How to completely clear the cache of all applications on Xiaomi Redmi: from standard methods to hidden features

The app cache on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a temporary file that helps programs load and run faster. However, over time, they accumulate, take up precious space in memory and can even slow down the device. If your Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or other model started to slow down, and in the Storage section you see gigabytes of busy Other Files, it's time to clean up.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to clean the cache - from standard tools. MIUI up to hidden functions and commands ADB. You will learn how to remove the cache selectively (for individual applications) or massively (for all programs at once), as well as what to do if the system does not allow you to clean some files. MIUI 12 before MIUI 14 Android-based 13/14.

Why the cache needs to be cleaned and when it really helps

Cache is not garbage, it's useful data that speeds up the re-launch of apps. For example, when you open Instagram, it saves thumbnails of photos so that it can be displayed instantly the next time.

• 📉 Phone slows down – apps take a long time to open, animations twitch, although free memory is enough.
• 🗑️ "Memory is filled" - in the storage settings you see that 5-10 GB is occupied by "Other Files" or "Cache".
• 🔄 Apps are buggy – for example, YouTube constantly reloads videos or Google Maps shows outdated data.
• 🔒 After updating MIUI — New firmware versions sometimes conflict with old cache files.

But there is a downside: after cleaning the cache, applications will run longer until new temporary files are accumulated, and some programs (for example, Spotify or Yandex.Music) can lose offline cached tracks.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the app cache with the dalvik-cache (system cache of the Android virtual machine). its cleaning requires root rights and can lead to system failure!

Method 1: Standard cache cleaning for individual applications

The easiest and safest method is to remove the cache for specific programs through the settings menu.This will not delete your data (such as WhatsApp messages or save in games), but will free up space.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application (for example, Facebook or TikTok).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. For a complete cleanup (including app data), choose Clear all data, but remember: this will delete accounts, settings and progress!

If the Clear Cache button is inactive, the application has not created cache files (or they have already been deleted).

Method 2: Mass cleaning the cache of all applications through "Optimization"

MIUI has a built-in tool to cache all user applications simultaneously, faster than going through each application alone, but without affecting system processes.

How to do this:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization section → Deep cleaning.
3. Click Clear the cache (usually the button is located at the bottom of the screen).
4. Confirm the action if a request appears.

This method removes the cache only for third-party applications (installed by the user). System applications (Settings, Phone, Messages) will remain intact. ADB.

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If the app gets worse after cleaning the cache (for example, Google Chrome loads pages for a long time), try restarting the phone.

Method 3: Hidden MIUI Optimizer feature for deep cleaning

Xiaomi hides from users the powerful tool MIUI Optimizer, which allows you to clear the cache of all applications at once, including system ones. This method works without root, but requires activation through the menu for developers.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

MIUI Optimizer

Security → Optimization

Deep cleaning of the system

This method removes the cache of even those applications that are not normally cleared through standard settings (for example, com.miui.home – MIUI launcher). However, after the procedure, the phone can restart, and some widgets – reset.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Redmi Note 11 and later) have an option MIUI Optimizer may not be on the developer menu. ADB (4).

Method 4: Cleaning the cache through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work and MIUI Optimizer isn’t available, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but allows you to clear the cache of any application, including system ones.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
• 📱 Initiated debugging mode USB on the phone (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. To clear the cache of all applications, run: adb shell pm trim-caches -1 This command will remove the cache of all user and system applications, except for mission-critical files.
5. To clear the cache of a particular application (e.g. Facebook): adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana Replace com.facebook.katana with the desired application package (you can find it through adb shell pm list packages).

ADB has the advantage of clearing the cache even for applications that don’t show up in the settings menu (e.g. com.xiaomi.mipicks or com.android.providers.media). However, don’t use the pm clear command for system packages (e.g. com.android.phone) unless you’re sure of the consequences!

Method 5: Cleaning the cache through Recovery (TWRP or stock)

If the phone is slow and doesn't respond to commands, you can clear the cache through recovery mode, which is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installed, but partially works in drain Recovery.

For stock recovery (no root):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. Choose your language (if required).
4. Go to Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
6. Reboot your phone (Reboot → System)

For TWRP Recovery (requires an unlocked bootloader):

1. Download to TWRP (similar to drain recovery).
2. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the boxes Cache and Dalvik/ART Cache.
4. Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe) with your finger.
5. After completion, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Attention: Cleaning Dalvik Cache in TWRP This will result in a longer first load (up to the end) 5-10 Don't interrupt the process!

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Clearing the cache through Recovery does not delete user data, but resets some system settings (such as application rights or background processes).

What to do if the cache is not cleared: common problems and solutions

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the cache stays in place, or the system gives out errors.

• 🚫 "Failed to clear the cache" — try: "Reboot the phone. Clear the cache through ADB (Remove updates to the problem application (Settings) → Annexes → ⋮ → Remove updates).
• 🔄 Cache comes back after cleaning - the fault is an app that actively caches data (e.g. Google Play Services).Solution: Limit the background activity of the app (Settings) → Annexes → Battery → Background Activity: Turn off Auto Update for this app on Google Play.
• 🔒 The system application does not allow you to clear the cache - use: ADB App Inspector (requires root) with pm clear command).

If no method has worked, maybe the problem isn't cache, but memory fragmentation or damaged partitions.

• 📱 Reset to factory settings (save data!).
• 🔧 Fastboot flashing (if the phone is warranty, it will cancel it).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning cache on Xiaomi Redmi