Cache Clearing on Xiaomi Redmi 6: A Complete Guide to MIUI 9, 10 and 11

Xiaomi Redmi 6

polluted

3-5 GB

Cleaning up the cache on Redmi 6 is not just a recommendation, but a must if you notice at least one of the symptoms:

Applications spontaneously close or “fly out”.

The phone is heated for no apparent reason (even in standby mode).

The gallery or messengers show the error "Not enough memory".

The system gives a notification “Memory is almost full”, although you did not download anything.

In this article, you will find 3 working methods for cleaning cache, from standard MIUI tools to hidden features for power users, and learn which files can be deleted without risk and which should not be touched.

1.What is cache and why should it be cleaned on Redmi 6

Cache is a temporary file that creates apps and a system to speed things up, for example, when you open Instagram, it stores thumbnails of photos and videos in cache so that it can show them faster the next time it runs, and messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, browsers, and even system utilities) do the same.

The problem is that Redmi 6 has only 16 or 32 GB of storage (depending on the modification), and cache can take up to 20-30% of this volume, and some applications (especially games) create 500 MB-1 GB cache files that are never deleted automatically.

What is dangerous is a crowded cache:

• 📉 Slowdown: The system spends time searching for the right files among thousands of unnecessary ones.
• 🔥 CPU overheating: Constantly writing/reading data loads the Helio chipset P22.
• 🚫 Application failures: conflicts between outdated cache files and newer versions of programs.
• 📱 Fast battery discharge: background cache cleaning consumes charge (up to 10% per day).

On Redmi 6, the cache is divided into three types:

⚠️ Warning: Never delete files from the folder /data/dalvik-cache manually through the file manager! this can lead to a cyclic reboot of the smartphone (bootloop). TWRP Or standard recovery.

2. Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The safest method, which does not require superuser rights (root) or special programs, is suitable for removing the cache of messengers, social networks and games.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (like Facebook or YouTube) and open your card.
4. Go to the Warehouse section.
5. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

• 📊 In the Application menu, click on the filter icon (three lines).
• 🔍 Select by size, and the most voracious programs will be at the top.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache from applications larger than 100MB.

Applications with cache > 500 MB (games, maps)

Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

Social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser)

Photo gallery (miniatures and previews)

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On the Redmi. 6 s MIUI 9/10 cache of some system applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery) may not be cleared through the standard menu. 3 (through recovery).

Method 3: Automatically clean the cache through “Security”

MIUI has a built-in tool for optimizing the system, the Security app, which not only removes the cache, but also closes the background processes, saving battery life.

How to use:

1. Open the Security app (if it isn’t on your desktop, search through search).
2. Go to the Cleanup tab (broom icon).
3. Wait for the scan to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. Press Clean (blue button at the bottom).
5. Confirm the action if a request appears.

What removes this tool:

• 🗑️ Cache applications (except system applications).
• 📁 Temporary download files.
• 🧹 Residual files of remote programs.
• 📊 System Logs (not critical)

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No rebooting required.
• ✅ Clears the cache of all applications in one tap.
• ✅ It shows how much memory is freed up.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone is slower after cleaning through Security, check the list of auto-run apps. Sometimes MIUI mistakenly disables the background of important services (e.g. Google Play Services). To fix this, go to Security → Auto-Run and turn on the desired apps.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to brake

Never cleaned it up.

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4. Method 3: Deeply clean the cache through Recovery Mode

If the first two methods didn’t work, or if you want to remove the system cache (including Dalvik), you’ll have to use Recovery Mode, which is suitable for power users, as it requires a reboot to a special mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume buttons up at the same time and hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select the Wipe & Reset option → Wipe Cache.
6. Confirm the action (usually you need to choose Yes).
7. After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

What this method does:

• 🧹 Deletes all temporary system files (folder /cache).
• 🔄 Resets the Dalvik cache (accelerates Android).
• 📱 Does not affect user data (photos, messages, applications).

When to use Wipe Cache:

• 🐢 The phone is slowing down after the update. MIUI.
• 🔄 Applications are constantly giving out a “stopped” error.
• 📱 The system writes "Not enough memory," although there is plenty of space.

Once the cache is cleaned through Recovery, it can take up to 5 minutes for the first system to start up -- that's OK. Don't interrupt the process!

5. Additional methods: cleaning the cache without root and with root

If the standard methods didn't work, we could use third-party tools, and let's look at two options: for users without root rights, and for those who do.

No root rights: applications for cleaning cache

There are many utilities on Google Play that promise a "magic" cleanup, but most of them are either useless or contain ads.

• 🛠️ SD Maid – deletes residual files and cache, including hidden folders.
• 🧹 CCleaner is a classic cleaner, but it doesn't work well on MIUI.
• 📁 Files by Google is a simple manager with a cache cleaner function.

How to use SD Maid:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and provide access to the storage.
3. Go to CorpseFinder (search for residual files).
4. Press Run Now and wait for the scan to be completed.
5. Select unnecessary files and delete them.

Root rights: Complete cleaning of system cache

If you have root, you can delete all types of cache, including Dalvik, without using Recovery.This will require a root-enabled file manager (like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Open Root Explorer and grant superuser rights.
2. Go to /data/dalvik-cache.
3. Delete all files with the.dex extension.
4. Go to /cache and delete all the contents of the folder.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: After manually cleaning the Dalvik cache, the first launch of the system will take up to 10 minutes, as Android will recover the necessary files.

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If the applications are slower after cleaning the cache, try reinstalling them, which will help restore optimal caching settings.

6.How to prevent fast cache filling on Redmi 6

Cleaning the cache is a temporary solution, so that the problem does not come back every week, follow these tips:

• 📵 Limit background activity: Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management. Select App Selection and disable auto-start for unnecessary programs.
• 📥 Set up automatic cleaning: In the Safety app, turn on Auto Cleanup (Clean Up tab → Settings). Set a schedule (e.g., once a week).
• 📸 Control messenger cache: On WhatsApp: Settings → Storage → Storage Management → Delete unnecessary media files. On Telegram: Settings → Data and memory → Clear the cache.

We also recommend:

• 🚫 Do not install cleaners and optimizers from unknown sources—they often contain viruses.
• 🔄 Update MIUI regularly, with improved cache management.
• 📁 Use the cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to store photos and videos so that you don’t clog your phone’s memory.

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On Redmi 6 with 16 GB of memory, the cache can take up to 3-4 GB. Regular cleaning (once every 1-2 weeks) will extend the life of the smartphone by 2-3 years.

7. Frequent errors in cleaning the cache and how to avoid them

Many users make mistakes that, instead of speeding up the phone, have the opposite effect.

Another common problem is that the cache fills up quickly again.

• 🎮 Games (PUBG, Free Fire, Genshin Impact) – they create cache sizes up to 1-2 GB.
• 📺 Streaming services (YouTube, TikTok) – save videos in cache for offline viewing.
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) – cache maps and routes.

Decision:

• For games: in the game settings, turn off Data Caching or Offline Mode.
• For streaming: In the app settings, limit the video quality to 480p.
• For cards: regularly clean the cache manually or disable the Offline cards.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions