How to completely clean the memory on Xiaomi Mi 6A: from cache to factory settings

Why Xiaomi Mi 6A is fast filling memory and how to fix it

The Xiaomi Mi 6A (released in 2018) is still a popular budget device, but its main drawback is only 16 GB of internal memory. Even after installing basic applications, users are faced with the message “Not enough space”, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that MIUI automatically reserves up to 3-4 GB for system needs, leaving the user less than 12 GB.

The main memory eaters on the Mi 6A:

• 📸 App cache (especially Google Play Services, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• 🎥 Media files (photo in resolution 12 MP, video) 1080p)
• 🗑️ Residual files after deleting programs
• 🔄 Updates MIUI, scalable

In this article, 7 proven ways to clean up memory, from simple (discard) to radical (reset to factory settings), all methods tested on the Mi 6A with MIUI 10-12 and relevant for 2026.

Method 1: Manually cleaning the application cache

Cache is a temporary file that speeds up programs but takes up gigabytes over time. The Mi 6A features particularly voracious social media and instant messengers.

How to clear the cache for a separate application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a program (such as WhatsApp or Chrome).
3. Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data – it will delete accounts!).

For mass cleaning:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Put it on the Cache Data section.
3. Confirm the removal (released from 500 MB to 2 GB).

Delete the cache of Google Play Services|Clear the data MIUI Gallery (miniatures)|Delete the cache Telegram/WhatsApp|Check the Download folder

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⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (com.android.systemui, com.miui.home) – this can cause malfunctions MIUI.

Method 2: Delete unnecessary files through Cleanup

MIUI has a built-in Cleanup tool (formerly Security) that analyzes junk files.

• 🗑️ Remnants of Remote Applications
• 📁 Empty folders
• 📄 Repeated files (duplicate photos)
• 🎵 Unused. APK-file

How to use:

1. Open the Cleanup app (icon with broomstick).
2. Press Deep Cleaning → Scan.
3. Select file categories to delete (we recommend that you note everything except Downloads – there may be important documents).
4. Put it on the clean.

Hidden feature: There is a tab in Cleanup Large Files – there are videos and archives >100 MB in size. Often there are forgotten camera records or backups.

Method 3: Transfer data to a memory card

The Xiaomi Mi 6A supports microSD up to 256GB, but not all files can be moved.For example, apps are installed in internal memory by default.

What can be transferred:

• 📷 Photo and video (via Gallery) → highlight files → More. → Move it)
• 🎵 Music and podcasts (use a file manager, such as Mi File Manager)
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word, Excel)

How to make a memory card the main storage by default:

1. Insert the microSD into the slot (hybrid, so you have to choose - either a second SIM or a card).
2. When you first connect, select Use as internal memory (formatted in Adoptable Storage).
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If you have chosen the Internal Memory mode, the card cannot be retrieved without data loss. ADB-command (see method 6).

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Before perenosoming files to a memory card, check its speed class. 1080p video needs a class of 10 (U1) or higher, or it will slow down.

Method 4: Removing System Garbage Through ADB

For advanced users, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can remove hidden files that are not visible in standard settings, which is true if Cleanup doesn’t help.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on the Mi 6A USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap on version → return to Additional → For developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands: adb shell pm clear com.miui.cleanmaster # Clean up the cache rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Delete temporary files rm -rf /cache/* # Clean up the system cache

Risks: Incorrect commands can delete critical files. On the Xiaomi Mi 6A, it is forbidden to delete /system or /vendor folders, which will lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot).

Method 5: Disabling automatic MIUI updates

The MIUI system downloads updates in the background, taking up to 1-2 GB. On the Mi 6A with 16 GB of memory, this is critical.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Turn off Automatic Download over Wi-Fi and Auto Update.
4. Delete downloaded update files in the folder /sdcard/Downloaded_rom.

Alternative: install MIUI bootloader from Google Play – it allows you to selectively download only the necessary firmware versions.

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Disabling auto updates saves up to 1.5GB per month, but increases the risk of security vulnerabilities, and we recommend manually checking updates every 2-3 months.

Method 6: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

The extreme method, if other methods didn't work, will delete everything: apps, photos, accounts, settings. On the Mi 6A, the reset takes ~5 minutes.

Step-by-step:

1. Back up important data (export your contacts to VCF, and send your photos to your PC or cloud).
2. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting → Delete all data.
4. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.

After discharge:

• 🔄 The phone will reboot and offer to configure as new.
• 📱 Released. ~10-12 GB (depending on version) MIUI).
• ⚠️ The first 2-3 days the system will “stabilize” – possible slowdown.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 6A s MIUI 12+ After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account to unlock the bootloader. If you forget your password, use the recovery service.

Method 7: Alternative firmware (for experienced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that will remove pre-installed Xiaomi apps (like Mi Video, Mi Music) that take up ~1 GB.

Pros:

• ✅ Released up to 2-3 GB due to absence MIUI-bloke.
• ✅ More current versions of Android (for example, Android 11 instead of Android) MIUI 10).

Cons:

• ❌ The guarantee is lost (if it is still valid).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” in case of installation error.
• ❌ The company functions do not work (for example, IR-remote-blaster).

Instructions for installing LineageOS:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Mi 6A (version 3.3.1+).
3. Download the firmware from the official website (look for the cactus model).
4. Sweat through TWRP (wipe → install → reboot).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the memory Xiaomi Mi 6A