How to Clean Up Xiaomi App Cache: 5 Ways for All Models

Why Clean Cache on Xiaomi and When You Really Need It

The app cache on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are temporary files that are created to speed up programs. They store recent actions, uploaded images, videos and other information so that the next time the app opens faster, but over time the cache grows to several gigabytes, taking up precious space in memory and slowing down the device.

But cleaning up the cache isn't always helpful. If you're a social media or messenger user, for example, their cache saves traffic and download time. By clearing it without having to, you'll force apps to re-download media files, which will increase Internet consumption. On Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+, automatic cache clearing mechanisms work more efficiently than on older versions (MIUI 12 and below), where manual cleaning is required more often.

Determine that it is time to clean the cache, you can by the following signs:

• 📱 The phone became noticeably slow when switching between applications
• 🔋 The battery discharges faster than usual (the cache can consume resources in the background)
• 📲 Applications crash or issue errors such as “Mismemory is lacking"
• 🗃️ In the "Storage" section (in settings) it is seen that the cache takes more 1-2 GB

Method 1: Clearing the cache for a separate application

The most targeted method is to remove cache only for programs that take up too much space or are unstable, and this method does not delete account or setting data, so it is safe for most applications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Instagram or TikTok).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Confirm the action (if required).

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → All applications → [Select application] → Memory → Clear cache

Remember the username / password from the application (if you need to re-enter)

Check if the application is currently in use (e.g. downloading files)

Make sure you have enough free space on your device (minimum 500MB)

Backup important data (for some applications, such as games)

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⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or MiuiSystem) unless absolutely necessary. MIUI.

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications

If the cache has grown to critical volumes (3GB or more), it's easier to remove it for all applications at once. MIUI has a built-in tool for this, but it's hidden in the depths of the menu. It's important to understand that after this cleaning, some applications will take longer to load on the first run.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click on Cache Data (or "Cached Data" on English firmware).
3. Confirm the cleanup in the dialog window.

On the new MIUI 14/15, the path can look like this:

Settings → About the phone → Memory → Clean the cache

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to brake

Never cleaned it up.

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Method 3: Using the built-in "Optimizer"

MIUI has an Optimizer tool (or Security on global firmware) that automatically finds and deletes unnecessary files, including cache, a technique that is suitable for beginners, as it does not require manual application search.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization or Cleaner tab.
3. Press the check and wait for the analysis.
4. Select Garbage Files → Cash applications.
5. Press Clear.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), the optimizer may offer to clear the cache along with other unnecessary files.

• 🔹 Take the boxes off the loading points and APK-files if you do not want to delete them.
• 🔹 Leave only the application cache and residual files.
• 🔹 Click Clean now.

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If the applications are slowing down after cleaning the cache through the optimizer, try restarting the phone, which will help the system reassemble the cache from scratch.

Method 4: Clearing the cache with Recovery Mode (for power users)

This is a good method if the phone is slowing down a lot and the standard methods don't work. Cleaning the cache through Recovery Mode removes Dalvik-cache, a system cache that can be damaged by updates or crashes. Importantly, this method doesn't delete user data, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For POCO F4 GT and the like: Volume down + Power.

Recovery

Wipe & Reset

Wipe Cache

Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

Reboot

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings, deleting all your data, TWRP) This can be called Advanced Wipe. → Dalvik / ART Cache.

Method 5: Automatic Cache Cleaning (configured in MIUI)

MIUI 13/14/15 has an automatic cache cleaner that works in the background, which deletes unnecessary files when the phone is connected to charging and is in standby mode, which is on by default, but you can customize it to your needs.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Choose Memory Optimization (or Memory Optimization).
3. Activate the Auto Cleanup option.
4. Set up a schedule (e.g., clean up every day at 3:00).

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Automatic cache cleaning in MIUI does not delete application data, but it can temporarily slow down applications after the first run.

What to do if after cleaning the cache applications do not work

In rare cases, cleaning the cache can cause app malfunctions, such as the Google Play Store may give an error DF-DFERH-01, and social networks may ask to re-sign in.

If the problem is not solved:

1. Try reinstalling the app.
2. Check for updates in Google Play or App Store.
3. Restart your phone (sometimes it helps even in case of serious crashes).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi