it filled with Redmi 9A?
Cache is a buffer memory that stores temporary files to quickly load frequently used items, such as a browser that stores copies of visited pages, and social networks that store previews of images and videos, which allows applications to run faster and consume less Internet traffic when re-referring to content.
However, over time, the size of this temporary data can grow to several gigabytes. On the Redmi 9A model, which often comes with limited built-in storage (32 or 64 GB), this becomes a critical issue. When the free space runs out, the system starts to run slower, and new applications may stop being installed.
It's worth noting that not all cache is junk. Some files are necessary for programs to work properly. Blindly removing all temporary data can cause applications to load longer when they first run after cleaning, so it's important to use a selective approach to maintaining a smartphone.
β οΈ Cache clearing does not delete your personal photos, contacts or correspondence, but may require you to log in to some app accounts again.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The easiest and safest way to free up space is to use a regular tool from Xiaomi. The Security app is pre-installed on all devices of the brand and optimized for working with the MIUI shell. It scans the system for residual files, advertising debris and sprawling cache.
To start the procedure, you need to find an icon on your desktop called "Security" (usually green). Once you open, click on the large "Clean Up" button. The system will automatically analyze the memory status and suggest that you delete files that do not affect the stability of the work, which is ideal for rapid prevention.
In the advanced cleaner settings, you can choose which file types to delete, you can delete certain folders, or you can add new areas to scan, and using this tool regularly helps you maintain optimal performance without interfering with system files.
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Set up an automatic cleanup in the Security app so that your phone will remove the garbage itself when the memory is full by 80%.
Donβt rely on automatic mode alone. Periodically go to the Memory section inside the security application to manually check for large files that may have gone unnoticed, especially for instant messenger download folders that are often ignored by the standard scanner.
Manually cleaning the cache of individual applications
The largest amount of temporary data is usually generated by multimedia applications and social networks. YouTube, TikTok, Telegram and Instagram store a huge number of videos and images, and manually clearing the cache of these programs allows you to free up the most space without erasing your correspondence or saved passwords.
To perform this operation, go to the Settings menu. β Annexes β All apps. In the list, find the program you want, like Chrome or VKontakte. In the app menu, select Memory or Storage, where you will see the size of the space you occupy and the Clear Cache button".
βοΈ Check before cleaning the application
It is important not to confuse the "Clear Cache" button with the "Clear All" or "Erase Data" button. The second option will completely reset the application to the state immediately after installation, removing all your logins, settings and local files. Be careful when choosing an action so that you do not lose progress in games or settings messengers.
β οΈ Warning: Clearing the application data (not the cache) will result in logging out of your account. Make sure to remember your login and password before performing this procedure.
For some system applications, such as Gallery or Downloads, cache cleaning may be required if they are not working properly. For example, if thumbnails of photos are displayed incorrectly, resetting the gallery cache often solves the problem without losing the images themselves.
Cleaning through the Recovery Mode menu
A deeper level of cleanup is available through Recovery Mode, a method that allows you to delete temporary system files that are not available through a regular Android interface. The procedure is safe if you choose the right menu items, but requires careful navigation.
To enter recovery mode, turn off the Redmi 9A smartphone. Then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the volume button. The control menu is carried out with volume buttons (up/down) and confirmation with the power button.
Wipe and Reset β Wipe Cache β ConfirmIn the menu that opens, select Wipe Cache, not to confuse it with Wipe All Data, which completely erases the phone. Once confirmed, the system will clean the system cache and suggest restarting, a method that is especially useful before installing major firmware updates.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
Using Recovery Mode effectively solves problems with a βcyclic rebootβ or errors after a failed update. If problems persist after cleaning the cache, more serious intervention may be needed, but in 90% of cases this procedure helps to normalize the software.
Memory analysis and deletion of residual files
In addition to the standard cache, the disk is left with what are called "residual files" -- these are remote application folders, error logs, and temporary reports -- and you can find them through the file manager, go to the root folder or folder. Android/data, Be careful when removing files from system directories.
The built-in storage analyzer in MIUI shows which file categories take up the most space. Often it turns out that the bulk of data is not the apps, but the messenger files. WhatsApp or Viber can set up automatic cleaning of media files over a certain period of time right in the settings of the application itself.
| Type of data | Wherever | Can I remove it? | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | Settings β Applications | Yes, it's safe. | Apps are running a little longer |
| Downloads (Downloads) | Download folder | Yeah, unless you have to. | Makes room |
| Files.thumbnails | DCIM/.thumbnails | Yes, but they will be created again. | Accelerates gallery opening |
| System cache | Recovery Mode | Yes, it is recommended. | Increases stability |
Regularly auditing the Downloads folder often yields unexpected results, which may contain APK installation files that are no longer needed, or documents you downloaded a month ago, and deleting those files is the fastest way to gain free space.
Automation and third-party utilities
While Xiaomiβs built-in tools are usually sufficient, some users prefer third-party solutions, with apps like SD Maid or Files by Google offering more flexible settings and deep scanning, but installing such programs on the budget Redmi 9A can, on the contrary, slow down the work due to resource consumption in the background.
If you decide to use third-party software, choose only proven products that are highly rated on Google Play. Avoid "RAM accelerators" and "battery coolers", as they are often advertising platforms and do not give real performance gains. The best optimizer is free space on the disk.
Set up automatic history deletion in your browser. In Chrome or Yandex.Browser, you can set a period after which the history and cache will be deleted automatically, eliminating the need to do it manually every few days.
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Using built-in MIUI tools is preferable to third-party applications, as they have deep access to the system and do not consume battery in the background.
Remember, no program works wonders. If a phone has little memory (like 32 GB), no cleaning will make it a multimedia combine, and in such cases, only regular monitoring and transferring photos to the cloud services or computer helps.