How to completely clean apps and their data on Xiaomi: from cache to system files

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS eventually start to slow down due to accumulated temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and crowded cache. Even after uninstalling programs, their data often remains in the device’s memory, taking up precious gigabytes and slowing down the system. In this article, we will analyze all the methods of cleaning, from basic decache to deep cleaning of system folders, including hidden files and APK residues.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi is that the manufacturer actively uses pre-installed system applications (the so-called bloatware), which cannot be removed by standard methods. We will show you how to get around this restriction without root rights, and also explain why cleaning through Settings deletes only part of the data, and the rest remains in folders. /data/data and /sdcard/Android. Instructions are valid for all models - from Redmi Note 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

1. Basic cleaning: Delete the cache and application data through settings

The easiest way to free up memory is to use the built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools, which require no additional software and is suitable for beginners, but only clears the data that is visible to the user, leaving system residues.

To remove the cache and data of a particular application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like Facebook or TikTok).
3. Click Storage → Clear cache (deletes temporary files) and Clear data (resets application settings to factory ones).

For mass cleaning of the cache of all applications:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Memory.
• 🧹 Click Clean in the section "Junk files" (the system will scan the cache, residues) APK, unnecessary download).
• ⚙️ Enable the Deep Clean option (not available on all models).

⚠️ Warning: Clear Data deletes any files stored in the app, such as logins, settings or uploaded media to WhatsApp. Before the procedure, back up important data.

2. Removal of pre-installed applications (blotware) without root rights

Xiaomi is known for a lot of pre-installed services, from Mi Browser to GetApps, which can't be removed in the standard way. These apps take up space in memory and run in the background, consuming battery power. There are two ways to deactivate them:

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (no root rights)

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.browser.global (replace com.mi.browser.global with the desired application package).

Method 2: Using third-party utilities

• 🔧 App Inspector (from Google Play) shows a list of all installed APK, including.
• 🗑️ Debloater Tool (for PC) allows you to massively disable unnecessary services by category (for example, all Mi Game Center games).
• ⚠️ Universal Android Debloater (GUI-Version: The safest option for beginners.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications can cause firmware to run unstable. Do not uninstall services with com.android., com.xiaomi.findevice (anti-theft) or com.qualcomm. (processor drivers) packages).

3. Deep Cleanup: Removing Application Residues Manually

Even after uninstallation, the program’s files often remain in the following folders:

For cleaning without root rights:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the Android → data folder and delete the folders with the names of the remote applications.
3. In the Download folder, delete unnecessary ones. APK-files (have the extension.apk).

For cleaning with root rights:

• 🔐 Use Root Explorer or FX File Manager with Superuser Rights.
• 🗃️ Move to the /data/app Delete folders with the names of unnecessary programs.
• 🧹 V /data/data Clean the residues on the same principle.

💡

Before deleting folders in /data/data, check their date of change. If the files were recently updated, another process could have created them - deleting will crash.

4. Cleaning of the system cache (Dalvik-cache and cache partition)

The cache partition stores temporary update files, optimized application data (Dalvik-cache) and other service data, and its cleaning helps to eliminate lags after updating firmware or installing a large number of programs.

Method 1: Recovery (without loss of data)

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (not to be confused with Wipe Data!).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)

adb shell


su




rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*




rm -r /cache/*




reboot

⚠️ Note: Cleaning the cache partition through TWRP OrangeFox also deletes files. OTA-After the procedure, you may need to reload the firmware.

5. Cleanup Automation: The Best Apps for Xiaomi

Manual cleaning takes time, so it’s more convenient to use specialized utilities for regular maintenance, and we tested 10 applications and selected the most effective ones for Xiaomi:

• 🏆 SD Maid (paid version) - removes the remains of uninstalled APK, Cleans databases and optimizes SQLite.
• 🔍 Files by Google – a free tool with the function “Clean up garbage” and analysis of large files.
• 🛡️ CCleaner is a classic cache cleaner, but with limited functionality on newer versions of Android.
• 📦 App Cloner – allows you to create a “clean” copy of the application without its data (useful for testing).

To automatically clean the cache on schedule:

1. Install MacroDroid.
2. Create a macro with a Time trigger (e.g. every Monday at 3:00 a.m.).
3. Add the Clear cache of applications and select targeted programs.

6. Cleaning through Fastboot: Extreme Measures for Halt Devices

If the Xiaomi phone is stuck on the logo or does not respond to commands, and Recovery Mode is not available, then the cleaning through Fastboot remains.This method will reset all settings, but save files in internal memory (if you do not use the format userdata command).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot drivers on your PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

For a complete reset (delete all data, including photos and videos):

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

💡

The fastboot erase userdata command formats the user data partition, but does not affect the firmware, and once it is executed, the phone will reboot to the "as after purchase" state.

7. How to prevent memory clogging: preventive measures

Regular cleaning is good, but it's best to keep your memory from clogging. Here are some proven ways to do this:

• 📵 Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play: Settings → Auto-update → Never.
• 🚫 Stop background activity of unnecessary programs: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Limit background activity.
• 📥 Reconfigure Mi Cloud: Turn off the original-quality automatic photo upload (saving up to 5GB per month).
• 🔄 Use the "Light Mode" in MIUI: Settings → Special facilities → Easy mode (simplifies the interface and reduces the load).

For models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70):

1. Activate the Smart Cleaning function in Settings → Memory → Auto Cleaning.
2. Configure “Performance Mode” in Settings → Battery → Modes (optimizes resource usage).

Frequently asked questions