How to Clear the Cache of ALL Android Apps (Xiaomi) Immediately – Full Guide

Xiaomi's MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but over time, even they start to slow down. One of the main reasons is the cache of applications that you used to clean for each application individually, spending minutes on routine activities, but now there are ways to do it en masse in a few clicks. Why is it important? Cache can take up gigabytes of memory, slow down the system and even cause crashes in applications.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of cleaning cache for all applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from standard MIUI tools to hidden features and third-party utilities. And also explain which cache can be deleted without risk, and which is better not to touch, so as not to break the system. If your smartphone is slower, the applications freeze or the memory ends “unclear where” – this is the manual for you.

Before you start, check how much cache your device takes up. Go to Settings → About Phone → Memory. If you see numbers larger than 1-2 GB in System Cache or App Cache, it’s time to act.

1. Standard method: clearing the cache through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for all modern Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older devices on MIUI 12-14.

How does it work? MIUI allows you to clear the cache of all user applications (but not system!) through the storage menu, which does not require superuser rights (root) and does not affect the operation of the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → Memory (or Storage in some versions).
3. Click on the “Clear” button in the “App Cache” block (may be called “Cache Data”).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Attention:

This method does not clear the cache of system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui or com.miui.home).If you need to remove it, use the methods in the following sections.

How much space will be available? Depends on the number of apps installed. On average, 500 MB to 3-4 GB. For example, after cleaning up on POCO F4 with 20+ games and social networks, about 2.7 GB is freed up.

2. Hidden MIUI function: "System optimization"

MIUI has a hidden system optimization tool that allows you to thoroughly clean the cache, including system files, which is more effective than standard, but requires caution.

How do you find this tool?

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization (or Acceleration) section.
3. Click on “Deep Clean” → “Clear Cache.”
4. Select “Clean All” (includes the cache of system and user applications).

⚠️ Attention:

After deep cleaning, some apps (like Google Maps or YouTube) can take longer to load on their first run, as they have to recover the cache again, which is normal and doesn’t affect performance in the long run.

What's cleaned up in this mode?

• 📱 Cache all user applications (as in the standard method).
• 🔧 Cache of system services (com.android.providers.media, com.miui.gallery, etc.).
• 🗑️ Temporary files MIUI, including logs and memory dumps.
• 🚫 Not cleared: application data (save games, account settings), system updates.

This method is recommended to use 1 time in 1-2 months if you notice a significant slowdown in the smartphone.

3.Cache clearing via ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to use the developer tools, the method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will clear the cache of all applications, including system ones, which are not available through standard settings.

What you need:

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

Cleaning instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (on the smartphone screen will appear a request).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to clear the cache of all applications: adb shell pm trim-caches -1 or (for deeper cleaning): adb shell "su -c 'rm -rf /data//cache/'" Note: the second command requires root rights.

⚠️ Attention:

The rm -rf /data//cache/ command removes the cache without recovery, including some system process data, and if there are errors in MIUI after it is executed, you may need to reset the settings.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Clears 100% of cache, including system files.
• 🛠️ Suitable for devices with a corrupted file system (if standard methods do not work).

Disadvantages:

• 🔧 Requires skills to work with ADB.
• 🚨 Risk of damaging the system if used incorrectly.

4. Third-party applications for mass cleaning of cache

If you don't want to mess with settings or ADB, you can use third-party utilities that offer automatic cleaning, junk file analysis, and even a task scheduler.

Top.-3 apps:

How to use (as an example of SD Maid):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and provide access to the storage.
3. Go to the “CorpseFinder” section (search for residual files) or “AppCleaner” section (clear cache).
4. Select "Select All» → «Run».
5. Confirm removal.

⚠️ Attention:

Some applications (such as CCleaner) can delete not only the cache, but also application data (such as game savers).

How much space does it free up? SD Maid? on tests with Xiaomi 12T After a month of use, the app found and deleted up to 4.2 GB of junk files, including cache, temporary files and remnants of deleted programs.

💡

Before using third-party cleaners, create a restore point in Settings → System → Backup. This will help you get your data back if something goes wrong.

5.Cache cleanup via Recovery Mode (for power users)

If the smartphone is slowing down and standard methods are not helping, you can clear the cache through Recovery Mode, which resets the partition cache, which can solve performance problems, but requires caution.

When do you need it?

• 🐢 The smartphone has become unbearably slow even after standard cleaning.
• 🔄 Apps are constantly flying out or not opening.
• 📉 Memory is filled with “unknown what” (in settings shows 0 bytes freely).

How to clean the cache through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up (on some models - Power + Volume up + Volume down).
3. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons.
4. Use volume buttons to navigate, select "Wipe & Reset" → "Wipe Cache".
5. Confirm the action of the power button.
6. Once completed, select “Reboot” → “Reboot to System”.

⚠️ Attention:

Don't confuse "Wipe Cache" with "Wipe Data"! The second option will completely reset the phone to factory settings, deleting all your data.

What does this method do?

• 🧹 Remove the cache of all applications, including system.
• 🔧 Corrects File System Errors.
• 🚀 Accelerates the operation of the device due to the reset of temporary data.

Cons:

• 🔄 The first start after cleaning can take up to 5-10 minutes (the system recovers the cache).
• 📱 Some settings (such as desktop widgets) may reset.

💡

Cleaning the cache with Recovery is the most radical, but also the most effective way, and use it if other methods have not worked, or before installing custom firmware.

Which way to choose? Comparative table

To make it easier for you to decide, we have collected all methods in one table with pros and cons:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Clearing the cache seems like a simple procedure, but many users make mistakes that may make problems worse instead of solving them.

❌ Error 1: Delete application data instead of cache

There are two sections in MIUI settings: Clear cache and Clear data. The second option removes all saves, including logins, game progress and settings. Always check that you choose Cache.

❌ Mistake 2: Excessive cleaning

Cache is used to speed up applications. If you clean it every day, programs will take longer to load and the battery will run out faster (due to reloading data), the optimal frequency is 1 time every 1-2 weeks.

❌ Mistake 3: Using “cleaners” with aggressive settings

Some apps (like Clean Master) delete not only cache, but also useful files by default, and always manually configure them by disabling options like “RAM Cleanup” or “APK Delete.”

❌ Error 4: Cleaning the cache of system applications without root

If you are trying to manually remove the cache of system applications (for example, through Settings) → Annexes → Systemic), MIUI You can block this option. In this case, use it. ADB or recovery mode.

❌ Mistake 5: Ignoring backup

Even if you only clear the cache, always back up important data. In rare cases, the procedure can cause a failure (for example, if the file system is corrupted).

💡

If the smartphone gets worse after cleaning the cache, try restarting it in Safe Mode (press the power button → “Reboot in Safe Mode”), which will help you understand whether any particular application is to blame for the brakes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions