Why Xiaomi Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly
Cache is a temporary file that apps create to speed up work. On Xiaomi (including Redmi and POCO), these files accumulate over time and can take up to 5-10 GB of memory, even if you do not install new programs. The main signs of cache clogged: the phone begins to slow down, applications take a long time to open, and the battery runs out faster than usual.
The feature of MIUI firmware is that it aggressively caches data to optimize performance. This is good for new devices, but on models older than 2 years (like the Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T) leads to system lags due to a lack of free space in the /data partition. Clearing the cache is the first step before resetting to factory settings.
It is important to understand the difference between:
- 📱 Application cache – temporary files of individual programs (can be cleaned without risk)
- 🗄️ System cache - files MIUI (cleaning requires rebooting)
- 🧹 Garbage – residual files after deleting applications (special utilities are needed)
Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications
The safest method is to manually clean the cache for specific programs, which will not delete your data (photos, messages, save in games), but will free up space, especially for instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and social networks, which can accumulate up to 1-2 GB of cache per month.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
- Select an app (such as YouTube or TikTok)
- Click Warehouse → Clear the cache
- To clean up completely, click Space Management (not available in all versions of MIUI)
📺 YouTube (cash video)
💬 Telegram (media files)
📷 Instagram (miniature stories)
🎮 Genshin Impact (Cache of Updates)
📊 Google Play Services (System garbage)
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⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache for banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) – this may lead to the need for re-authorization through the SMS. Also avoid cleaning the cache of com.android.systemui – this will cause the interface to crash. MIUI.
| Annex | Average cache size | Can I clean it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MB - 1.5GB | Yes. | Media files will have to be re-downloaded. | |
| Google Chrome | 200-800MB | Yes. | Websites will load more slowly when first opened |
| MIUI Launcher | 100-300MB | No. | Resetting widgets and wallpaper |
| Genshin Impact | 2-5GB | Yes. | Longer download of the game after updates |
Method 2: Automatic cleaning with Security
MIUI has a built-in Security utility that can find and delete unnecessary files, a method that is suitable for beginners because it does not require manual selection of applications.
- 🗑️ Residual files after uninstallation of programs
- 📁 Duplicate photos and videos
- 🔍 Cache of system applications (without risk to stability)
- 📥 Downloads older than 30 days
How to use:
- Open the Security app (shield icon)
- Go to the Cleaner tab (or Cleaner in global versions)
- Click Scan and wait until it is completed (may take 1-3 minutes)
- Select file categories to delete (we recommend ticking only on "Cash" and "Junk")
- Click Clean and confirm the action.
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If the phone still brakes after cleaning through Security, check the AutoRun section in the same settings. Turn off autorunning for unnecessary applications - this will reduce the load on the processor.
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (particularly POCO F3 redmi K40) Security may offer to clear "Optimized Files." Don't agree - this will delete the data for quick running of frequently used programs, and the phone will run slower.
Method 3: Cleaning the system cache (for experienced)
System cache (/cache) contains update files, temporary data MIUI And the logs of errors:
- 🐢 Strong interface lags
- 🔄 Freezes during system updates
- 📱 Overheating your phone for no apparent reason
- 🔋 Quick discharge of the battery (if the cause is not in the battery)
To clean the system cache, you need to go to recovery mode:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds
- From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache
- Confirm the action and wait for the completion
- Reboot your phone via Reboot → System
What happens if you clean Dalvik Cache?
⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) After cleaning the system cache, access to the mobile network may be lost, in which case you need to manually reselect the operator in the settings. SIM-map.
Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning
For advanced users, there is a method of cleaning through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to remove the cache of even those applications that do not appear in the standard menu.
- 🔧 Removing the cache of system applications without root rights
- 📦 Cache cleanup for all users (on multi-account phones)
- 🔍 Diagnostics of problems with specific packages
Instructions:
- Install ADB Tools on your computer
- Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate developer mode)
- Return to Settings → More → For developers and enable USB Debugging
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:
adb shell pm list packages -f | grep cache
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.example.packageReplace com.example.package with the real name of the package (e.g. com.miui.home for launcher). Use:
adb shell cmd package list packages | xargs -n1 adb shell pm clear💡
ADB-Cleaning is the only way to remove the cache of pre-installed Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) without rooting permissions.
Method 5: Cache reset via Fastboot (extreme case)
If the phone is slowing down a lot and standard methods don't help, you can perform a full cache reset via Fastboot.This will delete all temporary files, including Dalvik update and optimization data.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot
- Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by the command:
fastboot devicesNext, execute commands in turn:
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata (only if you need a full reset!)
fastboot reboot⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata team will delete ALL of your data (photos, contacts, messages) and only use it if you are ready for a full reset. RAM Expansion (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) will also reset the virtual memory settings.
How to prevent rapid accumulation of cache
To avoid cleaning the cache every week, follow these guidelines:
- 🛡️ Turn off automatic media download in instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, the caching mechanism is optimized
- 📵 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications
- 🗃️ Use cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Photos) to store photos/video
- 🔧 Install lightweight versions of apps (e.g. Facebook Lite instead of the main client)
On models with MIUI 14+, we have a Smart Cleanup feature in the storage settings, turn it on, and the system will automatically delete unnecessary files when memory is not enough, but this mechanism does not always work correctly with games - it can delete the cache of textures, which will make games longer to load.
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On phones with UFS 3.1 memory (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50), cache accumulates more slowly due to more efficient work with temporary files. On devices with eMMC 5.1 (Redmi 9A), cleaning should be carried out 2-3 times more often.