Why Xiaomi Redmi is clogging memory with garbage?
Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are some of the most popular in Russia due to the price-performance ratio, but they have a common problem: over time, internal memory is clogged with unnecessary files. Even if you do not install new applications, the system creates cache, temporary files and residual data from remote programs, as a result of which the Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10C or POCO X5 begin to slow down, and the free space melts before your eyes.
There are several reasons: aggressive MIUI optimization, background work of Google and Xiaomi services, and the peculiarities of Android working with memory. For example, after updating the firmware, old system files are not always deleted automatically, and many users do not know that cleaning through Settings only removes some of the garbage - the bulk is hidden in /data and /cache folders, where you can not look without root access.
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to clean memory on Xiaomi Redmi – from basic to advanced, including hidden MIUI features and working with ADB. You will learn how to free up 2 to 10 GB of space without losing important data.
1. Built-in cleaning MIUI: What is missing and what is missing
The easiest way is to use the built-in Cleanup tool in MIUI, which is available on all models, from the Redmi 9A to the Redmi Note 13 Pro+.
- Open the settings → About the phone → Memory.
- Click Clean at the bottom of the screen.
- Select file categories (cache, downloads, duplicates) and confirm deletion.
This method removes:
- 🗑️ Application cache (temporarily speeds up work, but quickly recovers).
- 📁 Unnecessary APK-Files (remains from installed applications).
- 📥 Download files (unless they are marked as important).
- 🔄 Duplicate photos and videos (does not work on all firmware).
However, the built-in cleaning does not affect:
- 🧹 System cache (/cache and /data/dalvik-cache).
- 📦 Residual files after uninstallation of applications.
- 🔧 System logs and debugging dumps (can take up to 1-2 GB).
⚠️ Note: If the free space has not increased after cleaning, check the folder MIUI/Backup/AllBackup — There may be old backups weighing several gigabytes.
2.Manual cleaning: which folders can be removed without risk
MIUI creates many hidden folders that grow over time, and can be manually deleted through any file manager (e.g., Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer), and the rule of thumb is, don't touch folders called Android, system or miui, which can cause a system crash.
Safe for cleaning folders:
| folder | What it keeps. | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| Download | Downloaded files from the browser, messengers | Yes (except for important documents) |
| DCIM/.thumbnails | Photo and video miniatures | Yes (restore automatically) |
| MIUI/Backup | Backup copies of applications and settings | Yeah (unless you need old backups) |
| Android/data/<Remote App folders> | Residual files of uninstalled programs | Yes (releases up to 1-3 GB) |
| Android/obb | Additional game data (cache, levels) | Partially (remove only for remote games) |
How to find these folders:
- Open the Mi File Explorer.
- Enable the display of hidden files in the menu (three dots → Settings → Show hidden files).
- Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
⚠️ Attention: Folder Android/data It can weigh a few gigabytes. Only remove subfolders that are remote applications. You can't touch the data of the programs that are running, and it will lead to their collapse.
Back up important files | Check the free space before and after |Do not delete folders with unknown extensions |Reboot your phone after cleaning-->
3. Cleaning the cache of applications: what gives and how to do it correctly
App caches are temporary files that are created to speed up programs. Over time, they accumulate and can take anywhere from 500 MB to 5 GB (especially in games and social networks).Cache cleaning does not delete your data (logins, messages, game progress), but can slow down the first application loading slightly after cleaning.
How to clear the cache:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select an app (such as Facebook or TikTok).
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
For mass cleaning:
- 🔍 Use it. SD Maid (requires root) or Files by Google (no root).
- 📊 In Files by Google, go to the Cleanup tab. → Cash app.
- 🎯 The app will show which programs take up the most space.
Critical information: On some firmware MIUI (For example, on the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14) cleaning the cache through Settings does not remove the cache of system applications. ADB-team:
adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.homeReplace com.miui.home with the application package you want (you can find out through the App Inspector).
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If the application has become slower after cleaning the cache, restart the phone – MIUI will reassemble optimized files in 5-10 minutes.
4. System garbage disposal via ADB (no root)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to remove system debris without superuser rights.The method works on all Xiaomi Redmi, but requires a connection to a computer.
What can be removed through ADB:
- 🗑️ Dalvik cache (dalvik-cache) speeds up the system.
- 📦 Residual update files (/cache).
- 🔧 Logs and dumps (/data/tombstones, /data/anr).
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack.
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the command line in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the commands in turn: adb devices adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*" su -c "rm -rf /cache/*" exit adb reboot
⚠️ Note: Su commands require an unlocked bootloader. If you don't have one, use an alternative method: adb shell pm trim-caches 1000000000 This command will force clear the cache of all applications.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. MIUI Optimization: Disabling Unnecessary Functions
MIUI is known for its heavy interface, which consumes a lot of memory, and if you turn off some functions, you can free up to 1-2 GB and speed up the phone.
What can be turned off:
- 📡 Auto-update MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Downloading (turn off).
- 🔍 Application search: Settings → Home screen → Search for applications (disable if not used).
- 📊 Usage statistics: Settings → Battery and productivity → Usage statistics (disable data collection).
- 🎵 Mi-Pei and Mi-Music: these apps run in the background and cache data. Delete or freeze through Settings → Annexes.
It is also recommended to disable the animation interface, which will visually speed up the work:
- Enable Developer Mode (as in the ADB section).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the items: Window animation scale → No animation. Transition animation scale → No animation. Animation duration scale → No animation. Animation duration scale → No animation.
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Turning off animations doesn't free up memory, but it makes the interface visually faster. For real space savings, delete cache and unnecessary apps.
6 Advanced methods: root and custom firmware
If you are willing to take drastic measures, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) can free up to 5-10 GB by removing pre-installed software (bloatware) and optimizing the system.
What root does:
- 🧹 Complete folder cleaning /data/app residual files.
- 🔧 Removal of system applications (Mi Video, Mi Browser, GetApps).
- 📉 Disabling unnecessary services MIUI Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher.
How to get root on Xiaomi Redmi:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
- Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset the phone to factory settings and may take away warranties.On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) When the Widevine is unblocked, it stops working. L1, Why Netflix and Disney are+ Showing video in low resolution.
An alternative to root is debloather scripts (e.g. Universal Android Debloater) that work through ADB and remove unnecessary applications without unlocking the bootloader.
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser7. Prevention: How to prevent memory clogging
To avoid clearing your memory every month, follow these simple rules:
- 📱 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions optimized work with memory.
- 🚫 Do not install apps from unknown sources – they often contain hidden debris.
- ☁️ Use cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud) to automatically upload photos and videos.
- 🔄 Set up automatic cleaning in Files by Google or CCleaner.
- 📵 Limit background activity for social media: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
It is also useful to reset /data cache every 2-3 months through recovery:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery.
- Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
- Reset the device.
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If you install and delete games frequently, create a separate Android/obb/games folder and transfer the game cache to it, making it easier to clean it.