Cleaning the cache of applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways for all models

Your Xiaomi smartphone is slowing down and apps are suddenly shutting down?Cache may be crowded.Cache is a temporary file that creates programs to run fast, but over time it accumulates and takes up precious memory space.Cache cleaning has its nuances on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices because of the proprietary shell of MIUI.

In this article you will find the latest ways to clean the cache for all versions. MIUI 12-14, including hidden features and automatic tools, we will discuss how to clean the cache for individual applications, why you should not delete the cache of system services, and what to do if after cleaning the applications began to work slower. And also – a unique method of cleaning the cache for games through Game Turbo, which is not officially documented in the game. MIUI.

Why you should clean the cache on Xiaomi

Cache is not just garbage, it speeds up the loading of commonly used data, like Instagram pictures or maps on Google Maps, but when the cache grows to gigabytes, problems begin:

• 🐢 Interface brakes — MIUI Starts to hang when switching between applications.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – background processes waste resources on processing outdated cache files.
• 📱 Lack of memory – even on smartphones with 128 GB cache can take 10-15 GB.
• 🔄 Application errors – for example, TikTok or YouTube give out a “network error” due to a corrupted cache.

Xiaomi cache accumulates faster than pure Android, due to the features of MIUI:

1. The shell aggressively caches data to “preload” applications.
2. System services (e.g. com.miui.analytics) create hidden cache files.
3. The App Vault feature (left swipe on the home screen) stores its cache separately.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t confuse cache with app data! Cache cleaning is safe, and data deletion (Clear all data) will result in resetting accounts and settings.

Method 1: Clearing the cache for a separate application

The most pointy method is to remove the cache only for the problem application. It does not affect other programs and does not require a reboot.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the desired application (such as WhatsApp or Chrome).
3. Select Storage (or Memory in older versions of MIUI).
4. Press Clear cache.

For convenience, sort the applications by cache size:

• In the upper right corner of the App Management screen, click on three dots. ⋮.
• Select Sort by Size → Cash.
• At the top of the list will be the most “voracious” programs.

Close the app through the "Recent" menu

Connect to Wi-Fi (if you plan to update your data immediately)

Check the space in memory (should be >1 GB)

Backup important data (for cloud-saving games)-->

On some POCO and Redmi models (e.g., POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the Warehouse menu may not have a Clear Cache button.

1. Press the app icon on the home screen.
2. Select Application Information.
3. Go to the Warehouse and clear the cache from there.

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications

If the phone is slowing down, it’s easier to remove the cache of all apps at once, and MIUI has a built-in tool called Optimization (formerly called Security).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Optimization application (shield icon with a tick).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab (or Garbage in MIUI 12).
3. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. Click Clean → Confirm the action.

What cleans this tool:

Xiaomi has a MIUI 14-based Deep Cleanup option on its Cleanup menu, which deletes:

• 🗑️ Cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui).
• 📁 Empty folders in the vault.
• 🔄 Update files that are no longer needed.

⚠️ Attention: After a deep cleaning MIUI It can be temporarily slower, it will take time for the shell to recover the system cache. Don't be alarmed if the animations slow down for the first 5-10 minutes.

Method 3: Cleaning the cache with Recovery Mode (for experienced)

If the phone is so clogged that it doesn't respond to commands, or you suspect a virus, you can clear the cache through Recovery Mode, which will only reset the partition cache without affecting user data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
4. Choose Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Restart the phone (Reboot).

What's important to know:

• 🔧 This method cleanses Dalvik-cache – temporary files of the Android virtual machine that can slow down the system.
• 📱 Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Redmi 9A, POCO F4 Mi 11.
• ⚠️ Not to be confused with Wipe Data – it’s a complete factory reset!

Method 4: Automatic Cache Cleaning (MIUI setting)

MIUI can clean the cache automatically -- you just have to turn it on, and it's useful if you don't want to do it manually.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Autorun.
2. Activate the option of memory optimization.
3. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Memory Optimization.
4. Enable AutoCache Cleanup and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).

Additional settings:

• 🔄 B Optimization → Settings can be selected to clear the cache when locking the screen.
• 📊 B Settings → Enable the option to notify when memory is lacking.
• 🎮 For gamers: Game Turbo (controller icon) has a separate option to clear the game cache.

On POCO and the new Redmi (like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+), MIUI 14 has a Smart Clean feature that analyzes user behavior and clears the cache in the background when the phone is connected to charging.

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If applications are loaded for a long time after automatic cleaning, open them manually and wait for the data to be reloaded. MIUI will restore the necessary cache in 1-2 launches.

Method 5: Cleaning up the game cache through Game Turbo

Games (like Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty) create huge cache — up to 5-10 GB per game. MIUI has a hidden tool to clean it up.

How to clear the game cache:

1. Open the Game Turbo (Gamepad icon).
2. Select the game from the list or click Add the game.
3. Tap it on three points. ⋮ top-right.
4. Choose Clear the game's cache.

What this cleanup does:

• 🎮 Deletes temporary texture and shader files (they will reboot the next run).
• 🗑️ Makes room for new game updates.
• ⚡ Eliminates lags associated with damaged cache.

For the POCO F5 and Redmi K60 with MIUI 14, the Deep Cleanup option is available.

• 🖼️ Cache graphical settings (for example, anti-aliasing settings in Genshin Impact).
• 🎵 Cached audio files.
• 📊 Error logs and crash dumps.

⚠️ Warning: Once thoroughly cleaned, games can run longer than usual, they'll have to recompile shaders. PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty can take 5-10 minutes.

What to do if after cleaning the cache problems remain

Cache cleaning doesn't always solve all the problems. If the phone keeps braking, check:

1. Free space: If less than 10% of the total, MIUI starts to lag, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to a memory card.
2. Background processes: open Settings → Applications → Application management → Launched and close unnecessary ones.
3. MIUI Updates: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest patches.
4. Viruses: scan your phone through Optimization → Antivirus

If the problem is in a particular app (such as Telegram or VK), try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the application.
• 📥 Clear the data (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear all data).
• 🛠️ Disable battery optimization for this application (Settings) → Battery. → Optimizing the battery).

For diagnosis, use the hidden test menu:

1. Enter the dialer code: ##4636##.
2. Select Battery Information or Usage Statistics.
3. Check what processes are loading the system.

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If the brakes are left after all the manipulations, the reason may be the wear and tear of the flash memory, and you can check its health through the AIDA64 application (Searchroom → Memory Status).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi