Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: 5 working ways + FAQ

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it eventually begins to “slow down”. The main reason is a crowded cache that takes up precious memory and slows down the system. Clearing the cache can return the device to its previous speed, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to delete the necessary data.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to clean the cache on the Redmi Note 5 — from standard settings to advanced methods through Recovery. We will also analyze which types of cache can be deleted without risk to the system, and which are better not to touch. If your smartphone is slower, applications fly out or memory is constantly full — this is the guide for you.

What is cache and why you need to clean it

Cache is a temporary file that creates applications and a system to speed things up. For example, when you open Instagram, the app stores some of the data (photos, videos) in cache so that it can download it faster the next time it starts, and over time, these files accumulate and take up gigabytes of memory.

On Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, the cache is divided into three types:

• 📱 Application cache – temporary files of individual programs (for example, maps in Google Maps or thumbnails in a gallery).
• 🖥️ System cache – files that create MIUI speed up the interface.
• 🗑️ Dalvik cache – optimized data for the Android virtual machine (removed only through Recovery).

If you do not clean the cache, the consequences can be serious:

• ⚠️ The smartphone begins to hang when opening applications.
• ⚠️ Memory is filled with incomprehensible files, even though you haven't downloaded anything.
• ⚠️ Some programs are flying out or operating incorrectly.

Method 1: Clearing the cache through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for removing the cache of individual applications or all programs at once.

To clear the cache for a specific application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like YouTube or Chrome).
3. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete all settings!).

For mass cleaning:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Click Clean (the system will automatically delete unnecessary files).
3. For deep cleaning, select Deep Cleaning and confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Do not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) unnecessarily. MIUI.

Method 2: Use of a built-in cleaner (Security)

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is equipped with a proprietary Security application that can automatically find and delete unnecessary files, including cache.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab.
3. Press the check and wait for the analysis.
4. Select Garbage Files and App Cache, then click Clean.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔍 Automatically finds hidden cache files that are not visible in manual mode.
• 🛡️ Securely deletes only unnecessary data without affecting important files.
• 📊 Shows how much memory will be released.

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If the app is running slower after cleaning, don't worry. It's temporary: the cache will recover at the next run, but at its optimal volume.

Method 3: Cleaning the cache with Recovery Mode

If the smartphone is slowing down or not helping standard methods, you can use Recovery Mode.This method removes Dalvik cache and other system temporary files, but requires caution.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 5.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation and power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
5. Restart the device (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

⚠️ Warning: Never choose Wipe Data or Wipe All Data unless you plan a full reset! this will delete all your files, including photos and contacts.

Method 4: Cleaning the cache with third-party applications

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, you can use third-party utilities, such as CCleaner or SD Maid, which can find and remove cache deeper than standard tools.

Instructions for CCleaner:

1. Download and install CCleaner from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to the Cleanup tab.
3. Select the App Cache and System Cache.
4. Press Analysis and then Clean.

The advantages of third-party cleaners:

• 🔍 Find hidden cache files that are missing MIUI.
• 📊 Provide detailed statistics for each application.
• 🛠️ You can set up automatic cleaning on a schedule.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Some applications (such as Clean Master) may slow down the system due to background processes.
• ⚠️ Risk of deleting the necessary files if you do not understand the settings.

Method 5: Manually clean the cache through the file manager

For power users, there is a method of manually cleaning through a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer), which allows you to remove the cache selectively, but requires accuracy.

How to do this:

1. Open the file manager and enable the display of hidden files (in the settings).
2. Go to /data/data/ (root rights are required, if not, skip this method!).
3. Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
4. Delete the cache folder inside it.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Without root rights, you will not be able to delete the cache of system applications.
• ⚠️ Deleting the wrong files can break the app.
• ⚠️ Some folders (such as lib or databases) cannot be touched!

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Manual cache cleaning is the most effective method, but also the riskiest one, and only use it if you are confident in your actions or have made a backup.

What to do if after cleaning the cache problems remain

Sometimes cleaning the cache doesn't solve the brake problem.

• 🔋 Battery charge - at low charge (<15%) The system automatically limits productivity.
• 📱 Free memory – if the device has less than 1 GB of free space, MIUI laying.
• 🔄 System Updates – Outdated firmware may conflict with applications.
• 🦠 Viruses – some malware masquerades as cache and consumes resources.

If nothing helps, try:

1. Perform a soft reset (reboot in Safe Mode).
2. Reverse updates to problematic applications.
3. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the cache on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5