How to clean cache in all applications on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Why Clean Cache on Xiaomi and When You Really Need It

The app cache on Xiaomi smartphones is temporary files that help programs run faster. However, over time, they accumulate, taking up gigabytes of memory and slowing down the device. If your Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 started to slow down, warm up for no reason or give out errors like “lack of memory”, the problem may lie in a crowded cache.

But cleaning the cache is not a panacea, and in some cases it even hurts: for example, after removing the cache, social networks (Telegram, VK) will spend longer uploading photos, and games (Genshin Impact) will take longer to download, PUBG Mobile, load textures, so before you clean it up, you need to know which apps are eating up your memory. → Annexes → Application management → Size-based sorting.

In this article, we have 5 proven ways to clear the cache of all applications at once, including hidden methods for MIUI 14 and older, and why the cache returns after a few days.

Method 1: Standard cleaning through MIUI settings

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 9A to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, does not require superuser rights (root) and is suitable even for inexperienced users.

Open the settings (cog icon).
Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sort by size.
Slip the Clear Cache button (usually located at the bottom of the screen).

In MIUI 13/14, the path has changed a little: now you go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and select the Deep Clean tab, where the system will show how much space the cache of all applications takes up, and suggest that you delete it with one tap.

⚠️ Note: After this cleaning, some apps (such as Google Maps or YouTube) may temporarily run slower until they recover their temporary files.

💡

If the Clear Cache button is inactive, try restarting your smartphone. Sometimes MIUI blocks the cleanup due to background processes.

Method 2: Cleaning through the Recovery Mode

This method is suitable for deep cleaning when standard methods do not help. It resets the cache of all system and user applications, including hidden MIUI files.

Instructions for Xiaomi with MIUI 12-14:

Turn off your smartphone.
Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
In the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or ).
Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
Confirm the action and wait for the completion (it will take 1-3 minutes).
Reboot your device with Reboot → Reboot to System.

Xiaomi model	Combination of buttons for Recovery	Notes
Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5	Food + Volume up	On some firmware you need to hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds
Xiaomi 11/12/13, Mix 4/Fold	Food + Volume up	A charging connection may be required
Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4	Food + Volume up	On older Recovery models in Chinese, look for the character.

⚠️ Warning: Do not choose Wipe Data or Factory Reset – this will lead to a complete reset of the smartphone before the factory settings!

What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?

If the smartphone does not respond to the button combination, try: 1. Connect the device to charge for 10 minutes, then try again. 2. Use ADB-command (PC required): adb reboot recovery 3. On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) You need to first hold the volume up. + power, and after vibration release power, holding the volume.

Method 3: Using ADB for Advanced Users

If you need to selectively clear the cache or automate the process, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help. This method requires a computer and enabled debugging over USB, but gives you full control over the cache.

Step-by-step:

Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
Enter the command to clear the cache of all applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -1

To clean the cache of a particular application (such as Facebook), use:

adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana

The list of application packages can be obtained by the command:

adb shell pm list packages

Install ADB drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi

Connect your phone to the original cable

Check the connection with the adb device command

-->

Method 4: Automatic Cleaning with Security App

MIUI has a built-in Security app that can clear cache in the background, called Deep Cleaning, and works even on a locked screen.

How to set up:

Open the Security app (shield icon).
Go to the Optimization or Cleaner tab (depending on the MIUI version).
Click Deep Clean → Cash applications.
Activate the Auto Clean option and set a schedule (e.g. once a week).

The advantage of this method is that you don't have to do anything manually, and the system will delete the files that you don't need when the phone is connected to charging and it's in standby mode.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Autoclean may conflict with some apps (e.g. WhatsApp or Signal).If messages are missing after cleaning, turn them off in Security settings.

📊 How often do you clear your Xiaomi cache?

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone is slowing down.

Never clean.

I don't know what that is.

Method 5: Cache reset via Fastboot (for experienced)

If Xiaomi doesn’t turn on at all or is stuck on the Mi logo and Recovery Mode isn’t available, Fastboot remains.This method requires a computer and knowledge of commands, but saves in critical situations.

Instructions:

Turn off your smartphone.
Press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
Enter the command to clean the cache: fastboot erase cache
Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

This command only removes the cache without affecting user data, but if the problem is caused by corrupting system files, a complete firmware reflash may be required.

💡

Fastboot is the last chance to clear the cache if the smartphone doesn't boot, but it requires an unlocked bootloader.

Why the cache returns after cleaning and how to fix it

Many Xiaomi users complain, "I cleared the cache, but it took 2-3 GB a day later!" The reason is that apps automatically restore temporary files when used.

📱 Social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) – caching videos and photos.
🎮 Genshin Impact (Call of Duty Mobile) - save textures and levels.
🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator) – download offline maps.
📺 Streaming services (YouTube, Netflix) - buffer video.

To reduce the rate of cache accumulation:

Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery Consumption Management.
Turn off autoload media in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
Use lightweight versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of regular Facebook).
Regularly clean the cache of only the most “gluttonous” applications through Settings → Applications.

If the cache grows uncontrollably (for example, 500 MB per day), check your smartphone for viruses using Malwarebytes or the built-in scanner in Security.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up cache on Xiaomi

Can I clean the cache of system applications (e.g. MIUI Launcher or Security)?

Yes, but be careful. The cache of system applications (com.miui.home, com.miui.securitycenter) can be cleaned, but it can lead to: Resetting wallpaper and widgets on the home screen. Temporary slowing down of MIUI animations. Losing security settings (such as exceptions for cleaning). It is better to clear the cache of system applications only if they are clearly slowing down.

Why did some apps stop working after cleaning the cache?

This happens if the app used the cache as a temporary storage device, for example: Google Play Store may not open — reboot will help; Bank applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) require reauthorization; Games (PUBG, Free Fire) can request re-downloading of resources; Solution: restart your smartphone or reinstall a problematic application.

How to clear the cache on Xiaomi without losing data (photos, messages, contacts)?

All of the methods in this article do not affect user data (photos, videos, messages). Only dangerous are: Wipe Data in Recovery Mode. Fastboot erase userdata command. Factory reset in Settings → About phone → Settings reset. But even in these cases, the data can be restored if a backup was enabled in Mi Cloud or Google Account.

Is there a difference between cleaning the cache and cleaning the application data?

Yes, huge: Action That is removed Consequences Cache Clearing Temporary files (images, videos, logs) The application works slower on the first start Data Cleanup Settings, accounts, saves, downloads The application is reset to a state of "as after installation" For example, clearing the WhatsApp cache will delete only cached media files, and cleaning the data - all correspondence and settings.

Can we turn off the caching altogether?

Technically, yes, but it's going to slow down your smartphone a lot. Cache is for: Quickly open frequently used apps; smoothly scrolle your social media feed; offline access to maps and music. Instead of turning off the cache, it's better: Limit its size to individual applications (via AppOps or other apps). ADB). Use it. SD-Card as a memory extension (on supported models).