Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs and Mi Box consoles are powered by Android TV, which, like any computer or smartphone, tends to accumulate temporary files during operation. This data, known as cache, is created to speed up the loading of frequently used apps and web pages, but over time its volume can become critical. When memory space runs out, the device starts to work slower, applications can spontaneously close, and the interface can hang when you switch menus.
Owners of equipment often notice that after prolonged use, Xiaomi TV responds to commands with a delay or video in streaming services stops for buffering even with good Internet. Cache cleaning is the safest and most effective way to return the system to its previous sharpness without having to completely reset to factory settings that would delete all your accounts and installed programs. Understanding the mechanisms of memory will help you keep the gadget in perfect condition for years.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for deleting temporary files, from the standard system tools to the use of third-party utilities and hidden engineering menus. You will learn which folders you can touch and which you should not touch, so as not to disrupt the operating system, and will also consider the nuances of working with different versions of the PatchWall shell and a clean Android TV.
Why you need to clean the cache on Smart TV
Cache is designed to store temporary data that allows applications to run faster, like YouTube saving thumbnails of videos, and browsers saving elements of web pages to keep them from being reloaded every time from the network. However, cleaning algorithms don't always work perfectly, and old files can conflict with new versions of programs or simply take up precious space, which is already scarce on the built-in TV drive.
The accumulation of digital debris leads to fragmentation of the file system, which causes the processor to search for the necessary data longer. System resources are wasted, which is especially noticeable on models with 1 or 2 GB of RAM. Regular prevention helps to avoid errors in the operation of applications, such as a black screen at startup or the inability to log in to the profile.
⚠️ Note: Clearing the cache does not delete your personal data, logins, passwords or saves in games. However, clearing the data (Data) of the application will completely reset its state before installing it.
In addition, some applications may not update properly if old cache files block the installation of new components, in which case deleting temporary files solves the problem without having to reinstall the application itself, especially for heavy services like Netflix or IVi, which are actively using local storage.
Cleaning the cache through the system settings of Android
The most reliable and secure method of deleting temporary files is built directly into the operating system, it does not require the installation of additional software and ensures that only secure data will be deleted. First, you need to go to the main menu and find the settings section, which is usually indicated by the gear ikon in the upper right corner of the screen.
Depending on the firmware version and regional model, the path to the desired menu may vary slightly. In most cases, the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📺 Go to the Settings menu on the main TV screen.
- 📂 Select the Apps or Apps and Notifications.
- 🔍 Find a program that consumes a lot of memory or is unstable.
- 🗑️ Click on the Clear Cache button).
Note that in some versions of the PatchWall shell, the interface can be adapted, and the application control point can be located inside the About Device or Storage section. If you do not find the right option right away, search for the settings by entering the word "Apps" or "Memory." The system approach allows you to clean the cache selectively for each program, which gives more flexible control over the system.
☑️ Checking before cleaning
It is important to distinguish between the Clear Cache and Clear Data buttons. The first one deletes only temporary files, the second one resets the application completely, requiring re-authorization, and be careful when you click so that you do not accidentally lose the settings of your favorite service.
Use of the built-in cleaner MI Cleaner
Xiaomi preinstalles a proprietary system optimization utility on its TVs, which is often hidden in the depth of the menu or accessible through voice search.This tool is designed specifically for working with the file system of the brand’s TVs and can safely delete residual files that are not removed by standard Android tools.
To start a deep cleanup, find the Cleaner or MI Cleaner app in the list of all installed programs. If there is no shortcut on the home screen, try using the voice assistant by holding the microphone button on the remote and saying "Memory Cleanup." The program will analyze the device and suggest that you delete unnecessary files.
| Type of data | Description | Security of removal |
|---|---|---|
| Cash app. | Temporary programme files | Safe. |
| Residual files | Fragments after deleting programs | Safe. |
| Large files | Downloaded videos or archives | Requires a check-up. |
| System cache | Data from LO work | Dangerous (only experienced) |
Using the built-in cliner is especially effective after removing a large number of applications, as it is able to find "tails" in the form of empty folders and broken links in the registry. Automated cleaning takes only a couple of minutes, but can significantly free up space on the internal drive.
What if the cleaner doesn’t find the files?
Application of third-party cleaning applications
Staff funds are not always enough, especially if the TV is actively used and install many third-party applications from the Internet. APK-In these cases, the specialized third-party tools available on the Google Play Store come to the rescue, and they have more advanced garbage-retrieval algorithms and allow for scheduled cleaning.
One of the most popular and proven programs is Files by Google or the specialized Clean Master for Android TV. These applications have an interface adapted to control from the remote, which eliminates the need to connect the mouse. Once installed, run the scan and allow the application to access storage.
- 🚀 Files by Google: Google’s official app that securely removes duplicates and temporary files.
- 🧹 Clean Master: Has the function of “accelerating” RAM, closing the background processes.
- 🛡️ SD Maid: An advanced tool for users who want to manually control every file in the system.
When installing third-party software, remember about security: download applications only from official stores. Third-party “accelerators” that promise to increase performance at times are often a source of advertising and unnecessary load on the processor. The most effective are lightweight utilities that do not hang in the background constantly, but are launched only at the request of the user.
⚠️ Note: Avoid installing apps with names like «RAM Booster Pro" or "Super Cleaner" if they are low-rated or by an unknown developer.They may contain malicious code or adware modules.
Removing cache through developer mode
For advanced users who want to gain full control of the system, there is the possibility of clearing the cache through the developer menu, which allows you to see hidden processes and clear the cache even of those system services that are not available in normal mode.
To activate the developer mode, go to Settings → About Device. Find the Build item and click on it 7 times in a row. After the message “You became a developer” appears, a new section for developers (Developer Options) will appear in the settings menu.
Path to the menu: Settings → Device → About the system → Assembly (7 clicks)Inside the developer menu, you can find the option to force services to stop or clear the Dalvik/ART cache, but the standard item "Clear all cache" may not be there. Most often, this section is used to debug over USB or limit background processes. Manipulating system files without understanding their purpose can lead to unstable TV operation, so use this method only if you are sure of your actions.
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Before entering the developer mode, write down the current parameters values so that in case of an error, you can return the original settings.
Radical measures: Resetting to factory settings
If none of the cleaning methods has helped to fix the brakes and errors, perhaps the problem lies deeper in the file system or update conflicts, in which case the only effective solution is to completely reset the device to factory settings (Factory Reset), which will delete all data, returning the TV to the state of “store-like”.
Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up important data, if possible, and remember the logins and passwords from the accounts. Reset can be done through the Settings menu → About the device → Reset or hardware buttons if the TV is not turned on.
The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the storage capacity and the speed of the drive, and when completed, the TV will prompt you to reset the initial setup, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Google account, which is guaranteed to remove all the accumulated software debris.
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A complete reset is a last resort that solves 99% of software problems, but takes time to reconfigure all applications and services.