How to Clean Cache on Xiaomi Redmi: From System Files to Applications

Over time, even the most powerful Xiaomi Redmi smartphone begins to slow down: apps open longer, the system hangs down, and there is less free memory, and the culprit of these problems often hides in cache — temporary files that accumulate when MIUI OS and installed programs work. But cleaning the cache does not always solve the problem, and sometimes aggravates it if you do it wrong.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to clean up Redmi cache, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users, which files can be deleted without risk and which should not be touched, even if they take up gigabytes of memory, and focus on models with a small amount of internal memory (32-64 GB), where each megabyte counts.

For example, manually cleaning the cache of system applications through ADB can cause MIUI failures if you delete critical files. But regular cleaning of the cache of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or social networks (TikTok, Instagram) is a mandatory procedure for owners of Redmi with 3/32 GB or 4/64 GB.

What is cache and why you need to clean it on Xiaomi Redmi

Cache is a temporary file that creates apps and a system to speed up your work, for example, when you open Instagram, the app stores thumbnails of photos in the cache so that it can show them instantly the next time you run, the same thing happens with web pages in your browser, maps in Google Maps or music in Spotify.

The problem is that over time, the cache grows into an uncontrollable size: on the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 9A with 64 GB of storage, the cache can take up 5-10 GB — almost a fifth of all storage!

The main signs that it is time to clean the cache:

• 📱 Phone brakes when switching between applications.
• 🔄 Applications spontaneously close or issue errors.
• 📉 Free memory is less than 10% of the total amount.
• 🔋 The battery discharges faster than usual (the cache can be background processor load).

However, not all cache can be deleted without consequences, such as cleaning the cache of the system application com.miui.home. MIUI) Reset your desktop settings, and delete the com.google.android.gms cache may disrupt Google services.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method is to manually remove cache for specific programs, which does not affect system files and allows you to control what data is left and what is deleted.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose an app (such as Chrome or Facebook).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

To speed up the process, you can sort applications by cache size:

1. In the Application Management section, click on three dots (⋮) top-right.
2. Select Sort. → By size.
3. Clear cache from apps that are larger than 100-200MB (e.g. TikTok, YouTube, games).

Social networks (Instagram, Facebook, VK)|Messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp)|Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser)|Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact)|Streaming services (YouTube, Netflix)-->

⚠️ Note: Do not cache system applications called com.android., com.miui. or com.google.* unless you are sure of their purpose. MIUI data loss.

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi 9C or Redmi A1), after cleaning the cache, the application may temporarily run slower, which is normal.

Method 2: Automatically clean the cache through “Security”

Xiaomi has built a tool for automatic garbage cleaning into MIUI, including cache.It’s called “Security” (or “Security” in global firmware) and is available on all Redmi models from Redmi 5 to Redmi Note 12 Pro+.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Click Optimization or Acceleration (depending on the MIUI version).
3. Wait for the scan to be completed and click Clean.
4. In the Deep Clean section, you can further delete unnecessary files (for example, duplicate photos or remnants of deleted applications).

Advantages of this method:

• 🤖 Automatic analysis – the system itself determines which files can be deleted.
• 🛡️ Security – critical system data is not affected.
• ⚡ Convenience – cleaning in one click.

However, “Security” has its disadvantages:

• 🧹 It does not remove all cache, but only “unnecessary” files according to the Xiaomi algorithm.
• 📊 It does not provide detailed information on which files were deleted.

💡

If the phone still brakes after cleaning through Security, try restarting it. Some background processes may continue to use deleted files until restart.

Method 3: Clearing the cache with Recovery Mode (for power users)

If the phone is heavily contaminated or unresponsive to standard methods, you can use Recovery Mode, a special recovery mode that works for Redmi models with unlocked bootloader or custom firmware, but it also works on stock devices.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Choose Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data, which will reset your phone to factory settings!).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Restart the phone (Reboot).

This method cleans all temporary system files, including update cache, Dalvik cache (for Android applications) and other service data. After the procedure, the first MIUI run may take longer - that's normal.

⚠️ Warning: Do not confuse Wipe Cache with Wipe Data! The second option will completely reset your phone by deleting all your data (photos, contacts, messages). If you accidentally chose Wipe Data, immediately cancel the action - you will have 5-10 seconds before the reset begins.

Some Redmi models (such as the Redmi K50 or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) may not have Wipe Cache in the Recovery Mode, in which case use an alternative method, through ADB (described below).

Method 4: Cleaning the cache of system applications through ADB (advanced layer)

For users who want full control of the cache, including system applications, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method is suitable, which requires connecting the phone to the computer, but allows you to remove the cache even of programs that do not appear in the standard settings.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to view the list of large cache packets: adb shell "pm list packages -s | grep -E'([0-9]+[M|K])|(cache)'"
4. To clear the cache of a particular application (e.g. Google Play Services) use: adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms

List of safe for cleaning system packages:

⚠️ Note: pm clear commands delete all application data, not just the cache. Use: adb shell pm trim-caches for selective cleaning 100M This command will remove the cache of all applications exceeding 100 MB.

Method 5: Using third-party applications to clean up the cache

If standard MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities, but it's important to choose a reliable application to avoid running into viruses or unnecessary "optimizers" that themselves become a source of garbage.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🧹 SD Maid is a deep cleaning of cache, duplicates and residues of deleted programs. There is a feature CorpseFinder to find dead files.
• 🔍 Files by Google – a simple tool from Google with a cache cleaner function and recommendations for freeing up space.
• 🛡️ CCleaner is a classic cleaner, but be careful with “optimizing” your boot (can disable the system processes you need).

How to use SD Maid:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Start the scan (CorpseFinder → Run).
3. In the AppCleaner section, select apps and click Clean.
4. For deep cleaning, use SystemCleaner (root rights are required, but MIUI is not usually required).

Warning: Some SEOs (such as Clean Master or DU Speed Booster) aggressively delete files and may disrupt MIUI. After using them, Redmi users often encounter:

💡

Third-party cleaners should only be used if standard methods have not worked. Always check the reviews and rating of the application before installing.

Frequent Cache Clearing Errors on Xiaomi Redmi and How to Avoid Them

Many users make mistakes that, instead of speeding up the phone, lead to new problems, and the most common ones are:

❌ Error 1: Clearing the cache of all applications in a row

Some people, in pursuit of free space, delete the cache of all applications, including system applications, and this leads to:

• 🔄 Long-term restart of the phone (up to 10-15 minutes).
• 📱 Loss of widgets and desktop settings.
• 🚫 Google Play Services (no apps will be updated).

Solution: Clear the cache only for applications that actually take up a lot of space or are unstable.

❌ Error 2: Using garbage cleanup features in questionable apps

Many Google Play SEOs promise to “speed up your phone by 300%” but in reality:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Collect your data (browser history, contacts).
• 📊 False warnings about “critical errors».
• 💰 Requires payment for “premium cleaning».

Solution: Use only proven utilities (such as SD Maid) or built-in MIUI tools.

❌ Error 3: Regularly cleaning the cache without the need

Cache is used to speed up applications, and if you clean it too often (for example, once a day), you will get the opposite effect:

• 🐢 Applications will be open longer (they will have to re-upload data).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (reloading the cache wastes energy).
• 📶 Increased consumption of mobile traffic.

Solution: Clear the cache only when the phone starts to brake or less than 10% of the memory is left.

💡

If you often clear Google Chrome or YouTube cache, turn on the Traffic Saving option in their settings, which will reduce the size of the cached files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Cache Cleaning on Xiaomi Redmi