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

App cache on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are temporary files that speed up programs, but over time take up gigabytes of memory and can cause crashes. If your phone starts to slow down, overheat or give out errors like “Application Stopped”, first aid is cleaning the cache. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for devices on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14, including hidden functions and automation.

It's important to understand that there are two types of cache: regular cache (removable without consequences) and Dalvik cache (system cache, requires caution), we will show you how to clean both types without breaking the phone, and you will learn which applications can be cleaned safely, and which ones are better not to touch, so as not to lose important data.

Why you need to clean up the cache on Xiaomi

Cache data accumulates invisibly: every time you open an application, it saves temporary files to speed up the download, which over time leads to:

📉 Slowdown – the phone starts to “hang” when switching between programs.
🔥 Overheating – background cache cleaning processes load the processor.
🚨 Application Errors – Outdated Cache Files Conflict with Program Updates.
📱 Lack of memory – on Xiaomi with 64-128 GB cache can take up to 10-15 GB.

Example: in Google Maps, cache can grow to 2-3 GB due to stored cards, and Telegram can grow to 5 GB due to media files, cleaning helps to make room without removing the programs themselves.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse cache with app data. Cache cleaning is safe and data deletion (Storage) → Clear Data will reset all settings and accounts in the application!

Method 1: Clearing the cache through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Suitable for all models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Instructions:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Select the app you want (such as Chrome or Instagram).
Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning:

In the same menu (Application Management) click on three dots. ⋮ → Size-based sorting.
Select the applications with the largest cache (usually messengers, browsers, social networks).
Click Clear Cache for each.

Check the free space in the "Storage" section

Close all background applications

Connect charging (if the battery level is below 30%)

Backup of important data (optional)-->

This method does not require root rights and works on all versions of Android, but it does not clear the system cache (Dalvik), which can take up to 1-2 GB.

Method 2: Use MIUI Optimizer (Hidden Function)

MIUI Optimizer is a built-in deep cleaning tool that many users don't notice. It's available on MIUI 12-14, but hidden in the developer menu.

How to turn on:

Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Find the MIUI Optimizer and turn it on.
Reboot the phone.

After activation:

🔄 The cache will be cleaned automatically when restarted.
🚀 System operation will be accelerated by optimizing background processes.
🗑️ Temporary files that are normally not affected by a standard cleanup will be deleted.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K50) MIUI Optimizer can conflict with custom firmware. If after turning on the phone becomes overheated, turn off the function.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone is slowing down.

Never cleaned.-->

Method 3: Cleaning through Recovery Mode (for system cache)

If the phone is slowing down or is giving up update errors, cleaning the Dalvik cache and partition cache via Recovery Mode will help. This method does not delete user data, but requires caution.

Step-by-step:

Turn off the phone.
Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English).
Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
Reboot the phone (Reboot) → Reboot to System).

This method is useful after updating MIUI, when the system can work unstable due to outdated cache files. For example, after upgrading from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14, many Xiaomi 12T users encountered lags that were fixed by this cleaning.

Cache type	What cleanses	When to use
Just a regular cache.	Temporary application files	If the application slows down or takes up a lot of space
Dalvik cache	System Files of Android Virtual Machine	After updating MIUI or in case of system errors
Cash section.	Temporary update and firmware files	If the phone is not updated or if it is an E:Error error

What happens if you clear the Dalvik cache?

When you first boot up after cleaning, the phone will be slower (1-2 minutes) as the system recovers the cache again. This is normal! Some widget settings may also reset, but user data (photos, messages) will remain intact.

Method 4: Automatic Cleaning with Security App

Xiaomi’s Security app has a built-in tool for automatic cache and garbage cleaning. It analyzes the system and offers one-click optimization.

How to use:

Open the Security app (shield icon).
Go to the Optimization or Cleaner tab (depending on the MIUI version).
Press Deep Cleanse → Cash.
Select cleaning apps or click Clean All.

Advantages of this method:

🤖 Automatic analysis – the program itself finds unnecessary files.
📊 Visualization – shows how much space each application cache takes.
🔄 Regular cleaning – you can set up automatic garbage removal on a schedule.

However, the Security App sometimes deletes the cache aggressively, which can lead to re-uploading of data in applications (for example, YouTube or Spotify).

💡

After cleaning the cache through the Security App, restart the phone to help the system recover the necessary temporary files correctly.

Method 5: Clearing the cache for specific applications (advanced)

Some apps (like Google Play Services or Miui System) accumulate cache that is not visible in the standard menu. ADB-team.

Instructions:

Install ADB Tools on your computer.
Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → Developer).
Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep 'cache'

This command will show all apps with large cache. To clear the cache of a particular package (e.g. com.google.android.gms for Google Play Services), use:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

List of “gluttonous” applications on Xiaomi:

📱 com.miui.system - System Files MIUI (It can take up to 500 MB).
🌍 com.google.android.gms – Google Play Services (up to 1 GB).
📷 com.miui.gallery - Gallery (cache of thumbnails, up to 2 GB).

⚠️ Note: pm clear command deletes all application data, not just cache:

adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000

(where 1000,000,000 is the size in bytes, here 1 GB).

What to do if the cache is not cleared

Sometimes the cache is not removed in the standard way, so let's look at the typical problems and solutions.

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
The "Clear Cache" button is inactive	The app is running in the background	Close it through recent apps or reboot your phone
Cash returns after cleaning	The application actively restores files	Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Applications selection
Error "failed to clear the cache"	Damaged files or insufficient rights	Use ADB or Recovery Cleanup

If none of the methods worked, check:

🔧 System File Integrity – You may need to reflash your phone via the Mi Flash Tool.
🛡️ Antivirus programs – some (such as Avast) block access to cache.
📱 Damaged Memory – Perform the Test through Settings → Memory. → Diagnostics.

💡

If the app cache is not cleaned and takes more than 500 MB, it is a sign of a virus or a damaged APK. Remove the app and install it again from the official source (Google Play or Mi App Store).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi

❓ How often should the cache be cleaned?

The optimal frequency is once every 1-2 weeks. If you actively use social networks, messengers or games, clear the cache every 3-5 days. For system applications (for example, Google Play Services), cleaning once a month is enough.

❓ Can I clear the cache for all applications at once?

Yes, but not through the standard settings. → Deep cleaning → Cash. → Clear it all up. ADB-command (requires PC): adb shell pm trim-caches 99999999999999 (where 999999999999 is the maximum size for cleaning).

❓ Why After Cleaning the Cache, Applications Boot Longer?

This is OK! Cache is used to speed up booting. Once cleaned, the app has to recreate temporary files. Usually the brakes pass after 1-2 runs. Except for games (like Genshin Impact or PUBG), which can take longer to load due to lack of cached textures.

❓ Can I clear the cache for system applications (e.g. Launcher)?

Yes, but with caution. Clearing the com.miui.home (Launcher) cache will result in: Resetting the location of the icons on the desktop; temporarily disappearing the widgets (they will recover after the reboot); For other system applications (for example, com.android.phone), cleaning the cache is safe and helps correct communication errors.

❓ How to Clean Update Cache MIUI?

The update cache is stored in the folder /cache To clear it, go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system. Press three dots. ⋮ → Remove the downloaded service pack. Use Recovery Mode to clean it completely. 3). This is useful if the phone is giving an error "Can't install the update".