How to clean Xiaomi phone memory from garbage and system files

Xiaomi smartphone owners are well aware of the situation when internal storage suddenly runs out and the system begins to insist on vacating space, not only because of the accumulation of thousands of photos, but also due to the background processes that create temporary files. In the operating system MIUI or a new HyperOS over the years of use may accumulate gigabytes of “digital garbage”, which slows down the operation of the device.

Effective cleaning requires a comprehensive approach, from simply removing applications to deep cleaning of system folders. It is important to understand that simply removing an application is not enough, since its residual files often remain in memory. Below we will look at proven methods that will help you to return gigabytes of free space without losing important data.

Do not ignore the first notifications about the lack of space, as this can lead to incorrect operation of messengers and the inability to install security updates. Timely memory optimization prolongs the life of the drive and keeps the interface speed at a high level.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The easiest and safest way to start cleaning is to use a regular shell developer tool. Every Xiaomi smartphone has an app preinstalled that has access to system logs and cache. Run the Security program on your desktop and select Cleanup. The system will automatically analyze the content and suggest that you delete temporary files.

But automatic cleaning is often superficial. After scanning, click on the bin icon, but don't be in a hurry to confirm the action. Carefully look at the list of found items: sometimes there are important documents or saved Wi-Fi passwords that you don't want to lose. Deep cleaning in this menu allows you to select specific categories of files to be manually deleted.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files with the.apk extension unless you are sure you don't need them. Often these are installation packages of recently downloaded applications that you may need to reinstall without the Internet.

For more detailed analysis, click on the Cleanup section inside the app and go to Files tab. You can sort the data by size. Deleting old videos from instant messengers often frees up more space than cleaning the system cache. Remember, app cache is temporary data that speeds up the launch of programs, and deleting it will cause applications to download information again.

Manual cleaning through File Manager

Google's MIUI or Files Explorer provides access to the entire file system. Go to the internal drive root folder. We're interested in folders with the names of installed applications, such as com.whatsapp, com.tencent.mm or com.viber.voip. These directories often store media files that are duplicated in the gallery.

Pay special attention to the Android/data folder. It stores game and heavy-app data. Deleting the contents of this active-play folder will reset its progress or cause it to re-download resources. So be careful. The best thing to do is to look for files by size: sort the contents of the folder by size and delete forgotten archives or videos.

It's also worth checking the Download folder, which is where everything from the browser is saved by default, PDF-You can check the files and pictures you viewed a month ago, and it's a great way to keep things in order, and don't forget to check the Bluetooth folder if you've been airlifting your files a lot.

Cleaning messengers: Telegram and WhatsApp

Messengers are the main memory eaters on modern smartphones. Telegram, for example, caches all photos and videos viewed, even if they are not saved to the gallery. To clear this cache, open the app's settings, go to the Data and Memory section, and select Memory Use, where you can safely clear the cache without deleting correspondence.

WhatsApp is similar, but folder structure is more complicated: Android/media/com.whatsapp stores all the media files it receives inside the folder; deleting them through the Explorer will free up space, but the files will disappear from the chats; better use the built-in cleanup function: Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Management.

It's important to set up automatic cleaning. Telegram can set a cache size limit (e.g. 500MB) and the app will delete old files itself. This will save you from having to do it manually in the future. Automating maintenance is key to a stable system.

Removal of duplicates and large files

Over the years, hundreds of copies of the same photos are stored in memory, as they are edited, sent to messengers, or synchronized, and you can use the built-in Cleanup tool in the Security app to find these files by selecting the Similar Photos tab.

If there's not enough regular funds, you should use specialized utilities, but with caution. Many "cleaners" contain ads and take up space themselves. You better manually go through the album "Screenshots" and "Favorites" by removing the irrelevant. 4K video takes up a huge space; consider whether to store them in their original quality.

Modern cloud services like Google Photos or Yandex.Disk offer a "Free Space" feature that removes files that have already been successfully uploaded to the cloud from your device, a secure way to migrate the archive to the Internet, leaving only thumbnails on your phone.

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Use the “Free Space” feature in Google Photos only after checking that the sync is complete and all photos are visible in the cloud from another device.

Deletion of applications and their residual files

Simply removing an icon from your desktop doesn’t always completely clean up the system. Some apps leave behind folders with logs and settings. To complete the complete deletion, go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Select an unnecessary program and click “Delete”.

Once removed, it is recommended to check the Android/data and Android/obb folder for folders with the name of the remote app. If you have them and you do not plan to reinstall, they can be deleted, especially for heavy games that can leave gigabytes of data after deleting.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system applications that have the words "Services", "Framework" or "System" in their name, even if they consume a lot of space.

For advanced users, there is the option of disabling system applications via ADB, but this requires a connection to a computer. The average user just needs to delete user applications that he has not used for more than three months. Regular audit of installed software helps keep the system clean.

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Deleting the application through settings is the only guaranteed way to correctly remove the program and its basic data, as opposed to simply dragging the icon to the basket.

Using a PC for Deep Cleaning

Connecting a smartphone to a computer through USB-And the cable allows you to see the file system as folders on the computer, and it's convenient for mass deletion of files (MTP) You can sort the contents of folders by size and date, which is less convenient to do on the phone.

With a PC, it's easy to find hidden folders that aren't visible in standard Explorer. Pay attention to folders with social media or editor names. Often they have drafts of projects or auto-saves that you don't need anymore. Transferring the photo archive to your computer's hard drive is the best way to free up space.

Recommended folder structure for backup on PC:


/Backup_Photos/2023




/Backup_Photos/2026




/Backup_Videos/Projects

When working through a PC, the risk of accidentally removing the system file above, because you can see the entire structure. Be careful not to touch folders whose purpose you do not know. Backing up important data before such a procedure is a must.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)